Time management 101 for DJs, written by a DJ

Transitioning from a bedroom DJ to a regularly performing artist is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges—one of the biggest being time management. As you move from practicing DJing in your bedroom to securing your first gigs and promoting your DJ brand, balancing these aspects effectively becomes crucial. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips for managing your time so you can keep learning to master the art of DJing, build your brand, and rock every performance. Written by an actively gigging DJ, for beginner DJs.

1. Prioritize your practice time

Why it matters: Practice is the foundation of your skills as a DJ. Whether you’re perfecting your transitions, exploring new tracks, learning a new skill like scratching or experimenting with adding effects to your DJ mixes, consistent practice ensures you’re always becoming a better DJ.

Our advice:

• Set regular practice sessions: Dedicate specific times in your week solely to practice. Treat these sessions like appointments—non-negotiable and essential. Start with something realistic that allows you to balance your other priorities or obligations, like 3 hours, divided into 1-hour blocks every other day of the week.
• Focus on specific skills: Spend one session focusing on mixing techniques, another on track selection, and another on exploring new features in your DJ software. Trying to cram everything in one session will likely feel overwhelming and frustrating.
• Use the right tools: Invest in reliable DJ equipment and software that supports your growth. For instance, using a controller like the DJControl Inpulse 500, with its easy-to-use features such as the Beatmatch Guide and Intelligent Music Assistant within DJUCED, can streamline your practice sessions and help you learn faster. 

2. Don’t be shy, promote yourself

Why it matters: As you transition from bedroom DJ to performing at gigs, self-promotion becomes just as important as learning new DJ skills. Building a strong personal brand is key to getting noticed by event organizers, promoters, and fans. For more tips on building your brand, we have a guide here.

Our advice:

• Automate social media: Use tools like Hootsuite to schedule posts in advance. This way, you can maintain an active online presence without spending hours every day on social media.
• Batch content creation: Dedicate one day a week to creating content—whether it’s recording a mix, designing graphics, writing posts or taking new press shots. This can save you time during the week and ensure you always have fresh content to share.

3. Taking control of the administrative stuff

Why it matters: As you start booking more gigs, managing the administrative part of your career will become increasingly important. From exchanging back and forth with the promoter, organizing travel logistics and preparing your set, one individual gig can be very time-consuming, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of each of them without breaking too much of a sweat.

Our advice:

• Know every detail: Confirm the event’s start and end times, your set duration, and any specific requests from the promoter or venue, like the style of music or any equipment you’ll need to bring. Double-check your contract or agreement, ensuring you understand the payment terms, and any technical requirements. Keep contact details handy for the event organizer in case of last-minute changes or emergencies.
• Organize your music: Have a backup of your playlist on multiple devices and arrive early to set up and troubleshoot any issues.

4. Keeping your mental health in check

Why it matters: Balancing practice, promotion, and gigs is essential, but it’s equally important to avoid burnout. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to exhaustion, affecting both your performance and passion for DJing. Your mind might start making negative associations to DJing and start playing tricks on you.

Our advice:

• Schedule downtime: Incorporate rest days into your schedule to recharge. Use this time to relax, enjoy hobbies, or simply unwind away from your DJ gear.
• Set realistic goals: Don’t overcommit. It’s better to excel at a few gigs or promotional activities than to stretch yourself too thin.
• Stay organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your commitments. These tools can help you manage tasks and deadlines, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Mastering time management is crucial as you transition from a bedroom DJ to performing regularly at gigs. By prioritizing practice, efficiently promoting yourself, and managing gigs like a pro, you can build a successful career without burning out. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination—so take your time, stay organized, and enjoy the process.

If you’re looking for reliable DJ gear that supports you every step of the way, consider our DJControl Inpulse range. It’s designed to help you practice, promote, and perform with ease.