DJ SKILLZ--QUESTION

Corbett,
First of all welcome to the forum. Second, take it from me, it is best to NOT post your eMail address on a public forum. That is where most spammers find you. Unfortunately I don't moderate this section, or I would have removed your email for you, so take my advice and remove your email from the post, and send Skilz a PM, asking him the questions you wish to be answered.

Oh yeah, BTW let your parents know that my company (Holiday Sounds) mobile wedding, blah, blah blah, DJ's grossed over $118,000 (5 DJ company) in the 2003 calander year. It is more than just fun and games.

My best advice to you is just stick to what you love to do, and show your parents how serious you are about this.. as soon as they see you more serious about it then you will win there support. Second to get into the club scene it would be best to build your name up just a bit.. which you have plenty of time to do since your 15, and you got enough time to create something out of yourself. My family was the same way.. saying that i have no future in being a DJ, so that is the main reason why i am still a DJ today... Plus doing weddings is not that bad.. you might run into some club manager one day in one of the weddings. Or a friend that knows somebody that knows a club manager. It's funny how things work out in life sometimes... just keep your eyes open, and don't ever pass an oppurtinity to do an event at your age. Everything helps.

alright thanks guys it is really appreciated.. also though what does it take to be a "club dj"...like what specific areas do you have to be good at?? because I know that clubs are not just play and pause...thanks

hey dj corbett wassup...... man, i know how u feel.... being a "younger" dj can sometimes be hard.... but thats just how it is.... a lot of people look down on us younger guys just because we're young.... but if u can stomach this stage and wait a few more years.... trust me.... the wait will be worth it....im 19 and i've been doing mobile work for at least 3 years now....and within this last year have been offered a few early hour gigs in a few local clubs ..... the only thing is... is that..... alot of club owners prefer to have dj's that are of age(21 and over).... or even sometimes 19..... so,im sorry but tell u like this..... but thats juss how it is.... good luck man

Corbett you have to pay your dues man, work hard get involved in all aspects of DJ work from Weddings to christenings to clubs and schools. The exposure to them will build character, experience and make you a more versatile and sought-after DJ.

Learn as much as you can about speakers, lighting, electrical wiring etc etc, educating yourself in these areas will pay dividends when you move up in the world, knowing how to use the gear is the key. Go to trade shows like Entech and NAMM, the information you get from the industry is invaluable. It's also good for networking and exposure.

As for direction, well that's up to you....I once wanted to do clubs too and I did. I must admit it was fun for a while but on the flip-side it also has a lot of negatives that go with the scene. I do mainly mobiles now for several reasons; good money, hearing intact, don't stink like an ashtray, safe, finish decent hour, good money, use own gear, free food/drink, more respect from customers, no skanks etc etc.

There are a lot of past threads on this forum that talk about getting into clubs, use the search option to find them...some good advice there and worth the effort.

At the end of the day where you end up is all up to you, just remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. The DJs you see working in clubs didn't get there by pure luck alone, hard work and dedication has a lot do with how they got there. Good luck in whatever you do man.

ROQ out

thanks again guys... just to make conversation..how old were all of you when you started?? and what did you start with and how did u get started (i.e a friend...friend of a friend..company).... I am jsut curious if any of you started at my age of 15 and are big now..thanks

All i want to know is....

Where do you see 2 L's????????

Where? (0) (0) <-- looking

Skilz,
I thought he was referring to me, meaning the "DJ with Skillz. lol

That's why I answered first.

Stevie.. unless he was talking about the DJ with Skilz who can suck on there thumb the best.. then yes he was talking to you.

"you can't just jump in the ring and think your game" -quote from The Fast and The Furious
what its saying is that you have to work at it. you need to start small and learn from the pros in the company you are working for.
if being a "club dj" is truly your dream then you would have to problem waiting a couple of years to get into it more. there is so much to learn, not just "how to dj" but you need to know how to be a tech guy to, i would seriously recomend not doing only just djing gigs, but try to be the sound tech at some small concerts or even bigger ones, this will help you better understand sound and lighting equipment.
most clubs are going to want someone that knows what they are doing. if you screw up just once you probably won't get called for another gig. the point is you need to be at a "club dj" level. if you don't know everything about it right now thats ok. you have plenty of time to learn it. just be patient
DJ Borris