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Advice on starting out DJing?
Hi, I figured this site looked as good as any to ask for some advice on how to get started DJing.
Before I get bombarded with jargon, can I stress that I know absolutely nothing about DJing, I've never even tried it.
However, I am looking to start in DJing, with the eventual ambition of getting work in pubs and clubs (yes, I like to think ahead )
Firstly, I only have a few hundred quid to spend.
I was wondering what's the best kit to get. If it's possible, I'd like to get something which would last me until I can get some sort of employment. So, I don't want to start out with total newbie kit, that'd be worth nothing after two weeks. However, I don't have a great deal of cash either, so I'm looking for a compromise.
A few more specific questions:
What's best to start out with; Turntables, CD Players, or those MP3 playing DJ things? I like the idea of turntables, but apparently almost all bars use CD Players, and since you have to start out in bars before clubs, then am I right in thinking I should start out with CD players? Or what about these MP3 playing things; are they any good?
Oh and, in Newcastle (and I presume most cities) the majority of bars play cheesy music. One of the few exceptions is Liquid - my favourite, and Legends, and Foundation (home of Shindig). Ideally I'd like to get work somewhere where I can play dance/trance/house etc. Is there any way to get round playing cheesy music and get straight into the dance scene, or is it just a fact of life that I'd have to start with playing crappy stuff like Steps and S Club 7?
Advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Alex
Hey Alex, I live near Newcastle too, in a place called Rownlands Gill, u know? Anyway I would recommend strongly that you firstly try mixing on your computer through VTT or PCDJ, both are free, just so you can get a feel for it and see if you like it. If you are keen to get equipment I would recommment you get decks, but you have to be precise with the amount of money you have, I can't recommend you anything unless you be a bit more specific, equipment can vary a lot between �200 and �500 quid. Also check the Global DJ Centre on Clayton Street, they will be able to recommend you some good gear for your money.
Jobs... I dunno I'm only 16
Hope that helps 4 now, gimme more specific details and I will try to help you more 
Well I'm actually blowing almost all of my money on New Years Eve as I'm going to the Dome Event in London.
However, I'm due some money off the glass collecting job I just finished, and I also get money for doing A levels (30 quid a week). I get an end of term one due which is �80. Not much but it's all expendable (I'm living with my parents) and I hope to get another part time job soon.
I was really thinking a couple of months down the line. I wouldn't really wanna spend any more than �300-400.
I've downloaded PCDJ, it's quite fun, though i only got it a couple of days ago so haven't mastered all it's features.
Thing is, if most bars only use CD Players, and I get turntables and become proficient with them, then I won't know much about the CD Players/have a sizable CD collection.
What are the best ways of getting into the dance music DJ scene?
for 400 quid you could get a cheap tt package, cd players for that amount will be crap, best way you could probably go then is to save up a bit longer and get some cdj100s and a mixer with 3 band eq. that would be a good start. i dont know how easy it will to actually get in the scene, but there are dj training courses on offer in the town if you wanna try them, they are free. that will give you a taste of mixing with equipment, i have been djing for 4 years, but i hav only had my tts for 6 weeks, i am very happy with them, as i said take a look at that shop in clayton street, if all else fails try HMV
Free DJ training courses in Newcastle?!?
I never knew anything about that. Who runs it, and what's in it for them if it's free?
Oh and wherabouts is it/they?
Thanks.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by evil_bastard Free DJ training courses in Newcastle?!? I never knew anything about that. Who runs it, and what's in it for them if it's free? Oh and wherabouts is it/they? Thanks. |
I'll try to find the info l8r, where abouts do you live?
| quote: |
| Originally posted by boy_luke_y2k I'll try to find the info l8r, where abouts do you live? |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Cable be careful boylukey2k is dangerous |
| quote: |
| Originally posted by Cable be careful boylukey2k is dangerous |
I live in Jarrow, on the south side of the river I'm afraid. It's only 10 mins on the metty to the toon though
I'm on the front line, my college is in mackem territory.
I'm on the south side too, i got the info from gateshead interchange, ill hav to find it tho, i dunno where i put it, its called COLD BLEND or someting equally strange.
Cold blend? Sounds like a bit of a toolmunchers club to be honest 
| quote: |
| Cold blend? Sounds like a bit of a toolmunchers club to be honest |
I haven't even got any vinyl yet, since I haven't decided whether I want turntables or CD Players.
I'll have to give this cold benders club a try though to get a feel for the eqpt and see what I like.
BTW, how much does a vinyl single usually cost?
lol
go with vinyl, although u can just burn endless cds, vinyls range from 2 quid up to 8 quid depending on artists, labels, shipping, etc. but vinyl is much more satisfying than cds.
ok man, i used to be in your situation about two years ago...i bought some decks and a mixer from my pal who just got brand new decks. i pretty much hooked up my decks and mixer, plus some cheap headphones and went at it. i only had about 10 records to start out with, so i just fooled around with those. my advice is listen to songs over and over again and figure how they work. they are all the same. they consist of four counts (or bars). so it would go ////.////.////.once u start learning how the song works try get another song going at the same tempo. my best advice would be to just lock your self in your room and keep trying and trying. that is all i did. and as far as equipment i would definatley start out with turntables. something simple like belt-drives (compared to direct drives, like Technics). i started out with TT's and after a year and half have moved to cd players and now i spin at a local club, which is what ive always wanted to do. its good to teach yourself with vinyl first because once u master that you can spin cd's and mp3's in your sleep.
im actually selling the two turntables i started out, along with shure cartridges, slipmats, and i think i still have the headphones, and ill have to check on the mixer. if ur interested i can proably give ya a deal. they are the same tables my m8 started out with and the same ones i started out with and we are both spinning at clubs 4 nights a week, and i just released a promo cd! i relize your short on cash, and so was i when i first started..just give me an email at [email protected], or just PM if your interested. later and good luck!
So if you prefer turntables why do you use CD players now?
BTW, what is the difference between direct drive and belt drive?
Oh and if I started out with turntables, would I have to get CDs before getting work in bars etc?
Thanks for all the advice. If you don't mind me asking, how did you start out? I've heard that mobile DJing is a good way to go, but also a pain in the arse. Did you go that route, or another way? And did you have to start working somewhere that plays cheesy stuff, or did you get straight into the dance scene?
Cheers
Direct drive --> Engine of table is direct under the euhh plate
Belt Drive --> Table turns like euhh V-Snare in a car
btw maybe you will find some usefull information in here
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...&threadid=29894
Someone told me to get a top of the range belt drive instead of a bottom of the range direct drive. He claims any direct drive from aorund �300-400 would stop once you change the pitch. Or words to that effect, I forget exactly.
Is this true?
Also, I really wouldn't wanna spend any more than �450 on decks and mixer once I have the money. What's the best eqpt I could get for this amount?
Oh and LukeY2k, found any info on that DJ training course?
i found something:
http://www.generator.org.uk/Events_Cold_Blend_fast.htm
But it also says this:
"Preference will be given to people who are in some way excluded from many other activities or who are at a disadvantage in some way. Examples might include people from ethnic minorities, young offenders, young people with disabilities, teenage parents, regular truants, those with special educational needs etc. To get involved, get in touch with us at [email protected] or through your local youth worker."
So basically, nick stuff, mug grannies and skip school and Newcastle council will reward you for you true Geordie-like qualities by giving you free DJ lessons.
That's about the size of it.
| quote: |
| Originally posted by DJTJ So basically, nick stuff, mug grannies and skip school and Newcastle council will reward you for you true Geordie-like qualities by giving you free DJ lessons. |
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