What People Think DJs Do vs. What DJs Actually Do

What do DJs do?

Misconceptions about DJingYes, gang! I hope you are keeping busy. I am just coming down from a jam-packed week of gigs. Here in the UK, it’s what’s known as ‘Freshers week,’ when thousands of new students pile into the city, and there are loads of gigs for DJs to get their hands on.

I supported a few big names, including D&B icons Sigma and chart-topping DJ Nathan Dawe.

What’s your calendar looking like recently? If you have an exciting story, reply and let me know. I love reading your stories on the podcast

I had a conversation with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while, and one of the first questions he asked was ‘Am I still doing that DJ thing?” He proceeded to make a scratching motion with his hands.

Now, he’s in the trade industry and not much of a party guy, so, understandably, he has no idea what it is that I’ve been doing every night for the past decade and a half, just as much as I’ve got no idea how to lay bricks or drive a forklift

This got me thinking: what do people who have no idea about DJing think we do?

What do DJs actually do?

What People Think DJs Do vs. What We Actually Do

There’s a big misconception about what it means to be a DJ, and today, we’re here to set the record straight. From the outside, it might seem like a glamorous life of constant parties, making hit tracks, and living in the spotlight. But the reality is that DJing is so much more than what people think. Let’s break down some of the biggest myths and uncover the truth about what it’s really like to be a DJ.

People Think All DJs Make Music

One of the most common assumptions is that all DJs are also producers, crafting their own remixes and original tracks. While it’s true that some DJs are also producers, creating music in the studio, this is far from universal. DJing and music production are two very different skill sets. Many DJs focus solely on curating the perfect live experience, mixing tracks seamlessly to create a journey for the audience.

The art of DJing lies in reading the crowd, knowing which tracks will energize the room, and creating a vibe that people will remember. DJs like Carl Cox, for example, became legendary not just because of the music they made but because of their ability to work a crowd. Successful DJs can build a career on their mixing skills and live performances without ever releasing their own tracks. It’s important to treasure these DJs for their live artistry and understand that success in DJing doesn’t require making music.

This is something that we stand behind in The Complete Package. Which focuses on teaching every aspect of DJing to give you the tools to be successful without having to make music. However, if you do fancy dipping your toe into music production, there are some beginner production tutorials using Serato Studio inside The Complete Package too.

Do DJs just press play?People Think DJs Just Press Play

Another myth is that DJs simply press play and let a playlist run as if the whole set is pre-programmed. In reality, a DJ’s role is far more dynamic. While it might look effortless from the dance floor behind the decks, the DJ is constantly adjusting, blending tracks, and paying attention to the crowd.

A DJ set is about creating an experience in real-time. DJs choose the next track on the fly, adjust tempos, add effects, and even manipulate the tracks to create something completely unique for the night. It’s about being in the moment, responding to the energy in the room, and shaping the atmosphere. The myth that DJing is just about pushing buttons undermines the years of practice and skill development that go into mastering this craft.

By the way, if you want some inspiration for your next mix, check out this free lesson on mixing between genres creatively.

People Think DJs Have an Easy Life

The image of DJs jet-setting around the world, playing at festivals, and partying every night is often what comes to mind. While there are certainly moments of glamour, the reality is much more gruelling. For many DJs, the lifestyle involves late nights, constant travel, and immense pressure to deliver unforgettable performances, no matter how exhausted they might be.

DJs often have to deal with erratic sleep schedules, time zone changes, and the physical toll of lugging equipment from one gig to the next. And when they aren’t playing shows, they’re preparing for them—digging through new music, practising transitions, and staying on top of trends. It’s far from easy, but for those passionate about the art, it’s all part of the job.​

People Think DJs Get to Choose All Their Music

While it would be amazing to play whatever tracks we want all the time, the truth is that DJs have to balance their personal taste with the expectations of the venue and the crowd. A good DJ knows how to mix what they love with what the crowd needs. At a wedding, for example, you might want to drop an underground track, but you know the guests are expecting something more mainstream.

The real skill lies in finding that sweet spot between personal expression and giving the crowd what they came for. A great DJ can do both: stay true to their style while still delivering a set that makes people want to dance all night.

Learn more about finding music, organising your tracks and managing your DJ library here.

People Think DJ Gear Is Everything

Many people assume that having the most expensive DJ gear is what makes a great DJ. While high-quality equipment can enhance a DJ’s performance, it’s far from the defining factor.​

Being a great DJ is not about owning the latest Pioneer mixer or the most advanced controller; it’s about how you use the tools you have. Some of the world’s best DJs started with basic equipment, and their success came from mastering their craft, not relying on gear.

Sure, professional-grade equipment offers more features and better sound, but a talented DJ can create magic on any setup. The real value comes from understanding the music, knowing how to manipulate it, and being able to control the energy of a crowd.

It’s not the gear that makes the DJ—it’s the skill, creativity, and experience behind the decks. Whether you’re using turntables, CDJs, or a controller, the essence of DJing remains the same: creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

If you want to hear us talk about this subject further, we recorded a whole podcast episode​. Check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts or watch the video below:

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