How To Become A DJ – The Beginner Guide on Equipment and Gigging

Thinking about becoming a DJ? The abundance of equipment can seem a bit confusing at the start, but with some foundational knowledge, you’ll easily navigate the market and choose what suits you best.

Landing your first DJ gig might seem tough, but trust me, if you approach it the right way, it’s easier than you think. Everything becomes simpler once you’ve completed your first show.

DJing Essentials: At a Glance

• Choose Your Equipment Wisely: Decide between CDJs, Vinyl Turntables, and MIDI Controllers based on your style and needs.
• Invest in Quality Headphones: Over-ear DJ headphones offer better sound isolation, crucial for mixing in loud environments.
• Use Good Speakers: Studio monitors deliver balanced sound, helping you fine-tune your mixes more accurately.
• Build an Online Presence: Share your mixes on platforms like Soundcloud or Mixcloud and connect on social media to reach a wider audience.
• Prepare for Your First Gig: Offer to play your first show for free, be flexible with your schedule, and tailor your set to the venue and time slot.

This guide provides all the info you need to start.

Choosing Your Equipment – 3 Different Options

Some things are essential to any DJ setup, but many choices remain. You can mix your tunes using three main methods: CDJs, Vinyl Turntables, and MIDI Controllers. Consider these options when buying your first setup.

1. CDJ

In nearly all nightclubs today, CDJs are the standard equipment for DJs. You’ll need two CDJ turntables, a mixer, and RCA cables for a basic setup.

CDJ decks play CDs, but many modern systems also support USB. You can use these two formats simultaneously. Some people prefer organizing their music collection on discs and mixing physically, while others find that using USBs saves time and space.

One major pro of using CDJs is the built-in technology. The ability to loop sections of tracks at the touch of a button can be a valuable tool to your creative side and can open up new mixing possibilities.

Consider the BPM reader and display on CDJ units. Quickly matching BPMs across decks helps beginners and pros alike. Matching BPMs by ear is a valuable skill, but a little help as you learn is beneficial.

Many recommend Pioneer for CDJ units. Pioneer is the most popular and trusted brand, found in almost all professional settings like clubs or radio stations.

High-end Pioneer CDJs like the “2000” include the “Rekordbox” software, offering a visual waveform of the loaded track.

This is handy for setting cue points and learning track structures for smoother blends in your mix. Most CDJs can also connect to a computer and link with digital mixing software like Traktor or Serato.

2. Vinyl

You’ll need two turntables, a mixer, and RCA cables to start your vinyl setup, just like with CDJs. Mixing on vinyl remains the most “old-school and authentic” DJing method. Though new tech may seem to have made vinyl obsolete, mixing on wax still holds a unique appeal for many.

This basic mixing method is great for beginners. You rely on your skills without tech doing the work for you. Any added tech becomes a bonus, not a crutch.

Mixing with vinyl faces a major challenge: limited music availability. Before CDs and digital music, vinyl dominated the musical scene and nearly all music was on vinyl. While some efforts aim to revive vinyl, finding many tracks on this format today remains difficult.

There’s a new way to solve this problem. If you want the feel of vinyl but access to your newer music, time-coded vinyl might be perfect for you.

Companies like Traktor and Serato provide users with time-coded records to sync turntables with digital software. This lets you move tracks from your digital library to vinyl. You’ll need a laptop, but it’s the best way to enjoy a vinyl experience in today’s music scene.

Many manufacturers produce vinyl turntables, but one stands out. Technics has been the leading maker for decades and their turntables are the industry standard in clubs.

3. MIDI / DJ Controller

The newest and exciting route is diving into the digital domain with DJ mixing software. Advances in technology have transformed DJing. The essential tool for this software is the MIDI controller.

These compact DJ systems pack everything you need in one unit. DJ controllers often have two to four decks and a built-in mixer. They’re quite similar to CDJs.

These units use USB power and require digital software, so you need a computer for this setup.

You can grab a controller for much less than a good set of CDJs or vinyl turntables, and they come with extra features. The built-in effects, usually needing an external mixer, add great value. Plus, the “sync button” is unique to controllers.

This button stirs debate because it can almost eliminate the need to “DJ”. The DJ’s skill lies in seamlessly blending tracks so they either work together or flow into one another.

The key to this art is beat matching. It takes time to master but comes naturally to an experienced DJ.

This “sync” button instantly aligns two tracks, perfectly beat matching them. While this can be helpful if you lose track of a mix, it might detract from the true DJ experience. I recommend avoiding its use to maintain the authentic art of DJing.

Nevertheless, MIDI controllers are an excellent way to start DJing. With all the essential gear and many cool extra features at a low cost, they’re a great tool for a beginner DJ.

Headphones

No matter which turntables you pick, you’ll definitely need headphones to DJ. While any old pair might work for home mixing, a good set of over-ear DJ headphones offers a superior experience.

Consider using over-ear headphones if you’re DJing at clubs or noisy venues. Ear pods and cheap headphones won’t offer the sound isolation needed for proper mixing. Brands to check out include Pioneer, Numark, Sennheiser, and Shure.

Speakers

You’re going to need something to play your music from. This is where speakers come in. Any old sound system can work, but for the best experience, I’d recommend choosing a quality one.

Studio monitors with a more balanced frequency response are far superior to old hi-fi speakers. You’ll notice the difference when you start EQing your tracks during mixing.

Get Out and Mix

Whatever setup you choose, DJing is much more complex than people think. You’ll realize this as you explore the decks.

I’d encourage anyone interested in DJing to test all the equipment mentioned. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so keep an open mind until you find what’s right for you.

Getting Your First DJ Gig

The DJ profession offers various opportunities, from afternoon wedding shows and kids’ parties to late-night nightclub slots supporting top artists. It’s crucial to choose your path wisely, as each requires a different approach. I’d recommend focusing on the specific field that aligns with your interests.

Many practices remain consistent. For this article, I’ll assume you’ve chosen the “glamorous” path of a nightclub DJ.

Having an Online Presence

Having an online presence is crucial. The Internet offers tremendous benefits, especially for those starting self-employment or their own venture. I can’t emphasize enough how valuable it is.

Having an online profile is crucial in the music industry. The shift from physical formats to digital is accelerating every year.

Start as a DJ by uploading your mixes to promote your services. Record mixes of different lengths and upload them to free audio hosting sites like Soundcloud or Mixcloud.

Using these mixes as your DJ portfolio is a quick and easy way to showcase your skills. An hour-long mix is generally best, but keeping a few mixes of different lengths is smart. Clients might have specific length preferences for referencing your work.

Alongside your portfolio, open professional social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your work to broaden your audience and connect with important contacts like other DJs, club promoters, or owners. These platforms offer a great way to gain visibility.

Having active contacts in your field can be a vital tool for landing your first gig. Reach out to people with a short message and a link to your portfolio instead of bombarding them online, as this can be annoying and might deter potential clients. A simple, focused approach is often enough to hook interest.

Getting Your First Gig as a Beginner DJ

If you prioritize building your reputation over immediate earnings, here’s a great tip: offer to play your first gig for free. This might feel counterintuitive, but demonstrating your talent at no cost can lead to more bookings with that club or promoter.

DJs often work unsociable hours, and people need someone with flexible availability. If you’re serious about gigs, be ready to take any show offered. Shows are usually late and on weekends, so be prepared to cancel plans or stay up late to secure your first gig.

Understand the clubs you want to work in, the events they host, and their typical music style. Applying to a jazz club won’t work if you play house music. With various music styles and genres, relevant applications are crucial, especially in the club scene.

Maintaining Shows

You’ve landed your first gig, so the approach you take tonight is crucial for receiving more work. Arrive early to show your employer you’re ready and excited for the job.

Don’t arrive just 5 minutes before you play; you won’t get a good feel for the room, especially for your first show. Know your place. In my opinion, playing the right set for the venue and your time slot is crucial at any gig.

I’ve seen many DJs start their sets with their best tracks while only a few people are in the room. On the other hand, I’ve seen DJs follow intense, fast-paced music with slower, more reserved tracks.

This might seem fine on paper, but the flow of a night matters a lot, especially when you’re playing with other DJs. Knowing what to play and when is crucial. Playing to the room is one of the most important aspects of being a DJ, and getting it right from the start is essential.

Performing live can be nerve-racking, quite unlike playing in your bedroom. You might be an excellent bedroom DJ, but nerves can still impact your performance on stage.

Many thrive on the crowd’s energy, but if that’s not you, stay focused on your zone. Ignore the crowd, keep your head down, and concentrate on your turntables. This can make it feel like you’re back in your bedroom. I found this approach very helpful when I was starting out, even though I’m now quite comfortable playing live.

Good Luck!

Playing live as a DJ is one of the most fun and rewarding jobs out there. Although it can be challenging to get started, I can assure you that it’s worth the effort. The key is to hold on to your love of music and never let it go.

Passionate DJs will always stand out from those driven by money. A beginner DJ with a love for music can outshine someone with more experience!

CDJ – Image by: Arnold Jaeger Werner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons