Deejaying in India is on a high note
Tune into the life and work of DJ Sunny Sarid
Tell us something about yourself.
I have pursued a course in sound engineering and acoustics from SAE London.
How did you become a DJ?
Deejaying came naturally to me as I was playing for my school/college bands.
Why would you recommend this work?
It’s enjoyable, gets you to travel around the world on tickets paid by someone else, and pays well.
How easy or difficult is it to become a DJ?
It’s easy to learn to be a DJ, but getting a job or shows at the right clubs and events is difficult.
How can one become a successful DJ?
Developing one’s personality and an interest in music is critical. Formal training in playing the keyboard is an added advantage.
Tell us how has DJing evolved in India. Deejaying in India has evolved majorly since the early 90s. It can be taken up as a full-time profession today but it’s a lot more competitive than before.
What are the renumeration prospects?
A DJ can start out at Rs. 10,000-Rs. 15,000 a month and go on to charging Rs. 50,000-Rs. 60,000 per performance once he establishes himself. Hotel clubs will pay Rs. 40,000-Rs. 50,000 a month. Internationally acclaimed DJs like Guetta and Tiesto charge a million dollars for ticketed concerts.
Which metros and cities have the maximum work for DJs?
Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
What are the pros and cons of a DJ’s work?
You get to travel and are paid to party. On the flipside you have odd working hours.
It’s easy to learn to be a DJ, but getting a job at the right clubs is the difficult part Sunny Sarid, head, Sound of Music
What’s it about
Disc jockeying is a performing art that overlaps with music production. It involves remixing, music composition, arrangement and production. A professional DJ entertains revellers at clubs and private parties and also does private shows for media houses and event management agencies. A DJ’s entertainment value depends a lot on his/her ability to spot the right beats.
The typical day of a DJ
11am: Wake up
11.30am: Sit with playlist for the night
1.30pm: Lunch
4pm: Reach nightclub or lounge bar (or party venue of a client)
5pm: Start playing for the early crowd
8.30pm: Evening warm ups
The pay
A DJ’s take-home pay at the initial level is Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 a month. The hike in the package depends on his/her calibre.
Skills/traits
* An ear for good music, passion for music
* Must be well versed in the basics of sound/recording
* Should be creative with sound and rhythm
How to become a DJ
While you can enrol for a basic DJ course right after Class 10, professionals suggest taking it head-on only after school. Graduate to a professional level course and approach nightclubs and event organisers with demo CDs of your mixes
Institutes
* Sunny Sarid’s DJ Training School, New Delhi
http://soundofmusic.co.in
* Sound of Soul, New Delhi
www.soundofsoul.in
* Spin Gurus DJ & Remixing Academy
www.spingurus.com
* Jazzy’s DJ Workshop
www.jazzyworkshop.com
Pros and cons
* Party while earning money
* Hobnob with high society people
* Innovative work
* Travel extensively
Coordinated by Rahat Bano
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