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or two single players. Either way, you'll have to connect them to the mixer. A standard mixer is all you need for a mobile dj gig. One that supports at least two channels in and a mic, is all you need. Some units now days have the cd player and mixer intergraded in unit. I've also seen a mixer that docks two ipods, imagine the lack of music you'll need to carry.

Lights are also essential, but more flexible. One thing I can't stress enough, is simplicity. If you are going about this alone and don't have a helper simplicity is the way to go. Having said that, I'll clarify. There are two basic types of light set-ups, analog and intelligent (DMX). Either way will work, obviously the intelligent will be more costly. Intelligent lighting systems work three ways. You can program an entire show (can take days to do), manually control the show during your show (like driving a nascar car), or run on a built in program (WOO HOO). The effects of intelligent lighting are much more customizable than analog. Analog systems are the easiest of all to run. Hook them up to a controller, and let them run. That's it. Some people use a hybrid set up as well.

So you have your sound and light setup, all you need now is music. Music is probably the most important part of your whole rig. Simply put, if people don't like your music, they won't dance and that is the goal of a DJ, to get people dancing and having a good time. You may consider yourself a connoisseur of music as I do, however, it's important to take music other than music you like. Many beginning DJ's take only music they like and find the hard way people don't dance to it. Go to a dance club featuring the genre of music you'll be targeting and take notes. Also keep in mind, that just because you will target the Country Western market doesn't mean someone won't come up to you and ask to play hip-hop or salsa. When buying music, also look for collections, they often feature the most popular catalog there is.

So we have everything we need to perform, what now? Get gigs. How? One method is to coordinate with a wedding planner, or photographer. There's also always a friend or family member getting married. When other's hear your playing, they'll come calling. Don't forget the business cards.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Alvarez.
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