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im thinking about getting started in the local dj scene (whoa, now there IS a thought...), and was wondering what the "established pros" have to say.
how do i get into the whole thing?

[Wax]

What style(s) of music?

Are you any good?

Do you know who the top local DJ's you will be competing with are? Are you better than them?

Food for thought...

Originally Posted by Wax

What style(s) of music?

Are you any good?

Do you know who the top local DJ's you will be competing with are? Are you better than them?

Food for thought...

no, the thing is, i have never dj'd before, and im thinking about getting into it...but i dont really know where to start...

i'd definetly want to cover a wide range of music, but mostly alternative and lesser known artists.

[Wax]

If you're not bothering with the whole mixing/cutting/scratching shenanigans, then start by finding your way around pro cd players/turntables and mixers, just so that if you come across any technical glitches whilst DJing, then you'll understand and know how to correct them.
Then network like a crazy mofo and make friends in high places(for Aberdeen read altitude, not actual high society...although quite a few people in Aberdeen think they're a bit more important than they actually are!!).
Good luck...and remember my guestlist, as I'm too important to pay entry fees.

thank you very much, that was enlightening

[Dave]

Do you know any DJs personally? If you do, ask if you can tag along to one of their nights and watch what they do, give them a hand etc. All the bedroom DJ experience in the world will not prepare you for playing in front of a crowd. It really does depend on the sort of music you want to play. If you want to play pop/rock/indie music, it doesn't take much technical skill, but you will need a large selection of music and an idea of the sort of atmosphere you want to create. Also, leave your principles at the door. Once you get established, you can start getting picky about what you will and won't play, but if you're playing only what you consider to be "good" music in front of an empty dancefloor all night there's a good chance you won't be asked back. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience...

If you're going more in the direction of more technical hip-hop/dance DJing, then you really have to get your chops up to scratch before you even think of playing live, otherwise the crowd will have you for breakfast.

It's worth considering asking local bands if you can play in between sets at one of their gigs as well. If they're playing somewhere that has DJ equipment installed, and the management are willing to let you use it, then it's a great way to get a pressure-free introduction to the "craft". Just make sure the music you're playing is going to have some kind of appeal to the punters.

Just let people know that you're willing to fill any gaps they may have in their DJ lineup, and that you'll work for free initially. As time goes on, you'll build up some experience and the list of venues you play at will grow. Eventually you'll get a break and a plum regular gig will come your way.

I've been doing it for eight years, I got my first weekly nights five years ago, and it's been my full-time job for the last two years. Some people climb the ladder faster than others. It depends on who you know, to an extent, but keeping the job is harder than getting it in the first place.

Oh, and the "play" button looks like this; >||

That's all you need to know...

[Keilan 303]

Play a bunch of random songs that don't sit very well together, download your music off P2P and risk the venues license, take requests but play the worst song by each band requested, scoop out all the mid on the 31 band behringer EQ, let the levels vary between the different tracks, and most importantly....don't forget to play that uberkewl novelty track off some 80's cartoon that the crowd pretend to like....

Its a tried and tested formula that has worked in Aberdeen for years.

Alternatively pick up a guitar and do something actually the slightest bit interesting. I think all DJ's should be replaced with compilation CD's or jukeboxes....

[Wax]

That's fighting talk. Do you not think there are enough bad musicians in world already? I gave up bass guitar for DJing...and how many guitar players in Aberdeen can say they (individual not band total) earn around £25 - £70 per hour consistently?
I remember getting £80 between 5 of us at Malt Mill...rock and roll!
I tell you folks, playing other peoples music is the way forward!!

again, thanks a lot for the info!
i couldnt even have imagined where to start...