Djing Experience

L.Jenkins

So if this is in the wrong forum, but the question is, where to find Djing experience? I do a bit with Community Radio, but I want to move on to using decks in some small venues as well as getting new decks to start out with.

Lenny Lovett

Do you know any mobile DJs? Your best bet is to chat to some of them and get on the road with them. Help carrying the gear etc and see if they'll let you do a bit before they come on. Try and save up and get your own gear. Bit by bit if you need to. Offer to gig for friends parties etc to get some experience and when you're out there and if you're doing a good job people will ask you to do other gigs. Find out what the local DJs are charging and don't undercut them. You never know when you'll need them if something breaks down or if they are double booked and can throw a gig your way. Keep in with as many as possible. It isn't as easy as it looks (at least it wasn't when I did it about 20 years ago!!) but enjoy it. It can be great craic.

L.Jenkins

Thanks for the advice. I already know of one DJ a good friend of mine who's hoping to get a few gigs in a nightclub here in town and getting in giving a hand would be invaluable.

Bard

Hi, ItsThatManAgain... this is the Radio forum, so not really the best spot for discussion on actual night club or other event DJing... What you want is the (Electronic Music &) DJing forum... here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=126

Enjoy!

SteveDon

Depends what type of music you are playing as to what route to take really?

electrogrimey

Obviously it changes from situation to situation, but here's a general guide to becoming a club DJ.

1) Spend a while building up your equipment and music collection. Whichever way you want to go, CD/vinyl/digital.

2) Keep making mixes, 10/15/30 minutes, and post them places like this for advice on mixing. We've a thread to post mixes and we'll give you advice.

3) When you've got your mixing down to a decent level, start working on a promo mix. An hour long, with about 20 tracks that show your taste, and go well together in a mix, with ups and downs etc. Keep practicing it until it's perfect, and then record it and put it up on Soundcloud.

4) While this is happening you should be heading out to the venues/nights you like and getting to know the DJs and promoters. Don't pester them during sets, but get to know them and ask if they're looking for warm-up DJs.

5) If you've done enough networking, and your mix is good enough, you should start getting some warm-up slots around the place. Do a good job as a warm up DJ, get the crowd warmed up, and make a good impression.

6) Wait until you get offered your first peak time set.

7) Celebrate.

wax

Can you give an idea of the style you'd like to play?
There's different ways about going about gaining experience depending on your style.
Basically, if you want to play 21st parties and progress to weddings you'll need to concentrate on getting experience on a mic and how to win a crowd but if you want to play house,techno etc it depends alot more on your choice of tracks and mixing ability.

Like some others said, offer to play at friends birthday parties and family events but also practice at home. Budget so you're putting at least a few quid aside each week for music and gear and when buying try buy quality second hand stuff.
Most dj's are more than happy to talk about gear and tech stuff for hours so don't be afraid to ask. Just don't ask while they're actually playing.

Most importantly, be polite and don't get cocky. Dj's can sometimes be unintentionally cliquey and know the other dj's in the area quite well. They usually will help each other out if somone gets stuck for a lead or speakers, lights etc but it doesn't take long to find if a new dj is either rubbish or simply just a dick.
I often get a call on a saturday evening asking if I'm free and if I'm not I usually pass the gig to another dj who might be. If you're stay eager and interested the gigs will come.
Best of luck