Let’s say you’ve never touched DJ equipment in your life. Now you’re ready to start your journey towards cultivating a crowd of fans that shows up whenever you play. What’s the quickest and most painless way to get there? Follow these three steps to make your way forward as a career DJ.

Year 1: know your aims

Start honest. If you’re aiming to make cash, you’ll need to play the hits. So acquire the 1000 greatest wedding songs. Organize them into a dance set ranging from 110BPM - 150BPM. Practice mixing every day. Know the titles and tracks of the biggest hits. Acquire everything you need, down to the RCA adapters for your spare cables. Definitely sign up for an affordable DJ training course and watch tons of YouTube tutorials. 

Year 2: know your audience

Move to the biggest nearby city. Listen to what’s playing on the radio. Yep, radio is still king, especially in developing countries. Know what people are demanding. Keep practicing. Make friends in the scene and play lots of house parties through hi-fi speakers. Make sure people don’t put their drinks on the DJ table. Don’t ask to get paid yet. Take loads of photos and videos showing people having a good time while you’re DJing.

Year 3: know your worth

Finally, time to start professional DJing! Approach clubs in town that host DJ nights. Show them all the fun you’ve been curating. Get a gig. Play the newest hits. You’ll be invited back. Get a residency. Get all your agreements in writing. Play the occasional gig for free, but never play for nothing. Know your worth by demanding something in return, even if it’s only something like free drinks for 4 friends.

The career DJ knows something that most amateurs don’t: that it’s not about them. Competition is fierce, and anyone who is able to pay will demand that you have professional standards, good taste and are a pleasure to work with. Don’t believe the hype. DJing is mostly about plugging in cables and pretending to have a good time so that strangers can meet each other. So get cracking and whether or not you make it, you’ll have a good time!