How I Became a DJ

I first decided that I wanted to be a DJ and I wasThis was just the beginning though, I really wanted
about 10 years old. I used to make my own music into be a nightclub DJ as well as a radio DJ, then other
my bedroom with an old LP player and a tapeDJs would be playing my music. Having a job at the
recorder that my dad gave me. And I would play myuniversity radio station really helped with this, as I
dad's records in the garage, over and over again, andmade loads of contacts with local club owners, and
I would announce the name and artist just like a realparty organisers. The only problem with being a
DJ. I used to imitate the DJs from a local radionovice nightclub DJ was that you didn't get paid very
stations, I would love to still have those tapes.much. So to supplement my income I had to DJ at
When I went to university at age 18 I got my firstweddings and birthday parties.
real job at the university radio station. This wasThe money I made through these gigs allowed me
probably the best opportunity I could have had atto buy my own gear, and I finally felt like I was a
that point in my life. Being a student station theyreal DJ. It's really important that you have equipment
weren't afraid to play unreleased tracks, and thereat home that you can practice on as often as
were no issues with being professional all the time. Ipossible, because when you're up there in front of all
got to play the music I wanted to play and I couldthose people you can't afford to make a mistake,
say pretty much whatever I wanted.and you need to look as smooth as possible.