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So as much as we like to think we can just download a DJ program, download some songs and then get someone to purchase us some starter equipment. So you can say hey I am a DJ, you are wrong! There is some unwritten rules we all need to follow to ensure your reputation does not get destroyed while you start to learn.
Nothing is in any real order but I would use this as a guide as to what and why you should be doing these things although there is a Golden Rule that is to ALWAYS BE HUMBLE!
Why should I always be Humble? The answer is simple we are all not god's gift to djing, there is no way you do everything perfect, and everyone else does not do it better than you! Even a horrible DJ might do 1 thing better than you and that's why you need to be humble and try not to be too cocky about what you do well. I don't care if you have been djing for 5 minutes or 50 years being humble to others that want to DJ is always the right thing to do. You never know in this industry, and no matter how good you get you can always keep learning.
Watch & Learn From Others - You should have been to a party once or twice and you probably danced and everyone must have had a great time! Those are the DJ's you need to be learning from! First don't be shy! You need to go over introduce yourself and say " Hi I am starting out so I just want to watch and learn" Always tell the DJ why you are standing there if not it is creepy, and if you say I want to watch and learn it is a compliment for them to have you stand there not a creepy feeling!
A Good Attitude Is A Must - If you are partners with someone (usually what you do when you start out) always make sure you both or all have a good attitude and want to do this! If one of you acts like a jerk or and ass you both are perceived that way and perception is reality! The average starter DJ usually only lasts about 2 years because someone gets either too cocky or they say something stupid that insults someone. Always stay in good spirits if not just say "sorry I don't want to do this anymore"
Inventory & Quality - Ok this is very important. A DJ is only as good as the range of music he has and the quality of that music. Let's deep dive here! If you are mixing for friends at a house party or a friends sweet 16. You might be able to get away with all the new music. However first make sure you have industry standards. The best thing to do is go through the billboard archive and download the top 10 songs from every year. Also if you download songs from P2P sites or YouTube to save money just make sure you listen to the quality. The worst thing you want to do is play a song and it sounds like crap. you will destroy anything you are doing without clear good quality music (for more information checkout our future blogs entitled Downloaded Music)
Dress Code & Equipment - It is OK if you paid $500 for your equipment just make sure you beat it up and test it at home before you tell someone you can DJ for them. The last thing you want to do is have to be replaced by a stereo or IPOD because your equipment died! Also no matter what the party always dress nice for everything you do. Again perception is reality and if I see you dress in jeans and a shirt you lost me at Hello!
Speaking On A Microphone - OK I probably will write multiple posts on this subject to help all, but the unwritten rule is before you speak know what you want to say and say it right. Don't ever scream into a mic and always make sure you have something to say before you amplify it. Also make sure you can speak clearly and do not swallow the mic no matter how nervous you get! Sorry the unwritten rule is if you cannot say nice things or say them clearly you probably should not be on the mic. Again you could mix your ass off, but if you get on a mic and say something stupid.you just destroyed your skills!
Well I would like to hear from other DJ's on this subject so please post your comments below!
Thanks,
THE DJ ADVISER
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