How To Become A Successful DJ In Las Vegas
Before we start this session on how to become a successful DJ in Vegas, let’s first break down what kind of DJ we are talking about. There are radio DJs, which are commonly known as jocks or on-air personalities. Then there are club or party DJs, wedding DJs, and concert DJs, just to name a few. Here are a few steps that will help you to become a successful jock in whichever category you desire.
DJs: On-Air Personality, Or Jocks
I have been on the radio for over 25 years, and have been inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall Of Fame class of 2019. So I have learned the right and the wrong way to do it. One of the main ingredients in becoming a successful jock/on-air is you should have a very magnetic personality. The sound of your voice should be welcoming, and it draws people to listen to you. Everything that comes out of your mouth should have substance with an intentional direction.
People will listen to you if they trust your energy. Developing a flow that is surrounded by great programming always helps. But let’s talk about how to get hired on a local radio station here in the valley.
Step One: Create an air check (a recorded sample of your voice talking into a song). Remember you want to highlight “your” personality, not your announcer’s voice.
Step Two: Listen to the station you are interested in, and familiarize yourself with their format. By the way, knowing the music would help tremendously.
Step Three: Know how to communicate effectively on social media. This is a new era for broadcasting. Everything is leaning more toward digital content.
Club DJs Are Very Important In The Entertainment Capital
When you speak about club/party DJs, that’s a different conversation. You are the heartbeat of the event – knowing the right music to play and how to transition properly that will keep the party flow going. The safe and smart way is to play songs that women like. They will dance by themselves and validate that party vibe you are trying to create.
But how do you get gigs in Vegas? That’s a great question. there are so many legendary DJs in the valley that competing isn’t easy. Most promoters already have their favorites. There’s still enough room and money to make for everybody.
Also, scratching is not necessary during a party or wedding. That should be for DJ Battles and it should only be done if you know how.
Related Story: 5 Things DJs Hate That People Need To Stop Doing
So here’s a tip that worked for me. Get involved in community events. You may have to start by offering your services for little or no charge. I know you are probably saying…”Free!” no way. Well for one. it’s not free if it’s doing something that will help benefit the community. Plus it’s getting your name out there while making some essential connections that would pay off in the future.
Another alternative is to create your own events. Build your brand and get your name out there. If you are truly good enough to make an impact, be like Nike and “Just Do It.”
Know Your Audience
According to Chloemorganmusic.com, “Professional DJs are extremely knowledgeable about a wide variety of music genres since they need to mix and combine different music numbers to create a cohesive track”. It is very important to know our audience. Playing the right music for the right crowd will win every time.
I mentioned earlier that you should play for women, but you should also pay close attention to your crowd. If it’s a 35 and older African American crowd, it’s important to play the songs that they can relate to versus the songs that you like. Note: Every DJ should be able to do multiple genres. Old School, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Country. That is very important, especially when It comes to DJing weddings.
So there you have it. Go out there and get that bag!
It's National DJ Day! These Are The Top 7 Highest Paid DJs In The World
Calvin Harris
Net Worth: $300 Million
Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ, singer, songwriter, and producer. His real name is Adam Richard Wiles. He was born in Dumfries, Scotland, but now lives in Los Angeles, California.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton- $300 Million
At this time, according to Daily Music Roll, Paris Hilton is the highest-paid female DJ in the world. Along with being a DJ, she is a model, entrepreneur, and social media celebrity. She earns $1 million for every party and gig. She has showcased her worth with music and has the potential to attract the largest audiences.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 15: Paris Hilton performs an exclusive DJ set at The Sandbox’s ‘Enter The Metaverse’ event during SXSW at Green Light Social on March 15, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for The Sandbox)
DJ Steve Aoki
Net Worth: $95 Million
Steven Hiroyuki, otherwise known as Steve Aoki, is an American electro-house musician, record producer, DJ, and music executive.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Steve Aoki performs on stage during MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2021 on December 19, 2021 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Neville Hopwood/Getty Images for MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM )
DJ David Guetta
Net Worth-$75 Million
David Guetta is a French DJ, songwriter, record producer and remixer. He co-founded Gum Productions with Jean-Charles Carré and Joachim Garraud, and released his first album “Just a Little More Love,” in 2002.
Paul Oakenfold
Net Worth: $65 Million
Paul Mark Oakenfold is an English record producer and trance DJ.
Oakenfold is a two-time Grammy Award and two-time World Music Awards nominee. He was also voted the No. 1 DJ in the world twice in 1998 and 1999 by DJ Magazine.
Tom Joyner
Net Worth: $40 Million
Thomas Joyner is an American radio host, host of the nationally syndicated “The Tom Joyner Morning Show,” and also founder of Reach Media Inc., the Tom Joyner Foundation and BlackAmericaWeb.com.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Tom Joyner speaks onstage at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Marshmello
Net Worth: $40 Million
Christopher Comstock, otherwise known as Marshmello, is an American electronic music producer and DJ. Marshmello is of course famous for wearing the huge marshmallow looking head while performing on stage.
