Deejaying can be considered as a creative art, since it is the remixing
of music with the use of various modern musical devices. DJs should have
an excellent collection of music records - from the classics to the latest,
and need to be familiar with different genres of music such as rock, electro,
jazz, pop, hip-hop, metal, country and so on. While playing music, DJs
are performing varied tasks ranging from just playing a series of recordings
(like the remixed musical records and tunes) to manipulation of recordings.
Manipulation of pre-recorded music is done using techniques such as audio
mixing, cueing, phrasing, slip-cueing, cutting, scratching, beat matching,
beat juggling, needle drops, phase shifting and more.
To do all these, Disc jockeys (DJs) use a wide variety of high frequent
musical equipments varying in sophistication including Mp3 players, turntables,
vinyl record, PA (Public address) system, sound system, mixers, tape decks,
amplifiers, headphones, graphic equalizers, lighting effects, sound processors,
microphones and so on.
Disc jockeys can be :
Radio DJs - Radio disc jockey's or more commonly
Radio Jockey are broadcast presenters, working at radio stations who
select and play music tracks. Reflecting the personality and musical
interests of the Radio DJs, these programs may be filled with jokes,
weather reports, traffic reports, conversations, advertisements, interviews
etc. Knowledge of digital audio editing software like Cool Edit Pro
or Adobe Audition will be an added advantage for Radio DJs.
Club/ Rave DJs - Club/rave disc jockeys are those
who mix music and use several techniques to create the ambiance for
a dance audience. They mix different kinds of music in such a way that
the dancers on the floor do not break their tempo and flow with the
music being played.
Home/ Bedroom DJs - Home DJs are persons who owns
DJing equipment (ie. turntables, mixer, CDJ (a CD player that allows
analogue control of music from CDs) etc.) and have a passion for music,
but doesn't play out to crowds at bars or special events (ie. raves).
Instead, they opt to play their music at home for their friends, record
mix tapes over the internet via audio broadcasting software, such as
shout cast.
Hip Hop DJs/ Reggae DJs - A hip hop disc jockey is
one that selects, plays and creates music as a hip hop artist and/or
rap performer, often backing up one or more MCs.
Mobile/ Commuting DJs - Mobile DJs travel or tour
with their own portable sound systems (like vinyl (records) and CDs)
and play from an extensive collection of pre-recorded music at a variety
of events such as wedding receptions, parties, nightclubs, school dances,
social events etc. They try to create a fun atmosphere by being the
Master of Ceremonies or Microphone controller (MC).
Computer DJs - Computer DJs are those who play digital
music encoded audio files to the public with computer or laptop.
The profession of disc jockeys will remain in demand, as long as people
hire them for entertaining guests for parties and other occasions. There
are ample avenues in this field with the ongoing boom in the music and
entertainment channel shows. It is essential that DJ's should built up
their reputation initially in this field. The job of a DJ may require
traveling and working odd hours usually late nights and early mornings.
Their work environs may include comfortable air-conditioned studios or
outdoors in hot, loud and smoky environments.
DJs can work on a contract basis in clubs, discotheques, banquets halls
or any other place where events and parties are organised. Certain DJs
work on a part-time or casual basis combining the profession with another
source of income. Sometimes, DJs serve as Light jockey by controlling
the lights on the dance floor contributing to the overall ambience and
atmosphere of the club.
For working as freelance DJs, one must have their own group of sound
engineers and sound equipment. They will need to promote themselves as
a business, by distributing flyers, making contacts with related people
such as event management companies where they could get a recommendation.
Many successful DJs in the later stages of their career move on to production
field by starting studio; become an event manager or establish their own
DJ learning institutes. Some DJs may diversify into related areas like
music production, music retailing and recording, bringing out a music
album or a remix album of which do well in the market. DJs could also
find openings as club promoters, remix producers, record distributors
or even musical artists in their own right.
