Many DJs start their journey on a laptop, but there was a time when you needed a pair of decks to get going. Now that all DJs are at least a little computer savvy, new software is constantly flooding our field of vision. Next time you find yourself getting pestered for the update, take a step back and remind yourself what DJ software is actually for.
DJ software helps you prepare your set
As they are, music files stored on a computer or thumb drive aren’t immediately suitable for DJing. DJs have to analyze and organize their music before a set so they can add necessary info, prepare hotcue points, correct any erroneous warp markers and organize it into playlists. As a DJ, your software facilitates all of this by analyzing the key of the songs, chopping them into beatgrids and cue points, assuming loops points for live remixing and more.
DJ software is a performance tool
DJing has become way more than prepping your set and hitting play. Watch how some of the pros do it. There’s an art to it. And while you may never be QBert when it comes to scratching, there’s a lot you can do to bring live performance energy to your set. To perform, you’ll need a controller with faders, jogwheels and performance pads. Then, you’ll need to take some kind of Advanced DJ Course to level up your skills (seriously tho).
DJ software is there to make life easier
Which program should you use? Ayyy, the eternal question. Short answer: whichever one integrates most easily with your existing gear and feels the most right. All DJ software has some type of trial version, so you’ll be able to play around with it. Serato and Traktor are among the more popular because they’re widely supported on iOS and look cool, but don’t throw out Virtual DJ, Ableton Live, Rekordbox and Engine DJ. But through it all, try to keep things simple and easy. It’s about playing music and ultimately not about much else.
Whatever you choose, it’s all about how you use it to perform live as a DJ. There are endless tricks and tactics for stoking the crowd. Learn them all. Even better, learn them from a pro. Our three-part Advanced DJ Course takes you on a tour of stuff like the math of mixing, scratching, one-deck mixing and more.