How should I prepare for a career as a DJ?

There are many activities you could do to prepare for a career as a DJ, and depending on the type of DJ you want to be, preparation tactics may vary dramatically. It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to prepare for a career as a DJ is to get out there and start DJ-ing! Gaining performance experience, and knowledge of your preferred music styles (and all other genres) are invaluable to becoming a professional DJ who can operate at the highest level. Being organised and motivated are obviously important traits for a successful DJ career, so recording/sharing high quality DJ sets is recommended so that you have content to promote yourself, can build up a following, and ultimately gain paid work. Below are some other suggested activities that may help you before taking the leap to becoming a professional DJ:

• Listen to/source music - seek out tracks that other DJs may not be playing to develop a unique style and recognisable brand
• Count beats constantly and critically listen to the structure and components of tracks
• Research - expand your knowledge of current music genres/artists, and the history of music in general
• Practise technical skills
• Compile playlists for diverse types of gigs you may be booked for in future
• Network with other DJs, promoters, and musicians and build relationships with key people in the scene you want to become part of
• Record DJ sets regularly and review them for mistakes and areas for improvement to improve your skill level
• Choose an artist/DJ name, register any related domain names and set up a website
• Organise press shots that can be used on social media platforms
• Write a DJ biography and create an EPK (electronic press kit)
• Set up relevant social media accounts, with a consistent brand identity, and gain as many followers/fans as possible

These are just a few strategies that may help you prepare for a career as a professional DJ. Ultimately, to maintain a successful career in the music industry, it helps to be skilled in your chosen area (e.g. live performance, remixing, producing, or several of these), but it is arguably equally important to build networks/a wide range of contacts, and foster positive relationships so that you have multiple avenues that can yield paid opportunities. This may involve spinning a lot of plates, but that is partly what can make it so varied and fun!