10 DJ questions answered

If you have successfully identified your reason for wanting to become a DJ, congratulations! You have just scaled the first step. Identifying the reason for wanting into the craft helps build your passion and commitment. DJing is not always sunshine and roses, so building your passion and commitment is very important.

On the other side of the divide, being able to answer some mind-boggling questions about the craft is equally important. How difficult is this? Not as difficult as some would like to make it seem. This is where you begin to consider the technique and artistry behind DJing.

1. What do you need to be a DJ?

The main things you need to DJ are decks, a mixer, headphones, and speakers. The decks (CDJ, controller or turntables) play the music, mixers blend the music, headphones let you cue the music, and speakers let you present the music. The most common way to start DJing is by getting a controller, which allows you to easily manipulate DJ software running on a laptop.

2. Who invented scratching?

Theodore Livingston, also known as Grand Wizard Theodore, is widely considered to be the inventor of the modern scratch technique. As a DJ in the 1970s, Theodore began experimenting with the Technics SL-1200 turntable moving the record back and forth slowly producing a sound all its own. Intrigued by the sound the vinyl made, he introduced this technique at a party months after and thus scratching was born.

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3. Is a DJ a musician?

DJs aren’t necessarily musicians and a DJ does not have to be a musician to be a good DJ. Although, DJs who approach their mixes with a sense of musicianship will tend towards putting existing music together in a way that creates standalone art.

4. Should DJs use sync or the sync button?

Sync is known as an automatic beat matching dial locking two tracks together in time with one another, making the mixing process an easier task for DJs. The computerisation of DJ software causes fuss within the DJ community, especially amongst purists who claim you aren’t a real DJ if you use the sync button. That being said, Sync is nothing more than a creative dial. You still need to know all the basics of DJing.

5. What is EQ (equalizing)?

An equalizer is a volume control that only affects a certain frequency range of sound. An audio engineer uses an equalizer to help multiple audio tracks mesh together, without competing with the same auditory space like DJs utilise the same thing using the three (or four) band EQ on a DJ mixer.

6. Should DJs take requests?

A DJ should take a request if it’s a desire or necessity of a specific gig. When seeking gig opportunities, DJs who don’t like taking requests should pit this into consideration.

7. Who is a real DJ?

While often used by people wanting to signal their preferences, a real DJ is any DJ who stays true to themselves and their craft.

8. What is DVS?

DVS stands for Digital Vinyl System, which is a DJ system that allows you to use specialized timecode records to play and manipulate your digital music files. In other words, it allows you to play, mix, and scratch the music on your laptop using a real record and turntable (or CDJ). The computer will translate the audio signal and manipulate the digital song accordingly.

9. Why do DJs use CDJs? Are they better than controllers?

Modern DJ decks are popular because they are considered to be the industry standard. For DJs who play a wide range of gigs at a wide range of venues especially those who tour, CDJs provide a consistent and reliable setup for use upon arrival. CDJs are not inherently better than controllers. It’s a matter of preference and budget

10. Is it okay to DJ for free?

Many DJs make the argument that taking free gigs devalues the craft for others. At the same time, most DJs have played for free at some point. Whether it’s agreeing to DJ a sibling’s wedding or to support a new business, there’s no shortage of free gigs out there.

How can you be paid, when so many people are willing to do it for free? First, sell something better than free. Second, get serious about your Why. Third, learn how to add more value to your offering as a DJ.

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