DJ lesson 1: Why do you want to DJ?

Let’s talk about you.

Why do you want to be a DJ? Is it because…

a) you’re looking for an easy way to make money?

b) it looks pretty sexy?

c) you’re passionate about discovering music - and sharing it with people?

If you answered c, you’re on the right track. The first step to becoming a decent DJ has to be a love of music. It doesn’t really matter what music you’re into, but you have to care about it.

That probably means you sit at your laptop obsessing over DJ mixes on YouTube, and dig out new discoveries on music forums or Spotify. If you go further than your mates to uncover cool music and get a buzz when you play it to them and see their reaction, you’re made to be a DJ!

Before you buy expensive equipment and learn the DJ craft, take time to appreciate music. Listen to the radio, check out specialist shows and podcasts, and work out what type of music touches you most.

It doesn’t have to be one genre. You can love classic house, the darkest drum and bass, sultry soul music, and the top 40. As long as you care, you’re ready to do this course.

Try not to hate anything. Listen with an open mind, because music can constantly surprise you. Think you hate the 70s – you haven’t heard Dancer by Gino Soccio. Despise the 80s? Go and listen to New Order or Chaka Khan.

All my favourite DJs (from Carl Cox to Solomun) have the following in common:

1) They’re passionate about the music they play

2) They work hard

3) They watch the crowd closely, and select the right music for the right moment

4) They balance preparation with improvisation, and subtlety with stompers

So think about your motivation. Is it champagne and private jets - or because you LOVE music. I’ll book the second option for my next party any day.