Is this the end of my DJ career?

Writing this with a really heavy heart. I have built a solid career for over 13 years, and I feel like I cannot go on anymore.

Everyone knows how hard it is to sustain a DJ career. I knew this from day one, and I never once thought about giving up, even during my poorest days. I breathed and lived this industry.

I held a solid 13 year full time DJ career. I had multiple club residencies in my home country and overseas, played at festivals, toured, performed alongside many Top 100 DJs, judged DJ competitions, and managed bars and nightclubs. During my best days, I played at festivals in Europe, secured a residency at a Top 100 DJ club in Asia, then went on to secure another well known club in Shanghai, and tried to give back to the community in my country by starting an Open Decks night to give opportunities to younger DJs who had never had the chance to play in a public setting. Many DJs had doors opened for them because of this, but no one ever really thanked me or appreciated what I did, unfortunately.

Amid all the busy years trying to grow as an artist, I also held roles as a BD and Club Manager, Entertainment Manager, and Marketing Manager. I can honestly say I know how to run a club properly, from operations to entertainment to compliance and security, while still ensuring profitability.

Sometimes I am surprised by what I managed to achieve over the years, how I took myself onto a global stage, had the opportunity to manage club businesses, and accomplished so much.

In my final years, I managed a club for about 5 years. The shift in the economy, changes in consumer behaviour, and disruption from Covid changed everything. People stopped drinking as much, and the scene shifted towards collective parties, which I personally never resonated with. I needed something stable and dependable, not random events that make money one night and lose money the next.

Eventually, due to lease issues, the club I managed shut down. I was both a resident DJ and a BD at the venue. I was devastated. When that happened, it felt like everything had come to an end. When the club closed, I told myself maybe this was the moment to stop. Maybe it was time to step away from the chaos I had lived in for 13 years.

What devastates me most is the feeling that everything I put into those 13 years just disappeared overnight. After giving 101% to running a club business and DJing, managing my reputation, protecting my name and status, constantly navigating political games, and even forcing myself to grow a social media presence I honestly hated, it felt like everything ended together with that last club.

With my age and experience, I am just not keen to beg for gigs anymore or knock on the doors of barely functioning clubs, which is basically the reality in my country now. There are also too many post Covid DJs, and I do not feel like competing in that space anymore.

It feels like I was abandoned by the industry, by friends, if they were ever really friends, and by venues that once felt like home.

It is painful to realise that after years of trying to protect my position, contribute to the community, and run a club properly, it feels like everything i've built turned to dust, and I have nothing left to look forward to.

Even though I ended up in an MNC in a completely different industry (recently), and now mostly do DJ events instead of clubs, I missed my old life.

I feel like I cannot go back to how I lived before. But it was my entire life.

Is this really the time to end things?

I played an overseas show a few months back at a really big club, and I felt completely out of place. I felt an overwhelming sadness after the set and some of their local djs were trying to start some political bs with me again. But the point is, I felt out of place again.

To those of you who have worked in this industry for a long time, did you eventually have to let go, pivot, or leave? Did you become happier? Did you regret it? Did you sustain your DJ career?

I feel like I have been grieving for over a year, and I do

not fully understand why. I hate this.

https://redd.it/1pw1x8b
@r_djs

Has anyone bought these, Im looking for a review that I can trust isn’t AI. I’m primarily interested in how the 18 sounds
https://redd.it/1pw1ti3
@r_djs

Can you still make it as a DJ on social media if you are not a girl, with cute face and big boobs?

Asking for a friend who is obviously not a girl.

https://redd.it/1pwbmmm
@r_djs

First club gig in years - checking out some pools like heavyhits to check out the charts. Is this really the state of popular club music?

I’m mainly a turntablist, electronic underground dj, or a wedding dj - nothing really in between.

That means most of my pop/top 40 sets are mixing throwback originals to cater to a 30+ crowd with a couple modern tunes thrown in for good measure, or chill, soulful background music for lounges and the like.

That said, I’m not one of those “all pop music bad” or “music made after -insert year- sucks” types and do enjoy modern popular music even at age 50. I also usually stick to original versions and don’t really dig for too many remixes - especially for pop songs.

Figured I’d join heavyhits and get some more up to date remixes for this NYE gig I got booked for.

Holy shit - the “remixes” charts are all generic edm remixes of music from 15+ years ago, I’m seeing shitty house remixes of Metallica and nickleback in the top 5, and hearing nothing but bad throwback remixes with artifact-laden ai-stem vocals made with minimal effort to clean up the sound.

It’s honestly kinda painful digging through these pools these days.

https://redd.it/1pwgoex
@r_djs

Using USB sticks over 32GB

Since I started DJing I was always told to use USB sticks of 32GB as anything bigger would cause issues with older tech. Is this true? And if so, what equipment are we talking about/how common is it to come across nowadays?

I'm thinking of getting a couple 128GB so I don't have to divide up my library but wouldn't want to run into issues

https://redd.it/1pwgi93
@r_djs

Aiaiai TMA-2 DJ Wireless: Dead Air/Hiss Too Much for me

So I just purchased these. 10/10 for build and quality. Love the minimalistic design and comfort is NICE. Sound 6.5...used the app to fine tune but was not impressed...these can't handle too much imo which means I'd never use them in Bluetooth mode outside of djaying with the transmitter.

Why they're being returned? The dead air/hiss when used with the transmitter while nothing is being played through them is ridiculously loud to me and I've never heard nothing like it (other than vinyl hiss from back in the day). I did the firmware update thinking that might fix the issue but no. Mind you, they don't do this when paired to Bluetooth or wired directly, only when using the transmitter.

The other thing I didn't like is you have to manually shut off the transmitter when you turn off the headphones otherwise the transmitter switches to Bluetooth pairing mode which will slowly drain its battery. In this day and age the transmitter could be much smarter imo.

I guess it's back to wired for me as this gives me too many extra things to think/worry about while djaying. If free movement is really your desire, you're not an audiophile (so don't care about reasonably clean audio) and don't mind having 2 (not 1) more piece of equipment to babysit then these may work for you but wanted to share my experience.

https://redd.it/1pwfoqt
@r_djs

just dreaming
https://redd.it/1pwtefh
@r_djs

VHS music videos

I DJ’d in a club late 89-91 and they received monthly music videos thru a subnoscription service. Like the video would say Oct 1990. I can’t remember the acronym of the company (mvs or something like that) does anyone remember the company or who the tapes were from? I’ve been looking for a certain song for about 25 years and haven’t found it and I know it was in one of thise videos so I wanna run the name thru ChatGPT and see what it can find ( I already tried the what song is this but got no hits)

Thanks!

https://redd.it/1pwvmpg
@r_djs

Technics 1200s dilemma

Hypothetical situation: You're a bedroom DJ and have always wanted a pair of Tech 12s. You have enough money to buy a new pair of mk7s, OR a very nice pair of used mk2s.

Pros of buying new:

- Everything works perfectly
- Warranty
- Cosmetically flawless
- Newer technology?

Pros of mk2s:

- "They don't make 'em like they used to"
- "Street cred"

What did I miss? Which ones are you getting?

https://redd.it/1px100l
@r_djs

Are dance floors disappearing in mainstream US nightlife?

I havent DJ’d a gig in over 15 years and last time I spun a club the state of music, social media, and just how people socialize were drastically different. Last week I was talking to the DJ at my work Christmas party who is also a club dj. I asked him

“so you’re spinning at a packed club its midnight, people are liquored up, and now its time to pull out the BANGERS to fill up the dance floor, what are your first 3 songs?”

He told me there aren’t really many true dance floors left. Most places are lounges and pretty instagrammy bars where people dance in their own little sections with their friends or a small open corner. But he said that the big open square in the middle of club is mostly a thing of the past. Im in DC which isn’t exactly a clubbing hotspot but we used to have many big multi floor dance clubs in the early 2000’s.

I can totally understand contributing factors like people not wanting to be filmed dancing like a fool by their friends and mono culture disappearing and not everyone dances to the same songs.

Im just wondering if this is true around other parts of the US outside of major nightlife cities like NYC, Miami, Vegas

https://redd.it/1px26yk
@r_djs

Hearing protection

Do you ya’ll wear hearing protection for gigs?

https://redd.it/1px80qf
@r_djs

Xone:K3 vs K2

I recently bought a K3 to expand my setup, which currently consists of some K2's and an analog DJ mixer. Hopefully this comparison helps anyone else considering between the two.

For reference I also have two first-generation K2's (rubberized coating on the base), and one second-generation K2 (no rubberized coating on the base).

The build quality on the K3 seems nicer. The base has been redesigned and is now a silver colored textured plastic that have deeper indentations on the sides that work like handles. It feels solid. It's essentially the same dimensions (small differences). The faders seem a bit stiffer and the buttons a little bit clickier - though this may just be me comparing a new K3 to well loved K2's. The RGB lighting is nice, and adds some options for expanded visual feedback that will be helpful.

The K3 seems stable so far. My first generation K2's are bullet proof other than that terrible rubberized coating that turns sticky over time. My second generation K2's (I had one, sent it back, got a replacement) have been plagued with connectivity issues. The first one couldn't maintain a connection for longer than 30 seconds without restarting. The replacement, randomly cycles power too, but is generally stable enough to use for a mixed set. The K3 seems to be holding connection well enough.

Connectivity is by USB-C now instead of USB 2, and they now include a slightly buggy software that lets you modify control messages and save states outside of the device.

The K3 does not ship with the nice carrying case that doubles as a riser like the K2, and A&H also no longer includes an ethernet cable for using X-Link.

The K3 doesn't have an audio interface, which is double edged. The K2 audio interface wasn't great, but was in theory nice to have in a pinch. For me, it was also a bit of a liability because I use a different interface - so I would have to make sure to disable them in my OS to prevent conflicts.

The most surprising and annoying for me, and what has killed any consideration of replacing my K2's is that A&H decided to change how XLink works. The K2's can act as XLink Hubs, meaning I could connect one through USB and, daisy chain the rest with XLink. Because the K3 is USB-C powered I first attempted to connect it, and daisy chain the rest of my K2's off of it. The K3 would connect, but the K2's would not. Then I inverted the situation and daisy chained the K3 off the K2's and everything worked fine. I reached out to support and they confirmed that the K3 cannot be used as an XLink host like the K2's did. I think it's unfortunate that they chose to do this, as it reduces the functionality in my opinion, but perhaps they're trying to push people into buying an XLink mixer, which feels like a subset of the K2 customer base.

Lastly is the price. I get inflation and Tariffs. But they improved build quality a bit and added RGB lighting, while removing XLink functionality, the audio interface, and the carrying case. The K2's were selling at about $379 at release of the K3. In the US the K3's sell for $299, while the rest of the world gets them for about $220.

So in general, if you need more than one and want to use XLink to daisy chain, K3 isn't really an option. If you're only using one, and don't need an audio interface, and live outside of the US, the K3 is an attractive option at about 1/2 the price of a K2. If you live inside the US, the price difference between K2 and K3 gets eaten up if you decide to buy a case for the K3 (since one is included with the K2).

For me, I'm on the fence, but more than likely will return my K3 and pick up another K2 instead.

https://redd.it/1pxa45x
@r_djs

What strategies do you use to keep your DJ sets fresh and engaging over time?

As DJs, we often find ourselves playing the same venues or for the same audiences regularly. This can lead to a feeling of stagnation or repetition in our sets. I'm curious about the methods you all employ to keep your performances exciting and fresh. Do you focus on exploring new genres, incorporating live elements, or perhaps using technology like loop pedals or software to add variety? How do you balance your signature style with the need to innovate? Additionally, do you have any tips for discovering new music or remixing tracks to breathe new life into your setlists? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights on keeping your DJing journey dynamic and engaging for both you and your audience.

https://redd.it/1pxaeio
@r_djs

Lower Beam angle from ADJ Ikon IR for lengthy throw?

I know the Ikon IR from ADJ has a 25, 32, and 43 degree angle lenses, where should I go to get a tighter lens for a longer throw?

I find myself in venues too large for the 25 degree angle lens and too open to have a tall light stand in the middle of the floor.

https://redd.it/1pxau9s
@r_djs

Stems instrumental brake on Rekordbox?

I recently tried serato and I loved the instrumental brake when I use stems, is there a way to do this in rekordbox as well?

https://redd.it/1pxl9to
@r_djs

Vinyl to Traktor

My current setup is purely analogue: SL1210s with Xone23C.

I’ve not touched DVS or timecode software before, but I’m looking to make a foray into that world (if for nothing else than expanding my music library, as vinyl prices are getting ridiculous).

I’m inclined to go with Traktor, but would greatly benefit from your experience.

I appreciate that the Xone23C isn’t compatible (without tinkering) for Traktor, so can you recommend a decent replacement? I’m a bedroom only DJ so no need for anything extraordinary. Would the Xone43C work?

Also, which version of Traktor is best?

Many thanks

https://redd.it/1pxof8e
@r_djs

Hardstyle
https://on.soundcloud.com/9EYgMpADBXR9emsM0y

https://redd.it/1pxtx4l
@r_djs

Irig stream solo audio issue with iPhone 16 plus

I got an irig stream solo for Christmas, and I’m looking to set it up to record vinyl clips for instagram. I got a USB C - 3.5mm jack adapter from Amazon and using the camera app it records the audio but the quality is awful - mega compressed and distorted. I’m thinking it’s the adapter that’s the issue? If so does anyone know which adapter I need specifically?

https://redd.it/1pxwr4v
@r_djs

In my beggining stages & thinking of my Dj name & need some opinions

My name is Justin Ryan & thinking of just going by that or Dj Ryan?

https://redd.it/1pxychy
@r_djs

Bday for 7th-8th graders

Hey everyone,

Long time techno/trance dj that is doing some open format gigs for some extra cash.

I picked up a gig for a kiddos bday party and have no idea what they like since I’m in my 40’s with no kids. I have a beatsource subnoscription so I’ll mostly be depending on that for playlist suggestions but wanted to see if you guys had any tips for a stress free successful evening.

Also planning to ask the parent to give me some gems the kid likes so I make sure they are happy.

Thanks in advance 🫶

https://redd.it/1pxy035
@r_djs