Where do i start?

[Elaine]

Ive been prestening on air for 6 years and have never done a gig in my life. well, since i dont have a radio show at the moment i thought to myself "id love to get into djing in clubs". I always wanted to get into it but never actually got around to it. Thing is, i dont know where to start? I know u need a large cd collection (sorted) etc but has anyone any tips how i get into it? I cant even mix:rolleyes: :D ...yet!!

Thank, laney:confused:

[Macers]

Practice your mixing first El. I was at it every day for 6 months and like to think Im fairly good. I presume you'd like to do pop music ie Kylie? so obviously try with them.

Do you have decks and a mixer? Obviously you'd need them to practice on etc.

When you think your good enough send a mixed recording to a club etc that has that format of music and get feedback etc or they could even offer you a set.

Thats how it happend for me a while back anywho.....

[Macers]

The cd collection does help. As long as you keep up to date )I just burn my music) but I'm sure if you ask Mr. Dee or Raf they would let you copy them...

[Turiel]

Well, there are two approaches, depending on what type of DJ you want to be. If you want to be a specialist DJ playing a single type of music (ie funky house or r&b) then do what Macers said.

If, on the other hand, you want to be a commercial DJ (like me, JD, Ian, etc) you have slightly less to worry about. First of all, you don't need to be able to mix. Sure, it helps, but to be honest, at the gigs you're going to be doing, the people there generally won't give a damn whether you're mixing or not. Your prime requiste is a decent WIDE RANGING music collection. You *need* to have all the big party type oldies. We're talking Barry White, B52s, Tiffany, Monkees, etc. Your main source of these will be the internet ot getting them off other DJs, otherwise you'll find yourself buying tons of '80s Collections' CDs and only needing 1 or 2 tracks on each CD. Although, come to think of it, the first 2 or 3 schooldisco.com CDs looked very useful.

Now, why do you need all this crap? Well, because you'll probably start off by doing 21sts. Lots of them. And if you're not doing 21sts, you'll be doing a crap little bar where the manager insists on hearing nothing but 60s and 70s. It's great fun, honestly ;). Actually, come to think of it, they actually WERE good fun when I was starting off... hmm.

Right well anyway, here's a quick guide on how to be a good DJ:
1) Keep the girls dancing.

Uh, thats it. Seriously. Keep the girls dancing and they'll be happy. The guys will be happy cause the girls are on the dancefloor and they can go try score them. Now, to keep the girls dancing, you have to have a very good sense of music selection. You have to know what will keep them on the floor, what will cause some of them to leave (which is actually OK, just make sure to follow up with a better tune soon), and what will clear the floor. An important thing to remember is that you need to keep the cheese level in line with the drunkeness level. For example, Rock the Boat is a great party song. But if you play it at 10:30pm, all your going to get is a load of dirty looks and people commenting on the amount of crap you're playing. If on the other hand you play it at 12:30am, you'll fill the floor and have people loving you cause they're having such a good time.

The easiest and best way I think to develop your music selection skills is to spend a lot of time at other DJs gigs. Remember what THEY play, WHEN they play it, and what the crowds reaction is. So, in short, stalk Jason Dee for a couple of weeks ;).

[max power]

one point i would give is, just because your a radio dj does not mean you would be a good club dj, i have seen a lot of guys from radio flop because of over confidence, take it this way, you know nothing and are starting from scratch, forget radio what in a club gig.

[Elaine]

Originally posted by max power
one point i would give is, just because your a radio dj does not mean you would be a good club dj, i have seen a lot of guys from radio flop because of over confidence, take it this way, you know nothing and are starting from scratch, forget radio what in a club gig.

I didnt say id be any good max but im gonna give it a go as im interested in it:) . One things for sure, im NOT over confident!


Thanks for all the help everyone. Ok raf, so u say i dont need to be able to mix (id say it helps though) but what about equipment etc....ill need my own headphones and mic ye? but what else...do most clubs have their own gear?

I dont have decks and a mixer macers btw.... thanks for the info aswell.

Im not saying i wanna do some big mad club....id like to start off somewhere small.

[Elaine]

I really dont have a clue do i? lol

And yes maybe i will stalk jason dee for a bit lol

[Jason Dee]

Ive enough psychos at my gigs thank you very much :nutter:

Apart from the advice Ive already given you by text I'll just add to be very persistent and patient if you're serious about it Elaine. Its a bit of a slog to get decent gigs but if you have a laugh and enjoy it thats some of the battle


Oh and thanks for the compliment Turiel (at least I think thats what it was) :notworthy:

[Turiel]

Yes, you do definitely need headphones and a mic. If you're working for an agency Elaine then they'll give you the equipment you need for a gig. Of course, you need some way to get it there, so transport is fairly essential. If you can't afford to get a car, get a boyfriend with one ;). And how small is small to you? (no smart comments :P). To be honest, to get into ANY club in Dublin, small or not, you'll need to have been DJing a few years. As Jason said, its a slog to get the decent gigs. BUT if you're starting of DJing, then almost any gig is fun. At least thats what I found anyway.

You'll need a podium or something to stand on in a DJ box tho ;)

[father_ted9t9.]

Originally posted by Turiel
To be honest, to get into ANY club in Dublin, small or not, you'll need to have been DJing a few years. As Jason said, its a slog to get the decent gigs.

Originally posted by Max_Power
one point i would give is, just because your a radio dj does not mean you would be a good club dj, i have seen a lot of guys from radio flop because of over confidence, take it this way, you know nothing and are starting from scratch, forget radio what in a club gig..[/B]


All i can say to both of these posts is Rubbish, Elaine as you were on radio you DO Know your tunes and fair enough you will have to get used to the constant abuse and requests from Joe public at gigs, but realistically its all about confidence and knowing your music. Myself, i started off with no experience and had to give it up because of other work commitments, and at the moment i know some people who are starting off too and they have no problems getting gigs, but its all about WHO YOU KNOW!! You will need A mic and Headphones and of course your music collection, but the best piece of advice i can give ya is put together a demo with your voice on it and send it out to the agencies, and if they like what they hear you will get gigs. If you dont want to go for the Agency line, then it will be harder, but keep at it, and best of luck!!!

[max power]

just because you have a mic and a pair of headphones and a music collection does not make you a club dj, radio is a completely different environment, you do a link , play a song. you don't have to work out what the audience feels as you can't see them, but in a club the audience are looking right at you and as you said the abuse can be hard to handle ( as i well know ).
but your not just going to walk into major venues in dublin and get a gig, you have to work on what you do on other gigs, any manager would be mad to let a rookie dj in the door !!!!

[TheGoldenMaverick]

Originally posted by max power
any manager would be mad to let a rookie dj in the door !!!!

Or even mad aul fella DJ's like me for that matter.

The GM

[KJ]

lol!

[Turiel]

I'm confused ted ;)

Rubbish you say? Surely you can't think its easy to get good gigs? If it is, then whenever you have a spare couple of minutes you can get me a couple of clubs during the week, cheers :P

Honestly though, most DJ's I know will tell you they worked pretty damn hard to get their gigs. And you and I know many of the same DJs, so as I said, I'm confused ;)

[father_ted9t9.]

I Also know a lot of DJ's around dublin, and fair enough you do have to work your way up, but referring to the rubbish line, i meant that if your good and you get in with an agency, you do not need to be doing it for a couple of years. you wont be spinning the tunes in spirit on your first gig, but after a few months ya never know! I Know of one person in particular and because they knew someone in the business they now are gigging in the city centre, and they have no experience apart from possibly a few partys

[Macers]

I started off by organising a few Uder 18's discos locally (with great success) this gave us a bit of cash to spend and so I bought more equipment etc. Plus itr looked better to say I organised and ran a successful disco every 3 weeks...

[Elaine]

Originally posted by max power
just because you have a mic and a pair of headphones and a music collection does not make you a club dj, ,any manager would be mad to let a rookie dj in the door !!!!

Thanks for the vote of convidence max.

Im not saying i wanna walk into a gig in spirit, i was just interested in getting into gigging starting off small.
I think i know my music pretty well, i can get the headphones the mic the music etc.

Back to what raf said....transport is essential... i dont have a car at the mo but im sure i can grab a cab:) You also said to get into any club in dublin youll need to have done a few years djing....how can i do a few years djing if i need to have done a few years djing in a club to get a gig??? (yes im even confusing myself here...its like a bloody tounge twister...i dont blame anyone whos reading over this thinking "what in the name of bejesus is she on about lol) its kinda like when u go to a club and the bouncer says "sorry bud, regulars only", how can i become a regular if u dont let me in? ok this post is getting really confusing now:p Thanks everyone for all the help. This getting into gigging is sounding very complicated.... i didnt think it would be but sure ill look into it more and see what happens.... if fail and never end up gigging, atleast i tried. thanks all....and thanks ted, reassuring advice:D

[Elaine]

That has to be the most confusing, make no sence, bullshit post ive ever posted lol can i say bullshit? just did

[Turiel]

Yeah sorry I think its my fault for confusing you, I wasn't too clear.

What I meant was that you need to be a few years DJing to get, for example, any of the disco bars or clubs around town. You have to start of doing gigs in crappy pubs (which suck) and 21sts (which aren't all that bad).

[Elaine]

Thanks turiel (",)

[Ivan Eego]

3 words Elaine ' ROB A SET ' , EVERY DJ does it
;)

With regards to Agencies , good for getting work, but unfortunely most are greedy cowboys exploiting the young enthusiastic talents of wannabee and existing DJ s,:ranting:

[father_ted9t9.]

Originally posted by Turiel
Yeah sorry I think its my fault for confusing you, I wasn't too clear.

What I meant was that you need to be a few years DJing to get, for example, any of the disco bars or clubs around town. You have to start of doing gigs in crappy pubs (which suck) and 21sts (which aren't all that bad).

fair enough Turiel, but if i do remember correctly, myself and yourself know a few people/person who didn't have to do many Pub or 21st's b4 getting into clubs/bars around town. And these people/ person started off at a DJ'ing course, and are not a million miles away from this post. Ring any bells?? it should!

[max power]

i think i know what ya mean ted, good point.

[Boston Barney]

Hi Elaine,

If your looking for advice there, are lots of people who will give it to you, but more of it will be confussing than will be any good!

Agents, good and bad pionts, more often good as they will give you a break, and steady work if you make it through the first couple of gigs!!!! Most of them are alright!

If you want some solid, not on the board advice, let me know, i know for a fact that the agent i work with is looking for female dj's! let me know!!!!

Barney

[Elaine]

Thanks barney (",)

[Iano]

Hi Elaine , there are lots of people who will promise you tons of cash for your talents and try to exploite you and make a quick buck off your back .
Everybody needs a starting point and unfortunately agencies are the necessary evil .
But you can avoid this by getting to know the right people who wont rip you off and will give you work purely on your talent , and will throw you a gig without the usual polotics and back handers .
Ive always said , ''Music has to excite you '' if you wanna be good at what you do ,and from reading your previous posts , you really do LOVE music , that in itself will get you success .

Drop into clubs and bars Elaine and chat to the manager and bullshit him or her into believeing your ability , you got nothing to lose ....

Confidence is what it's all about and thats it ....if you have that and an open mind , your flying ..............

Regarding agencies ? yes there are one or two that will respect your ability and pay you decent money , but unfortunately there are the usual cowboys who will take you for a ride ...

Iano

[The squire]

Hey elaine,

dont listen to any of this crappy advice. You Can walk in to spirit and play your first gig there. You can play the redbox, switch or even at winter party!!!

All you need is a lil bit of music and one hell of a blowjob technique!!!

Good luck with you career!!

[Elaine]

Just wanna say a big thanks to everyone for the help..really appriciate it. Theres some really nice people on this forum who i hardly even know but have been real helpfull...thanks;)


Ps, im slightly drunk:p

[Elaine]

Originally posted by Ian Cribbin
Ive always said , ''Music has to excite you '' if you wanna be good at what you do ,and from reading your previous posts , you really do LOVE music , that in itself will get you success .


Iano


Yep, i live for music. Thats the reason i wanna do gigs...i love music so much. Thanks ian

A big big thanks to clionadh btw for letting me do my first hours warm up. thank u very much...enjoyed it:D

[DJMurphy]

When and where did you do the warm, What was is like, im still trying to get a few gigs myself.

[Elaine]

Hey dj murphy. Think i was just lucky enough to post up about it at the right time. Ive done 4 warm ups in boomerang so far and im doing a full gig soon (god help the clubbers lol). Keep trying and hope u get somewhere.....god if i can get a gig theres hope for all of us:p

Best of luck and let us know how u get on:D

[mattbrat24]

good luck dj murphy :) ... hope all goes well for you :)
well done elaine on getting those gigs...keep up the goood work ;)



matt ;)

[Loopy Producer]

Hi Elaine

I think you should get a full night in boomerangs. No offence to whoever did the full gig on sat and i don't want to cause any rows but i didn't enjoy it. It could have been my radio head taking over from my having fun head though!!!

Loopy
x

[Macers]

Kaner - did you dj at last Wednesdays Shag Tag BAC?

[Elaine]

Originally posted by Macers
Kaner - did you dj at last Wednesdays Shag Tag BAC?


Nope macers. Im there on a friday.:)

Hey loopy, dont know who djs on saturdays?

:)

[WayneScales]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Macers
[B]Practice your mixing first El. I was at it every day for 6 months

To Be Fair It's an advantage to be able to mix(Which I Can Might I Add) but in my opinion its not really neccessary.If ya can't Mix,Don't.So they say! I mean has a punter ever come up to you and said,"Eh Sorry but why didn't you or why are'nt you mixing this music?" Doubt It!And more to the fact,Do the majority of the DRUNKEN puters actually notice that you're mixing? Em,I think not!
My basic point is Elaine,Don't feel that if you can't mix when then alls failed,as thats bull! !Ya Prob know yourself!
Was In The Playhouse Nightclub last Thursday,and Mister Niall Boylan was jock,never mixed a tune all night and still had the place hopping!

[Macers]

I meant it helps Wayne - but to be honest I never went to a house or trance night and didn't here the music mixed. It is just an advantage like you said.....

[Turiel]

If you're a dance specialist, then yeah you have to mix. Otherwise though, its not really necessary.

Even R&B specialists don't need to know how to mix! I won't mention any names :)

[Liam Tutty]

I was given a loan of a Tim Westwood Album ages ago and I noticed that all he reall ydoes on that album at least, is throw in a sound effect or a spinback and then play the next track!

[mattbrat24]

Those thunder sound effects through Tim Westwood's show on Friday/Saturday nights on BBC R1 really drive me up the walls! :)

Tim "ultra cool" westwood :)

matt ;)

[Rob Ryan]

Just on the Mixing front: I STRONGLY think that if you cant' mix then don't try in public. There is nothing worse than dancing and not knowing which rhythm to go with.

I think the mixing element is more subliminal; when the beat is constant the tracks flow better and its one rhythm going rather than changing the "Speed" one dances at after every song.

The down side of mixing I think is sometimes DJs will choose songs of near BPM just to easily weave them together rather than choose a song that might go down better with the crowd! First rule of Club DJing – Always play to the crowd!



Elaine the best way to become a gigging DJ is to get experience and you’ve a massive advantage cause you know loads of people in the industry. Just go along with as many people to their gigs as you can, learn what different crowds like to hear and pick up on different styles.

Gimme a shout sometime and you can come to gigs with me.

Rob

[Elaine]

Originally posted by Rob Ryan

Elaine the best way to become a gigging DJ is to get experience and you’ve a massive advantage cause you know loads of people in the industry. Just go along with as many people to their gigs as you can, learn what different crowds like to hear and pick up on different styles.

Gimme a shout sometime and you can come to gigs with me.

Rob

Thanks Rob!:D

Hopefully doing my first full gig soon...wish me luck:)