The skillset of a great DJ consists of far more than their ability to throw together a banging setlist at a moment’s notice, although that is a huge part of it.
From the art of audio production to creating a brand, there are many aspects to consider for those of you wishing to sharpen your skills behind the decks and beyond.
If you felt like you wanted to develop your talents even further, here are some considerations to hopefully help you decide on which areas to look into.
Contents
The Tools
You should never need to blame your tools for a bad set, provided you opt for the right ones in the first place.
Modern decks and DAWs are highly advanced and possess an astounding number of functions, so sometimes an update is needed in order to strengthen your toolkit.
Getting your hands on the best DJ software is crucial if you aim to fully establish yourself as a professional, as it can allow you to take the business aspect of your career to the next stage.
Knowledge of Current Trends
One of the most beautiful parts of music is how closely intertwined with society it tends to be.
A great DJ has their ear to the pulse of current trends in music, as they should always be looking for new ways to strengthen their setlists.
A good knowledge of music in general is a must, from the classic hits to the lesser-known cult favorites, no matter where in the world they happen to come from.
Keeping up with the latest releases should be high on the list of priorities for avid DJs, and you can do this by discovering new artists on YouTube and Spotify, reading magazines and getting involved with the local music scene.
Knowing How to Pick the Right Records
The symbiotic relationship between a DJ and the records they play requires a great deal of thought when honing your mixing skills.
In many ways the tracks (or rather, your ability to choose the right tracks) can define you. There are a few key considerations in this regard, such as:
- The setting: knowing which tracks to play at the right time is half of the battle. For example, including a bunch of hardcore punk tracks in your playlist during your slot at a techno classics club night might not go down so well. This is a bit extreme, but the point still stands.
- The relationship between the records: dictating the feel of the dance floor requires you to know your setlist inside and out, and which tracks fit together, regardless of whether or not they shine on their own.
- Crowd-pleasers: the crowd are the ones you need to impress, so why not give them what they want?
Technical Skills
Your ability to master the mix and work magic with your tools and knowledge can set you apart from the rest, no matter what kind of setlist you happen to be playing.
Perhaps the best way to get better in this department is to practice and research whenever you have some free time.