Hi all,
I am in a bit of a dilemma! This is a bit of a long post but please stick with me!
I have always loved dance music and have been into it for a number of years (I am 27). However although I like it I wouldn't say I am an expert and generally only listen to chart tracks rather than the lesser known tracks. This doesn't mean I don't like that type of music, I just mean I don't get a chance to listen and/or find out about it. I have also always thought DJing was amazing and have been intrigued by it for ages.
Anyway, last June (yes almost a year ago!) I came into a bit of money so I treated myself to two Pioneer CDJ800Mk2 decks, a Numark DM2050 mixer and a Sefour X10 DJ Stand. The idea in principle was to get into DJing purely as a hobby. I have no plans on playing outside of my apartment, it is merely meant as a hobby. That was the idea anyway.
Since I bought the decks I have used them about 6 times and that was to just muck about. I have bought a DJ for Dummies book and read it but can never motivate myself to actually use the decks. So I am after some advice:
1. Storing the CDs: This bit is the main reason of putting me off. What is the best way of compiling my music onto CDs and then storing it for easy access? A mate of mine has been DJing for years, came round a few months ago to give me a hand and he stores his CDs in one of those wallets - ones like these:
Buy 208 CD/DVD Wallet. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for . - which he puts his CDs into and then has a printed sleeve on the outer bit which lists the tracks. Good idea?
2. Knowing about new titles: I have got loads of chart CD singles from over the years but how do I go about knowing about new music? I have downloaded a couple of tracks from Ministry of Sound and Tracksource but I am downloading blind really. I listen to the clips to get an idea first.
3. Knowing about different types of music: I have no idea what kind of music is House, Hard House, Electronic etc. Well I have a guess but don't know it in detail! Is this important?
I am trying to see if my company at work will fund a 2 day one on one DJ crash course for me (they offer money for out of work activities as a perk) but if they don't I won't fund it myself as it is around £400!
Am I trying to do too much too soon? What would be your ideal ways of starting? I am loathed to sell on the DJ equipment (it is brand new though so would get a good price) as I bought it to use but haven't managed to do that yet!
Sorry for the slightly rambling post! All advice appreciated.