DJs Where You At?
 

I wasn't too sure where to put this so...

Anybody here DJ? I just started about a week ago and already have spent over $200 on vinyls. I was wondering if there were any pointers you veterans have for a newbie like me or things I should stay away from? Don't say belt driven tables 'cause its too late... I got them. Yeah, I know...
Anyways share your experiences and knowledge!
What music do you guys do?
Played any cool gigs?

I really want to get some equipment for beat makin or whatever should I just get like a CD one or a Vinyl/Computer converter one or just a Pro Tools like program or what?

I spin: 80s: goth/new wave/synthpop dark 80s

Nothing to really "stay way from", just try to get good decks(Technics 1200 MK3's are industry standards) and Pioneer cdjs 800 or 1000 are as well. You dont need to go out and spend a fortune though on that stuff...buy some cheaper stuff from a pawn shop, or Craigslist, and practice. Make sure, if you're spinning vinyl, you get some decent needles/cartridges(shouldnt be more than 30 bucks for a decent set)

I've played gigs here quite a few times in Vegas, mostly goth related.

Yeah, belt drive turntables are ones you want to try to avoid if you can, but you've bought them. Just be careful, as oncew one of the belts goes, you may as well just junk it, b/c it's going to cost you almost the same ti fix it, as it would be to go buy a good used or new one.

As for records, hmm...try Craigslist for "record lots", you may be able to find them for dirt cheap. A few years back, I picked up over 300 80's 12" maxi singles on vinyl, for the ridiculous price of $100 w/shipping. Proving, YOU can find good deals, if you know how/where to look.

As for the "art of djing" itself: just try to remember some rules:

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS Practice!!!
You can never hone your craft too much.
Try to be the best, and you'll be ok.
Don't be a **** to people, no matter how "****ty" or "horrible" the song(request) is. You'd be surprised @ how many horrible song requests I've gotten over the years, I just play it. Of course, you could always be nice and say"I didnt bring it, sorry". A good way for you to get out of the situation unscathed. YOU don't like it? who gives a ****, YOU'RE not doing it for YOU, you're playing music for others, so you want them to be impressed. Afterall, THEY pay YOUR bills, remember that.


Have fun.

Thanks Phoenix that was pretty helpful actually! I'm going to check out that "records lots" for sure. I just got The Who, Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan vinyls in the mail from my grandparents today. Mint condition too. So that was pretty exciting.