When I first started DJing, I was terrible. I was uncomfortable with the equipment, unsure of my technical skills, and overwhelmed by the idea of performing. Like many aspiring DJs, I wondered if I’d ever get it right. Would I be able to mix seamlessly? Would I ever feel confident enough to tell a story through music?
For a long time, I let those doubts hold me back. But eventually, I found a way forward. I began by playing one record after another—no mixing, no fancy transitions, just selecting tracks that felt meaningful to me. I focused on building a vibe, creating a narrative, and increasing the tempo in a way that made sense. That’s how I started to discover my voice as a DJ.
Now, after years of practice, I feel at home with my setup. I primarily use vinyl, but I also work with CDJs to expand my possibilities. I’ve developed the skills to blend different genres—ambient, downtempo, house, nu-jazz, funk, drum and bass, and techno—and I’m able to create journeys that move across tempos and styles seamlessly. It took years to get to this point, and what I’ve learned is that DJing is as much about personal growth as it is about technical ability.
This blog is about finding your flow. It’s about breaking boundaries, experimenting, and discovering what works for you. Whether you’re just starting or have been DJing for years, the journey of experimentation—challenging the rules, trusting your instincts, and creating something uniquely yours—is a process that evolves.
What Does It Take to Find Your Flow?
First, there’s the technical side. To experiment with unexpected transitions, shifts, or disruptions, you need skills. Can you smoothly move between tempos or styles? Do you know how to use tools like loops and filters to create surprising shifts? Technical ability doesn’t define creativity, but it often helps bring your ideas to life.
Then there’s the question of selection. Do you need to mix at all? Not necessarily. Focusing solely on selection—playing one record after another—can be another powerful way to express creativity. This approach allows you to put your taste front and center without relying on technical skills. It’s a way to communicate your personality and vision through the music you choose, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
By letting go of expectations around technical perfection, you’re giving yourself the freedom to experiment. DJing is about connection—between you, the music, and your audience. Whether you mix seamlessly or play each track individually, the essence of DJing lies in the story you tell and the emotions you evoke.
Why Beginners Have an Advantage:
Paradoxically, beginners might have the easiest time finding their flow. Why? Because they’re not burdened by the “rules.” When you’re just starting, you don’t always know what’s expected, what’s technically “right,” or what’s been done before.
Many beginners are held back by being overly conscious of their technical skills. The fear of not being “good enough” can feel paralyzing. But stepping over that fear is what allows you to experiment. Technical ability might hold you back in the beginning, but if you push past that, you’ll find it much easier to break boundaries and create something unique.
As a beginner, you’re free from the constraints of overthinking. You might not have the deepest music library or the sharpest transitions, but your instinct and innocence allow for pure experimentation. That rawness often leads to the most exciting discoveries.
As you grow, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of music, technique, and storytelling. But those first unpolished steps, when you’re not afraid to fail, are moments to treasure.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Even after many, many years of trying to perfect my skills, I’m still making mistakes. And it’s not just me—it’s everyone. Even the biggest DJs, those who truly perform live, make mistakes.
The important thing is to keep going. DJing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about creating moments, telling stories, and connecting through music. Mistakes are part of the process—they’re what make the journey real. So, trust yourself, take risks, and enjoy the ride.