ARTIST SPOTLIGHT (By guest writer **Brian Roberts). Number Seven on Forbes’ list of top-paid DJs making 11 million per year, Pauly D is one of the many cashing in on the electronic music revolution. How did he get started? Where do others stand? How can you become a DJ? This article covers the basics of who’s making it big in the scene and how to approach DJing on your own.
DJ Pauly D Hits Superstardom
Prior to 2009’s Jersey Shore, Paul DelVecchio worked at a car dealership and DJing small gigs at night for the better part of 10 years. Now the reality star/ DJ has international fame, his own TV series, “The Pauly D Project,” and a full schedule of booked gigs. The DJ landed a residency at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, The Hard Rock Casino in Vegas and at Harrah’s Atlantic City and has made his rounds in the daytime talk show circuit. Although, according to Forbes, the DJ “considers himself an open-format DJ,” his new album debuts soon. He told Forbes it sounds like “David Guetta meets DJ Khaled.”
Other DJs Making It Big
Pauly D only scratches the surface on DJ success. Producer and EDM vet Tiesto, real name Tijs Michiel Verwest, has followed the electronic music wave for nearly 20 years—lucky for him, the industry recognizes his efforts and influence in the music genre earning him a whopping 22 million, making him the highest-paid DJ in the world. Newcomers like 18-year-old French DJ Porter Robinson and 23-year-old Zedd may not be ranking in the multimillions yet, but the young producers and entrepreneurs are making moves in the industry. Popular DJ’s like Kaskade (10 million), Swedish House Mafia (14 million), David Guetta (13.5 million) and Deadmau5 (11.5 million) round out the highest-paid DJ list.
So You Want To Be A DJ?
Do It For The Right Reasons
Do what you do because you love it. Play the music you like because you like it. Period. DJing isn’t all about parties, rave gloves and crazy costumes. If you get a few or a lot of people to like it too then great, if not, it shouldn’t matter. Becoming a superstar DJ is like our generation’s version of the starving artist trying to become a rockstar. This should be something you’re passionate about and genuinely enjoy. Not something you want to do solely to get famous, make money and look cool. If those bonuses happen, then awesome! But if that’s all you’re doing this for chances are you are setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment.
Learn About Music
Yes, it is possible to DJ and know nothing about music except that there is a thing called a beat and you can count it in dividends of 2 and 4. Promoters and club owners have an abundance of push-play DJs to pick from. Learn some basics about music theory, learn how to beat match and learn music vocabulary basics. It’s going a bit above and beyond the bare minimum but you will be better than a lot of other DJs out there and you will earn respect from fellow producers and DJs in your local scene. Starting on old-fashion turn tables and transitioning to CDJing is the best way to learn the most about your craft and earn recognition from veterans and newcomers alike.
Make The Right Friends
Making the right friends can make or break you in the music industry. A great way to meet people is by doing promoting work for local companies and people that run shows in your area. Be nice, make friends, don’t burn bridges and look out for yourself first.
Know How To Keep A Crowd Going
DJing is more than just playing a bunch of songs that sound good. Good DJs know how to balance their sets and how to keep the energy flowing. Don’t open your set with banger after banger, ease into your set and build an anticipatory intensity, hit the high point and ease out. Always keep the crowd interested and wanting more.
One Word: Tenacity
Music is not an easy thing to turn into a career. Stay strong, persistent and positive while maintaining self-awareness and dignity.
**Brian Roberts–Until he lives his dream of being a sports announcer for the Yankees, Brian is content writing about gambling laws and regulations, developments in betting technology and big jackpots.