When I started thinking about becoming a DJ, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I knew I loved music, but the world of DJing felt huge, complex, and honestly a little intimidating. Like many beginners, I had no formal plan. What I did have was a passion for music that ran deep. I spent a lot of my time at a bar where I worked as a host. Lucky for me, the DJs would sit right behind me, and over time, we started talking. That’s really where my journey began—not in a classroom or through buying fancy equipment, but just by being curious and asking questions.
The Importance of Asking Questions and Learning From Others
If you’re just starting out, here’s my first piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Some of the DJs I met were really impressed with my music knowledge. I’d always been into obscure tracks and loved sharing songs that weren’t widely recognized, which is something that got me noticed by the DJs I worked with. We’d talk about songs, mixing, and the art of reading a crowd. Their feedback and encouragement kept me going, and before I knew it, I was learning how to mix right there in the bar.
DJ Climaxxx, DJ Kim, DJ Black, and DJ EndoFresh—these were the people who really became my teachers, even when I didn’t have a controller. I would ask them everything: how they got started, what equipment they used, and how they built their sets. They would answer my questions, let me watch them work, and give me insights into what makes a good DJ.
The Power of Practice and Obsession
Once I finally got my hands on my own DJ controller, I knew it was time to get serious. I practiced at home 30 to 40 hours a week. Yes, it’s a lot—but when you love something and you have an obsessive mindset like I do, the hours fly by. I was constantly trying new mixes, recording them, and bringing them back to the DJs I’d learned from. I’d ask, What can I do to improve this? How do I make this transition smoother? I craved feedback, and I used every bit of it to push myself further.
The amount of time you spend practicing is up to you, but I will say this: Consistency is everything. Even if you don’t have hours to spare, make it a habit to work on your craft regularly. You’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make with focused practice, whether it’s beat matching, phrasing, or even something as simple as transitioning smoothly between songs.
Learning in Real-Time: The Importance of Shadowing
Before I even had my controller, I was shadowing DJs every chance I got. This is another key tip for anyone who wants to become a DJ: find DJs you can learn from, and if you’re lucky enough, shadow them. Watch what they do. See how they respond to the crowd. Pay attention to the little things that make a set flow smoothly. This might be annoying to some DJs, especially if they’re working and you’re asking a ton of questions (and trust me, I was that person), but if you find someone patient and willing to teach, it’s worth it.
I was lucky enough to shadow not just one, but many great DJs: DJ Lex Jones, DJ Veyn, DJ Geepower, DJ Nick Fury, and DJ 2 Icy. These guys taught me how to read a crowd, how to make adjustments on the fly, and how to truly vibe with the energy of the room. I picked up things like beat matching, key matching, phrasing, and wordplay. Some of these are advanced techniques, but I mention them because even as a beginner, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can improve and grow into your own unique style.
Practice Isn’t Just About Mixing—It’s About Feedback
There’s a big difference between practicing by yourself and practicing with the intention of improving. Feedback is key. Every time I recorded a mix, I would share it with the DJs I learned from and ask them for their thoughts. What could I do better? How was my transition? Did I lose the crowd at any point in the set? By constantly seeking feedback, I was able to refine my skills much faster than if I had just kept to myself.
If you’re starting out, find people who are willing to give you real, constructive feedback. It can be tough at first to hear what you need to work on, but that’s the only way you’ll grow.
Obsession and Passion Drive Progress
I won’t sugarcoat it—learning to DJ requires a lot of dedication. I spent hours watching YouTube tutorials, practicing at home, and refining my skills. I’d stand behind DJs and study their every move. While some may call it obsession, I see it as passion. I wanted to get better, and I was willing to put in the work to make that happen.
For anyone getting into DJing, here’s what I’ll say: Don’t be afraid to dive deep. The more you immerse yourself, the quicker you’ll develop your skills. But remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of love for the craft.
Building a Community Around DJing
Here’s the part that I’m most excited about: Building a community. For me, DJing was never just about the music—it’s about the people. I was able to learn so much because I surrounded myself with experienced DJs who were willing to share their knowledge. But I also know not everyone is as lucky to have that network, which is why I want to help create one.
My vision is to build a community where new DJs, people like me, can come together and learn from each other. Where we can share mixes, give feedback, ask questions, and support one another on this journey. Whether you’re brand new to DJing or someone who’s just starting to take it more seriously, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole world of DJs out there who are willing to help, and I’m here to be part of that community for you.
Final Thoughts
DJing is a beautiful mix of art, passion, and technique. My journey is still in its early stages, and I’m learning every single day. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s that you need to stay curious, put in the time, and be open to learning from others. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. And remember, it’s not about becoming the best DJ overnight—it’s about enjoying the process and growing into your own style.