SIXTH FORM: DJ Sam is right on track

Sixth former SAM ASHTON is making a name for himself as a DJ in his spare time. He explains how he juggles the activity with his studies and has some top tips for others who want to spin the decks.

AS a sixth-form student, balancing school and super-curricular work alongside engaging in extra-curricular activities can be challenging. Taking up DJ-ing provided the perfect balance for me.

As a present on my 16th birthday, I was gifted DJ decks and speakers, an idea from my brother who had enjoyed DJ-ing at university. Amid my revision for GCSEs at the time, steadily learning how to mix and experiment with music was an ideal stress-reliever and break from work. Gaining the ability to engage with music I enjoy from another perspective is incredibly refreshing.

A dilemma I am sure the majority of sixth formers have faced is deciding which extra-curricular and/or social activities to pursue in the finite amount of time we have in this final year. DJ-ing has amalgamated two things for me, giving me the ability to pursue my hobby whilst not missing out on social events, since I can DJ at parties.

The music I play most is a mix of house, techno and drum and bass, these genres tend to react the best with crowds, especially in the setting of a party. One of the DJs I admire is called Mallgrab, personally I love his music, and his live-sets are incredible. If I had to recommend one song to listen to by Mallgrab, I would suggest Liverpool Street in the Rain; studying, exercising or relaxing you can listen to it on any occasion.

The social side of DJ-ing is enriching, due to the interaction with the crowd. The ability to engage with them and help people enjoy their evening is such a unique trait of DJ-ing, I honestly don’t believe there’s another hobby like it.

Looking forward to the future, learning the skill of DJ-ing truly appears to be a worthwhile investment. I learned how to DJ from my bedroom, all that is needed is a pair of decks and a laptop! It is only at top levels that you see equipment for £2,000-£3,000.

It's relatively inexpensive for beginners to start out, with a decent pair of decks to begin learning on costing around £200 to £300. Whilst the initial cost may seem expensive, these decks can last you forever; the technological advancements of ‘beginner’ equipment these days is amazing. 

For me, it's worth it because it has provided an opportunity to earn money doing something I love; a source of income which will in the future not disrupt my degree studies.

The financial possibilities really are exciting for those who want to follow that route. With the progressive role social media seems to have in the promotion of DJs, one successful video is all it takes to get your name out there.

Money can come from bookings at parties, clubs, venues, events and the list goes on…

If a particular DJ becomes popular, they also have the prospect of possible sponsorships and so another possible stream of income is introduced.

I can only beam positivity towards DJ-ing as a hobby, it has a rewarding learning-curve that once you start on, you accelerate quickly. I upload some of my mixes onto streaming services and social media, and do attain a certain level of accomplishment and satisfaction from this. The extent to which I promote myself is mostly by word of mouth, other people talking about enjoying my DJ-ing.

One of my tips for those wishing to DJ is that you should enjoy a wide variety of music. Learning to DJ can require listening to and playing around with tracks for hours, so a certain level of commitment is required. Other than that, it is very beginner-friendly, with millions of free tutorials on YouTube and other platforms.

*Sam, taking religious studies, economics and psychology at A-level, plans to study theology and philosophy at university