7 Things You Should Know Before Becoming A DJ

You must be thinking about becoming a DJ?! DJing is fun but there are a few things you should know before deciding on becoming one.

This information is based on my own personal experiences I’ve had in my 21 years of DJing. Here it goes…

7 Things To Consider Before Deciding To Be A DJ

1. Limited Time On The Weekends

Whether you become a mobile DJ, club DJ or any other kind of DJ, most of your Friday and Saturday nights are going to be booked. That means birthday parties, concerts, and any other type of event will be a no-go for you.

Don’t even make plans on those nights unless you plan on taking the night off. Just hope your gig is close enough and ends early enough for you to still make it somewhere. Packing the DJ equipment up will also have to be quick to get out of there at a reasonable time.

On the rare occasion you do have one of these nights off, you’re good to go. Otherwise plan on leaving really early, arriving really late or not even be able to attend certain things at all. Your schedule will be the opposite of most people.

2. DJ Equipment Is Expensive

And just like cell phones, when you think you have the latest and greatest, something new comes out.

Good, reliable dj equipment is expensive but worth it. The last thing you want to happen is an equipment failure in the middle of a gig. You will have to invest in the good stuff.

Take a look at my dj equipment checklist to get an idea of everything you’ll need to DJ your first wedding.

3. Have A Mentor

Find an experienced DJ to learn from. This will be vital for your success.

Attend gigs with your mentor, ask lots of questions. Run things by your mentor before doing something.

Your mentor can provide guidance and information you didn’t even think about.

4. You May Not Always Like The Music

You may end up with a gig that calls for music you don’t enjoy. That also means you have to prepare for the gig prior by listening to the music too.

You will also get sick of certain songs because it will seem like you’re playing them at every event. These songs are also known as “crowd pleasers”.

Get used to songs like “Don’t Stop Believing” or “This Is How We Do It” and other popular dj party songs.

5. You Can’t Please Everyone

“Hey DJ, can you play something we can dance to?” or “Hey DJ, can you play something that has a good beat?” will be phrases you’ll have to get used to. It’s ok just always be polite and you will develop a response to these critics.

Another thing to look out for is song requests from people that you know will kill your dance floor. Again, be polite and let them know you care and will do your best to play it even if you have absolutely no intentions of playing it. Sometimes that means telling them that you will play it.

6. Get Deposits For Gigs

There’s nothing worse than someone canceling a gig on you especially if you turned away another gig for it.

Have a contract and collect a non-refundable booking fee from people to ensure you’re not missing out on any money.

In some situations, it is good practice to be fully paid well in advance of the event date.

7. Drunk People

Let’s face it, every time you work, it’s usually some type of celebratory event. Alcohol is usually present at these events and that means drunk people.

They will come up to you with their drinks around your expensive equipment and be annoying. Be prepared and have a solution to keeping drinks away from your DJ equipment and dealing with drunk people.

I hope this information has helped so that you can make an informed decision on becoming a DJ.

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Photo credit: Mark Vletter (top)