If you love music and parties, you can start a career as a DJ or disk jockey. A DJ offers the party the soundtrack and is generally the main event, comparable to watching a group.
If they want to remain competitive, a DJ must continuously work to refine their craft and generate fresh music under their name. To maintain the audience on the dance floor, they must have a profound love and understanding of their selected genre.
A DJ functions with promoters, bookers, talent buyers, club managers, other DJs, and their managers most frequently. Below is a guide for those wishing to start a career as a disc jockey.
Types of DJs
A disc jockey might be one of five different categories. These include club DJs, mobile DJs, music producers, radio DJs, and turntablists.
Club DJ
Nightclub DJs are generally the “local heroes” opening up to global acts. They often host parties for people who want to dance to a specific form of music at different places. Established club DJs may have several residences in the nightclub where they frequently perform.
Mobile DJ
For weddings, corporate parties, school dances, and other personal activities, mobile DJs travel far and wide to create the soundtrack. Unlike nightclub DJs, mobile DJs are accessible, engaging with participants in the discussion, and they may even take applications. Being a mobile DJ is one of the best ways to make cash, as the gigs are generally more stable.
Music Producer
Anyone can pick the next track on a setlist, but composing the actual DJ’s music playlist involves a producer. Music producers are musicians who create music and put it all together electronically from distinct sounds and tools. They can assist when somebody else records an album or song, make music for themselves, or remix the songs of other artists.
Radio DJ
The radio DJ operates as a host, mixer, or part of the programming workers in a radio station. There are a limited number of radio stations, so this field becomes exceptionally competitive. Many radio DJs are hosting a podcast or working on satellite radio these days.
Turntablist
Turntablists are also known as scratch DJs or controllers. Together with some other samples and special effects, they conduct live videos using turntables, a mixer, and headphones.
Average Pay for a DJ
DJs typically receive varying pay depending on the area they specialize in.
DJs earn funds from performing and those who create their songs. Income from being a DJ can differ significantly. It generally depends on how often they perform and how well-regarded their selected musical genre is if they live in a significant metropolitan area.
However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the median annual wage of disc jockeys was $26,850 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,590, and the top 10% made more than $72,500.
On the other hand, wedding and club DJs can make more than the median annual wage, which includes radio announcers.
Where to Find Jobs as a DJ
Initially, most DJs get work through networking before they build a fan base and thus, a reputation. However, you can also apply for open positions online. Follow these websites for DJ-related job openings:
- DJ Jobs – DJ Jobs is an agency for DJ jobs within the UK and abroad.
- Indeed – Indeed is a popular job search platform as it is. Check out this site for open positions.
- LinkedIn – LinkedIn is a great networking tool for active job-seekers.
How to Apply for a Job as a DJ
DJs need to have experience with more than one operating scheme (i.e., CDJs vs. turntables), as technology can frequently backfire, and preparation is always required.
For those who want to produce their tracks and play them out when they perform, production experience is crucial. Competencies in networking and social media are also essential to building a fan base for any DJ.
Get to know promoters and other DJs. A DJ must also comprehend how to create their tracks and write their songs to bring their career to the next level.
Conclusion
If you love music and love creating it, it is no secret that being a DJ is one of the coolest jobs in the world. You get to interact with folks from around the world and enjoy your favorite sounds with them. On the other hand, if you love teaching music, check out our information on music instructor jobs.
Also read – Musician: Starting a Career