i want to be a DJ

DanOB

yes, theres always one, or two, depending on the money involved, that want to do a certain Career..

i for instance want to be a DJ, doing both radio programmes and nightclub work too...

now i was at the FAS exhibition earlier this year in Dublin, and i was speaking to a guy from Tralee who does a course that helps you "become the perfect radio DJ"
this is a FAS course, and what i want to know is, would i have better luck pursuing a BA in Media Studies, or Communications for example.


also on a seperate issue, im starting an online radio station aimed at the irish gaming community, you can find the thread in Games forum.. help appreciated


sincerelly, dan

projectmayhem

DanOB wrote:

"become the perfect radio DJ"

no such thing my friend. follow whichever course gives you more experience, as most good radio DJ's are the ones with experience (you'll find most of the good ones have done a good stint in pirate radio and the like). your internet radio idea would be a good place for you to get experience...

Gary ITR

Local stations usually have a slot called 'community dj' or the like, where you get to book some airtime

_feedback_

Hi DanOB, a FAS course on 'being the perfect radio DJ' wont guarantee anyone a job in irish radio... and think it probably wouldn't guarantee you'll come out being the perfect DJ either! As previous posters said, a lot of it is about experience. Don't know about pirate radio, in my personal opinion, I don't think it's as credible as it used to be... probably the best place to go first would be to a community station (there's loads in dublin) or a hospital radio station. It's fairly easy to get some hands on experience in these places. It might be worth your while applying to some of the bigger local dublin or national stations for work experience... It'll give you a flavour of what it's like!

It's not about what you have on paper , but if you're going down that route, the course that would probably come best recommmended is Ballyfermot.

Ballyfermot College: www.bcfe.ie

List of community/hospital stations could be found on these links: www.radiowaves.fm/database/index.html / www.bci.ie

Best of luck!

DanOB

nice one, ill check them out

would it be of benefit to do a degree in Communications or Media Studies?

catch--22

DanOB wrote:

nice one, ill check them out

would it be of benefit to do a degree in Communications or Media Studies?

Definitely! Very hard to get a job in radio as just a DJ. The more jobs you can do around a station will give you a huge advantage over the thousands of other people who apply to be the next Ray Darcy (or whatever floats your boat).

If you go for a BA or Diploma in somewhere like Ballyfermot (in fact....don't do it ANYWHERE else...Ballyfermot is by far the best) you will learn everything from Cooledit/Adobe Audition to how to market a show/station, how to finance a station, HR, libel and defamation law etc etc. Even something like having a cert in first aid will give you an advantage in the commercial field!! The more the better.

Having said all that there is nothing more valuable than experience. In college you will set up your own stations and do work experience but the more the better! You internet radio experience will be invaluable but you should also try community radio. There are plenty to chose from (in Dublin anyway) and they are excellent at training etc and always looking for eager volunteers!

The best of luck whatever route you chose!

catch--22

DanOB wrote:

nice one, ill check them out

would it be of benefit to do a degree in Communications or Media Studies?

And just realised I never addressed your question!

My choice would be media studies.

Sabre0001

I don't know if there is anything like this in Dublin but in the Regional Hospital in Limerick they look for Volunteers to do DJ work and work with the internal radio station... I suppose it's all about getting experience.

Though it does depend on what kind of show you want to do and what music // chat you want. Maybe check out local / underground radio stations and see what happens.

DanOB

and what about Journalism, is that any use?

ive seen that in NUI Maynooth they do a BA in Media Studies and they cover Radio Production aswell as TV Production among other things
the FAS course i think is just about developing yourself as a DJ

and btw i want to do a mix of music, compitions etc.. kinda like the Zoo crew on spin?

catch--22

DanOB wrote:

and what about Journalism, is that any use?

ive seen that in NUI Maynooth they do a BA in Media Studies and they cover Radio Production aswell as TV Production among other things
the FAS course i think is just about developing yourself as a DJ

and btw i want to do a mix of music, compitions etc.. kinda like the Zoo crew on spin?

Journalism would be good....if you have an interest in that kind of radio....looks like you might be more inclined for the Spin kind so I don't know if you would find it all that interesting. If I were you I'd do a general media course like in Ballyfermot as that will cover everything (including journalism) and then you can find out which you like most about media and specialise after that! Don't be in any rush to leave college...plenty of time to get it all done!

Sabre0001

I think experience and enthusiasm can make up for a lack of courses...Book knowledge is one thing but lots can change then and there is no guide that will make you or mould you into the perfect DJ.

A lot is subjective anyway - look at threads that don't like DJs and you'll find lots who do...There must be people that do because they still have jobs and are being paid!

catch--22

Sabre0001 wrote:

I think experience and enthusiasm can make up for a lack of courses...Book knowledge is one thing but lots can change then and there is no guide that will make you or mould you into the perfect DJ.

Very true....I suppose you need to find a mix between both though. You really need to find a course that is hands-on with good, experinced lecturers. This is where I think Ballyfermot has a big heads up on anyone else.

monkeyfudge

catch--22 wrote:

Having said all that there is nothing more valuable than experience. In college you will set up your own stations and do work experience but the more the better! You internet radio experience will be invaluable but you should also try community radio. There are plenty to chose from (in Dublin anyway) and they are excellent at training etc and always looking for eager volunteers!

That would be joining a community radio station for all the wrong reasons.

It should be about taking part in a project that uses radio as it's tool to develop your local community.. You shouldn't be going in with the attitude that you want to use it in order to foster a career in commercial radio.

But do be wary of DJ training courses... I remember one where the trainer had the students tighten belts around their throats so that their voices would sound deeper... I'm not making this up.

I did Ballyfermot myself many years ago and I thought it was atrocious... But if they're doing everything catch--22 says they're doing now then that's seems like a very useful course and is well worth looking into. libel and defamation law is a very important one to learn.

catch--22

monkeyfudge wrote:

That would be joining a community radio station for all the wrong reasons.It should be about taking part in a project that uses radio as it's tool to develop your local community.. You shouldn't be going in with the attitude that you want to use it in order to foster a career in commercial radio.

I suppose it depends on what station it is. I know the ones I worked with realised that most people getting involved wanted to make a career out of it and strived to help them in anyway and were very proud of those who had gone on to bigger and better things as it always reflect well on themselves further down the line as 'the station that gave.......their big break' etc. But I do know what you mean. I always found it hard to work for a community station without becoming attached to it so I don't think using it as a stepping stone to bigger things would have a negative effect on the station.

monkeyfudge wrote:

But do be wary of DJ training courses... I remember one where the trainer had the students tighten belts around their throats so that their voices would sound deeper... I'm not making this up..

Eeek? :eek: I'm not surprised though!

monkeyfudge wrote:

I did Ballyfermot myself many years ago and I thought it was atrocious... But if they're doing everything catch--22 says they're doing now then that's seems like a very useful course and is well worth looking into. libel and defamation law is a very important one to learn.

I don't know what Ballyer was like back when you went through it's doors but as a fairly recent graduate I strongly believe it's the best there is and even the most basic radio course there will cover topics such as law, voice training (without the belts) and marketing. The college has definitely come on in leaps and bounds!

monkeyfudge

Well it's over 10 years since I was there... so I'm sure it's changed a lot.

There was absolutely no equipment back then, so it was all a bit of a joke.

DanOB

and i assume that my internet radio project will help me experience wise right?

btw any thoughts you have on that please PM me. the thread is in the Games Forum

monkeyfudge

DanOB wrote:

and i assume that my internet radio project will help me experience wise right?

Well it's all practice. The more comfortable you feel behind that microphone the better a broadcaster you'll be.

DanOB

lol im a natural behind that mic

FlutterinBantam

:eek:

Not lacking in the self confidence there son.

you might be a natural BEHIND the mike,but its the people on the OTHER side of the mike who will judge that.;)

Do well to remember that son.

DanOB

i will indeed, but its better to be confident right? i mean i have that sussed lol

fade2black

Throw up a demo so we can all listen to ya.

DanOB

sure, ill get one made and il upload it.

What exactly you want in it?

bbability

Sabre0001 wrote:

I don't know if there is anything like this in Dublin but in the Regional Hospital in Limerick they look for Volunteers to do DJ work and work with the internal radio station... I suppose it's all about getting experience.

St Ita's Hospital Radio in Portrane are always looking for volunteers. IMO Hospital Radio is no better place to get a grasp of the basic skills required. Pity the industry doesn't support this side of the business:(


As for the Demo.. 3 mins max. Try sqeeze links no longer than 45 seconds. Something like this

Link 0.45 max (intro what songs your playing, name & station id)
Song
Link 0.45 max (weather)
Song
Link .45 max(next song exculsive to station)
Song
Link .45 max (coming up after the news update...)

monkeyfudge

bbability wrote:

St Ita's Hospital Radio in Portrane are always looking for volunteers. IMO Hospital Radio is no better place to get a grasp of the basic skills required. Pity the industry doesn't support this side of the business:(

Yep... looks like Beaumont is gone yet again. It's more the hospitals have never fully understood how the radio stations could be useful.

DanOB

anyone know if Temple Street Childrens Hosp has one? im working there for work exp

fade2black

Here's an obvious point but some don't always adhere to it. When doing your demo, don't include whole songs, if tan use some editing software to just play the start and end that would be great, otherwise just fade it out after about 20-30 seconds. (And don't talk over singing)

DanOB

ill do it when i get a chance guys

Wertz

fade2black wrote:

(And don't talk over singing)

Could someone CC this to the head of programming at 2FM? kthx

Chillwithcian

Hey DanOB!

Well done on wanting to become involved with radio/DJ'ing...I wish you every success !!

I think the best place to try and start off is community radio expericence...its easier to get into and will look great on your CV when you plan to move to bigger projects etc...

I got into community radio about a year and a half ago, it was something I had always had intrest in... I wrote to various stations with a demo of my talking/style...(getting nowhere at first) and eventually I got a part time position doing bits and bobs for DublinSouthFM (community radio)...the usual once off filling in for presenters when they are not free, and doing vacant 'DJ for a day ' slots every couple of weeks....and helping out with website etc.. I kept my head steady and was a dilligent worker on small scale stuff...eventually I worked my way up to presenting and producing my own 35 minute program which I have been doing for the past year (and presenting can be scary work, :eek: Im still afraid of live presenting before I go on air)!

If you put your mind to it, keep a steady head, and keep persisting , you will get to where you want to be. Make yourself available and the rewards will follow.

Best of luck!
Cian

catch--22

Chillwithcian wrote:

...the usual once off filling in for presenters when they are not free, and doing vacant 'DJ for a day ' slots every couple of weeks....and helping out with website etc.. I kept my head steady and was a dilligent worker on small scale stuff...eventually I worked my way up to presenting and producing

Good advice....this is how most people get started myself included. Slog away for a while doing as much as you can when other people can't/don't want to do it and it will pay off in the end! You'll also learn a lot too!

The Muppet

DanOB wrote:

anyone know if Temple Street Childrens Hosp has one? im working there for work exp

The Mater Hospital and the afore mentioned St. Ita's Hospital in Portrane are the only ones in Dublin now that Beaumont has gone. If you are interested in pursuing that course of action You can get more info at www.ihrn.ie or www.hospitalradio.ie .

Good luck

bbability

monkeyfudge wrote:

Yep... looks like Beaumont is gone yet again. It's more the hospitals have never fully understood how the radio stations could be useful.

Beaumont is gone alright. I'll start a new thread on that.
I remember a few years back Beaumont's Management got in some expert consultant to sort out the station. Its funny because all I remember about this expert is him walking away with a wad of money and the station been no better off.

Maybe Near Fm might do some sort of Hospital Request show now that Beaumont is gone?

monkeyfudge

bbability wrote:

Beaumont is gone alright. I'll start a new thread on that.
I remember a few years back Beaumont's Management got in some expert consultant to sort out the station. Its funny because all I remember about this expert is him walking away with a wad of money and the station been no better off.

Ha.. that was us I'm afraid. I don't think the wad was all that big either.. I certainly didn't see any of it and I was brought in to put the digital playback system into the studio.

What we were trying to do was have more health related programming so that the hospital administrators would see the station as being a more valuable commodity to them.

But trying to get anything done in that hospital is a nightmare with the way the place is run. The playback computer I put in kept crashing as it was over heating as they would never bother their arses to fix the air conditioning.

Big Balls

Don't wanna rain on your parade but I'd seriously consider some other line of career to follow.

Unless you are doing at least two jobs in the radio station you work in (and this is only the big cities and Dublin) you can forget about any sort of a decent salary. You do mention nightclubs though so if you do want to be a radio DJ then get used to them as you'll be doing 2/3 nights a week in them to make a decent crust.

Sure, the big names on stations (the best way of judging if they are on good money is, would the people on the street know their name or the name of their show) get paid well but chances are you will just be another DJ on a station.

People don't really move from their slot unless they are pushed and there are very few new shows coming up regularly in radio as a result.

It's not very often that it's a glamorous job and like I say, the money unless you are on a prime slot on a big station (and even then!) it is hard to not gig outside of your radio job hours.

I love the job I do but it's long hours and hard slog for very little reward and there'll always be some upstart snapping at your heels trying to rob your gig. There were days when DJs were afraid to take holiday leave as someone could well be doing your show when you got off the plane!

This is my honest view of a typical day in a large radio station in Ireland.

Best of luck with it, stick with it for a while and see how you get on.

bbability

Just something that has come to mind reading BB's thread. I would have a look also at a third level course. Ballyfermot College seems to be the place to go. Although having a piece of paper doesn't neccessarly mean that you can "DJ", but its no harm. As BB said, don't put all your eggs into one basket. Try your hand at Production or marketing. These are other avenues in the industry that can be rewarding.

FlutterinBantam

Any sign of that demo you were to "throw up"????

Slicklink

Its all about persistence Dan.

If you really want it you'll get there. But you must have some sort of raw ability. And you must be willing to listen and learn. I notice you mention that you would like to be a jock like the zoo crew style on Spin. I remember when Cliona first started on radio years ago doing a double header with me in the days of Pulse FM. She was good then but she really has improved so much. Like wise with Jenny Green, she started on radio when she was 16 I suppose practice makes perfect and with that comes the confidence.

As regards courses etc, they are a good fall back. They wont get you a job as a DJ though. You need to get a demo together and get it into the likes of a small community station like NEAR for example (as far as I know Joe & Keith from Spin started there) in order to get experience of radio. Post up a recording of what you think represents you, along the lines outlined above and I'll give you my opinion, for what its worth.

FlutterinBantam

Let's hear you Mr. Confidence Boy???


best of luck... hope you make it...

_feedback_

FlutterinBantam wrote:

Let's hear you Mr. Confidence Boy???

The OP is coming on hear for some advise. Obviously has a keen interest in radio and no experience in the field.

If you've nothing to offer , it'd be better not to contribute to the thread. I'm sure the OP would agree that your flippant comments have been no help whatsoever.

FlutterinBantam

Hesu Christi!!!! there's always one!!!!

I posted that comment to get the guy up and running.

I would be of the opinion that earlier he was all gung -ho and up for it, but... but
BUTwhen the ball was in his court???? nothing came up.

Now I feel most of us would opine that to make it as a DJ one would need a hard neck and a harder neck and a harder neck yet again!!!

So if the guy is upset by my comments to push himself on ,well hey, my opinion is he won't make it.

You want to make it as a DJ? Put it up there baby... get in our faces.... Don't wait for some imbecile to soft soap the issues for you.


Get out and do it!!!!

Big Balls

What sort of clown are you? :rolleyes:

I have 10 years experience and have knocked up thousands of hours on air and I wouldn't post up a demo for people who might have no experience at all in radio to have a listen to.. so does that mean that I haven't made it in radio?!

OP - address your demo to actual Programme Directors within radio stations, not people on an internet forum as they will give you honest feedback unlike what someone with a username on the internet will.

I recognise Slicklink from another forum and perhaps sending them your demo via PM might work or feel free to PM me it but don't put it up here as chances are you will be a little rough around the edges which is only natural for a beginner!

FlutterinBantam

Thats fair enough comment.

I thought it was a bad idea from the start to post a demo and only wanted to bring the matter to a head.
Hopefully he will take your advice which seems sensible enough,but also hopefully he will do something instead quoting aspirations on the internet.

Insulting me personally doesn't enhance your argument.

The Muppet

FlutterinBantam wrote:

Hesu Christi!!!! there's always one!!!!

I posted that comment to get the guy up and running.

I would be of the opinion that earlier he was all gung -ho and up for it, but... but
BUTwhen the ball was in his court???? nothing came up.

Now I feel most of us would opine that to make it as a DJ one would need a hard neck and a harder neck and a harder neck yet again!!!

So if the guy is upset by my comments to push himself on ,well hey, my opinion is he won't make it.

You want to make it as a DJ? Put it up there baby... get in our faces.... Don't wait for some imbecile to soft soap the issues for you.


Get out and do it!!!!

What makes you think you are qualified to Judge whether the guy has what it takes or not?

FlutterinBantam

I have a modicum of common sense and have listened to Radio for some time.

I think i have the wherewithall to judge whether a person has genuine talent or a wannabee.

Other than that I have no fckin qualifications whatsoever.

I do know this however, someone who has aspirations to be a DJ and who hasn't a fckin brass neck and balls to boot willl not make it in todays world.

The OP doesn't seem to me to fit into that category.

I wish him well , but he needs to brass up big time IMHO

The Muppet

FlutterinBantam wrote:

I have a modicum of common sense and have listened to Radio for some time.

I think i have the wherewithall to judge whether a person has genuine talent or a wannabee.

Other than that I have no fckin qualifications whatsoever.

I do know this however, someone who has aspirations to be a DJ and who hasn't a fckin brass neck and balls to boot willl not make it in todays world.

The OP doesn't seem to me to fit into that category.

I wish him well , but he needs to brass up big time IMHO

I have no doubt you know when listening to a radio show whether you like it or not , but do you know why? Unless you have studied the subject I suggest you do not an so are not in any position to Judge whether the op has the qualities Radio stations look for when hiring presenters should he post a demo.

FlutterinBantam

Of course I know why.

Radio is not rocket science.It's a case of common sense and pragmatism.

I know it's just not just a case of sitting in front of a mike,but hey! let's not turn the thing into brain surgery.

_feedback_

FlutterinBantam wrote:

I know it's just not just a case of sitting in front of a mike

'Mic' is the abbreviation you're looking for there.

FlutterinBantam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike


Actually its not scooter:rolleyes:

tSubh Dearg

Less of the petty sniping please.

_feedback_

tSubh Dearg wrote:

Less of the petty sniping please.

Sorry tSubh Dearg.... I'm just sick of 'know it all's' in the radio forum, who well .... don't know it all.

I've given my bit of advice on this. won't post again on the thread tSubh Dearg.








http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mic

FlutterinBantam

Well, in the unlikely event that that comment was directed at me-sorry

I give my ADVICE in good faith, and where I think I can act as an advisor, I will do so.

As Bill Clinton said, "So called experts have no place at my table-give me honest opinion and discourse and I will proceed to win the day"