Film making

Dreams of becoming a celebrity DJ have probably figured fairly highly on many a teen-aged music-lover's list of future careers at some point. Think of the international travel, inflated salary and international renown and you have probably found the reasons why. There are other options for a budding DJ, although whichever route is taken, it can't be done without the right DJ equipment.

DJ entertainment and music at private events such as weddings and birthdays is in high demand and mobile DJs are also often booked to play at local pubs. They need to develop the music collection and skills needed to cater for a diverse audience of different ages and who like different styles of music. The music played therefore tends to cover multiple genres, with a firm emphasis on pop and songs that have been commercially successful.

A mobile DJ's goal is to get people dancing, and so, like a club DJ, a mobile DJ has to be able to tell what to play and when to play it, depending on how they read the audience. People are not at the event just for the music, so some mobile DJs develop their act to integrate DJ equipment such as VDJs or karaoke machines, although these can be expensive.

An advantage of choosing club DJ-ing over being a mobile DJ is that they don't always need to travel with their DJ equipment. Venues often have equipment permanently installed in the DJ booth.

DJs in clubs need to be competent in certain technical skills, more so than mobile DJs. They have to beatmatch, mix and scratch for a start, although these are considered to be the basic skills, the absolute minimum. A resident DJ relies on their reputation to attract the crowds, as does a club DJ looking to build an international career.

Both types of DJ are completely different, and need very different DJ equipment and techniques, as they entertain people with contrasting expectations. It may seem a more glamorous choice being a club DJ, but the competition is tough and a combination of talent and dedication are essential for success.