There are so many things that make up a good DJ, but the most important of all is being prepared to spend countless hours learning and practicing. Be a perfectionist.

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For the purpose of this article we have tried to break down top 10 things that are considered to be important to becoming a good DJ:



# 10: While the use of effects is an artistic choice, it is not a good idea to rely on them. Audiences have become familiar with the effects that DJs use; try using your levels and EQ to create interest before turning to the effects, and then when you do drop that echo it will be something special instead of redundant.



# 9: Be prepared to start at the bottom, learn all you can and work your butt off to make it to the top!



# 8: Understand that no matter how good you are and how much you know, there is always more to learn. Love to learn and love to practice.



# 7: To achieve the best sound quality during a DJ performance or recorded mix, make sure you are getting a good strong signal both in and out of the mixer, but always take care not to push any of your levels into the red. We get it that when the mix is hot and the people are jumping, you have the urge to pump up the volume. However, this may kill the vibe by making your music sound distorted, and most venues have a master limiter anyways.



# 6: Try the “push and pull” method for programming a DJ set - giving the crowd just enough energy to dance and be excited, but never giving it all up until the right moment. Oldschool house DJs like Derrick Carter have mastered this method, with sets that build up into banging music and then down into something deep for a moment, pushing and pulling the energy of the set to make the crowd more excited.



# 5: Play appropriately for your time slot. A-list DJs all delivered a very similar sentiment — don’t try to blow up the dancefloor at the wrong time. Many beginner DJs are so eager to play “their sound” and impress their audience that they end up playing inappropriately for their time slot (usually an opening slot for up and coming DJs). The best thing you can do during an early slot is lay down an even-keeled, in-the-pocket vibe that doesn’t give up too much energy too early.



#4: Play more than one specific style of music, it is a great way to increase your opportunities for performances. Don’t necessarily divide playlists by genre, but by mood (aggressive, melancholy, soulful, etc.) and energy (slow, medium, fast). If you practice enough and have good taste it will all come together naturally.



# 3: Feel comfortable behind the decks. People don’t want to see a DJ thinking too much - interact with the audience.  Don’t stress about beatmatching, song placement or track selection; you should spend the right amount of time practicing in order to be comfortable.



# 2: Be interested about what is going on around you and stay active. Go to parties, meet people, construct a fan base and stay connected with that fan base, meet other DJs. Stay knowledgeable about what is going on around you in the music industry.



# 1: Be passionate about your music. In fact, good DJs are almost obsessive about their music. They look high and low for the next big tune, for that right beat or that right drop. Don’t worry about what others are playing and buying, believe in your own musical taste and style and do not be scared to take calculated risks if and when needed.