DJ Tips: 9 Secrets of a Successful DJ
This post covers the "secrets of success" for DJs and producers, veterans and newcomers alike, who need a long-term direction in the job. Whether you've already started, are starting now or are about to begin your DJ career, we hope you'll find the path and approach that suit you best.
1. Do everything DJ-related to build experience
Want to be a DJ? Then get out more. You won't learn much in your bedroom. Do everything connected to it: promote your friends' parties, help them set up the gear and decorate the venue, ask for work at a local club and offer to help with whatever you can… Those are the places where you'll learn lots of new things.
2. Be a music nerd first, and don't rush
Nobody is born a great DJ; it's a long process of learning and practising your skills. Spend plenty of time learning about music, club culture and the art of DJing… Don't rush to get behind the CDJs: if you don't have a "story" to tell when you play, you're not really ready yet. Enjoy the beauty of music and learn as much as you can. One day you'll see how much all that knowledge helps you.
3. Focus hard on building your music library
This is "behind-the-scenes" work, but it's an essential foundation for your career. Grow it little by little every day, and you'll be building your own musical style at the same time.
4. Work really hard
Put in many hours a day. Nobody is talented enough to succeed by just "working at it on and off". And if you don't work hard and show people what you're really capable of, don't expect anything in return.
5. Behave professionally
After a long time working at it, you finally land your first warm-up slot and… you turn up late and badly dressed. That shows a lack of respect for others and for yourself. Be professional at work, from your manners to the way you dress: people will get a good impression and will always want to keep working with someone like that.
6. Passion knows no age
You're never too young or too old to start something. Many things matter more than age, especially in this field. Worried you're too old to keep up with younger people's tastes, or the other way round? You have the internet to start your research. Stay up to date: age is just a number.
7. Make time to rest
If you've been in this industry for a long time, start setting aside some time to rest. Of course your passion is still strong and you still have plenty to do, but if you spend too much time working, you lose your work-life balance. Spend more time with family and friends; take a whole month off each year, or relax every Monday and Tuesday after a tiring weekend of work. Enjoy those precious moments and you'll come back to work full of energy.
8. Manage the stress
Every DJ has felt nervous before a set; if you don't, you're doing something wrong. Try to hide it like a pro. You're bound to make mistakes, but your job is to make the audience see them as tiny, insignificant slips. A good DJ handles mistakes like that discreetly and skilfully. Experience will of course help you make fewer of them, but remember that stress isn't a bad thing: it keeps your feet on the ground.
9. Believe in yourself
Dare to chase your dreams and plan step by step where you want to be in the future. Confidence is key to pushing your career forward. And not being too hard on yourself will make the journey more enjoyable.
Source: Digital DJ Tips / Era Music
