Welcome to Tips & Tricks for Aspiring DJs

I’m William and after much deliberation, I’ve decided to blog about tips for aspiring DJs. As most of my friends know I’m obsessed with music and don’t go a day without listening to it. I also DJ & produce my own music which has been played on the likes of Radio 1 etc. I know how isolating it can be when you are starting out, therefore I hope my blog provides some interesting insights from someone who has been in the same position before.

My DJ Setup: Technics 1210's Mk2 Turntables, Pioneer DJM800 Mixer & Pioneer CDJ1000's.

Over the years, I have repeatedly been asked the same questions:

How did you get into DJing?

What do I need to start DJing?

Where is the best place to buy tunes from?

How do you start playing out in Clubs?

How do I get my music played out in Clubs?

Let’s start with the first question.

I got into DJing because I didn’t come from the best area growing up and wanted to focus energy into something productive. Most of my friends were going down the wrong path and I didn’t want to end up that way. I bought my first records from 23^rd Precinct in Glasgow and was a regular at the store for years and was offered a part-time job whilst in Secondary-School. I guess they wanted someone who could make Tea and do all the crappy tasks that the staff didn’t want to do. My Tea making skills must have sufficed as I was offered a full time position.

 

23rd Precinct Record Store (Now Closed) 23 Bath Street Glasgow

23^rd Precinct gave me the opportunity to network and ‘build my name’ as a DJ in Scotland, starting out by playing small nights at the Soundhaus & Archaos in Glasgow. Then I progressed to playing for larger nights in Edinburgh before being offered a residency for >>Inside Out* at the Arches in Glasgow. As a result I have played for major brands & festivals like Godskitchen, Gatecrasher, Digital Society, Goodgreef & Colours as well as playing in Ibiza, Mexico & Miami.

Next time, I’ll run through what equipment is needed to start Djing.