Once you put the time and effort in to learning how to DJ and your ready and raring to go the hardest thing can be getting that first break – that first real break takes an attitude of whatever it takes, skills you can stand behind and a true passion for the music and what you are doing, if you tick all of those boxes then your almost there!

Throw how to market yourself as a DJ into the mix and you’ll have all the tools you need. Taking the time to stop and think about marketing yourself in most Read More…

Just started learning how to become a DJ? Need something to re-ignite your passion?

In this post I have compiled a list of great motivational quotes/sayings to help drive that underlying passion to learn.

Learning how to DJ isn’t easy, if it was everyone would be doing it. Absolutely anyone can learn how to DJ and that includes you BUT only if YOU are prepared to take the time to learn correctly and practice, practice, practice!

Here are some great messages, they may help you throughout your journey of becoming the best DJ you can.

• Someone else’s hindsight can
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Hi everyone, in this post I’ve decided to share a detailed question I received recently that I thought might benefit others in a similar situation. It is something I have been asked many times before albeit not so detailed, and it isn’t something you can learn in a dj course.

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Question:

Hi Benny,

I have a unique situation. I work at a pub that has three different bars (outside, inside upstairs, and inside downstairs). In addition, the pub is situated downtown where there are a lot of other establishments. I am the resident DJ on WED, FRI and SAT Read More…

After you’ve made the decision that you’re going to learn how to become a DJ you need to make another big decision – what DJing platform or format of music you are going  us use.

It is amazing how over time the perception changes – it wasn’t all that long ago when DJing with CDs was almost frowned upon. Fast forward 10 years and it has well and truly eclipsed vinyl.

The lion’s share of all DJs now use CDs including the biggest DJs on the planet. These days it is beginning to evolve even further with countless superstar DJs now using Read More…

When starting out as a DJ, sooner or later most DJs perform to an empty room. In this article I am going to show that performing to an empty room can be as valuable as playing to a packed house.

If you are a big name DJ already, it is understandable not wanting to be associated with slow nights of fearing their reputation as a crowd draw might be tarnished from the low turnout.

If you not a BIG name DJ, then this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for, your chance to break into the industry and perhaps Read More…

I was just reading this article on Djing with iTunes and thought it might come in handy if your are learning to become a DJ and want to make use of your iTunes library. Basically it’s a question about iTunes and Djing to DJ Ron Slomowicz the main man behind the extremely handy How to DJ section of About.com. Enjoy!

Dear DJ Ron,

I am an aspiring DJ at a university bar. I am using two programs on my computer right now for my DJing: iTunes and Ots Turntables Pro. I find working back and forth using one or the other Read More…

No one seems to understand it. No one seems to respect it. And it might just be the most important part of the night. Here we explain why the warm-up DJ deserves perhaps even more credit than the headliner.

There are many variables in producing a proper electronic music event. Some things are obvious: a proper space with quality sound and engaging visuals are part of the physics that create a comfortable environment for the crowd. If, for instance, the sound system isn’t properly dialed in to the acoustics of the space, the performer, regardless of his or her talent, Read More…

With enough practice and getting to know your tunes inside and out, you will know which tunes go together and which ones don’t. To really master the craft of DJing, it is very important for you to put the time, patience, and effort into learning about harmonic mixing, because that will add a complete other dimension to your mixes.

Harmonic mixing is the art of mixing tunes together in perfect harmony, using the basic rules of key and chord compatibility. A lot of DJs are too lazy to take this next step, but I can assure you that if Read More…

Here is a method that may help you organize your music CDs. It’s fun, easy to use, and helps you get into Harmonic Mixing.

Overview

1. Detect the key of every song in your music collection

2. Burn separate CDs for each key. For example, put all your 8A tracks on one CD. Put 9A on another CD.

3. If you burn two copies of every CD, you can mix between songs in the same key. Added benefit: If one CD gets scratched, you can play another copy.

4. Print a CD label with the following information:

• Keycode on
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In recent days I have had several emails asking me my take on mixing solely in headphones opposed to mixing the traditional way listening to the cued track in your headphones with one ear and the fold back monitor speaker with the other ear.

Traditionally listening to the cued track in your headphones with one ear and the fold back monitor speaker with the other ear is the correct way of mixing.  This traditional method is definitely more difficult to learn and I think overall it can give you a lot more control over your mix especially the mix levels.Read More…