Anyone Can be Dj. Just like Photographers, are those who own a camera? What differs all the Djs are their talent/skills. So, there's the good Dj as much as there is a Lousy Dj. Be true to the art! Cheers!
this is a good one. Its almost like falling in love, you dont know till it happens and when it happens you will know. And then you will know you have become a real DJ. Keeping it real tho, you must have experience. wether good or bad. Bedroom, House partys, weddings, being a resident at a club etc. you need to have experience. If you have talent and skill, well thats a bonus and you can be gainfully employed, another bonus.
This is the same as asking: if someone bought a white robe, some surgical gloves and a book... can he/she be called a Doctor?... am I an 'electrician' because I know how to solder two cables and mount a wall socket? perhaps I could be game developer since I've been gaming since I'm 4 years old. A dj should be called a Dj only he/she has the proper knowledge of music and a grip of whatever genre he/she's playing, basic mixing technique and at least one performance in front of a live audience.
Imo, a deejay can be anyone as long as they introduce people to different music. A radio DJ can do this, a wedding DJ can do this, and so can the average Joe. However, if a deejay is only playing music that he or she produced, they are not performing the job of a deejay. Instead they are playing the part of a performer. Now, what makes a "good" or "great" deejay is entirely up to each person. Me? I have an old school way of looking at it.Getting booked must be earned not expected to be given.
When after you have done a set (whether at home, club, underage, or party) and an audience has heard you, and you receive positive comments. Now, everyone is a "DJ" yet none of them know the technical side to music. They listen to it for the DROP. DJ's listen to it for how it makes people feel, and what it would go well with.
To me its how you see and hear music, then express that feeling to an audience.
Thats my opinion on when you can call yourself a DJ.
i hate the whole if you cant beat match by ear your not at dj thing . Well the only reason someone would say that is so they feel better when other djs are far more creative and do far better mixes with software. If you can entertain a crowd your a dj enough said.
I'd say when they have the skill to perform, before then i'd class it as "learning to DJ" like you would in any other music profession, owning a guitar doesn't make you a guitarist
IMO a DJ is a Person who has the ability to Match two tracks on beat (By Ear since Music is A Hearing Art) and is able to mix them well enough to keep a rhythm or sequence going, One very important aspect of being a DJ to me is not only about your mixing skills....Is about your selection of Music and how you arrange your playlists because your playlist is affects the mood of the dancefloor, therefore it's important to have great Unique selection of music so you can have people dance all night :)
i dont classify my self as a dj i only got my equipment 3 days ago the only time i have been djing and producing my stuff is on the computer and still havent goten any gigs because i dont use a dj deck and have experience and i no my name has dj in it for people who will say ""well if you dont classify your self as a dj why do u have it in your name"" i think you can be classified as a dj when you have experiance and get some gigs
However, now-a-days, the definition is widening, and technology is leading to great things, so really, I state a dj is a real dj when they start getting paycheck for it
I "DJ" as a hobby DJ (hobbiest DJ - if thats a real term) myself, but don't consider myself an actual dj. I even make CD's fro friends and family who tell me they like it, but.... I think you can start calling your self a DJ once you start getting paychecks for being a DJ. Until then, your just practicing.
Grand Master Flash started out mixing and scratch in his mom's kitchen. a DJs roll or skill set evolved as the technology evolved in the music industry. DJs job and function is to moved the crowd make them get up and dance. I think that DJs today can be classified under different categories and skill sets. Going from the Bedroom DJ, up to the Music Producer from the Turntablist to the guy who play Karaoke. They are all doing the same function, moving the crowd making people feel good.
I guess some of you are no older than 20/30 years old making these comments. DJs or the original term Disc Jockey was an individual who played music on a record disc or tape for an audience. It being on air or at parties. Even before the use of crossfadering 2 turntables and blending we have DJs. Like Robert Weston Smith, known commonly as Wolfman Jack or Frankie Crocker the Chief Rocker was a well known DJs who played records on one turntable introduced the song and artist between each record.
I have used every single piece of equipment out there on the market. DJ-ing vinyl were the best days because now anyone can buy the music I had to dig for and find. I had the skills and other people didn't...I now have more skills and other people have less skills and experience, but we both get the same work...well, I get paid in terms where i get to use the letter "g." The point is producing is the only way to get noticed in this market now. You can DJ and scratch on serato..I say so what?
When you start producing and performing your own music...and no, I don't mean mash-ups and cutting up WAV files and rearranging them. I don't care if you can scratch the tick off the back of a cow, I'm not going to take you seriously unless you are actively working on production skills. Scratching/juggling is an analog form of sampling and playing with the sound of tracks...a producer would then record his performance and then build a track around that. master mixing, then master studio mixing
Well in my opinion, EVERYBODY can be a dj if a a dj gig. but a real DJ it's just when it plays fore an audience....or in a disco. But it depends of what tip of DJ you are. If you're a Bedroom dj well it's just that, if you are a controloriste you have to be very good with your crossfader, and if you're a disco club DJ then you are a real dj. For the other side, there are very good DJ in the worl that just play in their home....and are very good
Just because you buy all this equipment and invested alot of money doesn't mean you're a DJ, you gotta know how to use it, you gotta play with it what works for you what it can do for you. I once read a book that when you first start out as a DJ its like masterbating, you practice in the bedroom and if you mess up or think you did good , who is it that's gonna be happy or who is it that you're disappointing? yourself. and once you get that gig it is such a rush you'll wish it was never over
dependign on your style, if you mix hip-hop then till you use scrath properly, if you do electronic, when you beatmatch properly and people dont realize when you change from a song to another, and you make the song bit different by using efects...thats my opinion
I didn't call myself a dj till I had somebody else refer to me as a dj. I would tell people I was doing sound for parties, clubs, or events. I had people call me a dj and figured I would believe them, lol.
self a dj when people start calling you a DJ. I have people come up to me and say " mate that night at toms ....amazeing, you are just mint, better than those DJ's in town " That to me makes me feel great but still i wouldent consider myself as a dj compared to other people I have seen ....
I think a DJ is classed as a DJ when there mixes are appreciated by people they havent met, some DJ's are good some DJ's arnt as good, sometimes we have our amazeing day's sometimes we have our "I HAVE JUST FORGOT EVERYTHING" day's. I personally wouldent consider myself as a DJ because I have only just started createing mixes that sound really decent. But I have played at house party's and people describe my mixes and tunes i create as "f*cking brillient". I think you can start calling yourse-
well i produce music and i dont calls myself as a music producer or a (insert genre) artist
right now im just playing around with vsts. au and things alike, building songs but when i get to song 100 then i in my own mind is a music producer or a (insert genre) artist
When you perform DJing "Disco Jockey", as in when you take control of a disco, then you're the jockey of it. Every phrase has it's end, so i could be a DJ today, but not tomorrow...I just got my CJD/MDJ 350, hoping to be a DJ in the near future. A greater question for me would be; which videos of your 3054 videos should i watch first to get me on track of DJing properly!!
When you perform DJing "Disco Jockey", as in when you take control of a disco, then you're the jockey of it. Every phrase has it's end, so i could be a DJ today, but not tomorrow...I just got my CJD/MDJ 350, hoping to be a DJ in the near future. A greater question for me would be; which videos of your 3054 videos should i watch first to get me on track of DJing properly!!
Being a "DJ" is the same as being a musician. And being a musician is as simple as practicing your craft. A person who picks up a guitar and strums on it a few times is still a musician, albeit a novice musician who most people would not pay to go see. The definition of being a DJ or not (musician or non-musician) depends on whether someone is actively practicing their skill
I think the minuet you want to be a DJ you ARE a DJ. Maybe not a good one right off but we all start somewhere. You are what you want to be and thats just how it is IMO. Being a DJ is more than just the decks n stuff... its a lifestyle. If you live the lifestyle and have decks or whatever you use to DJ even if your not good yet you are a DJ.
they are NOT a dj....because if you ask them to play infront of a crowd the answer would be a big fat no. Or if they say yes, it will end in humiliation. Hence, no u are not a DJ untill u have experience and the required knowledge.
@dagonlord32002 Actually,.you are a Deejay. What you have to distinguish between is whether you are a professional or amateur. At the end of the day,..who gives a shit. It's about playing music and enjoying yourself. There are so many important REAL issues in life and the World that the last thing I would worry about is whether a Deejay, (professional or not), messed up on a beat mix and it happens to the best, mistakes happen. Anybody can be a deejay and you don't need qualifications to be one.
Christiano ronaldo is a soccer player. He plays soccer and so do I, but i am not a soccer player and he is. You can mix music and use DJ equipment, but you cannot title urself a DJ.
Many people are confusing DJs with producers... i know many producers are offended by this.. But producers often learn how to dj in order to play live sets...
haha screw what this guy says. I have a passion for music and I class myself as a dj because i practiced on virtual dj but when i get what i need i won't be using virtual dj. i think this guy is trolling the dj beginners.
the day they perform for an audience, they can be classified as dj's, even if you play a mix for your grandmother, she is listening to you play, and even if your terrible, you are mixing for her, therefore becoming the worlds worse dj for grannies, but still a dj...
@SofosSostos This is the day you would beccome a dj, but the day you become a REAL dj I vote is when you can sit back and smile at your own creation. When your actually happy with what you made, even if noone else approves. It is an art form and even if your the only one enjoying it if you truly love your production I would consider you a dj.
That goes for art, writing, anything. If but a single person is satisfied by the product and the product alone you have reached the start of success.
When you have great people skills, you have experience, you have a good speech, when you have a passion for being a DJ, learn off videos [ellaskins, directsound, briansredd, etc], and know how to promote yourself.
To dizzy67: By the end of 2011 I will have made approximately 30,000 USD by DJing alone. Yesterday I made $1000.00 DJing two events. Is THAT a "proper enough job?" As in any profession, a proper living can be made if you passionate AND good at what you do.
@gravitythedon - WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? My response was to the post "When is a person a proper DJ? When they are so unemployable that they can't get a proper job?" It was meant to show that DJing can be a "proper job" and make good enough money to survive, NOT to brag about what I've made. If you are not mature enough to see that, well, that is just plain sad. Oh, and your spelling and punctuation is atrocious!
A professional DJ/Entertainer understands that they are playing to entertain their audience not to show off their mixing,scratching, or beat matching skills. The only people impressed by those particular skills are other DJs. Clients are impressed by a professional manor & the fact that you have practiced your craft to the degree necessary to ensure everyone will have a good time listening to good music. I wish you all success in your DJing Businesses!
A professional DJ/Entertainer understands that they are playing to entertain their audience not to show off their mixing,scratching, or beat matching skills. The only people impressed by those particular skills are other DJs. Clients are impressed by a professional manor & the fact that you have practiced your craft to the degree necessary to ensure everyone will have a good time listening to good music. I wish you all success in your DJing Businesses!
A "PROFESSIONAL DJ" is one that mixes music, can beat match, has enough knoweledge of different genres of music so as to entertain cross generationally, has "professional" grade equipment & insurance, & knows how to read a crowd so as to keep them on the floor song after song. But more important that all of the above, he or she knows how to connect with the crowd thru personality, mic use and music selection. A pro plays for the crowd and TO them, NOT for themselves.
I've not real ALL the comments, however no one yet has discussed the REAL definition of the term-A disc jockey, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience, regardless of the medium. I have been performing in front of audiences for ten years. During that time I have met many individuals w/equipment who "call themselves" DJs. And by the definition, they are. I think the better question is: When can a person be called a "PROFESSIONAL" DJ. That is not something as easily done.
First off I am Not a DJ But i think it be good to Classify a Person as a DJ when he or she makes a Mix of music on several CD'S (like i have) and Listens to them at the gig that He or She is attending I think that is what i would Consitter a Person to me a DJ is just Making a Whole lotta Mixes on Discs and ALSO paying attention to You and to You dizzy67 Than i must be a "REAL DJ" for I am Unemployed and Guess what I LOVE IT To all my "REAL DJ" Brothers out there Peace and Love Sayonara Thanks!
I want to be a dj, and i only have a hercules dj mix, and it isn't mine, because i can't buy any mixtable, that says that i'm not a dj? i have practised a lot but i haven't got the oportunity to develop my skills as i want... not everyone could became a dj, but not everyone could say that are dj's just to have a mixtable!
i agree with astyle 100 % ya need to need experience to get the need to perform at your top every time it becomes competitive not just with other djs but also with yourself in my case ayway.
I think your a DJ when you care more about giving a good performance whether that be at a wedding, club, or any kind of party rather than worrying about how much money your making... If you try your best to be your own performer than you are a DJ and that applies to anything in life.
The second you receive money or even food & beverages, or barter. You're a real DJ. Some are better than others, some get better over time with experiences. I think I'm a real DJ because I know what to play & when to play it. I know when to say " sorry, I don't have that song", even though I do have! .
U are classified as a dj when: U have the passion for music U can read d crowed U can play any styles of music U can beat mix U can scratch U can handle difficult situations when ur at dj job Knows how to deal with odd requests Knows how to organise ur sets Can switch from one style of music to a completely different style with ease overall can be professional and humble and the lists goes on......
Your not a DJ unless you can scratch... End of... Turntablist's are the real deal... Not that hard to beat match let's be honest but crabbing the fader and true vinyl manipulation is the key to being a true craftsman on the decks....
when they got some exp. , well ... you can buy some stuff, but a dj has to know how to use this stuff . im producing, im mixing for a half of a jear and im not saying im a dj, because have to collect some more skills. thats my opinion.
I think a person is a real dj when they have an understanding of the art of mixing, you dont just buy the equipment and know everything. Once a person has an understanding of all the basics of being a dj like counting bpm, undertsanding what music genres suit each other etc i think thats when your a what you wud say real dj, but there are different levels of djing.
A dj is a real dj when they can transition between songs smoothly between 2 different tracks using whatever software/hardware they want. Long as it sounds like the songs go together your golden. The other tricks with effects, cut-ins, drops, etc are an artform and are practiced by any dj's style.
It is almost like defining an artist. Some use crayons, some use oil based paints, some use charcoal... they are all artists with their own style and they know how to use them regardless the preference.
When you get paid. That's pretty much a good measure if you're actually meant to be a DJ or not. But if you play in your bedroom like me, who gives a fuck what i am i love playing around with this shit.
you are a dj when you can use a turntable, make your own tracks and know what kind of music people like, cause if you can't do does 3 things you just suck as a dj;)
Part 2 of 1st Comment----------> 2 KNOW UR HISTORY ON THIS SHIT, OTHER WISE THERE IS NO LOVE IN IT!!!!! SO IF U CAN WALK IN FRONT OF PEOPLE WIT UR SET UP WITH CRATES FULL OF RECORDS, IF U CAN JUMP IN AT ANY TIME & HAVE NO PROBLEM USING RECORDS, WELL THEN U WELL EARNED UR DJ TITLE!!!!! BULLSHIT ASIDE, I FUK WIT SERATO, SO I "DO NOT" CONSIDER MYSELF AS A DJ CUZ I ONLY CARRY 2 RECORDS & A LAPTOP WIT FEW RECORDS THAT I NEVER USE!!!! IS MY PERSONAL OPINION WRONG? GET @ ME!!!!
!AINT THIS SOME SHIT! SO ALL U SO CALLED DJ'S R TELLIN ME, THAT ALL I GOT 2 DO IS BURN CD'S "THAT GETS PEEPS MOVIN" & IM OFFICIALLY A DJ!! I CAN SIT & CHANGE SONGS ON MY ITUNES, & IM A DJ! U GUYS R SOME FOOL'S!! !!HAVE U ALL FORGOT DJ IS SHORT FOR "DISK JOCKEY"!! MY PERSONAL OPINION ON THE ? IS... ANYBODY WHO WALKS UP 2 A GIG "WITH" CRATES FULL OF RECORDS... IS A TRU DJ! ANYBODY WHO HAS NO PROBLEM USING RECORDS AT ANYTIME IS A DJ!!! NOW IM NOT SAYN U GUY ARENT DJ'S, U GUYS JUST NEED---------->
I often wonder this myself - I am an Up and Coming DJ - I do radio and I mix music on the side - Ive been doing it for almost 5 months; yet I havent given myself that "DJ" label - I think to be an actual DJ, you need the skill to back it up - Im not talking about mixing, but knowing what and when to play the right music, how to set the modes and control the atmosphere
i believe you're a dj when not only you know the tricks and stuff but you appreciate music itself and you know how to take some form of control over them (not just to make people dance) and once deejaying becomes just part of your life.
If a guy plays, (with turntables, cd's laptop, or what else) a good set...gets a good atmosphere and he gets me dancing...i think he is a good dj, no matter what he uses....
@chilly2829 So you're saying just because someone gets hired for that person saying he/she is a dj they are? EAVEN though they do not know what they are doing?
when u blast out a set that blends well and u dont fuck up . Or theres other DJing skills . I have mixed tunes for years but am now bored of it and make mashups . Instead of mixing for 10 secs so to speak for the new track to run in I mix for 5 mins making a whole new track . Still DJing in my eyes but on another level . Then u can always mix together your own tracks A DOUBLE DJ ha ha ..
hit me up for 630+ mashups in just under 3 years PEACE now thats some DJing :)
my opinion is this: You have to really understand what genre of music you are djing. For example, you can't just go to a rave one day to hear trance for the first time then decide to go out and buy a dj set and then start spinning in a few months. It takes YEARS of passion for the music to truly understand it. You've got to be addicted to the music for a very long time similar to a 15 year smoker who smokes a pack a day. That's when u can get some turntable skills and call urself a DJ.
I think a dj is someone who understands his genre of music really well along with knowing how to put it together really well into a set. If you play shitty tracks it doesn't matter how good you play the set. If you play really good tracks but cant put it together too well without being unique in creativity than u will fail.
@dazzerman12 ok, well then lets see you go buy a set and see if you can get signed to a label within a day. it takes so much work too memorize timing of songs and the way to mix them.
@dazzerman12 - what a chump. That's why top dj's these days take home 50k plus per 2 gig....
I dj and play guitar, neither is easy and both take a shitload of practise and experience before you can do your thing in public, much less get paid for it.
As for autosync etc, if you know how to dj properly (you have beatmatching down, understand how to EQ, you aim for a quality sound etc) then you can use any of the amazing 'toys' available currently without shame.
i think that a dj is a real dj once they've earned some experience and can mix a decent set...and what i mean by "decent" is not just crossfading between songs i mean by beat matching etc. also i think a dj is a real dj once they've released a song, whether its an original track , a remix, a mashup, whatever... my opinion just... thumbs up if you agree.
You become a Real DJ at birth it's something inbred into every DJ it's the internal rythm and beat inside of us that makes us become a DJ the only way youll ever be good at DJing is if you love music more then anything else in the world and practice every chance you get and like I said some are meant for it some aren't as with all things in life.
Bit of a daft question really. It is a bit like saying when is a producer a producer? Do you not produce in order to be a producer? Or do you become a producer in order to produce.
It is just like leaning an instrument. I have been a drummer for 25 years and a basement DJ for about 1 year. I believe it all depends on the crowd you play for.I did a gig when I was 15 playing drums for some elementary kids.we were Rockstars to them! I am sure at that point if we opened for a touring band we would be kicked off the stage. now I can do that sort of gig with no issue. The point is back than i was a Drummer and now I am a Drummer. When you do your first gig. You are a DJ!!!!!
when i can keep the crowd jumping and dancing then i am a semi DJ , because DJ ing isn't about that all ... i must have my own moves and style that make me recognized
after practice and they know how to beatmatch, drop, juggle and maybe a little bit of scratching and then have a few gigs then they can call themselves a dj
I like this question. But I think we are all looking too much at what a DJ has bought or the type of music he plays or whatever. A DJ is an artist. One who's masterpiece arises from "moving people". Whether you physically make people dance, or your moving their soul in some sort of way. That's when ur a dj. You have the ability to make people reminisce or just "control" them in some way. A master orchestrator maybe... Creating a story every time he spins or pushes buttons.
You know when someone is a "real" dj, when they have a passion for it. Bad dj, good dj,"get the dancefloor wild" dj, tech dj, pro dj etc. Regardless what kind of dj and regardless of the equipment used, if they have a passion for what they do with the music he or she is a "real" dj.
you will no wen your a (REAL) dj wen your as drunk and fleein as you can possibly get without falling over and you still manage to throw together a 3 hour set. and at the end of it all you get the nod of approval from everyone at the rave !! :D
If you play music for a group of people, and they enjoy dancing to the music you're playing, you're a DJ. Regardless if you're getting paid or not, you're still a DJ, regardless if you're TOP SKILLED or LOW SKILLED, if you play music, TAKE REQUESTS, then you're a DJ. Some people think they're a DJ cause they have the best equipment -FAIL! Some people think they're a DJ cause they use Vinyl -FAIL! I can rock a party with some 45's and a portable Victrola! Gotta know what to play!
i feel once that person that has the ambition to become a dj starts to understand a little about music theory and the basic to complex structures of music and is able to show some kind of progress that he or she is practicing and pushing to be better then you are a dj, but when you star out your a dj at heart depending on how passionate they are about it. even if its just a hobbie, passion drives hobbies.
A dj is a dj when he or she is doing it for a living, ie paid regular work, then you become a professional dj regardless of how good you are or not because your are doing it for a living you add the title professional.
People dont realise the logic behind being a dj, after a while you gain enough experience to look at somebodys dress sense, age and manerism and you know what music types they like, a bit like a psycologist.
2. dig unknown/unheard music which kicks the specific partycrowed's asses, anyway ("anyway", even if they dont know the tunes from the m*f*n charts...)
its like a good "photographer"... HE or SHE takes "good" photos, not the camera.
dear mate, this is a very serious topic in todays musicology studies... i once had a presentation about - "performance" in laptopmusic? -
;) "ahhyeah, the dj is checking his mails up there..." xD tc
not only then skills but also to understand yhe line of music that as been played,if de people are having fun with thath type of music try stay on the level,understand what the audience want, ....it`s preferable thath something goes not so perfect unstead of a dj who just put`s is set no metter what,thath is memorise in is head....but than again takes a lot ofpractice and experience in ront of an audience
A Dj is who knows what to play and how to play no matter how many people likes his work, no matter of the equipment, no matter the genre, but!! i think it matters the harmonies, it matters the smoothness and of course.. it matters the knowledge
I have had my equipment 7 months. i think your a DJ when you have allot of experiance and when you play for ppl and you and the crowd is having the time of your life and feel the music. if you get what i'm saying..i can't explain it how i want i'm sorry. :( i still don't consider myself a real Dj yet.
To me anybody can be a dj and their are to many djs an most suck,.knowing how to blend bpm and making a continous sound,switching, understanding beats and music is important,If you want to know in my opinion the djs that are making the turntable a musical instrument are the turntablist,they are actually making a new sound and making a different sound from what is put on the record,manpulating that is pushing the turntable to new levels.Though I respect all forms of dj styles.
I never classed myself as a DJ when i bought my 1210's 15yrs ago and with another few years past, i still don't. I have played sets for people both private, illegal and organised and to this day just consider myself a brother to music. Its the one thing in this world that can unite everyone in beat.
Mixed harmonics, mashups, switching tempos smoothly, knowing your music and being able to please the crowd? Beatmatching is simply the beginning. Some audio knowledge is also critical I think.
there is a crowd which is mainly dancing because of the beat/genre/type of sound and there is a crowd which is dancing because you played the right song. so, in my mind is a scene from my early dj-days when i played a track from local hiphop band and suddenly all my mixer and cds power died. the crowd was standing in the dark, singing the rest of track I choosed to play. i remembered the goosepimples i had. and my fact is, i can tell you this story because i am a dj. Cheers
..it actually takes a lot to be known as a DJ,you have to know and understand and accept all types of music, from bob Dylan Elvis to Akon when a person looks at you in one glance he know you are a DJ...not be cos the way you dress of act...its just written on you forehead. the years of spinning ...one more thing,,,,no ego.
..it actually takes a lot to be known as a Dj,you have to know and understand and accept all types of music, from bob Dylan Elvis to Akon when a person looks at you in one glance he know you are a Dj...not be cos the way you dress of act...its just written on you forehead. the years of spinning ...one more thing,,,,no ego.
I think a person is a proper DJ when they have the experience.
Having the material is not enough , and not having turntables and mixers does not mean the person can not be classified as a DJ . I for myself know many people who are DJs professionally but don´t have equipment at home.
a real dj is a person that has the skill to beat match and blend. selection has zip to do with it. no matter what my preference or n e one else is, if you can use your gear and your chunes you R A DJ.
I cant remember who said this, but I would like to quote "Learn to SPIN!! just because yo bought yourself two ipods and a mixer does not make you a dj, if you cant carry a couple of crates to a gig, you aint a dj, you just an enthusiast".
Holy sh1t what a question. You can call yourself a dj when a dj you respect comes up to you and hands you a promo record to play in your set. Or when you play in Detroit and you don't get your ass kicked by the other dj's for making a joke over something as serious as being up in front of a bunch of people behind a sound system that cost someone a lot of money and either making the weekend one to remember or ruining the night.
In my opinion you know u are a DJ when you know what you do...you know how to go from slow house music up to trance or somethin like that...you know what people lile and how to turn them up,and when you have various mixes and feel the music in you ready to deliver it to the audience
In my opinion, real DJ is the DJ who knows how to build up the best atmospere into a place and make everybody want to dance and have fun. This person, that takes a look of the people in the dancefloor and understands what do the want to listen. That he has good enought skills and plays because he likes it, not because of the money NO MATTER what he uses (turntables, Laptops, CDJs), NO MATTER how he does it (with autosync, manual, with BPM lock). No matter how many years he has played.Do u agree?
First *enjoyed* paid gig. IMO
You have to love it.
theoneOshen 1 day ago
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theoneOshen 1 day ago
Anyone Can be Dj. Just like Photographers, are those who own a camera? What differs all the Djs are their talent/skills. So, there's the good Dj as much as there is a Lousy Dj. Be true to the art! Cheers!
janrystar 1 day ago
when they play there first profession gig
dude1703 1 day ago
this is a good one. Its almost like falling in love, you dont know till it happens and when it happens you will know. And then you will know you have become a real DJ. Keeping it real tho, you must have experience. wether good or bad. Bedroom, House partys, weddings, being a resident at a club etc. you need to have experience. If you have talent and skill, well thats a bonus and you can be gainfully employed, another bonus.
djscottyc 2 days ago
@djscottyc that is exactly what I wanned to say too :)
jef4eto 1 day ago
I think a person truly becomes a dj once they have gained experience enough to build a fan base and paid dues working clubs & parties.
dj1srael 3 days ago
once they put out a mix that gets them respect
15Italiaboy 3 days ago
This is the same as asking: if someone bought a white robe, some surgical gloves and a book... can he/she be called a Doctor?... am I an 'electrician' because I know how to solder two cables and mount a wall socket? perhaps I could be game developer since I've been gaming since I'm 4 years old. A dj should be called a Dj only he/she has the proper knowledge of music and a grip of whatever genre he/she's playing, basic mixing technique and at least one performance in front of a live audience.
ortokore 3 days ago 2
Imo, a deejay can be anyone as long as they introduce people to different music. A radio DJ can do this, a wedding DJ can do this, and so can the average Joe. However, if a deejay is only playing music that he or she produced, they are not performing the job of a deejay. Instead they are playing the part of a performer. Now, what makes a "good" or "great" deejay is entirely up to each person. Me? I have an old school way of looking at it.Getting booked must be earned not expected to be given.
1Stormbringer 4 days ago
You're a DJ when you're in control of the turntables and know how to get the party going, enough said!
infinite562 5 days ago
Is a dj someone who make music??? Like electro afrojack??? I have songs in my channel, someone think about my songs i sucks????
supermen133 5 days ago
When after you have done a set (whether at home, club, underage, or party) and an audience has heard you, and you receive positive comments. Now, everyone is a "DJ" yet none of them know the technical side to music. They listen to it for the DROP. DJ's listen to it for how it makes people feel, and what it would go well with.
To me its how you see and hear music, then express that feeling to an audience.
Thats my opinion on when you can call yourself a DJ.
DjT3kkaZ 1 week ago
5 years and 1000 comments later and they're still coming in :)
So here's mine:
A real DJ knows what tune to play next and how to play it.
longtone 1 week ago
not when he's using a friggin iPad
DistortedSoul2010 1 week ago
i hate the whole if you cant beat match by ear your not at dj thing . Well the only reason someone would say that is so they feel better when other djs are far more creative and do far better mixes with software. If you can entertain a crowd your a dj enough said.
willbarine 1 week ago 2
I'd classify someone as a dj when they can entertain an a crowd.
69MRBIGSEXY 1 week ago
I'd say when they have the skill to perform, before then i'd class it as "learning to DJ" like you would in any other music profession, owning a guitar doesn't make you a guitarist
hugjunkie 1 week ago
IMO a DJ is a Person who has the ability to Match two tracks on beat (By Ear since Music is A Hearing Art) and is able to mix them well enough to keep a rhythm or sequence going, One very important aspect of being a DJ to me is not only about your mixing skills....Is about your selection of Music and how you arrange your playlists because your playlist is affects the mood of the dancefloor, therefore it's important to have great Unique selection of music so you can have people dance all night :)
eddiemperor 1 week ago
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i dont classify my self as a dj i only got my equipment 3 days ago the only time i have been djing and producing my stuff is on the computer and still havent goten any gigs because i dont use a dj deck and have experience and i no my name has dj in it for people who will say ""well if you dont classify your self as a dj why do u have it in your name"" i think you can be classified as a dj when you have experiance and get some gigs
UGulatimategaming 2 weeks ago
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UGulatimategaming 2 weeks ago
I believe that they become a DJ when they buy the equipment. Doesn't mean that they're a 'good' DJ though.
photonicz 2 weeks ago
I think a person with equip is a dj when he or she can beatmatch without software :)
stepindub 2 weeks ago
However, now-a-days, the definition is widening, and technology is leading to great things, so really, I state a dj is a real dj when they start getting paycheck for it
TooColdKris 2 weeks ago
I "DJ" as a hobby DJ (hobbiest DJ - if thats a real term) myself, but don't consider myself an actual dj. I even make CD's fro friends and family who tell me they like it, but.... I think you can start calling your self a DJ once you start getting paychecks for being a DJ. Until then, your just practicing.
TooColdKris 2 weeks ago
Grand Master Flash started out mixing and scratch in his mom's kitchen. a DJs roll or skill set evolved as the technology evolved in the music industry. DJs job and function is to moved the crowd make them get up and dance. I think that DJs today can be classified under different categories and skill sets. Going from the Bedroom DJ, up to the Music Producer from the Turntablist to the guy who play Karaoke. They are all doing the same function, moving the crowd making people feel good.
jhenry248 3 weeks ago
I guess some of you are no older than 20/30 years old making these comments. DJs or the original term Disc Jockey was an individual who played music on a record disc or tape for an audience. It being on air or at parties. Even before the use of crossfadering 2 turntables and blending we have DJs. Like Robert Weston Smith, known commonly as Wolfman Jack or Frankie Crocker the Chief Rocker was a well known DJs who played records on one turntable introduced the song and artist between each record.
jhenry248 3 weeks ago
I have used every single piece of equipment out there on the market. DJ-ing vinyl were the best days because now anyone can buy the music I had to dig for and find. I had the skills and other people didn't...I now have more skills and other people have less skills and experience, but we both get the same work...well, I get paid in terms where i get to use the letter "g." The point is producing is the only way to get noticed in this market now. You can DJ and scratch on serato..I say so what?
maverickplabs 3 weeks ago
When you start producing and performing your own music...and no, I don't mean mash-ups and cutting up WAV files and rearranging them. I don't care if you can scratch the tick off the back of a cow, I'm not going to take you seriously unless you are actively working on production skills. Scratching/juggling is an analog form of sampling and playing with the sound of tracks...a producer would then record his performance and then build a track around that. master mixing, then master studio mixing
maverickplabs 3 weeks ago
a dj is a dj when they dj good thats what a dj is in my dj opinion dj
Graffitidur 3 weeks ago
Well in my opinion, EVERYBODY can be a dj if a a dj gig. but a real DJ it's just when it plays fore an audience....or in a disco. But it depends of what tip of DJ you are. If you're a Bedroom dj well it's just that, if you are a controloriste you have to be very good with your crossfader, and if you're a disco club DJ then you are a real dj. For the other side, there are very good DJ in the worl that just play in their home....and are very good
DJRype07 3 weeks ago
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Just because you buy all this equipment and invested alot of money doesn't mean you're a DJ, you gotta know how to use it, you gotta play with it what works for you what it can do for you. I once read a book that when you first start out as a DJ its like masterbating, you practice in the bedroom and if you mess up or think you did good , who is it that's gonna be happy or who is it that you're disappointing? yourself. and once you get that gig it is such a rush you'll wish it was never over
darthvenom100 3 weeks ago
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darthvenom100 3 weeks ago
dependign on your style, if you mix hip-hop then till you use scrath properly, if you do electronic, when you beatmatch properly and people dont realize when you change from a song to another, and you make the song bit different by using efects...thats my opinion
hugoluna95 3 weeks ago
When u master the art of beatmatchin now u just press a button called sync on a controller lol 😄
manuel5944 1 month ago
Once you create your Facebook fanpage, duh!
VllPER 1 month ago
stupid vidio, wtf?
Myosh03 1 month ago
a dj is a dj when they can scratch
justaniotheruser6789 1 month ago
im not a Dj, i will be a Dj when i learn to scratch better, i mix songs for fun.
SuperDjFoo 1 month ago
When they get their own style, when they know what people wants, when they know how to make people dance.... thats when they can call himself Djs :)
DjTitaniio 1 month ago
when they get a style and skills of there own and become original not fake
djyekas 1 month ago
I didn't call myself a dj till I had somebody else refer to me as a dj. I would tell people I was doing sound for parties, clubs, or events. I had people call me a dj and figured I would believe them, lol.
djsvain 1 month ago
when they mixs song properly and it sound good.
aaaaaaaaaaaadddd 1 month ago
self a dj when people start calling you a DJ. I have people come up to me and say " mate that night at toms ....amazeing, you are just mint, better than those DJ's in town " That to me makes me feel great but still i wouldent consider myself as a dj compared to other people I have seen ....
minersson 1 month ago 2
I think a DJ is classed as a DJ when there mixes are appreciated by people they havent met, some DJ's are good some DJ's arnt as good, sometimes we have our amazeing day's sometimes we have our "I HAVE JUST FORGOT EVERYTHING" day's. I personally wouldent consider myself as a DJ because I have only just started createing mixes that sound really decent. But I have played at house party's and people describe my mixes and tunes i create as "f*cking brillient". I think you can start calling yourse-
minersson 1 month ago
when they have an audience.
luciok 1 month ago
well i produce music and i dont calls myself as a music producer or a (insert genre) artist
right now im just playing around with vsts. au and things alike, building songs but when i get to song 100 then i in my own mind is a music producer or a (insert genre) artist
dudearlo 1 month ago
when you can perfect the art of beat matching !
DJXONE23 1 month ago
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When you perform DJing "Disco Jockey", as in when you take control of a disco, then you're the jockey of it. Every phrase has it's end, so i could be a DJ today, but not tomorrow...I just got my CJD/MDJ 350, hoping to be a DJ in the near future. A greater question for me would be; which videos of your 3054 videos should i watch first to get me on track of DJing properly!!
vahram86 1 month ago
When you perform DJing "Disco Jockey", as in when you take control of a disco, then you're the jockey of it. Every phrase has it's end, so i could be a DJ today, but not tomorrow...I just got my CJD/MDJ 350, hoping to be a DJ in the near future. A greater question for me would be; which videos of your 3054 videos should i watch first to get me on track of DJing properly!!
vahram86 1 month ago
A person should be classified as a dj, when the crowd says so. :)
flyketo 1 month ago
are you a dj?
RetroSpect06 1 month ago
@RetroSpect06 -_- you should think before you ask.
supersamster911 1 month ago
@supersamster911 see i did, and i had quite a traumatic experience determining my decisions from this lads collection of vids.
anyone smell mid life crisis?
also i know plenty of DJ's and 99.99% of them dont put up dopey ridiculous videos waffling flat out, also they can spell.
cheers for the reply supersamster911, but youre probably in that same category of generic douchebag wannabe's
RetroSpect06 1 month ago
I think you are a real DJ if you have had your first gig, for example in a club or lounge :-D
listen to Jakobe el loco at soundcloud :-D greetz
Hartmann16v 2 months ago
You are a DJ when you have the equipment. e.g 2 Turntables (cdj etc) and a mixer. skill doesn't matter, you would still be a DJ.
DJGCInDaMix 2 months ago
Being a "DJ" is the same as being a musician. And being a musician is as simple as practicing your craft. A person who picks up a guitar and strums on it a few times is still a musician, albeit a novice musician who most people would not pay to go see. The definition of being a DJ or not (musician or non-musician) depends on whether someone is actively practicing their skill
bakerisme 2 months ago
you are a dj when you first get kit digital turntable vynal when you plug it in and start you start that 1 track you are a dj
ALISTDJ 2 months ago
I'll never call myself a dj, I just like to play around with music for people ;)
Universal187 2 months ago 36
I think the minuet you want to be a DJ you ARE a DJ. Maybe not a good one right off but we all start somewhere. You are what you want to be and thats just how it is IMO. Being a DJ is more than just the decks n stuff... its a lifestyle. If you live the lifestyle and have decks or whatever you use to DJ even if your not good yet you are a DJ.
DavinoOfficial 2 months ago
who fucking cares
TekJoex 2 months ago
they are NOT a dj....because if you ask them to play infront of a crowd the answer would be a big fat no. Or if they say yes, it will end in humiliation. Hence, no u are not a DJ untill u have experience and the required knowledge.
dagonlord32002 2 months ago
@dagonlord32002 Actually,.you are a Deejay. What you have to distinguish between is whether you are a professional or amateur. At the end of the day,..who gives a shit. It's about playing music and enjoying yourself. There are so many important REAL issues in life and the World that the last thing I would worry about is whether a Deejay, (professional or not), messed up on a beat mix and it happens to the best, mistakes happen. Anybody can be a deejay and you don't need qualifications to be one.
Nunsweepit421 2 months ago
@Nunsweepit421
Christiano ronaldo is a soccer player. He plays soccer and so do I, but i am not a soccer player and he is. You can mix music and use DJ equipment, but you cannot title urself a DJ.
dagonlord32002 2 months ago
Many people are confusing DJs with producers... i know many producers are offended by this.. But producers often learn how to dj in order to play live sets...
hearv888 2 months ago
Wikipedia: A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience.
hearv888 2 months ago
haha screw what this guy says. I have a passion for music and I class myself as a dj because i practiced on virtual dj but when i get what i need i won't be using virtual dj. i think this guy is trolling the dj beginners.
killerinstinct555 2 months ago
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Ivantomasovic 2 months ago
taking silly request sucks.. haha ;) seriously :D
indyvinylz 2 months ago
the day they perform for an audience, they can be classified as dj's, even if you play a mix for your grandmother, she is listening to you play, and even if your terrible, you are mixing for her, therefore becoming the worlds worse dj for grannies, but still a dj...
SofosSostos 3 months ago 53
@SofosSostos This is the day you would beccome a dj, but the day you become a REAL dj I vote is when you can sit back and smile at your own creation. When your actually happy with what you made, even if noone else approves. It is an art form and even if your the only one enjoying it if you truly love your production I would consider you a dj.
That goes for art, writing, anything. If but a single person is satisfied by the product and the product alone you have reached the start of success.
XaXtXa 5 days ago
When you have great people skills, you have experience, you have a good speech, when you have a passion for being a DJ, learn off videos [ellaskins, directsound, briansredd, etc], and know how to promote yourself.
DJAndrew46750 3 months ago
To dizzy67: By the end of 2011 I will have made approximately 30,000 USD by DJing alone. Yesterday I made $1000.00 DJing two events. Is THAT a "proper enough job?" As in any profession, a proper living can be made if you passionate AND good at what you do.
DJGilKeo 3 months ago
@DJGilKeo What a hero you are. No one care how much money you've earnt you helmet.
gravitythedon 3 months ago
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@gravitythedon - WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? My response was to the post "When is a person a proper DJ? When they are so unemployable that they can't get a proper job?" It was meant to show that DJing can be a "proper job" and make good enough money to survive, NOT to brag about what I've made. If you are not mature enough to see that, well, that is just plain sad. Oh, and your spelling and punctuation is atrocious!
DJGilKeo 2 months ago
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A professional DJ/Entertainer understands that they are playing to entertain their audience not to show off their mixing,scratching, or beat matching skills. The only people impressed by those particular skills are other DJs. Clients are impressed by a professional manor & the fact that you have practiced your craft to the degree necessary to ensure everyone will have a good time listening to good music. I wish you all success in your DJing Businesses!
DJGilKeo 3 months ago
A professional DJ/Entertainer understands that they are playing to entertain their audience not to show off their mixing,scratching, or beat matching skills. The only people impressed by those particular skills are other DJs. Clients are impressed by a professional manor & the fact that you have practiced your craft to the degree necessary to ensure everyone will have a good time listening to good music. I wish you all success in your DJing Businesses!
DJGilKeo 3 months ago
A "PROFESSIONAL DJ" is one that mixes music, can beat match, has enough knoweledge of different genres of music so as to entertain cross generationally, has "professional" grade equipment & insurance, & knows how to read a crowd so as to keep them on the floor song after song. But more important that all of the above, he or she knows how to connect with the crowd thru personality, mic use and music selection. A pro plays for the crowd and TO them, NOT for themselves.
DJGilKeo 3 months ago
I've not real ALL the comments, however no one yet has discussed the REAL definition of the term-A disc jockey, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience, regardless of the medium. I have been performing in front of audiences for ten years. During that time I have met many individuals w/equipment who "call themselves" DJs. And by the definition, they are. I think the better question is: When can a person be called a "PROFESSIONAL" DJ. That is not something as easily done.
DJGilKeo 3 months ago
First off I am Not a DJ But i think it be good to Classify a Person as a DJ when he or she makes a Mix of music on several CD'S (like i have) and Listens to them at the gig that He or She is attending I think that is what i would Consitter a Person to me a DJ is just Making a Whole lotta Mixes on Discs and ALSO paying attention to You and to You dizzy67 Than i must be a "REAL DJ" for I am Unemployed and Guess what I LOVE IT To all my "REAL DJ" Brothers out there Peace and Love Sayonara Thanks!
Odea1000 3 months ago
When is a person a proper DJ? When they are so unemployable that they can't get a proper job?...
dizzy67 3 months ago
I want to be a dj, and i only have a hercules dj mix, and it isn't mine, because i can't buy any mixtable, that says that i'm not a dj? i have practised a lot but i haven't got the oportunity to develop my skills as i want... not everyone could became a dj, but not everyone could say that are dj's just to have a mixtable!
megamojon 4 months ago
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These days you just need tits. Unfortunately.
bakernator08 4 months ago
i agree with astyle 100 % ya need to need experience to get the need to perform at your top every time it becomes competitive not just with other djs but also with yourself in my case ayway.
doobytime 4 months ago
I think your a DJ when you care more about giving a good performance whether that be at a wedding, club, or any kind of party rather than worrying about how much money your making... If you try your best to be your own performer than you are a DJ and that applies to anything in life.
AStyleProductions 4 months ago
The second you receive money or even food & beverages, or barter. You're a real DJ. Some are better than others, some get better over time with experiences. I think I'm a real DJ because I know what to play & when to play it. I know when to say " sorry, I don't have that song", even though I do have! .
crazybobdj 4 months ago
joedj01 4 months ago
Your not a DJ unless you can scratch... End of... Turntablist's are the real deal... Not that hard to beat match let's be honest but crabbing the fader and true vinyl manipulation is the key to being a true craftsman on the decks....
djhailon 4 months ago
*year
Da5htElement 4 months ago
when they got some exp. , well ... you can buy some stuff, but a dj has to know how to use this stuff . im producing, im mixing for a half of a jear and im not saying im a dj, because have to collect some more skills. thats my opinion.
Da5htElement 4 months ago
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when you have passion for djing
jdocey 4 months ago
I think a person is a real dj when they have an understanding of the art of mixing, you dont just buy the equipment and know everything. Once a person has an understanding of all the basics of being a dj like counting bpm, undertsanding what music genres suit each other etc i think thats when your a what you wud say real dj, but there are different levels of djing.
ScottCoulterSk8 4 months ago 2
there is no "when is a DJ a real DJ" fullstop
Gosu85 5 months ago
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thumps up if you dont read those comments because they loooooooooong!!
Listen4Free 5 months ago
dj = poo hahah
condawg94 5 months ago
A dj is a real dj when they can transition between songs smoothly between 2 different tracks using whatever software/hardware they want. Long as it sounds like the songs go together your golden. The other tricks with effects, cut-ins, drops, etc are an artform and are practiced by any dj's style.
It is almost like defining an artist. Some use crayons, some use oil based paints, some use charcoal... they are all artists with their own style and they know how to use them regardless the preference.
rrutter81 5 months ago 2
When you get paid. That's pretty much a good measure if you're actually meant to be a DJ or not. But if you play in your bedroom like me, who gives a fuck what i am i love playing around with this shit.
stepsinit 5 months ago 2
you are a dj when you can use a turntable, make your own tracks and know what kind of music people like, cause if you can't do does 3 things you just suck as a dj;)
peace
BaZeBrotherZ 5 months ago
Part 2 of 1st Comment----------> 2 KNOW UR HISTORY ON THIS SHIT, OTHER WISE THERE IS NO LOVE IN IT!!!!! SO IF U CAN WALK IN FRONT OF PEOPLE WIT UR SET UP WITH CRATES FULL OF RECORDS, IF U CAN JUMP IN AT ANY TIME & HAVE NO PROBLEM USING RECORDS, WELL THEN U WELL EARNED UR DJ TITLE!!!!! BULLSHIT ASIDE, I FUK WIT SERATO, SO I "DO NOT" CONSIDER MYSELF AS A DJ CUZ I ONLY CARRY 2 RECORDS & A LAPTOP WIT FEW RECORDS THAT I NEVER USE!!!! IS MY PERSONAL OPINION WRONG? GET @ ME!!!!
troubleTGB 5 months ago
@troubleTGB & FOR ALL U SMART ASS'S, WHEN I SAID "I ONLY CARRY 2 RECORDS & A LAPTOP WIT FEW RECORDS" I MENT (SERATO) AS 2 RECORDS!!!!!!
troubleTGB 5 months ago
!AINT THIS SOME SHIT! SO ALL U SO CALLED DJ'S R TELLIN ME, THAT ALL I GOT 2 DO IS BURN CD'S "THAT GETS PEEPS MOVIN" & IM OFFICIALLY A DJ!! I CAN SIT & CHANGE SONGS ON MY ITUNES, & IM A DJ! U GUYS R SOME FOOL'S!! !!HAVE U ALL FORGOT DJ IS SHORT FOR "DISK JOCKEY"!! MY PERSONAL OPINION ON THE ? IS... ANYBODY WHO WALKS UP 2 A GIG "WITH" CRATES FULL OF RECORDS... IS A TRU DJ! ANYBODY WHO HAS NO PROBLEM USING RECORDS AT ANYTIME IS A DJ!!! NOW IM NOT SAYN U GUY ARENT DJ'S, U GUYS JUST NEED---------->
troubleTGB 5 months ago
I often wonder this myself - I am an Up and Coming DJ - I do radio and I mix music on the side - Ive been doing it for almost 5 months; yet I havent given myself that "DJ" label - I think to be an actual DJ, you need the skill to back it up - Im not talking about mixing, but knowing what and when to play the right music, how to set the modes and control the atmosphere
KAtotheT 5 months ago
i believe you're a dj when not only you know the tricks and stuff but you appreciate music itself and you know how to take some form of control over them (not just to make people dance) and once deejaying becomes just part of your life.
Brianlee315 5 months ago
If a guy plays, (with turntables, cd's laptop, or what else) a good set...gets a good atmosphere and he gets me dancing...i think he is a good dj, no matter what he uses....
010totheteind 5 months ago
There is definite answer to pretty much anything is this world.
If the person can satisfy the crowd then hes a DJ.
If he can satisfy himself in his bedroom then hes a bedroom DJ
bigdima3 6 months ago
when they get hired to be one
chilly2829 6 months ago
@chilly2829 So you're saying just because someone gets hired for that person saying he/she is a dj they are? EAVEN though they do not know what they are doing?
Fexxx92 6 months ago
@Fexxx92 well ye, because then their occupation is a DJ, whether they're good or not, that's their job
chilly2829 6 months ago
@chilly2829 Ok i see how you mean but I don't think a person is a DJ until they got some knowledge about it and actually know what they are doing!
Fexxx92 5 months ago
when u blast out a set that blends well and u dont fuck up . Or theres other DJing skills . I have mixed tunes for years but am now bored of it and make mashups . Instead of mixing for 10 secs so to speak for the new track to run in I mix for 5 mins making a whole new track . Still DJing in my eyes but on another level . Then u can always mix together your own tracks A DOUBLE DJ ha ha ..
hit me up for 630+ mashups in just under 3 years PEACE now thats some DJing :)
ohhhREALY 6 months ago
my opinion is this: You have to really understand what genre of music you are djing. For example, you can't just go to a rave one day to hear trance for the first time then decide to go out and buy a dj set and then start spinning in a few months. It takes YEARS of passion for the music to truly understand it. You've got to be addicted to the music for a very long time similar to a 15 year smoker who smokes a pack a day. That's when u can get some turntable skills and call urself a DJ.
ACIDOCEAN1 6 months ago
I think a dj is someone who understands his genre of music really well along with knowing how to put it together really well into a set. If you play shitty tracks it doesn't matter how good you play the set. If you play really good tracks but cant put it together too well without being unique in creativity than u will fail.
ACIDOCEAN1 6 months ago
DJ ing takes no skill lol try and they the guitar you numptys
dazzerman12 6 months ago
@dazzerman12 spoken like a true idiot...
mikewhitford 6 months ago
@dazzerman12 ok, well then lets see you go buy a set and see if you can get signed to a label within a day. it takes so much work too memorize timing of songs and the way to mix them.
xVaPeZzxHD 6 months ago
@dazzerman12 - what a chump. That's why top dj's these days take home 50k plus per 2 gig....
I dj and play guitar, neither is easy and both take a shitload of practise and experience before you can do your thing in public, much less get paid for it.
As for autosync etc, if you know how to dj properly (you have beatmatching down, understand how to EQ, you aim for a quality sound etc) then you can use any of the amazing 'toys' available currently without shame.
If not buy some Technics 1st..
djdanhealy 5 months ago
i think a real DJ knows that he can do it always better, a real dj always tries to reach the highest level,
DJprotune 6 months ago
i think that a dj is a real dj once they've earned some experience and can mix a decent set...and what i mean by "decent" is not just crossfading between songs i mean by beat matching etc. also i think a dj is a real dj once they've released a song, whether its an original track , a remix, a mashup, whatever... my opinion just... thumbs up if you agree.
MCrilly08 6 months ago
You become a Real DJ at birth it's something inbred into every DJ it's the internal rythm and beat inside of us that makes us become a DJ the only way youll ever be good at DJing is if you love music more then anything else in the world and practice every chance you get and like I said some are meant for it some aren't as with all things in life.
jaydizzle829 6 months ago
When is a dj not a real dj?
OatyReading 6 months ago
Bit of a daft question really. It is a bit like saying when is a producer a producer? Do you not produce in order to be a producer? Or do you become a producer in order to produce.
MrGarylick 6 months ago
It is just like leaning an instrument. I have been a drummer for 25 years and a basement DJ for about 1 year. I believe it all depends on the crowd you play for.I did a gig when I was 15 playing drums for some elementary kids.we were Rockstars to them! I am sure at that point if we opened for a touring band we would be kicked off the stage. now I can do that sort of gig with no issue. The point is back than i was a Drummer and now I am a Drummer. When you do your first gig. You are a DJ!!!!!
mikec4275 6 months ago
My stance is there is no black and white definition of what makes someone a "real" DJ.
VoyageOne1 6 months ago
when i can keep the crowd jumping and dancing then i am a semi DJ , because DJ ing isn't about that all ... i must have my own moves and style that make me recognized
hacker19891989 6 months ago
When someone knows how to mix and actually publish it! :D
AndVarg 6 months ago
a person is a DJ when they can make a mix!
MrHuglz 7 months ago
I think a DJ is some one who is able to mix music at will and do it well. when a person can mix music seamlessly because of their skills.
anubis520 7 months ago
Your a DJ if people are listening. period.
tragictheory 7 months ago
@tragictheory excuse me. *you're*
tragictheory 7 months ago
after practice and they know how to beatmatch, drop, juggle and maybe a little bit of scratching and then have a few gigs then they can call themselves a dj
dalesproductions654 7 months ago
I like this question. But I think we are all looking too much at what a DJ has bought or the type of music he plays or whatever. A DJ is an artist. One who's masterpiece arises from "moving people". Whether you physically make people dance, or your moving their soul in some sort of way. That's when ur a dj. You have the ability to make people reminisce or just "control" them in some way. A master orchestrator maybe... Creating a story every time he spins or pushes buttons.
2smoovedeejays 7 months ago 2
You know when someone is a "real" dj, when they have a passion for it. Bad dj, good dj,"get the dancefloor wild" dj, tech dj, pro dj etc. Regardless what kind of dj and regardless of the equipment used, if they have a passion for what they do with the music he or she is a "real" dj.
Catalyst8D 7 months ago 34
you will no wen your a (REAL) dj wen your as drunk and fleein as you can possibly get without falling over and you still manage to throw together a 3 hour set. and at the end of it all you get the nod of approval from everyone at the rave !! :D
LaTeNaTe92 7 months ago
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LaTeNaTe92 7 months ago
your a dj when you have pro mixers and you have good skill and you at least done few gigs ........you got to earn the word dj to be a dj
corfox011 7 months ago
If you play music for a group of people, and they enjoy dancing to the music you're playing, you're a DJ. Regardless if you're getting paid or not, you're still a DJ, regardless if you're TOP SKILLED or LOW SKILLED, if you play music, TAKE REQUESTS, then you're a DJ. Some people think they're a DJ cause they have the best equipment -FAIL! Some people think they're a DJ cause they use Vinyl -FAIL! I can rock a party with some 45's and a portable Victrola! Gotta know what to play!
avp0713 7 months ago 18
Once they've created an itunes playlist.
falconer333 7 months ago 2
i feel once that person that has the ambition to become a dj starts to understand a little about music theory and the basic to complex structures of music and is able to show some kind of progress that he or she is practicing and pushing to be better then you are a dj, but when you star out your a dj at heart depending on how passionate they are about it. even if its just a hobbie, passion drives hobbies.
ToXiCiTy
levishock2001 7 months ago
@alain532 Hey, you stole my name!!! xD
alain026 7 months ago
A dj is a dj when he or she is doing it for a living, ie paid regular work, then you become a professional dj regardless of how good you are or not because your are doing it for a living you add the title professional.
People dont realise the logic behind being a dj, after a while you gain enough experience to look at somebodys dress sense, age and manerism and you know what music types they like, a bit like a psycologist.
SP330Y 7 months ago
@SP330Y Then most Dj's arent really dj's.
Homersimpsonsfanful 7 months ago
the "DJ" thing is when you:
1. get a random crowed to party
2. dig unknown/unheard music which kicks the specific partycrowed's asses, anyway ("anyway", even if they dont know the tunes from the m*f*n charts...)
its like a good "photographer"... HE or SHE takes "good" photos, not the camera.
dear mate, this is a very serious topic in todays musicology studies... i once had a presentation about - "performance" in laptopmusic? -
;) "ahhyeah, the dj is checking his mails up there..." xD tc
FieserBauer 7 months ago
not only then skills but also to understand yhe line of music that as been played,if de people are having fun with thath type of music try stay on the level,understand what the audience want, ....it`s preferable thath something goes not so perfect unstead of a dj who just put`s is set no metter what,thath is memorise in is head....but than again takes a lot ofpractice and experience in ront of an audience
Mrkillerlies 7 months ago
A Dj is who knows what to play and how to play no matter how many people likes his work, no matter of the equipment, no matter the genre, but!! i think it matters the harmonies, it matters the smoothness and of course.. it matters the knowledge
HectorOnly 8 months ago
I have had my equipment 7 months. i think your a DJ when you have allot of experiance and when you play for ppl and you and the crowd is having the time of your life and feel the music. if you get what i'm saying..i can't explain it how i want i'm sorry. :( i still don't consider myself a real Dj yet.
MrKtiger 8 months ago
To me anybody can be a dj and their are to many djs an most suck,.knowing how to blend bpm and making a continous sound,switching, understanding beats and music is important,If you want to know in my opinion the djs that are making the turntable a musical instrument are the turntablist,they are actually making a new sound and making a different sound from what is put on the record,manpulating that is pushing the turntable to new levels.Though I respect all forms of dj styles.
onetimepeace 8 months ago
@Thezigzagsmoke no. It doesn't, its a game. Like guitar hero, but u don't have to learn anything
jack90720 8 months ago
I had technics when i was 15 -20 i havent mixed in years and just started using traktor, i still got it baby!
TheZigzagSmoke 8 months ago
I have DJ hero , am i one?
TheZigzagSmoke 8 months ago
I never classed myself as a DJ when i bought my 1210's 15yrs ago and with another few years past, i still don't. I have played sets for people both private, illegal and organised and to this day just consider myself a brother to music. Its the one thing in this world that can unite everyone in beat.
Empathy78 8 months ago
@Empathy78 Amen to that bro.
MrKtiger 8 months ago
When you're getting paid to play music for people to party to. Before then, it's just a hobby.
bgfeener 8 months ago
Mixed harmonics, mashups, switching tempos smoothly, knowing your music and being able to please the crowd? Beatmatching is simply the beginning. Some audio knowledge is also critical I think.
emericacore 8 months ago
there is a crowd which is mainly dancing because of the beat/genre/type of sound and there is a crowd which is dancing because you played the right song. so, in my mind is a scene from my early dj-days when i played a track from local hiphop band and suddenly all my mixer and cds power died. the crowd was standing in the dark, singing the rest of track I choosed to play. i remembered the goosepimples i had. and my fact is, i can tell you this story because i am a dj. Cheers
VHSler 8 months ago
..it actually takes a lot to be known as a DJ,you have to know and understand and accept all types of music, from bob Dylan Elvis to Akon when a person looks at you in one glance he know you are a DJ...not be cos the way you dress of act...its just written on you forehead. the years of spinning ...one more thing,,,,no ego.
djkayakalpa 8 months ago
..it actually takes a lot to be known as a Dj,you have to know and understand and accept all types of music, from bob Dylan Elvis to Akon when a person looks at you in one glance he know you are a Dj...not be cos the way you dress of act...its just written on you forehead. the years of spinning ...one more thing,,,,no ego.
djkayakalpa 8 months ago
when you can successfully transition (i.e. smooth changes that are difficult to notice) between songs when playing a live set (not a pre-made one)
z3289417 9 months ago
I think a person is a proper DJ when they have the experience.
Having the material is not enough , and not having turntables and mixers does not mean the person can not be classified as a DJ . I for myself know many people who are DJs professionally but don´t have equipment at home.
opedroefeio 9 months ago
a real dj is a person that has the skill to beat match and blend. selection has zip to do with it. no matter what my preference or n e one else is, if you can use your gear and your chunes you R A DJ.
djusel 9 months ago
I cant remember who said this, but I would like to quote "Learn to SPIN!! just because yo bought yourself two ipods and a mixer does not make you a dj, if you cant carry a couple of crates to a gig, you aint a dj, you just an enthusiast".
mmarus 9 months ago
You´re a Dj when you have made it!!
Cetokx 9 months ago
Holy sh1t what a question. You can call yourself a dj when a dj you respect comes up to you and hands you a promo record to play in your set. Or when you play in Detroit and you don't get your ass kicked by the other dj's for making a joke over something as serious as being up in front of a bunch of people behind a sound system that cost someone a lot of money and either making the weekend one to remember or ruining the night.
detroitologist 9 months ago
you are a dj as soon as u have a name for your self in the night club industry
DSKTRL 9 months ago
In my opinion you know u are a DJ when you know what you do...you know how to go from slow house music up to trance or somethin like that...you know what people lile and how to turn them up,and when you have various mixes and feel the music in you ready to deliver it to the audience
s4njosesh4rk 9 months ago
When a someone feels the beat and just knows what do next, it's a feeling. Nobody can tell but the dj himself
MrRmiXXX 9 months ago 26
Cool stuff. Labelling things is my fave. Please be more elitist. Better question: why give a shit?
ctiebs 9 months ago
In my opinion, real DJ is the DJ who knows how to build up the best atmospere into a place and make everybody want to dance and have fun. This person, that takes a look of the people in the dancefloor and understands what do the want to listen. That he has good enought skills and plays because he likes it, not because of the money NO MATTER what he uses (turntables, Laptops, CDJs), NO MATTER how he does it (with autosync, manual, with BPM lock). No matter how many years he has played.Do u agree?
eNeRGySers 9 months ago 92