What Does It Take To Be A Successful DJ?

I get asked this question quite often and my answer is simple.   DJing is an artform (for me at least) that consists of a person's musical taste, knowledge, and music programming.  I remember when I started (1988) I loved the concept of mixing two songs together.  I was influenced by radio mixshow DJ's and would tape their shows every weekend.  My first DJ setup consisted of two different turntables, a dated amp, tiny mixer, and lousy speakers.  I made the best of what I had until I could afford the good stuff many years later.  My parents told me they wouldn't allow me to spend my own money on DJ equipment.  Being the renegade I am,  I did it anyway and turned it into a rewarding career almost 24 years later. 

Throughout my life I have listened to so many different genres of music and today, I am able to be wildly eclectic in my DJ sets.  It took about a year to really learn how to match-up beats and then many years later I learned how to properly program the music.  Mixing is only a small part of being a DJ, in fact you don't have to beat mix to be good.  It all depends on where you are playing and who you are playing for.  Some of the best club DJ's never beat mixed at all, instead they told a story with their music.  Take David Mancuso for instance, David created the legendary LOFT parties in NYC.  The LOFT was actually his home and he would personally invite people to come and listen to amazing music on an amazing sound system.  He didn't beat match, he simply played great songs from beginning to end. David's programming was like no other, he had the gift of delivery. 

As a Westchester County DJ today, I specialize in playing a wide variety of music and putting it together to create a seamless, uplifting vibe.  There is absolutely no filler in my sets, simply great music from beginning to end.  I don't believe in putting on a cd to kill time, the party starts when the DJ plays the first song.  What I play depends on the client but we work together to select the perfect blend of music.  You give me your favorites and I'll infuse my personality then put it all together to create your musical story.  I firmly believe, and live by, it's not just what you play it's HOW you play it that makes all the difference.  The only way you get this part of the equation is through practice and open mindedness.  I think ego gets in the way of many DJ's careers today.  My advice is to stay humble and if you are great, you won't have to brag about it the right people will know.  I love what I do and it shows through my music, does it show through yours?