DJ work can be a terrific second job if you have a day job but love to create and play music.  Getting a set up that allows you to handle public events and performances can be expensive.  Maybe you are not sure yet whether DJ-ing is for you in the long term or maybe you have a basic setup at home but it isn’t suitable or portable enough to take on the road.

DJ (pronounced dee jay) comes from the term disc jockey which refers to someone who plays discs (recorded music in any format) and jockey meaning a person operating a machine to play music or recorded sound.  The term has grown from a narrow definition of playing music and making announcements over the radio in the 1950’s. Today the term can refer to anything from radio personalities, playing music and reading the news to live performances using a full studio monitors set up and turntables as well as the addition of vocal over mixed tracks.

Your local DJ store is the ideal place to start your search for equipment that will allow you to take your passion to the level of performance at clubs and events.  DJ stores typically have experienced staff, many of whom may also be DJ’s themselves who can advise you which set up is best for your needs. One good option is to hire items so that you can try before you make a large financial commitment.

You can then try out the specialised equipment with your existing system and from these results you may decide to try something else, a different unit or a better quality system, perhaps you find that you might not even need a unit of that level and can purchase a smaller system component. DJ stores also offer a range of add on items like bubble and smoke machines, things you may not really want to buy if the frequency you need them isn’t that often.

For mobile DJ’s, hiring is a great idea for events where you may need a “one off” item such as a generator for an outside event without access to power.  Perhaps you need some staging or proper DJ desks for a particular event?  Hire is a great alternative in these situations. It is also a good way to build up a relationship with your favourite pioneer midi contoller.  The staff will get to know you and the way you work and can often make good suggestions for you when it comes to making a future purchase. Some stores also offer DJ and music or sound production courses, even private tuition.  This can help you move from playing with your DJ gear at home to making a living or indulging your passion with public performance in clubs or at an event.