Just an idea, since I've never done it before, but it seems there are three key parts to being a DJ:

1. Finding the Tunes – Whether it’s digging through records at HMV, someone handing you a track while you're in the loo (apparently this happened to Pete Tong), or discovering that rare bootleg with only three copies in existence.

2. Technical Mixing – Beatmatching, working the mixer, teasing the next "floor filler" by mixing it in a second before bringing it in, and all the other elements that actually blend the tunes together.

3. Reading the Crowd – Knowing when to fill the floor, switch up the vibe, change styles, speed up or slow down, and adjust to where the crowd’s energy is at.

You could also talk about producing, but not all DJs produce music. Those three seem like the essential skills for being a true DJ.

What do you think?

You've pretty muched covered everything. I think a good combination of those will get you far.

 

But for me you missed out the most important thing.

 

PASSION

 

This is the thing that will drive you and aid you in successfully acheiving your goals as a DJ.

As said in other threads, most DJs are able to mix to a certain standard, but its your passion and how you interprate your passion for your music that will give you that X factor.

 

There are some DJs that, when they get behind those decks, they can suck you into what they are doing with their set with the greatest of ease. Sure anyone can learn to mix and can buy records but its this ability that will put you far and away above everyone else, and is an ability that cant be taught or learnt.

LiamStyles said:

 

PASSION

 

 

can't really add anymore,whats been said sums it up nicely

LiamStyles said:

You've pretty muched covered everything. I think a good combination of those will get you far.

 

But for me you missed out the most important thing.

 

PASSION

 

This is the thing that will drive you and aid you in successfully acheiving your goals as a DJ.

As said in other threads, most DJs are able to mix to a certain standard, but its your passion and how you interprate your passion for your music that will give you that X factor.

 

There are some DJs that, when they get behind those decks, they can suck you into what they are doing with their set with the greatest of ease. Sure anyone can learn to mix and can buy records but its this ability that will put you far and away above everyone else, and is an ability that cant be taught or learnt.

 

Absolutly

and being able to go for 2 hours without the toilet

Couldn't agree more, I'd have to add personality to the list as well. Along the lines of passion really..but the ability to make people stop and tyake notice is pretty essential.

Tony.P said:

and being able to go for 2 hours without the toilet

 

*crosses legs in dj box* !!

 

It's alright for the blokes, you could slyly get away with pissing in a glass of something - think about us girl dj's -

 

"Can we have a commode to the dj box please" !!

Tony.P said:

and being able to go for 2 hours without the toilet

 

Thats why I would never be a DJ, mainly because I would piff and [censored] myself. Its got NOTHING to do with my DJ skils which I think are pretty hot.

The only thing I can think of, other than the above is the skill of self promotion. This is one of the very hard, stressful and time consuming aspects of DJing properly.

 

Trick is to get your name out there, and just have the other skills to seal the deal.

Yeah i agree, self promotion is another important aspect but u've gotta make sure it doesnt cross the line into arrogance...

 

Also turning up to gigs on time usually helps!!

I know absolutely zero about DJ-ing but have to say, having seen Richie Hawtin close-up at the weekend, it seems incredibly complicated and VERY hard work. Every second of every tune he was doing something with either the laptop, the records or his little box (hm - I can see the DJs of CTW screaming in horror at my layman's terminology) and his face showed 100% concentration and focus all night. I was knackared just looking at him!

To be honest, it looked like rocket science. And he wasn't "playing" tunes and then doing a bit of mixing here and there; he was doing so much and adding and mixing and whatever that he was literally creating music there and then. I'd never seen anything like it.

It was AWSOME

 

Alexandra - you've just summed up what I think about Eddie Haliwell and why I am facinated by him

 

I guess its a question of some earn their cash and some dont But as Alasdair says, if we pay them they are not overpaid.

Being a DJ is all about gaining the respect of clubbers, ie, Bony M, LML and Whitby etc ....

CreamyC said:

Being a DJ is all about gaining the respect of clubbers, ie, Bony M, LML and Whitby etc ....

 

There are alot of aspects to DJ'ing (or being a good DJ) but I believe crowd interaction is key!

 

Examples of good crowd interaction are:

 

Rob Tissera

Lisa Pin-Up

Steve Hill

 

Bad crown interaction:

 

Lisa Lashes

Anne Savage

Paul Glazby

BK

 

This is why I love dancing and playing up the crowd, but I can't help it, cos I am also really enjoying myself, so it just feels natural to grin like an idiot, and have it large, whatever side of the DJ box I am on