Experienced musician, n00bish DJ Wants to make money! Help!

[LmnLm3]

Ok, so first post, and it might be a bit heavy (sorry if that makes me look like a prat!)

I've composed (classical) music for like 15 years now (I'm 26) and have a lot of stage experience as a cellist (so I'm not afraid of crowds, and already have "the-show-must-go-on" instincts if there's a botch). I recently (last year or so) switched to composing classical music to composing techno (and other EDM musics, pretty much everything *except* dub step). I realize the only way to get people to listen to my music is to force them. So becoming a DJ seemed a natural progression. After all, my aspirations in orchestral music was to one day be a conductor, and a DJ is sort of an electro-conductor (no pun intended).

SO. I want to get my feet wet. I think it's something I could definitely be good at, I have good instincts on stage (playing classical, folk, metal, or hip hop on cello on stage) but I have no experience going to parties or anything like that (no bars, clubs, house parties, etc. Never really seen a live DJ except the thousand youtube hours I've clocked this year...)

I just got a Maschine and it's fun, but I don't know if I could pull off performing a full hour long set live on a maschine. (and I don't own a laptop.....)

Need advice on where to go/what to do next! I have a friend who used to DJ a lot (he's older now, and slowing down) but he only spins hip-hop and scratches. I want to spin techno/EDM. So I might be able to get some "this is how this gear works" lessons, but I'm technically savvy. Building computers gives me license to set up and break down a DJ rig, I think.

Do I get CDJs and a PA? In a box starter deal? Used gear? I know I don't want to do vinyl (though it's so much fun when I've tried it!) and while laptop seems appropriate, I don't have the scratch to pull that off, not a new mbp or whatever....

So.... help! I need somebody! HELP!

(and I thank you profusely in advance!)

[LmnLm3]

I meant to have a couple of clarifications - I had a Launchpad that I used with Traktor for a minute in the bedroom, but got rid of it. Same story with a mixtrack. So I got some beatmatching, EQ, and cue juggling theory, with some fx.

Either I don't want to wait, or I'm not confident enough to play at a club where people have expectations - I'd want to start with house parties, underground stuff, local empty warehouses and factories.

Would this fall under "Mobile" DJ in the gear department?

[Dixieland DJ]

Would this fall under "Mobile" DJ in the gear department?

Yes... but I would suggest for your situation, if you want to do what your suggesting, that you find a mobile DJ service that uses multiple DJ's (called a multi-op) & try to get some experience training with them for a while. I wouldn't even start to suggest that you try this on your own with no more experience than you have in the mobile business.

Hope this helps

[LmnLm3]

Ok, thanks, yes, this does help. BUT - how do I find a multi-op that is willing to take on someone like me with no DJ experience? I mean the most "normal" dj thing I can do right now is mute/unmute maschine tracks (a la ableton live) to build up and drop sections to remix live, but having musical skill and talent doesn't always equate to being successful or even worthwhile as a DJ, so why would/should they take me? (and how do I convince them?)

[Dixieland DJ]

You need to just contact some DJ services in your area & see if you can start as a "roadie"... (just a helping hand) & let him/them show you the ropes. You may not get far with a single op but some of them do take roadies with them just depending on how big they are or how much stuff they set up. You want to try to contact some of the bigger companies.. those with multiple DJ's. That's about all I know to tell you about that. Each area/region seems to be a little different so maybe some of the guys on here from your area can give you some better ideas about how to get started with other DJ companies. we are just a part time husband & wife team so we don't have other help.

Good luck

[Sublim&All]

Just a minor note: don't get into this because you want to earn money with it. DJing is something you need inspiration and creativity for, and those qualities cannot be forced in order to make money. Get in for the money and end up either asking too much and have no gigs, or playing gigs against your will, which will be the worst nights of your life.

And if you are really going to love this, there's no way you'll be earning much more than you will be spending on gear/music anyway

[DJ Highline]

Honestly...the op doesn't sound like the type for mobile being a mobile DJ...I'm sure he could if he put effort into it...it sounds like he likes to produce his own EDM music and would like an outlet for playing that music. Mobile DJing is not the outlet for this.

I would suggest you first buy yourself a laptop. I know you build your own stuff...but moving a desktop around is no fun...it doesn't have to be anything fancy...since you build your own stuff I'm taking that you are OK with Windows so get a laptop in the $450 - 700 and you should be good.

Once you have that then I would suggest looking at either getting Traktor 2.5 or Abelton Live. Being a producer already, Abelton Live might be a better solution for you allowing you to do some production..although Traktor offers a more traditional DJ workflow.

If you decide to go with Abelton, then your launchpad will be a great interface for you and I would say get a sound card and start practicing.

If you decide to go with Traktor 2.5 then I would say get an S2 and an F1 and start practicing.

After you have practice a little and gotten comfortable with the workflow, Practice some more....

After that...then start to put together little mixes with your music in it and record them...post them on places like soundcloud and mixcloud.

Finally start playing small parties for friends and see if you can do a few opening sets around town....

[disparate]

DJing isn't a great way of making money to be honest. Fun though!

[Austin GoGreen]

DJing isn't a great way of making money to be honest. Fun though!

Then you're not doing it right! There are tons of ways to make money.

OP, get your music collection going NOW. Hit the record pools full-speed and grab as many POP songs as possible! POP music and crappy gigs will pay ALL of your bills and you will be able to afford that new piece of equipment!

Not to say this is the only way to do it, but if you want in the game quick, you need to come up with some capital. Treat this as a business and invest in yourself.

You're a musician, so I recommend buying turntables and getting a DVS setup. Once you get on these you will catch the fever.

While you're saving money to buy quality equipment and after you have purchased a GOOD pc or preferable, a MBP, download a trial of virtual DJ (or get ahold of a bootleg copy or crack to try it out). You can learn a lot on VDJ and you may decided to stick with it. If so, I suggest purchasing the full version.

Use your edits to learn to mix. Record yourself. Learn from other dj's (by going out, youtube, forums, etc.).

I learned the ropes in VDJ and quickly outgrew it because I wanted to learn to scratch (still learning). Serato/Traktor is where you want to be.

Once you're comfortable enough, record mixtapes. Also try to buy a cheap PA to get smaller gigs.

Just like with everything else, you will only get out of this game what you put in. Sky is the limit. Start small, aim big.

Once you learn to spin, then later learn to control a crowd, maybe then you will get into creating your own edits, remixes, and original productions. Again, sky is the limit.

I would love to have your knowledge in composing.

[LukeDent]

but I have no experience going to parties or anything like that (no bars, clubs, house parties, etc. Never really seen a live DJ except the thousand youtube hours I've clocked this year...)

Go out to some clubs, make some friends, see what the scene is like an what the reasons for DJing are. It's a little bit insulting for you to say you wanna be a techno dj when you've never been to a club and Experianced the magic of a good dj.
So yeah I'd suggest you go to some techno nights and let loose a bit.