DJs

DJs, short for disc jockeys, are individuals who select, pair, and play recorded music for an audience. They typically create a continuous flow of music by mixing tracks to control tempo, transition, and energy, rather than simply playing one song after another. The term originated with radio broadcasters who introduced records on air, but it now broadly covers live performers in clubs, festivals, radio, and private events.

Types and roles: Radio DJs curate playlists, introduce tracks, and provide commentary. Club DJs perform in venues, often mixing live to maintain momentum and respond to crowd energy. Mobile or wedding DJs provide entertainment at private events, using playlists and MC duties. Turntablists emphasize scratching and rhythmic manipulation of vinyl or digital equivalents, often in hip-hop or experimental contexts.

Equipment and techniques: Traditional setups use turntables or CD players, a mixer, and headphones; modern rigs use DJ controllers and software. Core techniques include beatmatching (matching tempos), phrasing (matching musical phrases), crossfading, equalization, and effects. Many editors also use cue points, loops, and hot cues to structure sets. Digital formats enable large libraries and features like automatic tempo following and track analysis.

History and impact: From radio disc jockeys in the mid-20th century to the rise of disco and club culture in the 1970s, DJs became central figures in music scenes. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of hip-hop turntablism and electronic dance music, with DJs shaping trends and genres. Copyright and licensing are essential for public performances, with venues and events typically obtaining licenses to play recorded music.