Archive for Djs
DJ Jobs
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Finding DJ jobs is as much about creating and building your talents and networks as it is about looking under the help wanted ads in the newspaper. Most people start by offering their services at local dances and other entertainment events or by working as an intern at a radio station. Here are some guidelines and tips for landing your next disc jockey job.
The main talent that you need is a strong clear speaking voice. You can take drama and acting classes to improve as well as practice by yourself. There are also college degrees that can help you, particularly those in communications or acting. Some colleges even have specific degrees involving radio communications. Once you feel you are ready to start marketing your talents, the normal step is to find some equipment and start acting as the DJ at local dances, weddings and anywhere else you can find someone to let you work. You can put ads in your local newspaper to find work as well as putting up flyers around town. Don't overlook the people you already know either. Start asking friend, family and others that you know about opportunities and what they may have heard around town. You never know when an opportunity may present itself.
The goal of many people in this industry is to get a position as the disk jockey at a radio station. This can be challenging, but with the proper amount of work and experience combined with dedication you should be able to find a permanent position eventually. If you have the opportunity to get on as an intern at a radio station, you should jump at the chance because it is an excellent way to break into the business. There are only so many radio stations and each only needs so many DJs to fill their time spots, so anything that can give you an edge is worth pursuing.
As an intern you have the opportunity to not only show that you can be a valuable addition to the team, but also to learn the radio business. Things you will learn include reporting, voice tracking, production, sound editing, board operation and voice talent. All of these things can help you land a permanent position. Even if you have to take a position as a news reporter or other type of reporter, it can be worth it for the experience.
Trance DJ Equipment – Get a Professional DJ Setup For Less
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Buying the right DJ equipment is one of the most important areas you need to look into if you are to take to DJing seriously. With so many different types of equipment available you need to know what products are best for your needs before buying anything.
For example, a Trance DJ will have very different needs to a scratch DJ. When it comes to buying the turntables, mixers, even styluses the right choice makes all the difference.
DJ turntables come with different levels of torque, tone arm design, and drive. It is by far recommended by many DJs that you opt for a direct drive turntable, which have a higher level of torque. Technics, were for a long time, classed a world standard in professional DJ equipment, although some of the competitors are now very much standard in their own right and all produce direct drive turntables.
The tonearms supplied with turntables also vary. Some manufacturers have S-shaped arms, whereas others use the ingenious straight tonearm. Straight tone arm technology is great for increased tracking of the vinyl grooves, as are different shaped and angled styluses and can help a scratch DJ be more forceful with their records, although the S-shaped arm is just as adequate and will help train the DJ to manipulate the vinyl more accurately.
Mixers again vary to a great degree. Some are more geared to the professional DJ, some to scratch DJs and turntablists. The crossfaders characteristics, EQ quality and variation change dependent upon the manufacturer, not to mention the number of inputs. Take a look at other setups used by DJs within your style and see what they've opted for.
Speakers are an important element of the whole DJ setup. You need to be able to accurately hear what you are doing and cheap speakers are likely to hide some of the finer details the DJ needs. Again, with headphones the quality of these is also of high importance and for the exact same reason.
And then we get onto the cables. The quality of your cables will determine the quality of the sound you get from your speakers. You may have the best DJ equipment and top notch speakers but you could be strangling them with poor quality cables.
Before making your purchase it is well worth looking into what is available within your budget and try to get the best deal, not only financially but also in quality. Try to reach your budget by buying better quality DJ equipment, rather than getting the best price and saving money. If you're going to enjoy DJing you don't want the quality of your equipment holding you back because of a few pennies.
Want To Select A Disc Jockey For Your Wedding? Expunge Your Worries
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A disc jockey (also called DJ or deejay) is an individual who selects and plays pre-recorded music for an intended audience. He puts life in the parties. But if he is bad he can bring a negative impact of the party so you have to be very cautious while hiring them.
If you are planning to throw a party for your wedding in the coming month, and you are having nightmares after recently attending a DJ party of your friend, don't lose heart for help is at hand! No do not panic - I will tell you how to go about choosing the right DJ for your memorable day. Here are few guidelines to decide on real good one and hopefully put all your fears to end.
Disc Jockey Agencies : The disc jockey agencies have many disc jockeys on their books with studio equipment predominantly owned by the agency. Or they may be having some contracts with other DJs also. But choosing a DJ through them can be a risky affair as the quality may vary from company to company, and within the company, amongst individuals. Some may be very good but some of their DJ staff they may not have been even heard or seen for months, so they can be short of good quality. Moreover, some of these employees are poorly paid so they find it very hard to maintain a class as they try to cut on the cost of their music collection. Some, in an effort to cut costs, will even resort to illegally copying music onto tapes, compact discs or mini discs. This being the case, they find it hard to keep motivated and interested enough to deliver a superior level of attention, service and entertainment.
Some of the agencies have also been known to have music software and can forward you a list of songs but again it depends upon the DJ. If unfortunately you get a wrong selection then you are left at the mercy of a Disc Joker instead of a Disc Jockey.
You must ensure from your DJ agency that how much personal attention they will give to you as most of the time they are more interested in putting up more DJs on the road rather than providing the best possible service to the client.
In House Disc Jockeys: The other option is to check from your function venue, as most of them will recommend a good disc jockey that they have seen performing. A few arrange it themselves as an added service to the client. After all, their reputation depends upon the disc jockey. Sometimes a bad DJ can spoil the effect of the good catering done by the hotels, so it is likely they would like you to have the best to give them a good reputation.
In part two of this article, we shall see some more options of Disc Jockeys available to you. We shall also see some of the tips that will help you make a wise decision for selecting the right person to make your party a roaring success.
DJ Equipment Prices
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Music makes the world go round and people would lead monotonous lives were it not for this great gift. Music does not need to be dissected and comprehended to be appreciated. It simply carries people off in rhythm and melody to a land where the imagination rules and the laws of this world are no longer applicable.
Music can be enjoyed in many forms. Some people choose to sing, others choose to play an instrument, and yet others bring all other forms of music together to entertain a crowd. The last category is at times, referred to as disc jockeys or DJs for short and their job is perhaps the toughest of the lot. Not only do they require a deep understanding of music and its various forms, but they also need to be aware of the popular demand. A DJ's job is highly technical. There is a large variety of sensitive electronic equipment that DJs must learn to handle efficiently if they are to be successful. These machines are generally very expensive and new models come out every day so what was state-of-the-art yesterday becomes quite redundant in a week's time. DJs have to be savvy about the latest offerings on the market and know the best prices for all these products.
Basic single turntables for beginners start at about $100 and with increase in professional level, quality and size, the price can go up to a thousand dollars. CD players are generally more expensive although they are available at every electronic store. The average price can range between $200 and $2000 depending upon output and features. Mixers again vary in quality and utility. Professional that cater to a large crowds need advanced models which can cost as much as $2500 whereas amateurs just getting their feet wet can make do with cheap ones worth about $100. Accessories such as lighting, fog machine, and studio equipment are necessary only when people wish to stick to DJing as a life-long profession. Even then, such investment should be made only when people are certain of their positions in the music industry. If all this seems too expensive, people could start off with computer programs and downloads and work their way up to professional equipment.
An Introduction to DJ Mixing
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For over two decades I have been an active DJ playing at venues all around the world. Being able to mix to high standard is an essential skill if you are going to make it. Read this entire article to find out how to get started.
For those of you who do not know what mixing music is let me explain. Quite simply it is a case of seamlessly matching the beats and tempos on two or more tracks so they sound like one track. Quite often this is done as part of the transition from one track to another to ensure that there are no breaks in the music. Done well mixing will make a DJ's set sound both exclusive and very dynamic.
The good news is that mixing music is a skill and not a talent. That is not to say that DJ's are not talented. What I mean is this, that like anything else in life with enough dedication and practice anyone can do it. In the same way that anyone can drive, I mean anyone. When I first started out as a DJ I used to get very intimidated by more experience DJs who could mix like true professionals. Because there is competition between DJ's some would deliberately set out to make you feel bad. But the truth is anyone who is prepared to practice can learn.
So set aside a few hours each week and begin to practice. You can learn the basics by watching video tutorials; other DJ's and even attend college courses on the subject.
DJ Scratch Records
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How to use them
If you want to be an able DJ you should have a mastery over the art of scratching. The proficient DJs produce better sound quality by scratching on the records. So, DJ scratch records play a very important role in the overall performance of the DJs. The quality of the DJ Scratch Records depends on the quality of Scratching. Though, there is no hard and fast rule about the procedure of scratching, but the process involves certain stand skills.
Scratching skills:
o Try to access which hand you should use for what purpose. Use one hand to control the movement of the DJ scratch records and the other to move the cross-fader. You will not find a set rule for this; you can also do it in your own way. But majority of the DJs prefer to do it in this procedure. Your style will dictate your quality of scratching.
o Never touch the DJ scratch records if your hands are dirty. Always keep your hands clean while you scratch records. Push the center of the record. While you are exerting pressure in the center, you get a better grip to manage the entire thing. You can also hold at the edge if you are not comfortable.
o While you are practicing scratching, try to use special DJ scratch records. Though you are free to use any type of records, but using special scratch records at the time of practice, will help you to learn up the scratching technique better and faster.
o While you are trying to learn scratching, scratch faster as well as slower. Do not scratch at the same pace. If you try fast as well as slow movement alternately, it will help you to note the changes in the scratch process.
o Initially do not use fader. Scratch with your hands only.
o First scratch slowly. Then increase the speed gradually. As you are able to scratch at a higher speed, you can experiment with the rhythm of your scratch by combining them with the beats you generate.
o If the vinyl centre hole is extraordinarily big, it can result in side-to-side vibration. A very small vinyl centre hole will restrict the free movement of your record. So, tighten and loosen it according to requirement. If the hole is too small enlarge it with the use of sandpaper. And if the hole is too big, reduce it by adding a layer of sticky tape.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on DJ Scratch Records
- DJ Rob Swift on Teaching at the Scratch Academy – Short and Sweet NYC
Simple Lighting Ideas For Your Wedding Reception
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Music will get your guests to dance but good lighting will create the right atmosphere and mood. Many a time the issue of lighting at wedding receptions has not been taken seriously resulting in making the place look like some any other room without ambience and the glamour it ought to have. The lighting will be part of the DJs or the bandsmen equipment and in the search for entertainment, you would take the utmost care to obtain the service that has both modern and impressive lighting to make your guests get into the right mood at your reception.
Of great importance is the strobe light. It has a large beam and it is used to accentuate an appearance. For example, it can be used to make the couple the spotlight of the event as they do the first dance. They can also be used to create a romantic or classy look as different people take to the floor to dance.
The light must be both reliable and attractive. Though the use of disco balls may not be appropriate for such a grand occasion, you can have UV black lights or moving mirror. They both create a fantastic atmosphere.
Aside the dance, the lighting also provides the feeling with which people could associate the music with. As the music rolls, the DJ or lighting man selects the best colors and intensity to match it. It helps the guests to associate themselves with the event.
In the event that you bandsmen or your DJ does not have the ability to manage the lighting well, you can hire a special lighting man to undertake the task. The lighting man has the experience and technical competence to manage the lighting at the reception. He knows which light is best for each mood, for video coverage and for what activity.
Lighting is one important part of your reception. You cannot afford to lose sight of the role it plays in both your reception hall ambiance and in the mood of your guests.
Information on wedding planning and wedding vows is readily available. You can also easily get advice about wedding favors.
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How to Make a Grand Success of your Party
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Having seen the basics of selecting a good DJ, let us examine some more of the multitude of options on offer. Here is part two of how to select the right disc jockey for your get-together.
Single Unit Disc Jockeys: A single unit disc jockey is a one-man show who is in the business for the sheer pleasure of making good music. An aspiring professional less the flashy wherewithal, he may well be the answer to your needs if you are looking for a low-cost affair.
The single unit disc jockey you hire may have simple equipments but may well have liveliness and vigor to put life in the party. On the flip side, the use of much simpler studio equipment may result in their not having enough back up of the songs required. Then as they are not professionals they may be comparatively not so responsible. While you may end up saving a few pennies here, it is best to try out the competence of such a person before you hire him. Ask him for references or a trial performance before you make your final decision.
Yellow pages, Friends or Relatives: It is the easiest way to know about the disc jockey but then again it is your luck as everyone has his own choice. Of course, from the yellow pages, you can get the telephone numbers and the addresses of the DJs but then you have little idea about the better ones!!! Do not get disheartened as we have a solution to this also. Here are few tips to keep in mind while talking to them
a. It is important to create a rapport with the Disc Jockey over the phone. Take notice of their way of speaking and approach - after all it depicts their style and personality which is a part of their profession.
b. Are they returning your phone calls? Were they prompt in doing so? This again shows proficiency in their field and their approach towards work.
c. Enquire about the equipments they are using. Check up if he uses his own studio equipment to mix his own music or he uses premixed music. This can give you an idea about the talent of that person.
d. You also have to check whether they have digital music recording or normal recording. This is likely to affect the quality of the music produced.
e. Ask for the list of songs they would play on that day. It should match the occasion and the type of guests invited.
f. One of the most important things to check is whether he fixes his dance floor and the quality of the lighting used. Additional expenses may be avoided if these facilities are provided by the Deejay. Most do, but it always better to be sure.
Make the best of this knowledge to get the right man for your wedding function. After all, it’s a very special occasion and you would like everything to be memorable and absolutely perfect!
Scared of the Horrible Djs in Town –don’t be
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A disc jockey is a person who has the potential to make a party a rip-roaring success. Whether you are throwing a party to celebrate your promotion, or to celebrate your child’s birthday, the quality of the DJ definitely has a bearing on the degree of fun people have at your party. Whatever be the occasion, one of the surest ways of putting life into a party is by having some lively, foot tapping music. Since so much depends on him, it may well be worth spending a little time on choosing the right person.
If you are planning to throw a party for your wedding in the coming month, and you are having nightmares after having recently attending a DJ party of your friend, don’t lose heart for help is at hand! No do not panic - I will tell you how to go about choosing the right DJ for your memorable day. Here are few guidelines to decide on real good one and hopefully put all your fears to end.
In House Disc Jockeys: The other option is to check from your function venue, as most of them will recommend a good disc jockey that they have seen performing. A few arrange it themselves as an added service to the client. After all, their reputation depends upon the disc jockey. Sometimes a bad DJ can spoil the effect of the good catering done by the hotels, so it is likely they would like you to have the best to give them a good reputation.
Disc Jockey Agencies : Disc jockey agencies have many disc jockeys on their books with recording studio equipment predominantly owned by the agency. Or they maybe having some contracts with other DJs also. But choosing a DJ through them can be a risky affair as the quality may vary from company to company, and within the company, amongst individuals. Some may be very good but some of their DJ staff they may not have been even heard or seen for months, so they can be short of good quality. Moreover, some of these employees are poorly paid so they find it very hard to maintain a class as they try to cut on the cost of their music collection. Some, in an effort to cut costs, will even resort to illegally copying music onto tapes, compact discs or mini discs. This being the case, they find it hard to keep motivated and interested enough to deliver a superior level of attention, service and entertainment.
Some of the agencies have also been known to have music software and can forward you a list of songs but again it depends upon the DJ. If unfortunately you get a wrong selection then you are left at the mercy of a Disc Joker instead of a Disc Jockey.
You must ensure from your DJ agency that how much personal attention they will give to you as most of the time they are more interested in putting up more DJs on the road rather than providing the best possible service to the client.
Do not get unduly worried – all this talk is only meant to show you the possible way of things. Taking a few simple precautions may be all you need to get your party the right mix of fun and entertainment.
In part two of this article, we shall see some more options of Disc Jockeys available to you. We shall also see some of the tips that will help you make a wise decision for selecting the right person to make your party a roaring success.
DJ Equipments To Rock The Dance Floor
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Do you know what is the key to becoming a successful DJ? Well it is the ability to produce great music mixes that bring the dance floor alive. And in order to create the right kind of music you have to invest in a range of advanced DJ equipments.
If you are just a beginner to the world of mixing and turntables, you are most likely awestruck by the well-established disc jockeys that have the ability to set the floor ablaze with their highly energetic music mixes. OK so you may not have the same range of talents as these DJs, but you can make up for your lack of experience or talent with the right kind of DJ equipments. Next time you visit a night club or disco, just make a trip backstage to check out the DJ equipments, and you will be amazed at the wide range of DJ equipments that are used to churn out those masterful mixes. Although, a novice in the field requires some time and practice on the turntable to somewhat master it, there are other DJ equipments that are not as difficult to learn. And as you advance as a DJ, these equipments will help you to create better music. As in any business you have to make some initial investment in this world of music mixing, as DJ equipments are the basic tools to give you a head start in this trade.
As a DJ, you can manipulate the equipments in a number of different ways. Not only can you rock the dance floor with beats and rhythms, you can also synchronize the music smoothly from one track to the next.
As a DJ, your goal is to make the crowd come to its feet and rock all through the night. At the same time you have to keep the energy level of the dance floor at a point that it can sustain over a longer stretch of time. You have to maintain a musical consistency throughout. As a DJ it is in your hand to keep the tempo alive without annoying a portion of the crowd.
To accomplish all these goals, DJs must be well versed in the advanced technological features of their DJ equipments. You need to be really familiar with your instruments like the back of your hands to use them to their fullest potential.
In the end, it is your skill as a DJ that will be appreciated by both the crowd uninitiated in the art of DJing, and also by those who do have some idea about the workings of a DJ. So make the best use of your DJ equipments and enjoy the wide appreciation from the audience for making them rock and roll throughout the night.
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