Firstly, there are several different types of DJs. In fact, I will explain each one and how they differ in the words to come. Before I get into that, I’d like to get this off my chest. Usually, most people think to type into Google “Starting Out Dj” or “How To Be a DJ”. Then, come to find out, you come to the question…
So, What Different Types of DJs Are There?
As a matter of fact, Be sure to check out, “10 Tips on How To Be a DJ“, after you find out the different types of DJs you can be. I will teach you in depth the best way to become a DJ!
Are you interested in becoming a DJ? That’s great! Want to look professional, make more money, and get more gigs? Learn how to create a DJ website here.
If we were in person and you told me you wanted to be a DJ, then my first question to you would be, “What kind of DJ do you want to be”? In summary, the following list explains what the 5 different types of djs are and what their jobs consist of:
1) Club DJ:
A Club DJ plays songs at a nightclub, bar, rave, etc using a software program, vinyl records, CDs, or MP3s. Different clubs have different styles of music so the type of music you play or how they you want you to play it will vary. Clubs usually have a large sound system and a DJ booth where you can focus solely on your mixing.
Club disc jockeys must keep the crowd dancing with well mixed songs that usually consist of build ups and certain DJ techniques to keep the crowd intrigued. Depending on the club, you might have to die down the energy (tempo) to let people get drinks and use the restrooms every once and a while. Practicing your beat matching skills, new songs, & finding killer beats that are good for dancing would be a good start if your looking to become a club DJ.
I explain how to become a DJ in great detail in my latest post, How To Be a DJ.
To sum it up, these types of DJs will network with club owners, managers, and bar tenders. They’ll go to the events to show their faces and get their name out there. In fact, this is one of your 3rd steps of becoming a Club DJ. The first step is to get equipment! The 2nd steps is to practice!
2) Mobile DJ:
First off, that’s me in the photo above! More importantly, mobile disc jockeys travel to wherever the client needs them and they charge people according to the location of the event, hours of service, and maybe any other extra services required for the job.
A DJ contract will insure you and your client that you both intend to be at the specified location on a specified date. Paperwork and organization is important!
A wedding disc jockey falls into this category and you can make really good money performing at weddings. You must have really good memory, coordination, and speaking skills to know how to direct crowds. You need be polite, on point, & move on to the next scheduled event in a timely manner.
Almost always, you will need to plan and remember everyones names while keeping everyone entertained with music. These types of DJs are very well paid!
3) Music Producer DJ:
Firstly, these types of DJs will use a program to mix songs or rework a song to sound awesome either at a club, for clients, or for views on a networking platform. Learning how to operate a music program such as Abelton Live, which is one of the most popular music producing softwares on the market, is what a producer DJ does. if your interested, learn it!
In fact, learning how to be this type of DJ is great for people who are filled with creativity! For example, Skrillex falls under this category of DJs!
4) Radio DJ:
A radio disc jockey broadcasts music through the radio waves. In fact, I’m positive you’ve heard of this type of DJ! Usually, you need to go through some type of schooling if you want to be on a local FM radio station. Go to school!
5) Turntablist:
Turntablism involves changing a songs sound and creating new music. They use sound effects, mixes, and Samplers to create impressive beats. Most of the time, turntablists use two turntables and a cross fader (DJ mixer). This type of disc jockey can create creative sounds (scratch, scratch), mixes, and sound effects on the fly for parties or turntablist competitions.
6) A Poser DJ:
This type of Dj acts like a disc jockey. Actually, they tell people they are musically talented but they’re either lying or they’ve never had the balls (or courage if your a girl) to invest the money into their DJ equipment.
I added an extra one to make it 6 disc jockey types total. Bonus!
Types of DJs – Which One Do You Want To Be?
Furthermore, I personally prefer to be a Mobile Disc Jockey. I get paid no less than $50/hour. I can sub-contract through entertainment companies as well as find my own gigs through advertising, social media, search engines, passing out business cards, and word of mouth referrals.
Compared to the other different types of DJs, a mobile disc jockey suits me well! Finally, now that you’ve learned about the different types of DJs, I ask the question, “Which one do you want to be”?
After you’ve figured this out, I can’t stress enough to you how helpful this post can be for you:
Conclusion On Types of DJs
In conclusion, there are a lot of things to think about if your just beginning your DJ journey. In fact, If you love music and you want to start embracing it, then I recommend you keep your head in the game and keep researching! Any questions or comments are greatly appreciated. I will respond in a timely manner!
In the meantime, answer me this in the comment section:
What’s your favorite types of DJs & why?
