It’s been a journey—an unexpected hiatus from the deck and beats for five long years. But guess what? I’m back, and the feeling is nothing short of exhilarating! You know that rush when you reconnect with something you’re truly passionate about? That’s exactly what it feels like to dive back into DJing after such a prolonged break.
Let me take you through this incredible journey of getting back on the deck, and share with you the things I wish I have and things I learned so far now that I embarked on my DJing adventure again…
- Guidance and Mentorship – Back when I started in the industry 5 years ago, navigating the DJing world felt like wandering in a sonic maze. Having a mentor or someone to guide me through the technical aspects, the art of mixing, and the ins and outs of the industry would have been an absolute game-changer. Now, I’m actively seeking out mentorship to refine my skills and gain insights from experienced DJs.
- Knowing The Existence of More Equipments and Softwares – Ah, the woes of a newbie DJ! I wish I knew that there are more to just Serato and Serato-capable controllers. I didn’t know about Rekordbox until I got this one gig in Dumaguete. The club has a DDJ 1000 and it only connects to Rekordbox so, I had to perform while figuring everything out about that software. And there’s this one time in Davao when I had to use a Numark Party Mixer for the first time. Ahhh! Knowing and learning more professional-grade controllers, mixers, and speakers makes a world of difference. It’s really about continuous learning and getting out of that comfort zone.
- Music Library Curation: As a fledgling DJ, my music collection was all over the place—random tracks scattered across different devices. I yearned for a well-curated, organized music library that aligned with my style and could cater to diverse crowds. Now, I prioritize curating a versatile collection spanning genres and eras, ensuring I have the perfect track for any moment.
- Networking and Community: Connecting with other DJs and music enthusiasts isn’t easy in this journey of rediscovery. I have to be out there — introducing myself to bars and other DJs. My community now is so small I don’t even know whom to seek advise for. Being part of a bigger community would be so beautiful. It allows for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and opportunities.
- Stage Presence and Confidence: Stepping onto the DJ booth initially felt like stepping into uncharted territory. Confidence and stage presence aren’t innate; they develop over time. I wish I had known then that practice, exposure, and embracing the nerves are all part of honing the skill of commanding the crowd and owning the stage.
Returning to DJing after this hiatus feels like a homecoming—a rekindling of passion and a newfound appreciation for the art form. While I may have missed out on these elements when I was away, I’m thrilled to do it again from scratch but this armed with a more bit of experience, a renewed enthusiasm, and a clearer vision of what I need to elevate my craft.
So here’s to the moments that sync us together. I hope you’ll join me in redifining my rhythms, one night at a time.
