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I wanna be a club disc jockey

lau kit wai

What qualifications do you need?

First and foremost, you must love music and be willing to buy many records. I find that many DJs nowadays don't spend money on tunes. As a DJ, it'd be rather unusual if you didn't buy records and instead downloaded music from the internet.

What sort of person does the job suit?

Being a sociable person would be an advantage because in clubs, people are always approaching you to request songs. Some people will even try to order you around as if you were a human jukebox. But, as a part of the entertainment industry, you have to put up with it.

What's the best way into the industry?

You have to do many free shows - that is very important. When I first to returned Hong Kong after spending time overseas, I did many free shows for more than a year. You have to show people what you can do.

What work hours do you keep?

The busiest period for a DJ are the hours between midnight to 4am. I prefer to do an earlier set, which lasts from about 11pm to 1am or 2am. Some DJs do 'after parties', which last from about 5am to 9am.

Is there a clear career path?

People who have been a DJ for a long time will produce their own music. This is natural as you will want to have your own music after hearing works by other DJs.

What's the best part of your job?

Seeing people enjoy themselves during the show. If people like your vibe and really get into your music, it's a beautiful thing.

What's the worst?

People approaching you to request songs. One night, I had to play the same song five times.

Who's your role model?

I have no role models. I aspire to be myself.

Salary?

If you are on staff at a club, you may earn around $10,000 per month. Otherwise, good DJs will earn about $2,000 to $3,000 for doing a set which lasts about two hours.

Last word?

It is better to DJ as a hobby rather than as a job. It is not a stable career. We do it for love, not for money.

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