Amanda Shinji has a great entry over at Motorati Life about what it takes to be a good DJ. I agree with most of her points, and as a person who hires DJs I have a few to add of my own.
Amanda mentions BPM (or beats per minute) a couple of times because they are SO very important!When I started this job, I was glad I already knew what they were, even if I can't calculate them. I learned a long time ago, watching a friend use mostly records to spin with (yes actual records!) and counting out the BPM by hand as best he could. If you have a handle on BPM, then it becomes much easier to build up a mood, or even take it down a few notches depending on how the crowd is feeling. You are in control, and that is what the audience wants!
Musically, as a DJ procurer, I'm at a disadvantage, Under duress I don't think I could tell you the finer points of Psytrance versus Tralsa versus Deep House. However, I do know what I like and what I think people expect to hear, and, as I seem to have thing for music geeks, I can tell when someone knows their stuff.
I like to keep things positive, but I'm going to digress here and talk about how not to get a job from me.
- On your first visit (extra points for doing it within 2 minutes of walking in the door) criticize the DJ currently spinning. Automatic Phail.
- Continue to pester me by IM about getting a job during a busy event, especially after I've suggested we make an appointment for a time when I can give you my full attention.
- Continue to insist on the awesomeness and potential popularity of your special mix of Celtic Death Metal Reggae after I've told you what we usually play.
- Appear to be an egotistical and generally mean person.
I thought that list was going to be much longer, but I'm realizing now that each of the above situations have happened on a consistent basis, and so it just feels longer.
The DJs that work out and stay on all
- Show up, and have regular availability
- Engage listeners either through playing fantastically, or by using the mic to pump people up. it makes people feel included and special to hear their name on air. At little of that goes a long way.
- are there to spin for the love of the music, not for fame.
- are generally friendly and helpful people.
We have awesome DJs right now, they all have really strong points. I realized yesterday that our Massive Event this weekend, was going to bring a lot more DJ wannabes in the door, and that I'd better have my thinking straight about what exactly I was looking for. I remember starting out, I would casually scope out other places, and I was surprised that they had actual formal applications. Some of those seemed really harsh! I'm beginning to understand why now.