Do names such as Bob Casey, Dick Clark, Wolfman Jack, Alan Freed, Suketu etc. strike a chord? If yes, then it proves that you have an interest in the exciting profession of a disc jockey. All of them are legends of the industry and have carved a niche for themselves. Would you also want to be like them? It is possible if you have it in you and are willing to put in long hours. So let us start with the very basic as to what makes a successful disc jockey.



Well, there are a few ingredients which make a good DJ. First of course is immense love for music. A DJ has to have more than a fair knowledge of music, and a flair for various classes of music such as Classic, Rock, Folk, dance etc. He should be a good conversationalist and should have a great sense of humor. He should also love and enjoy the company of people and lastly have an immense presence of mind. If you have all that, the field is open for you to make your own mark.

There are various types of disc jockey jobs available in the market. You can work as one in a radio station. Here you would host programs on AM/FM satellite channels and be the face of the channel. You can also work as a club DJ. You would probably work in night clubs, hotels, bars and stadiums. As a mobile DJ, you will be on your own. You would be having your own studio equipment, recordings and works. You would be traveling to private parties, functions, weddings, corporate events, outings and dance parties.

DJs are more than mere music buffs. They are great performers, dancers, composers and have an eye for detail. They always need to be on their toes to give a decent performance. They also need to connect to the audience and hence need to understand the dynamics of music and various mixing techniques, music software and audio mastering technology to bring a novelty to their performance.

As a DJ, you will also need to have fair bit of idea about typical DJ equipment. This includes digital music recording systems, music players such as CD players, MP3 players and other digital musical players, sound systems, mixers, micro phones, head phones, synthesizers etc. If you are a mobile DJ, you would need to know how to do trouble shooting on most of the occasions.

Having done all that, the next logical question is how to start in the profession. Well, there is just one mantra for success. Practice, practice, more practice and then some more practice. Talk in front of a mirror as if you were performing before a discerning audience. Get used to listening to your own voice. A very important tip as you need to be comfortable with your diction and style to be at ease. In the initial stages, grab any opportunity that comes your way of performing. Be it at your friend’s place or your own private function, prepare well to perform and get a ready made audience.

Becoming a DJ is a great way to have fun, connect with people and earn money. Successful DJs get recognition as well as instant fame. However the journey to reach that stage is quite long so better get started as soon as possible.