proper noob + life story

[Kung-Fu_McGrew]

So basically im whiling away the hours this summer before i go to uni and ive realise how much i love electronic music and more specifically tecno-house, electro-house and dubstep (something I would have rejected as 'shit' many years ago).

At heart I am a musician and have previously played 3 instruments at grade 5 level or above including one at great eight and ive composed my fair share of classical type stuff but im going to uni to do politics and economics.

After dabbling around on the Ableton live 8 trial ive decided that i'd love to have a go at producing electro music and think that i could make some decent stuff if i can get the right gear.

My plan on making money at uni is trying to get a job dj'ing in my spare time so i can earn the money to get a decent set-up but i really am i noob when it comes to technology and all that shit so i have a few questions...

1) How can i get onto the dj scene (which in this case would be in edinburgh) even if it is fairly small time work
2) Is there much you have to do as an average club dj other than just mixing tracks fairly smoothly and just messing around with the bass and filters etc?
3) When i earn the money to get a decent set up, what are ur opinions on the things i should be looking to purchase?

[DJArmani]

Imho, you should learn about the world of DJing, because it will take a while for you to even get into clubs and it's not just about "mixing and messing with filters".

[Kung-Fu_McGrew]

The 'mixing and messing with filters' comment wasnt supposed to be dead serious, I know theres a lot more expected than that dw. But I wasnt being stupid and thinking i could just walk into a club and get a slot, i was more thinking along the lines of hiring a small venue and advertising nights as 'electro-house' nights or something along those lines so i can get some experience

[borrow]

There's a lot too learn whene it come's do djing. Check some tutorial's buy a midi controller or Cdj's and a mixer and practice practice practice! Producing is difrent then djing but you know that. If you wanna earn money you should start too learn how to dj and whene you have time to spare try to make music

Too get in the dj scene you need to be pretty good. You can't just go too a club/bar with a few months experiance and make a fool out of your self. That way you will never get a gig anymore just practice and when you think you are ready talk too the people that you think can get you a gig give them a demo and wait .

[de.j.l]

To solve your situation on what gear to buy I would look into renting a couple pieces of equipment before you make your decision... your options are a controller, a cdj + mixer or turntable + mixer.

Just like anything you buy, some stuff is better than others. There are many forums on this subject and I would advise you to take a look into these threads to help you make your decision. You will most likely be laying down a decent chunk of change so you might as well spend the time educating yourself on what will suit you best for how you are trying to establish yourself as a disc jockey.

Ableton is a great time and you will most likely waste a good portion of your life on it if you really get into it, there is tons to learn. I myself am getting well involved in the arts of producing. Feel free to throw me a PM if you have any questions. Youtube is a good way to learn along the way and there are many great tutorial webpages out there as well. This also goes for the dj'ing side of things, you tube will teach you nearly everything you need to know about the craft.

The community on these forums is a good but be weary, there is always a black sheep amongst the crowd.

Take care, and good luck in you ventures.