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 dunno whats in it for them, I think its done by a group who are financed by the council, I could always teach you if you got stuck

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?

be careful boylukey2k is dangerous

quote:

Originally posted by Cable be careful boylukey2k is dangerous

lol j/k

quote:

Originally posted by Cable be careful boylukey2k is dangerous

Hahahahaha, LMFAO

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.