DJ Business Start Up Secrets: How to Start a DJ Business

I have talked with a lot of would-be DJ’s over the years. What is the most common question I hear from them? “What do I need to start a DJ business?” That makes sense, because most people think a DJ has tons of equipment, knowledge, and other stuff. But the truth is that you really don’t need much to get started. Almost anybody can start a DJ business for under $1000 and a little bit of time. Here’s what you need to know:

Let’s start with equipment. This is what people tend to believe is most important in the DJ business. Not true. DJ’s have a wide variety of equipment options, and you will rarely see 2 guys/gals running the same setup. Basically, you will need speakers, a power source, and a sound source. Lights are optional, so we won’t even cover that here. Your speakers might include their own power, or you might need a separate power amp. Your sound source can be a CD player, iPod, laptop, or even a true dual deck player like many DJ’s are using these days. Equipment-wise, that’s about it.

The real kicker is music. You have to develop a large music library that covers all genres, eras, etc. If you DJ a high school prom, you have to own the appropriate music for those kids. If you DJ a 50 year reunion, you will need a very different playlist for that event. Get the idea? You need it all. Sure, you could try to limit yourself to events where the music fits your personal tastes, but you want to make money. Cutting out certain kinds of music means cutting your pay drastically. So own it all and play it all. Grow your library constantly!

Lastly, you will need some business savvy. That’s the part that scares most people out of getting started. They think the business must be complicated or everyone would be doing it, right? Not at all true. This business is simple. All you really need is a drive to be successful. You have to want success. Do you want that kind of freedom and satisfaction out of your job? If so, then you are halfway there. The rest can be learned on the battlefield.

Be confident, be prepared, and you will find that the DJ business is really not difficult. If you cover your equipment, music, and you really want to be a DJ, you are already off to a great start.