Kathmandu:

For some people becoming a DJ will come easily. They love to talk, they sound good when they talk, people never seem to tire of listening to them andthey play the best music in town.

A DJ is also a juggler, able to do many things at a time — selecting and cueing music, timing music selections. A good DJ is first and foremost a good communicator, a good friend to the listening audience giving them a good time at the party. A good DJ also stays in touch with the audience, finds out what they want and need, makes personal appearances at promotional events.

Whether you’re a disc jockey for a radio station or a nightclub, the best aspect of the job is the creativity it allows. DJ’s mix music, sound effects, and special effects and occasionally provide time-filling chatter between songs. Each must be in command of their specialty-genre of music or demographic of audience-and sensitive to listener responses. A disc jockey keeps regular hours, usually working from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Club DJs must keep the crowd interested in dancing, so they must know a wide variety of styles and songs, which appeal to different groups. Record promoters and agents try to flood high-profile DJs with new albums, hoping to provide exposure for their acts. Over 40 per cent of all DJs work part time and find it difficult to land regular, reasonably paying gigs.

Qualification:

No specific educational requirements exist to become a disc jockey. A disc jockey must know how to mix beats so music progresses smoothly, how to design a night of music around a specific theme or requested type of music, and how to use lighting and special effects to best advantage. As first introductions, many DJs must work for free at established clubs on off nights. Close contact with record promoters is important in getting unreleased demos or other songs which can distinguish you from other DJs. DJs trade on their reputation, so staying current with musical trends and responding to listener feedback is critical to success.

Skills:

It is very difficult to get a job as a disc jockey. Hobbies such as music are a great help. Some of the skills required are:

• Have a keen and well-developed interest in music

• Be technically competent with your equipment

• Have a confident and outgoing personality

• Have some understanding of sound engineering and music technology

• Be a clear and articulate communicator, particularly for radio.

• Have a good sense of rhythm

• Be creative and enthusiastic about music

• Have good timing and co-ordination

Payscale:

There is a lot of competition for these jobs. Many more people try to be disc jockeys than there are jobs. “It entirely depends on the event. If there is a big event then the DJ gets a good amount,” says Subash Gurung, DJ at Station Pub.

The work:

Disc jockeys (DJs) present, mix and link recorded music for a live or radio audience.

There are three types of DJ’s:

Radio DJs are broadcast presenters that work at radio stations providing links

between musical tracks. They use mixing techniques, improvisation and work to a tight timing schedule.

Mobile DJs provide musical entertainment at weddings, parties and other social events.

They try to create a fun atmosphere by being the Master of Ceremonies. They normally provide their own records (vinyl and CDs) and equipment. Club DJs mix music and use other techniques to create a performance for a dance audience. They need to be aware of the venue’s music policy and their clientele. Techniques they may use include: Pitch control, scratching, drop and MP3 mixing, cross fading

Training centres:

Finale Scratchin is the name of a very popular training centre for DJs in Kathmandu.

(Compiled by Anjita Pradhan)