Right now, it’s as if someone has turned the global economy upside down and is shaking it just to see what falls out. The arts are usually first in line when budget cuts come rolling around, so it’s not surprising that many of us have shrugged at the idea of being a professional DJ in lockdown times. But here’s why it makes sense.
Produce your own music
It really can now pay to own intellectual property. But having a DJ hobby is a little different to making software or online courses. You don’t actually own the beats, and it’s likely that trying to sell your DJ mixes is gonna end badly for you when the rights holders find out. So if you’re serious about DJing, it’s time to start producing your own music.
Do more live shows
You’re going to want to capitalize on people’s boredom, even in an age of infinite entertainment. There’s currently nothing cooler than seeing some stuff happening live online, especially when you get to be involved. Gaming has the lion’s share of live streaming, but DJing is up there. Get a Twitch account for DJing (or Restream, for multiple platforms) and start sharing your skill as a DJ with a few random strangers. Keep showing up. You will get followers. Make it visually interesting.
Offer video content
DJ Courses Online has been offering tutorial DJ courses for years now. It’s obviously better following a paid, professional coach than someone who’s learning on the job. But you have a shot at a following, too. Start a YouTube channel where you share your knowledge with a specific audience. It could be in your home language. It could be software-specific. The aim is to find the others, and the method is by being really specific and continuing to show up with something of value.
OK, a confession: all of the above advice could apply to any profession, not just DJing. Online content is still new, and most of us aren’t quite convinced enough in its staying power to trust it yet. But the multiverse of YouTube channels, Facebook pages and Twitch live streams is here to stay. Start sowing your seeds by sharing your passion for DJing and giving something of value to the community. Even if it’s just a friendly face.