What does a DJ do?

Have you ever wondered “what does a DJ do”? We all know he plays music, but surely anybody can do that! So, what does a DJ do that makes him better than just a guy who plays music? Well if you’ve seen my recent post “The DJ is FREE” (click here) you’ll have some idea, but here’s a few more thoughts on the subject.

In May I attended the fifth ProMobile Conference. An event for DJ’s to meet and hear inspirational talks on improving their skills and building their businesses. The keynote speaker was Mike Walter, an American DJ who runs Elite Entertainment, one of the most successful DJ Companies in America. He has achieved this by developing a system that has many DJ’s working to the same high standard. His Keynote was called “The keys To A Great Performance” and dealt with the four main areas a DJ needs to be able to deliver.

1 Programming

Programming the right song at the right time takes knowledge, experience and skill – besides that it’s easy 😉 I’ve been interested in music since I was about seven (that’s a very long time ago) and I’ve been a DJ, on and off, since I was fourteen. I’ve worked in record retail for Virgin and owned my own shop in partnership with my friend Mike. I also worked as a sales rep / promotion person for various record companies. I’m not saying I know it all – I really don’t, but I have a good depth of knowledge and I am always keen to find out more.

The other skill that is often talked about in this area is “reading the room”. That is basically looking at your audience and using your knowledge to match the music to the people you’re playing too. Often early at an event you can watch how people respond to the music being played in the background and this will help select the right music later. Beware of the DJ who doesn’t have a broad musical knowledge.

2 Mixing

All DJ’s mix right? WRONG! Mixing is a skill that has been around since the late seventies. The ability to transition from one song to the next so that there is no “dead air”. I was so lucky because my great friend Steve was one of the first DJs who learned to mix when he was working in Spain in the seventies. When I got to know him in the eighties, he took the time to help me and showed me how to do it properly – I’ve mixed ever since be it on vinyl, cd or now from digital files.

If the music is continuous people are more likely to stay on the dance floor. Have you ever been dancing to a live band and there’s a gap between songs – the temptation is to go and sit down or get another round of drinks in. Being able to mix is a DJs way of keeping the dance floor busy. Beware of the DJ who says “mixing isn’t important”.

3 MC’ing

Using the microphone is something that has come in and out of fashion for DJs over the years. In the early days of DJ’ing they would introduce every song. Later there was a time when the DJ would use the mic at every opportunity to wind the audience up. Next the fashion was for DJs not to talk at all. In fact many clubs and bars didn’t even have microphones for the DJs, it was all about the music. My style is to only speak if I have something worth saying. You really don’t need me to tell you, “that was Abba and Dancing Queen, a number one in 1976”. I’ve trained to use the microphone, how to make the most of the “spotlight moments” at functions when there is something worth telling everyone. Beware of the DJ who “prattles on”.

4 Interaction

The final skill Mike suggested every DJ should have is interaction. On some occasions for him this will mean actually getting out on the dance floor and leading the dances. Over here where we do things slightly differently. I think interaction is actually being approachable and taking the time to connect with the audience on a personal level. Occasionally I’ll ask everyone to come to the dance floor and maybe, if it feels right. I may even ask everyone to clap or sing along – but only if it’s really appropriate and definitely not endlessly … I promise! Beware of the DJ who just stares at his laptop all night.

In Conclusion

Surely, in this day and age, every DJ should be able to do all of the above! But there are still many who can’t. Most DJs will tell you they are the perfect guy for your event. Perhaps you should ask them their thoughts on these four topics, Programming, Mixing, MC’ing and Interaction? Their answers will give you an insight into their style, and you can decide if they are a good fit for your event.

What does a DJ do? A DJ does way more than play the music, he brings the party! If you are thinking about booking a DJ for your wedding, or special occasion, please take the time to find the right guy. If you think I could be that guy or have any questions please contact me – please CLICK HERE.