Tips for Beginner DJs

If you're just starting out, the DJ world can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time.

There is just so much stuff to learn! Here are some tips that will put you on even footing with the rest of the DJ world, though.

• To promote yourself, take pictures and post them on your website, tag your friends on Facebook, take video, etc. Facebook is a great tool because your photo tag can end up on hundreds of peoples' pages, even if you're not friends with them
• Make Demo CDs and hand them out to club managers, other DJs, whoever!
• Hang out and spin with other, professional DJs to learn the tools of the trade. The hands-on experience you learn from them will never be taught in a book.
• You should buy a direct drive turntable instead of a belt drive because it offers more torque. This is especially useful for newbies. 

I borrowed many of these tips from DJ Equipment Guide. Thanks guys!

Tips and Tricks for Intermediate-level DJs

DJing is like playing baseball. There isn't a wrong way to hit the ball.....as long as it works for you. Every DJ has unique quirks and talents that will showcase themselves in their on-stage antics. Here are some universal tips, however, that will help to level the playing field.

• Old songs are difficult to match. The beats, timings, and music production software was incredibly different back then, and trying to make an Elvis beat fit to LMFAO can be a project in frustration. If you really want to do this, however, check out how Kanye West does it. He's become very good at mixing old songs into his new beats.
• Instead of playing with the same timing - like 16 bars in, 16 bars out with the intro/outro matching, instead try to change it around. This will keep the audience on its toes, and keep you from sounding too predictable. For example, try a 4 bar outro for the one song and a 12 bar into for the next one. You can make it work!
• Ever heard of a slipmat? They can be useful. Essentially, they're felt pads that sit between your turntable and the desk. It allows the turntable to keep turning while the DJ holds the record.

Also, here's an interesting article on what the song of the summer will be. 

CNN Article for DJs

I'm pulling for the Lazy Song by Bruno Mars, but let's hope something new and better comes out soon.