by Ryter Lore

Created on: November 21, 2008

Who is a DJ? There are as many answers to that question as there are forms and styles of music, opinions and views, various interests and genres.

Most times when we think of a DJ or disc jockey it is as the voice on the radio who does some chit chat, spins the records and introduces music. But there is so much more. That DJ needs to be a personality, an entertainer who must relate to a specific audience in a manner that the listener not only thinks of the person as someone who plays the songs they like, but someone who is more like a "friend". They need to establish a bond or camaraderie with their listeners.

Being a radio DJ is not as easy as it sounds. There are many technical aspects, many rules and regulations that must be followed and most times, lousy hours.

Radio DJing can also be very lonely. I know, I used to be one. Just imagine sitting in a tiny room all by yourself, playing music and having to make conversation, comments and posing questions to listeners. These listeners are people you can not see or hear and yet you have to make it sound as if you are talking directly to them. In a sense, you have to imagine yourself talking to one person. Most importantly you have to entertain and be yourself while still representing the station.

Talk radio disc jockeying is a bit different as most times there is either another DJ to converse with or there are listeners calling in. Certainly not as lonely but still, personality is the key. Relating to a given audience either in a positive or negative way is what is important. Whether a listener is happy or angry is not the point. The point is to move them enough to make a call to the radio station and to tune in again and again.

Still another form of DJing is the party or club DJ.

The party or club DJ is definitely not a lonely place. Here the DJ must be the life of the party, the MC, the shining star that makes the event. This type of a DJing is not for the timid or shy. This may sound like the hardest, but relating to a live audience with instant feedback is actually the easiest. The same goes for a live radio event. Here the DJ can speak directly to the crowd and know what works and what does not.

Still the underling link to all forms of being a DJ is personality.

So who is a DJ? A DJ is someone who puts themselves out there and makes a go of it, someone who entertains, someone you can relate to, someone who enjoys what they are doing, someone who is themself and most importantly someone who you want to hear again and again.

Learn more about this author, Ryter Lore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.