The world of DJs isn’t all flashing lights and celebrity treatment. Behind the cool exteriors and infectious energy lies a hidden reality – the day job. For countless working DJs, the path to musical success is paved with late nights spent spinning tracks, balanced by the early mornings and responsibilities of seemingly ordinary day jobs. This section explores the fascinating duality of DJ life, highlighting real-life examples of working DJs who juggle their passion for music with other careers.
Prime Examples:
Calvin Harris: Grocery Bagger to Global Star
Calvin Harris, a name synonymous with chart-topping hits and sold-out stadium shows, wasn’t always living the high life. Before electrifying crowds with his electronic anthems, Harris honed his skills as a teenager, DJing at local clubs in his native Scotland. However, to support his musical aspirations, he also held a more conventional job – a grocery store bagger. This experience likely instilled the work ethic that propelled him to become one of the world’s highest-paid DJs.
Nina Kraviz: Dentist by Day, Techno Queen
Nina Kraviz, the techno queen known for her dark and hypnotic sets, defies expectations. While captivating audiences with her pulsating beats, Kraviz holds a degree in dentistry. Before pursuing music full-time, she practiced dentistry, proving that a successful career in music can coexist with another professional passion. This duality adds another layer to her artistry, perhaps influencing her precise mixing and ability to command attention on the dance floor.
Steve Aoki: Stockbroker to Superstar DJ
Steve Aoki, the high-energy DJ known for his electrifying stage presence and genre-bending sets, wasn’t always launching himself into crowds. Prior to his musical stardom, Aoki worked as a stockbroker. His financial background likely played a role in his business acumen, allowing him to build Dim Mak Records, a successful independent record label alongside his DJ career. This dual focus demonstrates how a day job can act as a springboard for musical ambitions.
These are just a few examples, and the list goes on:
- Deadmau5: Before donning the iconic mouse helmet, Joel Zimmerman worked as a web developer, a skill that undoubtedly came in handy as he built his own online presence.
- Diplo: Diplo, known for his genre-blending DJ sets and production work with artists like Beyoncé and Madonna, held various jobs, including web design and teaching computer science, before his music career took off.
- Clairo: Clairo, a rising star in the indie-pop scene, started her musical journey by uploading lo-fi bedroom recordings to SoundCloud while working as a waitress.
These stories illustrate the diverse backgrounds and paths DJs take to achieve success. The day job doesn’t diminish their passion; it can provide valuable skills, financial stability, and a sense of purpose outside of the sometimes unpredictable world of music.
Maintaining Identity and Drive: The Delicate Dance
Balancing a day job with a DJ career requires a delicate dance. DJs need to manage their time effectively, prioritizing work schedules while carving out time to practice, create, and network within the music industry. Maintaining their identity as DJs while excelling in their other professions is crucial.
- Time management techniques: Utilizing scheduling tools, prioritizing tasks, and setting boundaries between work and music life.
- Maintaining focus and motivation: Dedicating specific times for practice, even if it means late nights or early mornings.
- Building a supportive network: Connecting with other DJs, musicians, and industry professionals for encouragement and collaboration.
By showcasing the real-life stories and strategies employed by DJs who successfully maintain a dual life, this section can offer aspiring music enthusiasts valuable insights into the dedication and work ethic required to make it in the industry.
Respect the Hustle: Beyond the Booth
It’s easy to forget that behind the booth, every DJ is a person with a life outside of music. To be honest, I have a 20+ year history of being an educator, and I’m an associate professor at a university in Seoul,South Korea. I teach business communications, marketing, and multimedia. I’m very passionate about teaching these topics, and dare I say, I think I’m also very good at teaching these subjects. But there’s a secret most of my students wouldn’t guess: after the last lecture, I transform into a different kind of student – a student of the turntable.
But here’s the beautiful thing: both sides of my life fuel each other. By day, I have the privilege of helping students navigate the complexities of communication and business. On weekends, I get to lose myself in the world of music, connecting with people through this universal language. Believe it or not, I’ve been DJing for over 30 years, starting out at my own middle school dances! I feel incredibly fortunate to still have the passion and opportunities to share this love of music. It keeps me inspired, injects creativity into the classroom, and gives me real-world experiences that enrich my lectures.
The Spectrum of DJ Life: Finding Your Groove
The DJ world is a diverse landscape. Some DJs choose to chase it full-time, facing the challenges and rewards of a career in music. Others find a fulfilling balance, using their DJing to express their passion while maintaining a separate career. There’s no single “right” path. It’s about finding what works for you and pursuing your love for music in whatever way brings you the most joy.
Respect the Craft; Respect the Hustle
Ultimately, what matters most is the passion and skill a DJ brings to their craft. Whether they’re spinning tracks at a local club or a massive festival, the ability to move a crowd and create a positive energy deserves respect. So, the next time you see a DJ rocking the booth, remember: behind the music is a person with a hustle. They might be a lawyer by day, a barista by night, a parent 24/7, or anything in between. But their dedication to their craft deserves recognition, regardless of their day job.
