Could i make a living doing DJ.ing?

Question

I'm a 20 year old lad..who would like to become a DJ
problem is my family and friends think i could not do it as a living.
and its not really a job...

and i have not even been on a deck yet...but i really like music and the whole dance music stuff..

i am willing to travel anyway in the world to make it as a dj but dont know where to start..

so what do you think could i become one and is it a real job..

Answer 1

yes im sure you can

Answer 2

If you want to make DJing your career, you need to start small. Get in with a company/person who has been doing it for a while. Go to bars/clubs/bowling alleys/whatever and just chat up the DJ... 99% of the time, they will always be very approachable and more than happy to answer any questions you have. In fact, most companies are looking for all the help they can get and it's a great way to learn the trade. You can start out working for someone else, and learn the tricks of the trade that way.

I've been DJing as a second job for 3 years now, and I love it!

I know a few people who are moderately successful owning their own DJ companies as their sole form of income. You just have to be outgoing and unafraid to ask questions to get started on your way.

Good luck! :)

Answer 3

Apart from a few people (Fergie etc), most DJs who earn a living out of it, played out for years while having another job and eventually got popular enough to leave the normal work for good.
Depending what sort of tunes you want to play, you will need to develop the technical skills so they are second nature and then practise, practise and practise some more. I used to play 12 hour sets every day. After that try to do a few parties with a dozen or so people to gauge a reaction - just cause you like the tunes doesnt mean everyone will.
When you think you are good enough to give it a go, organize a studio session and record a proper CD. This will then have to be distributed to clubs (lots of them).
It is then pure luck if they actually listen to it and want to book you - alot of the time its who you know unfortunately.
Desire, dedication and perseverance will see you , perhaps, able to one day get a club slot - from then on - its up to you and tunes!

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Yes you can, I've been Djing as my sole job for 2 years, although it takes a lot more work and social/ business skills to make it.
My recommendations:
1. Learn how to DJ, see if you like it.
2. DJ part itme until you have enough contacts.
3. Get a couple of DJ mentors that have been doing it longer than you and get their feedback and ideas on how to improve.
4. Just start. ASAP.

If you need any help check us out on
www.myspace.com/dj2p
www.griffinalliance.com

Answer 5

These days its more difficult - in the 80's/90's, their where more opputunites in partys etc, but the music has changed, and therfore, it depends what type of Dj you want to be. If you simply compile music for partys, the oppurtunites may be few, but if your more into mixing and vinyl pushing, you need to show your skills of at local clubs
But first you'll need to decide how your going to play your music - its common to use laptops now my mobile Dj's etc as its cheap in the long run, or CD players are also becoming common, with a mixer. Vinyls are the classic method, but they are starting to get more uncommon, as CD's are much easier to transport etc.

Answer 6

First of all go to college and get your degree, whatever that may be. knowledge is true power and key to success. these days everyone is a dj which makes them a dime a dozen. unless you are gifted as a dj, not just good, dont count on making it a career. like others have said, go into production and you will have a better chance.

Answer 7

I make money DJ but i certainly wouldnt call it a living... maybe a few hundred bucks a week... there are supserstar DJs out there that can make 10's of thousands of dollars for a single gig but that is quite rare!

Answer 8

why not start it off as a friday/ saturday night job, just til your name gets about etc. My brother has been a dj for years, just doing parties and weddings etd. But he has got a daytime job too cos the money isn't enough. Give it a try, you won't know unless you try

Answer 9

yes you can especially if you live in the city with alot of young people like here in Dallas.Alot of famous song writers,singers and actors experience the same thing with there family and they turned out to be rich and famous ,Like my uncle always says if your going to start your own business first work then on the week ends work for your self until you have enough customers and quit the dang job and start working for your self good luck lad.

Answer 10

If your good and have good taste in music you may have a chance, tho the DJ thing is over dance music died a death along time ago

Answer 11

sure u can!!! u can at least try!!! one of my friends in brazil is a dj, it`s his only job & he makes real good money!!! he organizes & promotes his own events, & they are some of the best ones in brazil, with large turnouts!!!