The Disc Jockey

As a result of the rave scene starting in the 1990’s, the image and culture of the club DJ changed forever. They became known by name for their style of music and talent and it has continued that way since. The development of super clubs around the world and the growing music cultures has encouraged people to focus on becoming Club DJ’s. The job entails fame, travel, fans and money so it is certainly not a bad choice of career! A successful DJ will travel the world and play for huge audiences but the actual number of DJ’s that make it to that level of career success are a very low percentage. The vast majority of club DJ’s are employed in house and have talent and develop a local following in the area they are based in. The setting does not have to be a nightclub; they are also known to play at small parties, raves and settings as big as stadiums.

Techniques and talent that individualise a club DJ include beatmatching, phrasing and slip-cueing to keep energy high on the dance floor and create seamless transition between recordings. They are also known for remixing tracks and individualizing them to their own style and creating ‘sets’ to entertain the audience.

Hip Hop DJ’s have developed their own ways of individualizing their style such as ‘Turntablism’ which involves cutting, scratching, beat juggling, needle drops, phase shifting and back spinning. It takes a great deal of talent and practice and the final results of an effective turntablist are creative and unique.