DJing and producing are two music careers that are often confused for one another. While there is some overlap between the two, they are quite different.
As someone looking to make a career out of their music, understanding the difference between the two is vital to your success since it will help you brand and market yourself and ensure you have purpose when working on what you have to offer!
A DJ (disc jockey) is a live performer who mixes existing and pre-made tracks together into a set listened to by people at parties, events, nightclubs, gigs, concerts, and other gatherings where music is played. A producer is someone who uses instruments, software, and hardware to create new music tracks.
While it’s true you can be both a DJ and a producer, and some people are, most people DJing choose to focus on one or the other. It’s important to know that DJing and producing are two different music careers with different goals, skill sets, and purposes.
Here’s a more in-depth look at each.
What is a DJ?
A DJ (disc jockey) mixes existing audio tracks together by matching the beat and using transition techniques to create a continuous musical experience, rather than songs being played one after another with hard cuts. This is known as a DJ set, which is multiple tracks played together smoothly.
A DJ set is usually based on a pre-existing tracklist, which the DJ mixes together using equipment like turntables, a computer, controllers, or CDJs. The standout feature is that a DJ set is performed live, meaning the DJ creates the mix in real-time and performs it for an audience.
During this set, the DJ sets the tempo of the event or set. They might host a fast-paced, high-energy set for everyone to dance to. They might take things slow and steady or, more commonly, a mixture of both. DJs take their audiences on a sonic journey that can create moments they’ll never forget.
While many DJs will roughly plan their sets beforehand, experimenting to see what tracks work well with each other, sets can be improvised on the spot, mixing either one genre to create a theme or mixing multiple genres for fun.
Therefore, to be a successful DJ, you need to have good taste in music, know how to read a crowd, adapt to their responses on the fly, and mix tracks together seamlessly.
Types of DJ
There are many types of DJs out there and, therefore, many ways you can think about starting a DJ career. Here are a few career ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
However, you’re never just limited to one, and the chances are you’ll get the most success if you focus on being one but then dabble in the others for experience and getting your name out into the world.
Nightclub DJ
A nightclub DJ plays music at a club, typically following a setlist or playlist created by the venue. They may also take requests from patrons and mix tracks on the fly. Nightclub DJs usually specialise in one genre of music, such as house, techno, or hip-hop, but in a general nightclub, they might mix tracks from all genres and all eras.
Radio DJ
A radio DJ plays music on the radio, either following a setlist or playlist created by the station or taking requests from listeners. They may also talk between songs, share news and weather updates, and interview guests.
Radio DJs typically specialise in one genre of music, such as pop, rock, or country. It all depends on the audience and radio show they’re working for.
Mobile DJ
A mobile DJ plays music at events like weddings, birthday parties, and corporate functions. They typically create a custom playlist for each event and take requests from guests. Mobile DJs usually specialise in multiple genres of music so they can appeal to a wide range of audiences.
If the audience has special preferences, such as a wedding that only wants rock music played or has a specific song they want for their first dance, the DJ can make it happen.
Career Tips for Becoming a DJ
There’s no hard and fast way to become a DJ, but there are some key tips to remember that can help you become the best DJ you can be. Remember, you can create any kind of DJ career you want. If you’re going to DJ as a part-time hobby, you can. If you want to be performing on festival stages, you can.
Just be clear with what you want to know, what to aim for and how far you want to go.
Start by DJing at small local venues. This will allow you to practise and get used to performing in front of an audience.
As you build your skills, start DJing at bigger venues. You can also begin DJing online through platforms like Twitch and Mixcloud to help grow your audience and test your style.
Once you have a strong DJing portfolio and have made a name for yourself, you can start charging substantial fees for your services. As you can get good and people want to see you, venues and event organisers may also reach out to book you.
At this stage, hiring a manager who will find performance opportunities on your behalf can pay.
DJing is a competitive field, so standing out from the crowd is essential. One way to do this is by developing a signature style or mixing technique. People will then come to know your style and will remember the unforgettable times they had dancing to your sets.
From here, make sure you stay up to date on new music and trends in the DJ world. This will help you stay relevant and in demand. And finally, network with other DJs and industry professionals. This can help you get booked for gigs and open up new opportunities.
What is a Music Producer?
A producer is someone who creates new music tracks from scratch using instruments, software, and hardware. The goal is to create a finished track, an entire song, that can be released and enjoyed by listeners.
Producing is usually done in a studio setting, although it can be done anywhere with the right equipment. Recently, some producers have used stems (unique layers of different songs) to create live performances.
A producer can work alone or alongside a small team of other producers.
To be a successful producer, you need to have creative vision, know your way around music theory, and be able to use technology to create the sounds you want. You need to be able to have an idea in your head and the skills to use sounds and instruments to create that vision.
Types of Music Producers
Just like being a DJ, there are multiple avenues you can follow to becoming a producer. Some producers are very hands on and will make the music themselves. Others will be responsible for an overarching creation, like putting together a whole album or working with other creative directors on larger projects, like movies or television shows.
Music producer
A music producer is someone who produces music. They will work with software, instruments, and other forms of music-making tech to create music. They might work with instruments, vocals, and backing tracks, compiling it all together until a final track is made.
These tracks may be released as singles, or multiple tracks are put together to create an album that’s then released to the public.
Record producer
A record producer is responsible for overseeing the recording of an album. This could be an individual working for themselves or working with music artists to choose songs, book studios, and hire engineers.
A record producer can also help with the creative direction of an album by offering suggestions on how to arrange songs and what instruments should be used. Some record producers also play an instrument or sing backup vocals on the albums they produce, but this is down to personal preference and individual skill.
Creative producer
A film and television producer helps to write and produce music specifically for movies, TV shows, and video games.
They work with directors and producers to create tracks that fit the mood and tone of the project at hand and will help source ideas and musical talent.
Career Tips for Becoming a Producer
Like becoming a DJ or finding a career in any creative pursuit, the most important thing to remember is you must put the work in. Reading articles, watching videos, and dreaming of being a producer is great for getting you started, but this dream will never come to life if you don’t actually produce music!
It sounds silly, but you’ll be amazed how many people get stuck with all these ideas in their heads but end up deciding not to produce something. It’s much more productive to keep producing, putting music out, developing your skills, and getting better.
There are other tips you can follow too.
Start by taking music production classes or lessons. Use online tutorials and YouTube videos to learn about the different aspects of producing. From here, take time to find a producer you admire and study their work. Try to mimic their style in your own productions.
Remember, you’re not copying their style outright; instead, you’re emulating so you can learn what’s necessary to create certain styles and then add your own unique twist to it.
You can continue to get experience by working on projects for friends or local businesses. As you grow and improve, continue investing in quality equipment and software. Keep up this cycle, keep growing, keep getting better, and your career will form along the way.
Just don’t be afraid to experiment. Producing is all about trial and error. The more you experiment, the better you’ll become at it.
What’s the Main Difference Between the Two?
The main difference between a DJ and a producer is that DJing is live while producing is done in a studio setting. DJs mix tracks together using turntables, controllers, or CDJs, while producers create new music tracks from scratch using instruments, software, and hardware.
Example Career Paths as a DJ Producer
DJ producers are individuals who produce their own music and DJ at live events, usually their own music. Artists who are DJ producers include the likes of Calvin Harris, DJ Friction, Billx, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, and DJ Shadow. Most DJ producers have a degree in music production or sound engineering.
If you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, you could become a DJ producer! DJ producers are responsible for both creating new music and mixing it live for audiences. This role is perfect for creative individuals who are passionate about music and enjoy working in both the studio and live settings.
Tips on How to Become a DJ or Producer
If you’re interested in becoming a DJ, producer, or both, you can do a few things to get started.
First, educate yourself on the different types of DJing and producing. You should also find out what equipment you need and how to use it. From here, remember that networking is key in this industry, so be sure to reach out to other DJs and producers and attend industry events.
Don’t be afraid to be pushy with what you have to offer. The only way people are going to know who you are is if you put yourself out into the world.
Start by DJing at small local venues to get a feel for performing in front of an audience. You can also DJ online through platforms like Twitch and Mixcloud. As you build up your skills, start DJing at bigger venues and begin charging for your services.
Finally, practice makes perfect! DJing and producing both require a lot of time and effort to master, so be patient and keep at it. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and become a successful DJ or producer.
Related Questions
How do I become a DJ?
To become a DJ, you must develop your skills in music selection, mixing, and reading a crowd. You can start by DJing at small local venues and then work your way up to bigger clubs. You can also DJ online through platforms like Twitch and Mixcloud. Once you have a strong DJ portfolio, you can start charging for your services.
How do I become a producer?
To become a producer, you must learn how to use music production software and hardware. You can start by taking online courses or attending workshops. Once you have a strong understanding of the basics, you can start creating your own tracks. You can start working with other artists and collaborating on projects as you build your skills.
What equipment does a DJ need?
DJ equipment includes turntables, controllers, mixers, and headphones. DJ software is used to control the playback of digital music files. The most popular DJ software programs are Rekordbox, VirtualDJ, Serato DJ Pro and Traktor Pro.
What equipment does a producer need?
A producer needs a computer, music production software, MIDI keyboard, and audio interface.
How much money can a DJ make?
DJ earnings vary depending on their experience, the size of the venue, and the location. DJing can be a lucrative career, earning you anywhere from $10,000 per year for a part-time role, to up to $416,000 if you’re in the top 15%.
How much money can a producer make?
Producer earnings vary depending on their experience, the popularity of their tracks, and the labels they work with. The average producer wage is between $20 and $30 per hour, but this can vary dramatically. The top producers can earn in excess of $180,000 a year!
