Total Set up
- Thread starter ZugBug01
- Start date
Network with more experienced DJs in your area. Offer to roadie for them
watch how they work the floor and read the crowd
bluetooth is nice, but don’t be counting on that for paying gigs at any level, let alone “next level”. Learn how to wire your speakers.
practice a lot
read every post from Taso
avoid listening to negative DJs who talk down to people
odds are you aren’t going to get your equipment to next level, but you can learn to make the most out of any equipment and then learn what upgrades will help you improve the most. Avoid spending more money until you really know what equipment will help you the most.
watch how they work the floor and read the crowd
bluetooth is nice, but don’t be counting on that for paying gigs at any level, let alone “next level”. Learn how to wire your speakers.
practice a lot
read every post from Taso
avoid listening to negative DJs who talk down to people
odds are you aren’t going to get your equipment to next level, but you can learn to make the most out of any equipment and then learn what upgrades will help you improve the most. Avoid spending more money until you really know what equipment will help you the most.
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Are you trying to get jobs on campus or off campus? Although many of the colleges I work at have equipment, some even have their own clubs and mobile systems, you may want to have ASAP at least a laptop, controller and a pair of powered speaker. The reason why is because you are going to have start small parties in the dorms or for smaller student clubs, fraternities and sororities. You are going to need to get your name known. Then work your way up networking with the people who hire DJs.
I used a novel approach to jump start my recognition on campus by throwing my own party in the dorms. That me the ability to be in front of a ton of people fast even though I was only a freshman. A big gamble but it worked, the crazy part is I wasn’t even staying on campus in the dorms. I had to do all, the promotion and flyers to get people there. The funny is that my was first college party I DJed and I’m still working at the college, there next week doing karaoke.
I used a novel approach to jump start my recognition on campus by throwing my own party in the dorms. That me the ability to be in front of a ton of people fast even though I was only a freshman. A big gamble but it worked, the crazy part is I wasn’t even staying on campus in the dorms. I had to do all, the promotion and flyers to get people there. The funny is that my was first college party I DJed and I’m still working at the college, there next week doing karaoke.
Rent.
It's your skills that need to go next level - not the events. Lucky for you - the first 9 levels are all about the same thing: Customer service.
We don't control the 'level' of an event, the customer sets that. Our job is to see that the technical needs are properly addressed and the entertainment provided is consistent with their request and expectations.
We do that honestly by using whatever gear is necessary to meet those requirements. If you try to use equipment suitable for a very small house party in a large and fully populated banquet room - that's a deception that will lead to serious complications, and people will know you are trying to fake it. Find a source to equip yourself on a temporary basis for each and every event that falls outside the range and capability of your current setup.
The PC / software player is fine to use for music, but people still expect you to have a clear sounding professional microphone and a PA system suitable for the intended presentations and audience size. On top of all that - they expect you to have full knowledge of how to properly use and troubleshoot the equipment.
We do that honestly by using whatever gear is necessary to meet those requirements. If you try to use equipment suitable for a very small house party in a large and fully populated banquet room - that's a deception that will lead to serious complications, and people will know you are trying to fake it. Find a source to equip yourself on a temporary basis for each and every event that falls outside the range and capability of your current setup.
The PC / software player is fine to use for music, but people still expect you to have a clear sounding professional microphone and a PA system suitable for the intended presentations and audience size. On top of all that - they expect you to have full knowledge of how to properly use and troubleshoot the equipment.
I use a controller, laptop, powered speakers for a lot of events, VDJ and portable HD with tons of music on it. I have 2 more in my laptop bag. My suggestion is to practice as much as you can and when you feel like you're ready to do an event for a client start with a simple event that you feel you can handle. Don't get discouraged in the beginning. Just keep at it and learn from your mistakes. Do remember to keep practicing as you keep developing your skills. One very important thing is learning how to read a crowd. That takes time and getting in front of people doing events.
Also find out what type of DJ you want to be and the type of events you feel comfortable doing.
Also find out what type of DJ you want to be and the type of events you feel comfortable doing.
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