Let’s say that you have found the thing that you want to do and that is to be a DJ. You found passion in beat mixing and have a list of DJs that you follow on social media. You realized that you can catch up to them and just like Stephen Sluyter, you need to start from the basics of DJing. This blog will teach you the basic setup for people like you, a beginner in the industry.

Essential equipment for beginners by Stephen Sluyter

1. The basic computer setup

This is the most compact equipment for a DJ by far. With this, you will be able to select from a vast library of digital music online. At the most basic level level, beginner DJs invest in a basic audio interface in which it converts digital audio and sends it in the DJ mixer.

Audio interfaces like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the PreSonus Firestudio offer a couple of inputs and outputs for sending digital audio to the club’s sound system. Most interfaces offer a headphone jack so that you can preview the music before mixing it into your set.

2. Controller setup

Using a laptop to DJ is sometimes frustrating because you have no control over the mix. Tasks like crossfading and beat matching have to be performed with the keyboard, and they are undoubtedly easier when you have faders and knobs. Controllers are now becoming accepted within the mainstream as the new generations of DJs are raised on the internet.

DJ controllers such as Traktor Kontrol Z1 offers a two-channel mixer, crossfader, and basic EQ functionality. The larger one, Kontrol S2 MKII, includes remix decks and jog wheels for hands-on cueing. There is also Pioneer DDJ-SR which is a two channel controller that is designed to work seamlessly with the Serato DJ software. Stepen Sluyter on myspace usually choose which perfectly fits the occasion.

3. Turntable setup

This offers a tactile feeling that cannot be replicated by software and controllers. For those who wish to master the intricacies of beat matching and mixing, Stephen Sluyter recommends starting with the classic turntable setup.

Two turntables: the most popular DJ turntable is the Technics SL-1200, but it is out of production and has a high price online. One of the alternatives is a pair of Numark TT 250 USBs or Stanton T.92s.

Mixer: your turntables connect to a DJ mixer that will give you control over the volume, EQ, and effects for multiple audio channels. It is common to find Pioneer DJM-800 or a high-end Rane mixer in a club but you don’t need to spend that much for a quality unit. If you are on a serious budget, go for the Numark M101USB or if you want a solid two-channel mixer with additional features, go for Pioneer DJM-350.

Headphones: you will need a decent set of DJ headphones to cue up and mix between tracks. DJ headphones are designed to replicate low end and treble frequencies like you hear them in a club, while also using a closed-ear design to isolate the sound. With headphones models like Pioneer HDJ-2000MK2 or Sennheiser HD 25, you can never go wrong.

4. CDJ setup

CDs has overtaken vinyl as the medium of choice and since the DJ world adapted, CDs become a popular alternative in the club space. While having access to an LCD screen with info about frequencies, cue points, tempo and more, DJs can cue up and mix tracks using jog wheels using CDs or a USB stick. CDs are more expensive than the average controller and they might be worth the investment if you are serious about DJing. If you’re on a budget, you can try Gemini CDJ-700 or MDJ-1000.

These are the basic equipment that are best for beginner DJ and if you are ready to start, you can always visit stores online and find these equipment. Stephen Sluyter also recommends to think first before purchasing the equipment. Be familiar with your craft and perform at venues, then you can start to invest in better DJ equipment.

Have you ever desire to become a great and popular  DJ? For Stephen Sluyter views this as a very manageable job that allows you to travel abroad and take a part in parties, meet new people or share your passion at the same time. However being a DJ does not take an overnight only but a daily practice to excellence.

Helpful tips and tricks  to become a great DJ  by Stephen Sluyter

1. Have courage or determination. 

Self-belief is all it takes to hasten your career. Stephen Sluyter dared to dream and ask for the advice and opinion of those he respects and he enjoyed the ride by trusting himself. Have an image of where you wanted to be.

2. Have time to relax. 

It is good to be passionate on your DJing, however, remember to take a rest after a hard weekend working. Spend your time with your family or relax in any way you want to because a lot of creative thinking gets done and kicks back when we rest.

3. Act the role. 

Be a professional. Turning up late and scruffy will give you an impression from the audience that they do not give a damn. Be well dressed, washed and alert to make you look expert and let your aura say, “tonight, I am in charge of the party, I will lead you to so much fun, believe me, and let’s go!”

4. Concentrate on your music selection. 

The best DJs like Stephen Sluyter have music collections that they spend a lifetime by slowly, slowly building it up. Great music is the foundation of your career and behind the scenes are not glamorous either, but when you finally surface as a polished, professional DJ, only you will know how you collected those tunes all over the years.

5. Do Work passionately and a lot harder. 

People who work harder and make a big effort to go an extra distance stand out at any stage in their career. Always remind yourself that you can’t take anything you want for granted and that no one is indispensable, not even you. Simply work hard, because somebody out there will grab your place anytime.

6. Amazing Experience. 

Get out of your bedroom and practice or experience what it is to be a DJ. If you can’t get a gig then you can go help a fellow DJ by handing out flyers and help set up the gear. You can offer a half-hour of warming up before the club opens. Be creative and be out there.

7. Don't ever mind your age. 

Remember being a DJ doesn’t seem to matter what your is. Age doesn’t matter as long as you have a good collection of music and can keep up with the crowd’s energy. Connect with your audience and they will connect with you as well. Just be passionate.

8. Be a music enthusiast. 

You do not have to worry, every DJ has the wealth of clubbing, crate-digging, mix-swapping and general music loving. Enjoy the music and learn everything that you need to learn about it. Enjoy the learning curve. It will aid you when you will certainly have your break.

9. Manage your nerves. 

If you don’t get nervous, then you are doing it wrong. Stuff can go wrong however it is your job as a DJ to professionally hide it from the public as much as you can. Experience can really help you get better and having nerves or courage is just fine.

10. Find a way to relax. 

Take into account that relaxing will help you relax the adrenaline that is still pumping after your 4 am DJing. Do whatever that works for you. Finding a way to unwind is essential in this game and have a good sleep to invigorate.

Do ponder that being a successful event DJ you have to consider that your client's wedding is a very special affair to their life. So always put an effort in everything you do. In fact being a DJ, or a party promoter is way more than just music. The eras of flyers are long passed—if you want to stand out from the crowd you're going to have to think excellently outside the box.

Either they use this process or something similar, any skilled band or DJ operates at a high level of feature to construct a playlist of music that will make your dance floor hopping. Use this data to narrow down your list of entertainers throughout your wedding dance preparation process.

When you are thinking to hire a band or DJ to perform at your wedding, inquire as to how they create their set lists. If they use a random method that changes every time, it probably isn’t very useful. Lower efficiency means a greater needless cost that you will end up spending. 

Stephen Sluyter useful ideas in building a great playlist

1. Know your demographic

Do remember to think how old are your guests and where are they from? Keep in mind that there is always a great mix of every generation or is there more importance on one than another. DJ Steven Sluyter in Texas ensures that every guest in the party can dance with the beat.

2. Note the music that each of your demographics likes

Simply talk to your grandparents to see what they enjoy. Likewise, do call up an aunt or an uncle and check it with them. Consider if your younger folks listen to the radio a lot or go clubbing? Maybe top 40 will make them happy.

3. Visualize your desired result

Is your dance-floor a sweaty mess with folks in their twenties drinking like crazy and head crashing to club music and a laser light show? Or is your party a classy one, where all your visitors from young to old are dancing together, having fun and enjoying respectful songs that everyone knows and needs to dance as well.  Some music and lyrical content can elicit particular moods. As a professional DJ, Stephen Sluyter said to put your desired mood in mind as you choose your music genre and songs.

4. Pick a genre  that will best describe your demographic and align with your aspired result

That sweaty mess might call for any club mix top 40 songs. Perhaps your inter-generational party wants a little Funk, Soul, and R&B? Are you striving to keep everyone dancing all night, or only use your breaks for one particular music genre and have the principal theme be something different?

5. Plan a rough program for dance-floor action and differences

Keep in mind that your guests will dance better if they get some down period to grab another drink and freshen up. Your wedding dance playlist must combine with 2-3 sets of dance music, anywhere from 50-90 minutes every, and 2 or 3 breaks, 15-30 minutes each. Your visitor won’t have the energy to party non-stop for 4-5 hours straight and plus, they want a little time to chat without having to squeal over a blaring sound way.

6. Get the songs available

Stephen Sluyter assures that your wedding dance playlist is ready to go once you made all the things mentioned. Send it off to your band or DJ, or if you’re managing the party yourself, simply download all these songs from iTunes and create a playlist for each set. Now you’re all ready!