Learn the art of turntable DJing

Turntable DJs are always in. People just love seeing a DJ whip a record out of a bag. And now, with the rise of automated AI DJs, knowing how to DJ using turntables is a good way to niche down. In the coming days, all DJs are gonna need to double down on their in-person and branding skills to keep ahead of AI. One way to do that is by spinning vinyl, or by using Scratch Live to DJ with the best of both vinyl and software. So let’s take a trip into the basics of how to spin vinyl and create a killer mix that will get the crowd moving. 

Turntable and mixer setup

Make sure your turntables are level and stable. After you’ve attached the cartridge and stylus to the tonearm, adjust the tracking force and anti-skate. Connect the turntables to the mixer using RCA cables. Voila! Now, cue up your first track. Find the beginning of each track by looking at the grooves on the record and listen to the beat to find the starting point. Use the cue button on the mixer to set a cue point at the beginning of the track. Check out this nice intro setup video.

Learn beatmatching 

No auto-sync? Ouch. But you’ll get the hang of mixing vinyl quickly enough, and the required focus really shows when you’re DJing. Play the first track and use the pitch control to adjust the tempo until it matches the beat of the second track. Use the jog wheel to nudge the track forward or backward to line up the beats. Use the crossfader on the mixer to blend the two tracks together smoothly. 

Learn scratching

If you want to add some spice to your mix, try scratching. Pick one deck to use as your scratch deck while the other one is playing. Lick your fingers (kinda gross, but effective!). Then move the record back and forth while using the fader to cut the sound in and out. Scratching can add a dynamic element to your mix and create a unique sound. But don’t overdo it! Here’s a nice video which shows 15 levels of turntable DJing.

So, there you have it, folks. The basics of DJing using turntables. Now it's time to get out there and show off your skills. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. DJing is all about creativity and having fun. Whether you're spinning at a house party or a club, remember to keep the energy up and the crowd moving. We’ve got an online course specifically for DJing using turntables, where you learn backspins, filter scratching, beat scratching and more. Good luck, and happy spinning!

How DJs can avoid getting replaced by AI

Streaming services are kinda starting to eat the lunch of many would-be DJs. Spotify’s AI-powered DJ service will build a custom playlist and even talk about the metadata over the top of it. Sure, nobody wants a robot blabbing over their favorite song, but event organizers always want one thing: a cheaper option. Fully automated DJs now have a foothold in the industry. As a professional DJ, here’s how you can stay ahead of the game. 

Embrace the changes

Artists, musicians, writers and now DJs have to make a choice. Stand their ground and compete with AI solutions, or start using them to take their production to the next level. The successful DJs of the future are those who are already learning to use streaming services to their advantage. The trick is to combine the power of AI search and recommendation with your knowledge of what makes a good party soundtrack. Don’t fight it, use it.

Take your DJ set ‘offroad’

Anyone and everyone with a laptop and an internet connection is soon going to be calling themselves a DJ. But you can tell the difference between a set of carefully selected tracks and a set of approved autoplay suggestions. As a DJ, you have the power to make songs popular, and not just pick popular songs. Hit the nearest DJ pool. Start rebuilding your set to prioritize rare cuts and edits, remixed versions and even originals. Basically, to stay ahead, you’ll need to build your reputation on playing those types of tracks which aren’t easily available on streaming services. 

Look good while playing

Visuals, visuals, visuals. You have to look like a DJ and match people’s expectations of how DJs behave while playing. While on stage modern festival DJs are mostly figureheads for a spectacular light show. People haven’t needed a human being to play music since the invention of the wax cylinder. Allow more music selection to be handled by AI and get busy building that light show. 

Make no mistake. Music streaming services are a total win for DJs. Very few artforms have evolved further from their roots than DJing, which always leaps along with new technology. Embrace it, but do avoid the temptation to be lazy. You still need to curate your set. You need to learn what types of tracks Spotify is gonna suggest so that you can decide how much to lean on them. Keep learning and growing. And hey, check out the free sample content in the DJ Courses Online catalog to see which one suits you best this month.

DJ streaming services to use in 2023

We all know that the days of carrying CDs or vinyls around are gone. But now, so are the days of carrying flash drives. Theoretically. Streaming services like Soundcloud, Deezer and Tidal allow DJs to download and stream music in most DJ software on demand. But streaming services still have a lot to prove before you can trust them with your DJ career. Here’s some stuff to chew on while you decide whether you’re gonna continue with the old school way of DJing (with flash drives or CDs). 

The newcomer mentality

What do you look for in a streaming service? Cost is the major factor, of course. For a monthly subscription, you can now have access to millions of songs in the booth. So why have older DJs generally been so slow on the uptake? Surely it’s awesome to open VirtualDJ or Serato and simply search for a track instead of having to make predictions about what the crowd will want during your set prep? Buying music files and loading them onto a flash drive must seem nuts to newbie DJs, right?

Barriers to entry

The main reason streaming isn’t already the default mode of DJing is the fact that you need the internet. Public wifi and mobile data are spotty at best. Some services allow you to cache (pre-download) tracks, meaning that you can get them all on your device before the people even arrive. But Don’t gamble with real-time streaming, especially if downloads are happening one track at a time. At the very least, you should have a flash drive with all your tunes for the night. 

The age of exploration

When the cost of acquiring and playing new music is so cheap, DJs are incentivized to explore and get out of their standard genre. For example, you might have been a techno DJ. But now, at no extra cost, you’re able to start mixing deep house or hip hop. DJs will increasingly become seen as versatile as in-app streaming becomes more mainstream. Here’s a good guide to help you understand how it all works. 

Things take time. Soundcloud, Deezer, Tidal and others have been offering streaming services to DJs for about 10 years. But the real world is always playing catch-up with new tech. It appears that streaming is officially coming of age, and that 2023 will be the year that most DJs make the switch. While you’re considering making the switch, consider checking out the free intro video to the DJ Courses Online DJ Techniques Course.

3 things you didn’t know about Ultra Music Festival

If music festivals were DJs, Ultra Music Festival would be headlining. The popularity of UMF has resulted in controversy, stamped its name onto EDM culture and expanded globally into countries like South Korea, Brazil and Japan. Maybe the mainstream stuff isn’t for everyone - we’ve all had a taste of how cool the smaller festivals can be - but you gotta admit, Ultra is an experience! Here are a few other things you might not know about UMF.

Ultra showcases visual arts

The festival has won multiple awards and has been recognized for its production value and innovative use of technology in its staging and lighting design. In addition to live performances, the festival also features art installations and interactive experiences, making it a multi-sensory event. There’s a whole section on the artists and their work on the official UMF website. 

The Resistance stage

The festival has a dedicated "Resistance" stage, which focuses on techno and underground electronic music. With its focus on high-energy and forward-thinking music, the Resistance stage has become a staple of the Ultra Music Festival experience, offering festival-goers the chance to discover new music and immerse themselves in cutting-edge sounds and visuals. Speaking of underground DJing, have you checked out the free content for the DJ Courses Online DJ Basics course?

Ups and downs

The festival has faced controversy and opposition in the past, particularly over its noise levels and the large crowds it attracts. The festival has had notable cancellations in the past, such as in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2018 when it was forced to move from its original location in Miami's Bayfront Park to a new location on the island of Virginia Key.

Ultra Music Festival is simply the best. The crowds, the people and the overall brand offering is the stuff of dreams for DJs. To play at Ultra is a career-making move. Whichever festival you’re aiming to play, the key is to find a festival that matches your style and skills. Wherever you go, you’ll need help getting there. Consider checking out the free sample content from the catalog of DJ Courses Online programs.

Top performing social media video ideas for DJs

When it comes to music, video is king. No doubt about it. But DJs have a problem. We play copyrighted music. This makes it difficult for us to share our lives with followers on social media, where the copyright police are always ready to knock down your door with a warrant. So here are a few ideas for video content that doesn’t get you flagged. 

DJs get to be in swish places

When it comes to entertainment, there’s a lot of spare money flowing around. As a DJ, you get to be in places that have fancy production value which looks good on video. Own it. Next time you’re standing next to a chocolate fountain, do a quick ‘before-the-scenes’ vid for your followers where you’re having a taste. Catch shots of other artists performing at the events you attend. Comment on the whole scene with a behind-the-scenes feel to give followers a sense of what it might be like being super rich. People love that. 

Showcase the gear

Your gear is an extension of yourself as a DJ. You know it well, and most people following you want to find out more about how you use it. Even the simplest stuff works. Showing off how to transition using the filter knob will blow some people’s minds, especially if you accompany it with some corny caption. Gear helps to attract tech heads and the type of in-depth interaction that the algorithm will reward you for. 

DJ rants (but only in moderation)

You got shafted by a promoter. The gig got canceled. Someone is harassing you in the booth. This type of stuff is negative, but it does shine a light on the type of stuff DJs have to put up with. It’s worth sharing, but keep these types of posts minimal. You’re there to entertain people, and indignant, entitled rants get old real quick. If you’re able to stay cool during the chaos, even better. Your followers look to you to be the chill one. Negative events can actually be a gift. 

Getting serious about daily social media? Better get comfortable with pointing a camera in your face. The top performing posts always include some kind of eye contact. And always remember: they’re there to be entertained. Exaggerating your personality wins social media. You’ve got this. Get a few more tips from our DJ Career Tips course, and keep your camera rolling!

What does DJ library software do?

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.

3 predictions for DJing in 2023

Yikes! 2023 already? Holy smokes, dust off the decks. A new year of exciting developments awaits. Seriously tho, now is a good time to get into DJing. You’re not limited by actually collecting MP3 files. There’s an audience waiting for anyone who has a decent camera and free time in the evenings. Things are looking good! Here are three things to expect this year. 

VR and virtual entertainment

VR concerts are here. In January 2023, the Calvin Harris Experience premiered on TikTok, streaming a dance music experience for Pico VR headsets backed by one of the biggest names in the industry. With the current state of live show visuals at the biggest music festivals, we’re already halfway there. It’s already normal seeing a single figure on a huge stage surrounded by mind-blowing visuals. Who wouldn’t want to experience that at home as a sort of electronic music MMORPG? 

Fresh AI tools for DJs

Neural nets, machine learning and AI are quickly changing the way we produce and perform electronic music. Expect more sophisticated beat grid mapping, even more intelligent recommendations per song, automatic stem separation, unforeseen edits to song arrangements and more. Basically, expect the machine to do more of the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun stuff!

The rise of home DJing

Livestreaming has taught us that at least some people want the DJ experience without the sweat and the crowds. The home DJ rig has been leveled up multiple times already, and we can expect the trend of high-end gear to continue to make its way into the homes (particularly camera and lighting rigs). Being a home DJ with a greenscreen, good lighting and a habit of engaging the audience is pretty much a career now. 

Technology will continue to leap forward in 2023, but let’s not forget the humanity in the equation. There is no DJ without the people. The people are the heart of it all. As DJs, we tend to focus on gear. As the new year opens up, let’s not forget what it’s all for. There are a load of services offering DJ courses and DJ training, but ultimately it’s about the instructors themselves. Check out the quick promo vid for the How To DJ Masterclass by DJ TLM and consider signing up for a month.

Switching from DJ controllers to CDJs

Thinking of making the switch from laptop to CDJs? After all, your favorite festival videos generally show DJs using a set of decks instead of just a laptop on its own. It’s a big moment for upcomers on their path to professional DJing. But the two styles do have a few differences. Here’s what to expect when making the switch.

CDJs are more expensive

CDJs are generally more expensive than DJ controllers. While there are some budget-friendly CDJ options available, most professional models will set you back a few hundred dollars more than their controller counterparts. DJing gigs generally pay better than most other types of freelance work, but clients demand that you play the part of a DJ - and that means owning a set of fancy-looking decks (and probably a sound and lighting rig, too). To get the gig, you might need to bite the bullet and buy the decks up front. Have a plan in place for recouping the cost before you do. Until then, consider using a laptop and controller. Then, take the plunge! 

Software switching cost

CDJs are standalone units that do not require a computer to operate, while DJ controllers rely on a connected computer to function. As a result, CDJs don’t always play nicely with most DJ software. A set of decks is essentially a computer on its own, designed to be independent of external programs. You’ll need to learn how to use CDJs (and there’s a course for that). The most popular options for CDJ users include Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro. You can hack them to play with other programs like Ableton Live and Traktor, but there’s no medal for risking audio dropouts and party fouls.

Mixing style

The best part about a pair of decks is the feeling under your fingers. You can go a whole gig without touching a laptop trackpad or even looking at a screen. CDJs offer a more traditional DJing experience, as they mimic the feel and functionality of vinyl turntables. This can be appealing to DJs who prefer a more hands-on, tactile approach to mixing. But there’s a tradeoff. DJ controllers offer a wider range of features and more flexibility in terms of software and effects, which can be more appealing to DJs who like to experiment with different sounds and styles.

Switching from DJ controllers to Pioneer CDJs is a significant decision that will involve a significant investment in new equipment and a change in your DJ software and mixing style. CDJs are more traditional and reliable, but more expensive and less flexible than DJ controllers. Ultimately, the decision to switch will depend on your personal preferences and needs as a DJ.

Questions all DJs should ask

Whoa. Lots to unpack here. But without getting too philosophical, there are a few basic questions every DJ needs to ask themselves at some point. As a professional DJ, it's important to have clear agreements with clients in place. But it’s even more important to have your own goals in place. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help narrow them down. 

What is my target audience? 

Who do I want to play for, and where do they typically go to hear music? Knowing this is essential to tailoring your set and image to get into your audience’s social feeds. Think about the genre you want to focus on. It might be something different to what you enjoy most! It's not uncommon for DJs to play a variety of genres, but it can be helpful to have a specialty or focus to help you stand out and build a loyal following. Professional DJing isn’t always about playing the music you love. It’s mainly about playing the music other people love, right? 

What is my ultimate goal as a DJ? 

Don’t lie to yourself. Do you want to play at small local clubs, or do you have aspirations of playing at major festivals and events? If you seriously, really, truly want to play festivals, you better get busy socializing with local influencers and leveling up your nightlife wardrobe. Popularity. Game face. Good times. There’s absolutely no shortcut to your reputation as a party person. Understanding your goals as a DJ will keep your journey realistic. 

What’s the marketing plan? 

How can you promote your sets and events to attract new fans and bookings? Marketing yourself as a DJ can involve everything from social media to flyers and business cards to networking with local industry professionals. How do I want to differentiate myself from other DJs? What makes you unique as a DJ, and how can you use that to your advantage? Consider your style, music selection, and brand identity to help you stand out in a crowded market.

So many more questions. How do you  stay up to date with industry trends and new music? How do you handle contracts and payment? Which equipment should you aim to acquire? The main thing is to try staying in the game. Subscribe to music blogs or DJ podcasts, network with other DJs at parties, get to know people and get in the habit of saying yes to stuff. That’s the path to payday!

3 DJ fails that can be avoided

Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes. When they happen to you - and they will - don’t beat yourself up too hard. Just learn from ‘em. Everyone’s been there. Wanna avoid them before you make them? While you’re an Advanced DJ in training, read on for a few of the most tragic DJ fails that can be avoided. 

Poor music selection

Yep. Wrong song. Or right song at the wrong time, which is the same thing. This one is the easiest to forgive, because you’re basically being asked to be a Jedi by reading the crowd’s mind. But if a DJ doesn't take the time to research the event and the crowd, they may end up playing music that doesn't appeal to the audience. This can lead to…well, you’ll see. 

Technical issues

Oh boy, what fun this one is. “Sorry guys, we’re just trying to figure something out here. It’s not my fault, sorry.” DJs rely on a lot of equipment to do their job, and if any of it fails or doesn't work properly, it can punch a 40-mile hole in the event. For example, if a mixer or sound system fails, the DJ might as well hope everyone in the crowd has a portable Bluetooth speaker on them. Feel the pain when you watch these DJ fails.

No crowdwork

Interact, people! Now’s not the time to look like an influencer. If a DJ doesn't interact with the crowd or engage with them, it can lead to a lack of energy and a less enjoyable experience for everyone. DJing may not have anything to do with disks or jockeys anymore, but some things will never change. Dance music is about creating a temporary community, and you’re the temporary leader. Look at them and smile, even if it’s subtle. 

You don’t need a college degree to start sending a few messages to local venues and party people. Once you’ve landed your gig, show up confident knowing that you’re prepared to avoid these common mistakes. No, we don’t really care how many followers you have. We just want you to play that cool song that you played last time, and make it loud. Start improving your DJ skills today!

3 ways to decide on a DJ set

You sent out a few proposals and landed a gig! It’s a new place and the client wants a DJ, but isn’t really sure about much beyond that. It’s up to you to put forward a few suggestions. It’s surprisingly difficult to educate clients on the different types of sets DJs can play. In this Advanced DJ tutorial post, we give you three ways to break it down for the client to help them make up their mind. 

Genre

The genre of music you play obviously has a huge impact on the dance floor. Well-known tracks will get people moving, while relatively obscure and instrumental tracks will give them a chance to sit and chat instead. You could offer the client a spectrum of “dinner versus dancefloor” and ask them to pick a point on the spectrum. You could traverse genres throughout the event. The musical genre is just the “color” of the venue. You’re just helping them pick out an appropriate one for each moment. 

Mixing

The way you mix your tracks can also have an impact on the energy level. If you mix quickly and smoothly from one track to the next, it will keep the energy level high and the dancers moving. On the other hand, if you mix too slowly or awkwardly, it can capsize the vibe and lower the energy level. Is your gig a performance? Include some scratching, or quick chop-and-cut mixing styles. Use mashups and stem separation to create new songs in the process. Again, it’s a spectrum, and having the DJ skills to offer clients will raise your chances of getting more gigs.

Energy

As a DJ, one of the most important aspects of your job is to control the energy of the dance floor. A good DJ knows how to read the crowd and adjust their music and mixing style to keep the energy level high and the dancers moving. But energy is power, and it comes with responsibility! Don’t throw a festival set at a family restaurant. Don’t try to convert people to laid-back soul music at a warehouse party. 

Overall, controlling the energy of a dance floor requires a combination of music selection, mixing style, interaction with the crowd, and the use of effects. By paying attention to these factors, a good DJ can keep the energy level high and the dancers moving all night long. Nope, you’re not done. Keep learning from the pro DJs in one of the DJ training courses by DJ Courses Online.

Make money as a hip hop DJ

Samplers, turntables, b-boys, MCs. Hip hop DJing has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, when DJs in the Bronx began using turntables and mixers to create unique and exciting sounds. Making money as a hip hop DJ takes time and effort, so learn scratch DJing with the Advanced DJ Techniques II course and read on to help you get started. 

Develop your DJ skills

Develop your skills as a DJ. As with any profession, the key to making money as a hip hop DJ is to develop your skills and expertise. This means practicing regularly, learning new techniques, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. The more skilled and knowledgeable you are as a DJ, the more likely you are to be in demand and to earn a good income.

Make those online connections

Build a strong online presence. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for success as a hip hop DJ. This means creating a pro level website, maintaining an active social media presence, and networking with other DJs and industry professionals online. By building a strong online presence, you can increase your visibility and reach a wider audience, which can help you to attract more gigs and earn more money.

Go beyond DJing

In addition to DJing, there are a variety of other services that you can offer as a hip hop DJ. This can include producing tracks, creating mixes, teaching DJ lessons, and more. By offering a range of services, you can diversify your income streams and increase your earning potential. Hip hop especially has a demand for good quality acapellas, remixes and beats. Expand what you’re offering to go beyond just playing live.

Hip hop is about people, and nothing makes people come together like music. DJing hip hop continues to evolve and innovate. The opportunities for standing out as an independent producer-DJ have never been more promising. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to DJ with programs like Serato, Ableton Live or Traktor, there are endless possibilities. With the right tools and techniques, you can create unique and original sounds that will keep your audiences coming back for more.

3 reasons get get a Novation Launchpad

The Novation Launchpad is a music production and performance instrument that has become incredibly popular among electronic music producers and performers. For good reason. It’s a reliable workhorse, a well-supported and attractive device and a pleasure to play. Here are 3 reasons to get one. 

Use it without a computer

The Launchpad can be used in standalone mode, without a computer, by loading samples onto the device via a USB flash drive. You can hook a Launchpad Pro up to an all-hardware rig using MIDI In, Out and Out 2/Thru ports on 3.5mm connectors. Pretty neat if you’re into hardware DJing and flashing RGB pads lights. In our opinion, standalone mode is the #1 reason to get one of these babies.

Launchpads can control lighting and video

That’s right. But because Launchpads connect via USB, you need a DMX converter like the inexpensive Enttec Open DMX. Using that chain, you hook up your Launchpad to the required software and voila! Control of the lighting rig. Venue lighting control is a bit of an underrated technical skill, and a good foot in the door for regular work at a club or night venue. Plus, you get to have almost as much fun as the DJs!

It plays nicely with Max4Live

Novation offers a Max4Live melodic step sequencer for the Launchpad. Check it out in action. The patch allows users to customize the device's settings and functions. The editor allows users to adjust the colors of the pads, assign different functions to the buttons and knobs, and create custom layouts for the grid of pads. This allows users to tailor the Launchpad to their specific needs and preferences.

Overall, the Novation Launchpad is a wonderful beast. Ask any DJ who has used one. Its grid of pads and intuitive interface make it easy to create and manipulate sounds, and its compatibility with music production software and portability make it a valuable tool for both studio and live performances. If you’re an Ableton user, the Ableton Live course by our pro instructors will help take your productions to the next level.

How to make money DJing

We all want to make a bit of money with our DJing. After all, we’ve bought the gear, spent the hours collecting music and carried heavy speakers up the stairs. So what’s the difference between those DJs who just sort of tinker along and those who get the gig? Read on for a few tips on how to stand out - for real. 

Select modern tunes for your set

DJs who play at parties, weddings, corporate gigs find the newest music from other parts of the world. Stuff that not everyone knows, sourced by you personally via crate-digging or a DJ pool. Your selection and taste should make people crowd the booth to ask for the track ID, or instantly whip out Shazam (but they won’t find it, no no no!) Also, if there’s a radio edit of the tune, play that instead of the full version. Mainstream DJs keep it punchy.

Go beyond ping-pong mixing

As a mainstream DJ, it’s not OK to just crossfade between back-to-back records. You need to do more. Mainstream DJs know how to get the most out of functions like looping, effects, acapella and stem mixing. There are a ton of tutorials and DJ courses online that will help you bring your technique up a level. Style counts for quite a lot in the DJ world. Go beyond the familiar and blow your guests away. 

Smile and look at the audience

Mainstream DJs are pretty much the definition of cool. But not too cool to connect with their fans. Search any live DJ concert and watch how they behave. It’s not all just hype and crowdwork. They’re generally really happy to be there. DJing is probably still their passion, and the success is just the icing on the cake. You only get so far by faking it. But even if you’re forced to fake it for any reason, the crowd still always wants to know you’re happy to be there. They pay to know you are. Make them believe. 

Sounds obvious, but if you want to make money playing records, you also have to play the game. You win the game when you know the rules. You know the rules by doing the gigs and paying attention to what works. Learn how to DJ properly with an online DJ course taught by professionals, and keep playing the game.

How to DJ using software and controllers

Most of us start DJing on a laptop or a phone. At some point, the bug bites and we find ourselves splashing out on professional decks by companies like Pioneer and Denon. A big shift happens at this point. We go from a large-ish screen to a smaller one, relying more on our ears to make decisions. So if you’re still using a laptop to DJ, here are a few things to consider. 

You’re limited by your choice of DJ gear

Not limited in a bad way. It’s just that a laptop chip can only process so much audio at one time. Laptops weren’t designed specifically for DJing, but a DDJ1000 is. You can quickly experience audio dropouts and other problems if you’re running heavy effects and background processes on your laptop while DJing. 

DJ decks are expensive

You could easily afford a decent model car for the price of some newer model DJ decks. The price line keeps rising, and the second hand market goes out of fashion pretty quickly. Especially with software lock-in, which requires constant updating. It’s an investment, for sure. If you’re serious about a career in DJing, don’t forget to learn a few things from the pros first in this DJ Careers Course. 

MIDI controllers are the middle ground for DJs

Mobile and wedding DJs seldom get any extra applause for having the best gear. For those types of gigs, it’s just about the pop songs you select (and to be honest, it’s a no-brainer). For your artist brand-building gigs, however, people notice the gear you use. Use controller decks but bring one or two extra MIDI controllers to your next gig. You can use a Launchpad for a million different things, from triggering samples to controlling sequencers. 

The sky’s the limit with MIDI controller DJing. There are some really interesting custom setups out there, and we’d encourage you to go beyond a standard laptop and controller setup. Hardware is king. Everyone loves to see a sampler, sequencer or drum machine in action. Pick some tunes, get hyped and bring that floor alive!

Rekordbox is coming to Android and iOS

What? Hasn’t the Rekordbox app been available for Android and iOS for a while already? Yes, but only as a music management tool. Now, for the first time, you’ll be able to use Rekordbox to actually spin your DJ set from your phone. Check out more on the new features of the app, launching in “early 2023”.

A complete DJ phone app

Basically, the app allows you to DJ without a laptop, using a combination of offline music tracks and cloud-based streaming. Just like the WeDJ app, you’ll have access to full functionality without paying any subscription fees. Pioneer keeps all your tracks in Dropbox and manages your metadata for you. But be aware that while Rekordbox plays nicely with iTunes, it’s still a bit of a workaround to integrate tracks from Spotify into your library. Access to cloud-based streaming of tracks not stored on your phone will cost you a subscription fee. Goodbye WeDJ? We’ll see.

Designed for use with Pioneer DDJ FLX4 

Owners of the versatile Pioneer DDJ FLX4 will be pleased to know that their controller now works with a phone instead of a laptop. Let’s face it, you don’t really need a laptop for much more than screen size these days. The DDJ FLX4 works with both Rekordbox and Serato. And now, with the Rekordbox app, you’ll have another way to DJ lighter than ever. Laptop DJs might want to check out our Serato DJ Course.

DJing with a smartphone

You might not be ready to replace your laptop or decks just yet. New apps generally need time to prove themselves and fix early release bugs. So in the meantime, you could use the new Rekordbox app alongside your existing setup. One cool trick would be to use the phone simply as a sampler to trigger your Rekordbox sounds! However you use it, it seems as though smartphone DJing might be hitting the mainstream. 

The first look at the new app is promising. Pioneer has included all expected standard features, including EQ, filters and FX. Advanced effects include looping, hotcues, pad-based FX, beat jump and a sampler. All the tricks you need to get the room going. Another trick? Doing your homework with a DJ course by DJ Courses Online.

How to make money as a wedding DJ

DJs supplement their brand-building income by performing at weddings. Weddings are by far the most lucrative and reliable source of income for both professional and hobby DJs. And for those looking to up their DJ game, weddings are the jackpot. It’s one of those rare days where people tend to behave - and spend - recklessly. Here’s how to play the wedding DJ game and earn that street cred. 

Get DJ gig referrals from wedding planners

All freelance industries are currently being thwarted by a broken recruitment system. People don’t know who to trust. Clients using freelance websites to find DJ services can’t distinguish real talent from automated resumes and profiles created by bots. So you need to build trust with your local wedding planners. Reach out to them. Show them you’re a human being with the equipment and expertise needed to serve their clients. Be real.

Get DJ testimonials from past clients

It can feel a bit cringe to reach out to past clients and ask for a testimonial, but it needs to be done! Testimonials are where potential future clients make their decision about you. Nobody wants to hire someone who nobody else is hiring. Get a few lines from each satisfied customer and display them on your website. That’s how you impress new wedding clients!

Play the right wedding music, obviously

This might sound like a no-brainer, but play wedding music at a wedding. You’re being paid well and nobody really seems to be paying attention, so it’s tempting to start messing around and experimenting. Don’t! If you’re bored, chat to guests in between track selection. Check your socials if you need (subtly!). But make sure the music is the right choice and exactly what the client expects. No more, no less. 

Seasoned wedding DJs know this stuff in their bones. People aren’t at the gig for your name value. You have to behave more like a jukebox than the rockstar you know you are. But weddings are absolutely the best way to bolster your enterprise, afford new gear and have a livelihood as a DJ. If you’re in any doubt, check out the DJ Career Tips course by DJ Courses Online.

Green light for DJ set recording interface Howler

A common problem faced by all DJs is how to record their live sets. Often, the laptop you’re using to DJ isn’t powerful enough to also record the set without audio dropouts or glitches. There are issues around audio routing. Fortunately, a solution has been Kickstarted into existence. Howler is set to start shipping a new pocket-sized DJ set recording interface in March 2023. 

DJ set recording requirements

When it comes to recording your set, you do have options. But they’re all a little bulky. iRig Stream, EvermixBox, Roland’s GO:Mixer and M Audio’s M-Caster are all currently used to record or stream audio. But sometimes you need your phone to do a video. Or the USB port is needed to keep it charged. Of course, a second laptop or a phone will also do the job. But who wants to carry around a whole other laptop bag?

Howler makes DJ set recording simpler

What makes Howler next level? It has audio through and records to an SD card. No additional laptop or phone required to store the audio data. No interruption to your output signal on its way to the main speakers. Just a little link in the chain. It has a single LED to let you know when your signal is peaking. Nothing complicated, just a single-function solution. Perfect for hobby livestream DJs.

Who uses Howler to record DJ sets? 

At the time of writing, the device is still in the prototype phase. But everyone’s talking about it, including DJ Mag, Gearspaceand UDGGear. The device solves the problem DJs have always faced - how much gear should you take? With video streaming now an almost expected part of the DJ toolkit, it’s comforting to know that DJs are working to solve other DJs problems. More info on Howler here. 

Making a name for yourself as a DJ is hard. Fortunately, these types of tools are becoming more commonplace. And you’ve always got the instructors at DJ Courses Online to help you along. Consider signing up for one of these DJing video courses.

First look at Ableton Note iOS app

Any day in which Ableton makes the headlines is a good day. The German DAW has finally launched an app to keep pace with similar sampler apps like Koala and full production apps like G-Stomper. There are a thousand similar offerings (and Ableton Live DJing courses) out there. What makes Ableton Note different?

Ableton knows DJs (and DJs know Ableton)

Ableton has spend nearly 20 years getting to know DJs. That connection will not be lost on the millions of upcoming DJ-producers looking for a sampler app to drop their next six bucks on. The credibility and clout that Ableton offers alone is enough to encourage a rapid uptake. After all, if the desktop version of Ableton works so well for live electronic performers, how hard can v1 of the app fail? Probably a safe bet. 

Start on the app, continue on the DAW

Export stems and MIDI files for import into a DAW? Nope. The Ableton Live app is designed to make the transition from sofa to studio easy and uniform. From the company site: “Play just for fun, or start song ideas to continue in Live. Using Ableton Cloud, you can send your Note Set to Live without leaving the app. Then keep working with all the same devices as in Note, but with additional parameters available. You can edit all your MIDI notes, and all your samples and sounds from Note are exactly the same.”

The DJ format you know and love

Session view has always been what makes Ableton stand apart. Ableton Note offers the same grid-based layout you know and love from the DAW, making the switch easier than learning a new app. This, more than the no-brainer affordability (currently $6) makes the barrier to uptake lower than any other app available today. 

Honestly, it’s been nearly a decade of waiting for Ableton to enter the mobile space. TouchAble took us halfway there, allowing for wireless triggering of a Live session. But having the OGs of live electronic performance release their own app is a total win for both established DJs and newcomers to the space. Brush up on your Ableton Live DJing with this Ableton Live course, and keep your ears open for more on Ableton Note.

Mixcloud introduces single track upload

Mixcloud does a number of things differently. They have licensing deals with major labels, allowing DJs to do live streams of their sets without copyright takedowns. They have a killer web app, which allows visitors to the site to create playlists in the bottom player bar. They have a video component. And now they’re introducing the ability to upload single tracks alongside DJ sets. 

New feature: track upload

Amazingly, Mixcloud and Soundcloud have never really had beef with regards to their respective places in the ecosystem. Soundcloud was always for tracks and Mixcloud was for DJ sets. Now that’s changing. Mixcloud has launched their track upload feature. Users can upload single tracks and get private or public feedback on them via comments. 

Creation and curation in one place

Soundcloud has long been a source of new fans (and much joy) for artists who produce original music, specifically rappers and home producers. It’s pretty incredible, when you think about it, that someone can now create a track in the morning and have it known to 1000 people by the evening. And while Mixcloud has always been about curation in the form of DJ sets, creators now have another place to put their tunes. The DJ Courses Online Level III mixing course goes into depth on how to create a DJ mix.

DJs think Mixcloud is cool 

Certainly the most DJ-friendly community on the web, Mixcloud has built their whole brand on the ability to make life easy for DJs. Their humble approach towards musical expression and curation is most welcome in a world of hype and self-promo (check out the CEO explaining new Mixcloud features from his sofa). 

Sure, I hear you. Another platform that wants my songs. But before you write off another music upload site, think about it. Having your own music first in line for inclusion in a commercially licenseable DJ set on a platform known for attracting crate-diggers? That’s a new type of opportunity! So get your music on Mixcloud and get connecting. And while you’re at it, connect with one of our pro DJ instructors in the Serato online DJ course by DJ Courses Online.