What is a DJ?

Music Is Everything - Choosing the Right song as a DJ - Music Programming

DJ’ing is a Passion.

The most crucial element of DJing is Music.

Music is a universal language that touches us on a deep emotional level, creating unique experiences for an audience.

As with any creative art, there are no rules and only tools.

Building your music knowledge and collection/library is where the creative work really happens.

Without well-organised, high-quality music, there is no chance that a DJ will succeed.

DJs listen to a lot of music.

The very existence of DJ culture exists at the junction between music and technology.

Creating a musical playground is a DJ's job. People dance and have fun while the DJ combines music that mixes and blends well for that desired audience.

The ear of a DJ hears songs differently from the general public because they analyse music and break it down into smaller chunks.

DJs know how to use standard music structures to improve mixing and master the art of beats/bars, anticipating changes in musical phrase and finding the downbeat.

Everything that the DJ does is "on beat", from pressing the play button to engaging effects.

Organising Your Music Crates

DJs often catalog and categorise their songs by tempo, key, and music style/genre.

Professional DJ will collect and create active playlists/crates.

Beginner DJs can build your first playlist using 20-30 similar songs.

In the digital age, it is best practice to keep a central music folder with logical playlists.

Backups of your music library and metadata can then be easily recreated, and other programs can reference the songs central location.

How To Build an Effective Music Collection

DJs have different style preferences, but most will play a combination of top-chart hits while also introducing new uniques songs based on the audience.

Most pro-DJs buy their music from music stores, including iTunes and Bandcamp.

Record pools are another source that DJs use to find high-quality tunes.

Thanks to services like Soundcloud Go+ and Tidal and a fast internet connection, some streaming service have started to become popular amongst DJ’s.

Some DJs also download music samples from YouTube, a grey area in terms of copyright and music quality.

Tips To Master Your Music

Practice with music you love and makes you feel good.

The most incredible tool a DJ has is their ear. So the question to ask as you practice is, "Does it Sound Good?"

Recording your mixes is a great way to hear where you can improve.

There are no shortcuts, enjoy the ride, use music as your vehicle to have fun and express yourself.