The 6 things that make a great DJ

In an era where DJ culture has become oversaturated, it can be difficult to cut through. There are plenty of “good” DJs who are capable of mixing tracks together and creating a vibe.

But there is a big difference between a good DJ and a truly great one. It takes hard work, commitment, and pure love for the craft itself to elevate yourself to greatness.

Here are six things that make a great DJ…

COLLECTION
Many of the very best DJs started out simply collecting music - not for fame, or for a career, but because they love music so much. It’s their everything. Having a huge collection is a sign that a person has a deep love for music, first and foremost.

KNOWLEDGE
With collecting comes knowledge. Having a comprehensive understanding of music across multiple genres gives the greats of DJing a big advantage over those who are less knowledgeable.

HUMILITY
Being humble doesn’t mean you don’t think you’re any good. It means you put the music first and appreciate that, no matter how good you are, you can always learn more and be better. It’s about parking the ego and staying true to your love of music.

EXPERIENCE
While there are many amazing young DJs, true greatness only comes with experience. Through years and years of connecting with dancefloors and playing on different systems and equipment, the greats of DJing have unparalleled experience.

SELECTION
Being able to draw on your knowledge and experience to select the right track at the right time is something most of the greats do effortlessly. It’s not about playing one banger after another, but about a considered approach that maintains tension and flow. Using music to create synergy with the crowd while reading the general atmosphere and energy is a vital skill.

WARM-UPS
Ask any respected DJ out there what the true test of a selector is, and they will probably say playing a warm-up. Having the restraint, poise, and ego-free mindset to set the tone for the dancefloor is a key pillar of being a great DJ.