CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DJ IN 2024?

A typical day for one DJ may not be the same for another, again, this all depends on the type of DJ we are talking about! Many DJs are also producers, promoters, and sometimes record label owners, so they may be managing a range of different projects on a daily basis. They may be collaborating with other DJs, a manager, DJ agents/agencies, venues, artists etc. Below are some typical activities that a DJ may engage in:

• Working on remixes, DJ edits, original tracks.
• Reviewing/editing/uploading audio recordings and/or video footage from previous gigs to create social media content.
• Managing social media platforms and posting new content (promoting upcoming gigs, posting footage/images from recent events, alerting followers to new content such as DJ mixes, remixes or original tracks that are being released).
• Creating content for their paid subscribers (e.g., if they use Patreon and are committed to providing regular exclusive remixes/mashups for their customers).
• Recording/editing guest DJ mixes for radio shows.
• Recording bespoke scratch sample stems for other producers’ projects.
• Creating artwork/flyers for their own nights/events.
• Writing content for their EPK (electronic press kit) – e.g. updating their biography/discography etc.
• Live streaming DJ sets (e.g. on Twitch).
• Conducting interviews to promote new tracks/remixes/shows.
• Managing their music library – scanning new tracks, creating new playlists for gigs.
• Listening to (and providing feedback on) new music promos.
• Practising technical skills/learning new hardware/software and finding new mixes and/or developing techniques for upcoming gigs.
• Managing finances – creating/sending invoices for completed DJ work.
• Liaising with clients and preparing for up-coming gigs (sourcing specific tracks that may have been requested by a client, working out logistics, travel etc).
• Preparing equipment for gigs/shows – e.g. updating firmware/software, packing a gig bag with relevant cables and equipment, equipment testing etc.
• Rehearsing with other musicians for specific events (e.g. a singer, percussionist, beatboxer etc.
• Compiling and publishing playlists on popular download sites such as Beatport, Spotify etc.
• Presenting radio shows.
• Networking and seeking out new opportunities for DJ work – attending events, e-mailing venues/promoters etc.
• Meeting with their manager/agent.
• Delivering private DJ/production lessons.
• Creating sample packs to sell.
• Travelling to and from gigs.

These are just some examples of what a professional DJ might do on a regular basis. Some DJs may engage in just a few of these activities, and the frequency of these will vary depending on the type of DJ and where they are at in their career, but hopefully this gives you an idea of the variation that can be involved in this exciting career choice! If this sounds like something you'd be interested in then check out our courses using the links below or sign up for one of our open days where you can visit our studios in Shoreditch, talk to our course advisors, meet our expert lecturers and current students, and even watch a live track deconstruction from our very own Head of Education and Curriculum Ski Oakenfull. Check out our degree course here, or if you're looking for shorter, professional courses, you can find them here.