It’s never been easier to become a DJ, with all the technology in the world, online tutorials and physical spaces. DJing is often a first start at being more creative, particularly when it comes to music production. These days, many are both; think of Fred again.., Kaytranada and Nia Archives. All accomplished beatmakers that can light up the dancefloor any given night with their talent on the decks. The world of DJs and producers is incredibly connected, but what skills do you need to be one, the other or both?
We’ve teamed up with PIRATE – one of the globe’s leading studio spaces for DJs, artists, producers and podcasters – to learn more. In this series, we speak to three DJs and producers on their journeys, looking at how gaining confidence on the decks can harness your success in other creative forms of expression.
In our first chapter, we hear from TAYHDSN, a Los Angeles DJ and PIRATE Ambassador, helping the brand build communities in and outside of their studios. TAYHDSN has been DJing since her childhood but became a professional DJ in 2020. She hasn’t looked back, playing in venues all around her hometown. In this article, we asked her to share her top tips for staying confident in yourself as a DJ, keeping the faith in yourself as your career progresses and building your own community of like-minded creatives.
Find inspiration in everyday life
TAYHDSN: “I would say my number one tip would be to be motivated daily. Find different sources and outlets, whether that’s visual or something else. I find that going on TikTok sometimes motivates me. I’ll come across people that put themselves out there and showcase their talent in certain ways where I’m like, ‘I didn’t know you could do that.’ So keep motivating yourself through others in whatever way works for you the most.”
Practice everyday!
“Take whatever time you can and put it into your skill. Even if it takes 10 minutes! Before I wrote this, I was literally spinning for 10 minutes to just keep practicing every day on my craft. It goes a long way to building your confidence, especially when you think about playing to a large crowd of people. Have a little bit of grace for yourself and understand that it’s going to take time to build those stepping stones to get to where you need to get to in terms of your confidence. PIRATE’s studios are also available if you want to practice in a professional place!”
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
“We’re all here to help each other out, and we all have been in each other’s shoes in some way or another. So it’s a beautiful thing when people can collaborate and unify as one in the same room. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say we get this weird sense of imposter syndrome. Where we feel like we can do it and we don’t need help. But sometimes asking for help is the most powerful thing ever.
It’s okay to feel like you can’t do something or you need to learn something. If you have a peer that is savvy in what you need help in then to build your craft and what you do, don’t be afraid to reach out. It’s just really about being vulnerable and transparent, being human. That’s how you build a culture.”
Being an introvert is ok
“I am a big introvert even though I’m a DJ and that doesn’t make sense. Because as a DJ you have to be out there. You have to be extroverted. You have to network and connect with people. But I’ve come across a lot of creatives who are actually introverted people and that has been the most challenging thing for me. I’m really pushing myself out there to be exposed to others.
I have to remember at the same time that it’s not just so much about exposing oneself. It’s really just about being yourself and that sometimes gets lost in the sauce when you’re trying to overcome things as a DJ. But really being yourself and being present and just connecting with other DJs and the crowd when I DJ is the one thing that helps me to overcome those things. It helps me to connect with others so that I know I’m not alone in this.”
Don’t listen to negativity
“In any type of career, you’re going to have people that are probably going to try to steer you away from what you set your mind to. Especially in the creative world. I’ve always had a lot of pushback from family and sometimes other peers that are like, “I don’t think you can do this” or “this isn’t a real career.” Ignore it as best as you can. You have to remember that when you set your mind to something, you’re in your own vessel. That’s your mindset to go and strive for what you want and having that self-confidence that will keep you going. That’s the one thing that you can always rely on and you can be your own cheerleader.
At the end of the day, we’re all human and learning in our own way and at our own pace. There’s no reason to really delve into what the naysayers say. You picked your outlet for the reason that you picked it and you love it for those reasons. Just keep following your path.”
Use the same gear found in the world’s best clubs at a PIRATE DJ studio near you, available in 30+ locations. Learn, teach, record a mix, or simply practice — solo or with your crew.
Book recording studios equipped with everything you need for music production and access artist opportunities within the community. Get started at PIRATE with 20% off your first session. Use code: MIXCLOUD20