Disk jockey's job description

Answer 1

There are different kinds of DJ's:

Mobile DJ's:

- Play the music at weddings, school dances, and similar events. They usually have an intimate knowledge of music and programming for the type of event to make sure that appropriate music is played.

Club DJs:

- Depending on the club they may play anything from Top 40 to underground EDM. Club DJ's usually mix the music and create samples and MASH-ups on the fly. Mixing means that they ensure that both songs transition flawlessly into each other; Doing this requires adjusting the speed of the songs to make sure that the beats line up properly (beatmatching) and making sure that the key's of the two songs are complimentary and do not clash. Club DJ's also need an intimate knowledge of music and what is popular.

Rave/Party DJs:

- Similar to club DJ's in the fact that beat-matching and key harmonics are very important but they often spin genres like techno, drum and bass, electro, etc; as opposed to more mainstream club music.

Radio DJs:

- Similar to Mobile DJs in the fact they usually just press play for the next song, but they need to program the music for the station. (Note: some radio DJs are also club or party DJs and very well may beat-match and mix). Radio DJs also act as announcers, MCs, and news casters for most radio stations.

Producer DJs:

- Like Rave/Party DJs and Club DJs but they also produce their own music or remixes. This category would include artists like Deadmau5, Avicii, etc.

Turntablists:

- These are the guys who "scratch" records and preform turntable tricks. They often compete in DJ competitions or may be seen with hip-hop artists. (Other types of DJ's may also be turntablists).

Bedroom DJs:

- Could be any kind of DJ really but they play for the enjoyment and are not actually employed by a venue or company.