Is becoming a DJ about your age or can you become a successful DJ when you’re already over 30 or over 40 years of age?

When are you too old to think about becoming a DJ? What are the best tips and what steps do you need to take to get there?

These are the questions that I get regularly. Often, these questions come from guys and sometimes girls who dream of DJing and of making people feel good, but are concerned that their age will mean they won’t be accepted.

There is always the worry that when you’re DJing, your crowd will be full of 18-20 year olds who will judge you on your age, your looks and the tunes you play.

This can happen. In fact, anything in the world can happen. Anywhere. At any time.

DJing Is All About The Music

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it as many times as you like. DJing is all about the music you play.

Digital DJs voice similar concern about becoming a DJ. They sometimes think (less and less now) that DJing using MP3s and a laptop with a controller will mean that people will judge them. After all, there are a number of reasons why various people dislike digital DJing.

Some forms of DJing do look cooler than others, that is the opinion of many people. But time and time again, if you cook up a great set, make people feel blissfully happy and know just how to read a dance floor then you’ll get respect from each and every party animal, clubber or bar drinker in the house.

If you’ve ever been clubbing and had a great time, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Dancing to DJ music that just hits the spot and makes you feel incredibly good is a fantastic natural high.

If you can get people high on the music, then no one cares about your age.

Want some proof?

I know of a couple of successful DJs in Paris. One of these guys is definitely over 50 and the other is over 40. Only one of these guys had any DJing experience at all, ever before starting to DJ out just a few years ago.

Now, you may think their music is crap or you may love it. But regardless of that, these guys play in loads of great clubs in Paris, the most visited capital city in the world.

They have a following and people who turn up for their gigs adore them. Check out more of their youtube vids and try to catch a glimpse of them. They don’t look like male models and they aren’t spring chickens either.

Don’t tell me you wouldn’t love to play at the best clubs in Paris like them! Their age hasn’t stopped them from doing well at DJing and there’s no reason that it should stop you either.

Now ask yourself: if they are old and can do it, can you do it? YES! Of course you can.

Advice for older DJs

You know that some DJs (like Amercian DJ Paulie) get a strong and loyal following because they also look great. Their audience is mainly made of young, impressionable teenage girls.

Some hot girl DJs play on their great looks and they are right to do so, because they are gorgeous and make men drool. Girl DJs are sexy.

But we can’t all suddenly become sexy and get people following us around.

Most DJs need to work on other aspects of their unique sound and image to get some kind of following and some well paid, higher profile club gigs.

Create your DJ image

If you’re a bit older than the average DJ, then you’ll need to work on some way to stand out. A style that fits with the music you play will relate to the people you play to.

Often, older DJs are respected because they have a great back catalogue of tunes. They have arms that reach so deeply into their record box that no young DJ can possibly know what’s going on. This is a massive advantage when it comes to becoming a DJ and getting cool gigs.

Older guys may know their 60s and 70s tunage like the back of their hand for example. They may be an 80s music fanatic or a jazz and blues freak.

Young people love older music as loads of tunes produced nowadays are shouts to music from the past. Music trends come back every twenty years or so, just like fashion does.

So if you can dress like the style of music you play, people will love you more for it, no matter how old you are. Playing rock and indie? Dress like a rock dude. You are one after all.

Playing acid house from 1988-1989? Look the part and find your acid clothes from 1990s raves in the UK.

The beat goes on…

Create a Unique DJ Sound

In case you hadn’t guessed, the guys in the above video have a very unique DJ sound. No one copies their sound because they simply don’t know enough about it.

But these guys got successful in becoming a DJ fast because they stood out from a crowd of guys trying to play trendy tunes that trendy people liked. Becoming a DJ successfully is about far more than playing the latest cool tunes.

There are far too many guys jumping on the latest bandwagon of trendy music that is the latest fad. When people in clubs suddenly decide that they don’t like this style anymore, these guys fade into the dust again.

By creating a unique DJ sound, you’ll associate your crowd with you and improve your following.

How do you do it? You concentrate on what you know and push that sound out. You’ll have very little competition as most DJs are too busy copying each other and fighting to get the same gigs.

Don’t become a DJ who follows others. Your superior knowledge on your music niche is a massive bonus. Use it to your advantage and reach out with what you know and the music that surrounds it.

Take people on a musical adventure and they won’t care a bit about how old you are. Becoming a DJ will be a breeze and far easier than you thought at first.

Becoming a DJ and rocking the house is about far more than just your age.

Matt Challands is a British DJ living in Paris, France. He’s one half of electro duo Sao Paulo Punks or running his DJ blog

DJ games are hit and miss but there are some out there, on the web and offline, which are worth checking out if you have the time.

Turntable.fm

Turntable.fm isn’t exactly a DJ game as it’s more of a website where you can take turns playing songs for people in the crowd. The site is setup so you can make an account, build a fan base and play music to people in your own hubs. You can even join up with other people in larger hubs that have a ton of people; hell, some of the DJ’s on the site has begun to make a name for themselves – even big named DJ’s have checked out the website and played a few tracks of their own.

Check it out: Turntable.fm.

I tried out Turntable.fm and it’s pretty enjoyable. You take turns playing songs and people can rate the track; if it’s no good than it automatically jumps to the next person. Overall, it feels like a game and doesn’t do much in terms of learning to DJ but it’s still fun to hang around, chat with people and listen to tunes – it can help you find new tracks while you’re at it!

DJ Hero 2

DJ Hero came out and was hit and miss with most people because it didn’t quite give you the feel of actual DJing and video game players didn’t care for the style compared to the massive Guitar Hero franchise that was rolling at the same time. However, DJ Hero 2 came along and did upgrades that give you better flexibility on your mixing, greater selection of tracks and multiplayer mode.

Check it out: DJ Hero 2 on Amazon.

I haven’t had the chance to play the DJ Hero games but they look worth the shot if you have some money to spare. Just like the Guitar Hero games, you’re not going to get the full DJ experience but you’re going to get a video game – leisurely play, ya know? You can’t really expect to learn how to DJ with this DJ game but that’s beside the point; you’re just having fun with it.

Beatmania

If you can find it, Beatmania is a really interesting game that pulls together button mashing and DJ mixing for the PS2. The game revolves around you playing music like you would with Guitar Hero; you press buttons when you need which will create the sound but there are also moments where you need to do the scratching for other parts.

Check it out: Beatmania on Amazon.

I had this game when it first got release and I can say that it was pretty enjoyable. Friends and I would go back and forth trying our best at some of the songs; it’s very different from actual DJing since it’s just a game but you did get into it after a while. The Beatmania Bundle is a little expensive but it’s still a fun DJ game if you have some cash and time away from the real thing.

DJ Games – Worth It?

Welllll, if you asked me, DJ games are hit and miss and they don’t really add to your skill. However, since they’re video games they can be fun and great to let loose when you don’t really feel like mixing your own tracks or if you’d like to play to real people in your off-time such as with Turntable.fm.

I’d say check out DJ games if you have a bit of money to spare and you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands otherwise just practice the real thing since that’s what truly matters.

Here’s something you don’t hear a lot of people asking but is certainly on their mind: how can I get motivated to start DJing and stay inspired until I’m successful?

Getting Motivated to Learn to DJ

The ‘secret’ to motivation really isn’t a secret, at all. The main point I’d like to convey is that it’s really all about getting into the right mindset so you can focus on the essentials that will push you further than what a lot of people fail at.

Here are a few ways to get motivated to learn to DJ:

Set a Goal – Get definitive with your goal of learning to DJ; tell yourself exactly how many weeks or months you’re going to push yourself for learning mixing and getting a promo mix out there. Set something like 6 months (something reasonable) and then mark down how much you’ll be working toward learning to DJ within that time frame. Having a definitive goal will push you hard toward completing what you want instead of lazily working toward something that could stretch years.

Get Hyped – Get hyped about starting DJing; look at a couple of videos of your favorite DJ’s playing a crowd our head off to a club or music festival so you can not only get in a good time but see how fun DJing can be – all of this can help get you hyped up and charged to start DJing.

Do Something, Everyday – Don’t take days off when it comes to practicing your DJing. Do something every day that will get you closer to understanding what it takes to be a DJ or put in some time to practice your mixing or putting together mixes. Motivation is a lot about momentum; the more you can put toward doing something the better you’re off at keeping up with it.

Get pumped about DJing, ya know? Take a look at how fun DJing can be and where it will take you if you become successful; imagine traveling the world, playing music and going to clubs as your job. Keep thinking this all the time so you’re always in the good mindset of getting it done.

Get Inspired to Learn to DJ

Being motivated works well for keeping up with DJing and getting beyond the basics but those just starting out may find it slightly difficult to feel inspired because, after all, DJing takes a lot of work and time. So, I’d like to share a few things that will get you inspired to DJ …

Watch DJ Videos – Take a look through Youtube and find videos of DJ footage; these videos can do wonders when you’re feeling a little stressed about DJing because you’ll not only get the music you love but see the kind of lifestyle you could have.

Read DJ Stuff – Browse around blogs, like this one, or pick up a book about the DJ life. Sure, you’re reading a book and not really DJing but it can bring on great inspiration when you read about the wild times a DJ had while partying and traveling around.

Have a Talk – Talk with DJ’s around your area on Facebook or Twitter. Ask them questions about DJing and the lifestyle they live; their words can spring up a lot of inspiration for you to get started as well. Keep up to date with what’s going on in the DJ world by asking those that are also interested; do it every day and you can pick up a lot of inspiration from the people around you.

Inspiration really comes from getting off your ass and telling yourself that you’re going to get started. I can’t say for sure that you’re going to ever get around to DJing but there are a lot of ways that can lead you to doing so. The real point I’m trying to make, with this post, is to simply get started above anything else – pick up gear – get the basics down – rule the dance floor.

This post is a part history, part insight into what the hell DJing is, anyway.

What Started it All

The phonograph had been around for quite some time and vinyl has been widely used as the medium o choice for DJ’s around the world but for the most part – DJ’s were just there to play records and didn’t really do much else than hitting play.

It took until Kool Herc and the Technics 1200’s to really turn DJing into what it would become today; this was the eaaaaarly days when Herc was on the decks but he laid down the foundation for what others would improve upon such as mixing and scratching to give DJ’s the skills they need to do what they do.

And then came Disco

DJing was starting to come up at parties but it wasn’t until Disco that it became a staple; clubs needed people to play music and they couldn’t easily cram those big 30 strong groups of Disco bands into the area so DJing was the perfect solution.

Partially fueled by drugs, music and alcohol, people were staying out all night at the discotheques which started the early stages of ‘club culture’. But, as history goes, Disco was killed off after Rock music put the nail in the proverbial coffin – however, DJing didn’t die …

Let there be House

The 1980’s caught up with us and all of a sudden we had people that wanted to do nothing but go out clubbing. At the same time, groups in Chicago and Detroit were experimenting with music which would eventually form into House and Techno music – perfect genres to fuel the club scene and at the forefront was the DJ’s that brought it to the partiers.

Aceeeiiiiiid

90’s. Acid. Rave. You get the idea. The 1990’s were a time that music started to pick up big time especially in the rave scene. Not to mention, Ecstasy became a big hit with party goers and the Summer of Love was in full effect. DJ’s started to make it big all across the world because Electronic Music was finally starting to pick up the steam it needed to be caught by radio play.

F’ the Millennium

… as the KLF would have said. The millennium hit and all of a sudden nearly everyone had access to the web which spread music like wildfire with the help of P2P networks like Napster and eventually websites like Youtube and all the social networks that began springing up like crazy.

Here we are today, in the 2010’s and electronic music is back on the radio but horrifically disguised as pop music but that’s another story. For the true lovers of dance music, it’s still mainly underground depending on your genre. DJ’s are starting to be really huge superstars (which is sometimes annoying) but otherwise, we’re in a really amazing time for getting noticed.

Here’s where you fit in

in the mix, yo

DJing has been evolving for decades now. You can pick up a set of midi turntables and equipment for less than $300 and be practicing within a few hours compared to having to save thousands for turntables like back in the day.

You can now promote yourself online. Create your own tracks with music programs. Build a following and even release music on your own record label you’ve kicked up by using websites.

You’re at the forefront of it all but it still comes down to one thing: reading the crowd and good music.

It’s shit to think that you’re a good DJ just because you can beatmatch two songs – just saying. What really matters is your music selection and being able to get it to a crowd based on their emotional response (think Bruce Lee yo).

There are a ton of DJ’s that can certainly use their gear but they do nothing for the crowds. The crowd means everything. So, DJing has started to blur; you’re no longer just playing tracks – you’re also making music, promoting yourself, creating a following, launching record labels, creating your own posters, recording videos and much more – you’re sort of renaissance artist of some kind – kind of doing everything. But remember that it’s the music that matters and reading the crowd, just to reiterate.

Anyway …

Learn how to DJ :: Get good DJ training :: Pick up your Gear :: Practice

Digital DJing has seen a dramatic rise over the years. You can now get started, with DJing, for a fraction of the price one would pay just a decade ago.

Access to music has never been easier. New Digital DJ gear is being released on an almost monthly basis. It’s the age of the Digital DJ.

Not sure where you want to start? Here are four good reasons why Digital DJing may be for you:

#1: Gear and Music is Less Expensive

Digital DJ gear and digital music is extremely inexpensive. You can get started, with DJing, for nearly a third of the price if you choose to use digital gear over vinyl or CD decks. Likewise, your music format will also come at a steep discount.

Proper vinyl turntables, mixer and the rest of the setup will generally run you almost $1000 – $2000 but digital gear can be as low as $100 (although you should opt for a little higher end gear). Digital music often runs for less than $1 a track rather than dropping nearly $10 – $20 for vinyl releases.

Overall, digital DJing will be less of a hit on your wallet. When starting out it can be hard to get up and running because of so much overhead. Digital gear is the way to go if you’re itching to get started and don’t want to drop a small car payment.

#2: You’re Future-Proofing Yourself

Digital is going to be around forever. Vinyl and CD has already seen its slow crawl to becoming obsolete; when’s the last time you played a vinyl record? Likewise, CDs are falling out of favor especially when you can pick up the same album online for half the price and instant download.

Digital DJ gear and music lets you future proof yourself. You know that in ten years your gear will still be going because we’re most likely not going to make a dramatic jump in music formats and if we do than DJ programs will make up for the lack of hardware support.

Likewise, your gear can always have additional add-ons rather than full upgrades. A software update may be all that you need to stay competitive, in gear, rather than going out to buy an entire new DJ setup.

#3: It’s Easier to Lug Everything Around

It’s one thing to have access to your vinyl and CD collection in your bedroom; it’s another when you have to lug it around from club to club. Vinyl and CD’s can be heavy, get damaged while moving and require a lot of effort to upkeep them to maintain quality.

Digital music, on the other hand, lets you take your collection around the world on the size of your keychain if you really wanted to. You no longer need to lug the heavy DJ bag; you can take your digital controller, setup and be ready to go without digging through crates the entire time.

MP3’s are also very easy to organize. You no longer need to sort your records and CD’s which makes for many less headaches when you can’t seem to find the perfect track. Just do a quick search and the song is ready for you.

#4: You have Greater Flexibility

Lastly, you have greater flexibility in every aspect of your DJing. You will be able to quickly mix, find tracks, travel, organize, record sets, transition between clubs, host internet shows and much more if you go with digital DJ gear.

Overall, you gain a higher level of flexibility if you go the digital route. Less upkeep means that you have more time to practice your mixing. How can you beat that?

As you can see, Digital DJing gives may new comers a greater amount of flexibility in all areas of the profession and hobby. Digital gear is here to stay; vinyl and CD is beginning to take a slow but eventual phase out (although it will always have its place). If you’re just getting started than consider these four major reasons why Digital DJing may be for you – then get mixing!

So, I wanted to put together a short list of how to keep your stuff safe when attending music festivals.

Tip #1: Don’t bring important stuff, duh!

If you’re going to be attending music festivals than you should already know that you don’t want to bring super expensive items. Try not to bring expensive items like MP3 players or jewelry because people are going to be shady, at times, and boom, now your stuff is missing. You’re not going to get your stuff returned so just avoid the heart ache and avoid bringing it in the first place.

Tip #2: Leave expensive things in the car

Who would mess with a car like this?

If you did bring expensive items to the festival than just leave them in the car. If anything, you could walk back out to the car if you need to get something like your cell phone.

If you’re going with people than you can try to keep the trips down by just setting a few ‘rules’ on how often you go back to the car – cause that can get annoying real fast.

Don’t be caught up with worrying about your stuff because it takes away from the fun of the festival; keep things in your car and you won’t need to worry about it – oh yeah, lock your car.

Tip #3: Stuff valuables UNDER the tent

Someone that goes through your tent will need to be quick at it; they aren’t going to be hanging around because they’re going to get caught. What people will do is open up your tent, take a quick look around and snatch and grab anything that’s expensive on first sight. To avoid this, create a little hole under your tent where you can stash a few things. People generally won’t go through the trouble of lifting up a tent to look around for stuff; use it to your advantage.

Tip #4: Keep your backpack on

If you don’t mind lugging a backpack around than this could be a great way to keep your stuff from being stolen. You can pick up ultra light day packs that you won’t even feel; they won’t get in the way from your partying. You can pick up these packs online or at a local store. Just remember not to set your pack down else everything will be picked up and gone.

Tip #5: Wallet in the front pocket

Bouncing around, dancing, sitting down, getting up, walking around, brushing up on people and crammed when partying is an easy way to lose your wallet. The back pocket on your pants or shorts is generally loose so avoid having it pick pocketed or dropped by keeping it in your front pocket. Just remember not to put something important in there that you reach for often, like cigarettes, because this could make you accidentally slip your wallet out, boooo.

Tip #6: Check up on the tent

Tent looks good Dr. Jones!

Your tent is literally your home away from home; lose it and you’re either screwed or will need to do some serious hustling to survive the music festival.

For this reason, you should cut away from the party, on occasion, to check out your tent and area. Hell, if you leave your cooler at the tent than you have a reason to hit it up on occasion.

Doing so will make sure that people see that you’re keeping watch and you can notice if anything is missing; use the time to cool down, as well, so you avoid overheating eh!

Tip #7: Be friendly with people around you

When you’re at a festival for three days you should get to know your neighbors. Besides having a blast when talking to people near your tent you can also help one another by being a look out to make sure no one messes with your stuff. If there are people that hang around the area, maybe around the fire, than you could just buddy up; if someone dirty starts messing with the tents than they will be the first to tell them to piss off – awesome! Give them a beer to say thanks.

Conclusion

You have to be smart when you’re festival hopping. Don’t be an idiot and bring thousands of dollars, don’t leave your crap sitting outside your tent, don’t make it look like you have a bunch of stuff on you. Be dirty; be like a hippie so people don’t assume you have crap to steal. Be safe when you’re festival hoping and come to expect that you’ll lose some things; just make sure they aren’t valuable.

It sucks but what can you do? Well, there are ways to get people onto the dance floor and then there are ways to cope with the fact that the night may just be dead.

This article will be odd but may be something you experience at some point when you are learning how to become a DJ: playing to an empty dance floor.

Maybe your Music Selection Sucks?

Are there people at the venue but no one dancing? Maybe your track selection sucks.

But, don’t blame yourself because it may not be entirely based on your choice. It’s hard to gauge people which are actually one of the big jobs of being a DJ; you may have got the wrong impression based on the people you see around the place.

The good thing is that you can always change up your music. Keep trying out different tracks until you start pulling in. If anything, aim to bring in the women because once they’re dancing the guys are sure to follow.

In the worst case scenario where no one wants to dance you’ll just need to cope with the “loss” and finish out your mix by keeping professional and mixing your ass off; you may as well get a good practice session out of it instead of letting it go to waste.

Maybe People aren’t ready?

Perhaps one reason why you’re facing an empty dance floor is that people simply aren’t ready to party.

Remember that everyone is a little bit reserved when they first get to the party. Some people want a few drinks in them to “lube” their social interactions. Others want to see others on the floor before they join in. Some just won’t even get on the dance floor because they plan to hang back all night.

Rather than questioning yourself or losing your cool just remember that it takes a bit for the party to really start up. If you’re one of the first DJ’s in the night than you’re job is to warm up the crowd; at this point you really won’t have as many people. If you’re closing for the night than people may be getting tired and want to head out.

Be charismatic as possible. Bring people into the dance floor and make sure they have a good time. Once you get a few on the floor you will start to get the real party people and then the rest just follows.

Maybe it’s a dead night?

Not every night is going to be a stomper. You can’t really expect a large amount of people to come out on a Wednesday night because people have work in the morning. Some venues simply won’t be busy at certain times of the week so always keep this in mind when you see an empty dance floor.

If the night is dead than keep up with your mixing anyway. Think of it like a practice session. Get to know the die hard people that did come out that night; mingle with them if you can, get to know their names and interests because when the party does pick up you can make sure that they’re going to be right out in front to get the vibe rockin’.

A few words of comfort …

You’re going to face nights where the dance floor is empty (especially when you’re first starting out). The least you can do is make the most out of it by still having a blast and mixing a great set for those that did show up. Always stay positive; hell, maybe you’ll get lucky and someone inconspicuous happens to be a fellow promoter or producer that likes your talent!

Sure you have; that’s why you’re here on BeginnerDJ. I’m sure you’ve had a lot of thoughts about DJing which may have stemmed from going to a few parties, maybe a festival or just listening to your favorite mixes.

You know that feeling: after you hear a really stompin’ set you tell yourself that it’s time to start DJing. You want to play the music in front the crowd, travel, do what you love and have a time of your life.

But, did you know there are other little benefits that could further give you a reason to start DJing? Check these out and see if this finally gives you a nice kick in the rear to start…

#1: For the love of the music

The first thing that should come to your mind is the fact that you’ll be able to play your favorite music to the crowd. Seriously, how many people can say that they can get paid and travel the world by listening to music? You can.

If you’re not DJing than you’re probably listening to music all day already so why not make the jump and make a career out of it? Once you learn the basics of DJing you’re well upon your way on being able to do what you love.

#2: Travel the world

Been out of the country? If you haven’t been bit by the travel bug than you may not fully understand why people strive to travel as passionately as they do. The main reason why travel is so hard is because of the expenses but what if you can overcome that hurdle? Well, if you become a DJ you will be paid to travel, see the world and play at clubs from all over!

Just think: all those places that you want to see can be done if you got started. Of course, you’ll need to work your butt off to get to that point but it’s a big goal that’s certainly worth striving for.

#3: Meet incredible people

Think of all those awesome people you’ve met at parties. Now take those same experiences but multiply it by a thousand because now you’re going to start running into all of your favorite DJ’s, promoters and the hardcore party people.

You’ll be backstage, VIP areas, anywhere on the dance floor. The club world and festivals are yours; you’ll be able to run into some of the most interesting people from around the world!

#4: Get into events for free

You’ll be able to start getting into events once you’ve made a name for yourself. You’re sort of like a celebrity in the club world; if people know you’re going to be at a club, even if you’re just partying, they will turn up and that’s what promoters want so they have no problem with letting you in for free.

Awesome perks, eh?

#5: Make some decent cash

DJ’s can make quite a bit of cash. Some of the biggest names can command up to $100,000 for a single gig although it may be a little out of your league at this time (but it’s still worth trying for).

Once you get notice you will begin to set your own rates. You could play a single festival and have no need to work for the rest of the year (although it will be hard especially if you love what you’re doing).

#6: Design your own lifestyle

Since you’re not required to show up and clock into work you will be able to set your own goals, do what you want and design your own lifestyle. Think of all the time you’ll now have and that you’re self sufficient.

Don’t want to drive in traffic? No problem; your gig is later in the night. Want to just listen to music all day? Awesome, you’re finding new tracks. Want to just party? You’re getting some great connections for the later night.

#7: Always have something exciting to do

The DJ lifestyle will never be boring. Sure, you may have a residency that may not be the best but the regular clubbers that come in will always make for a good time. There will always be something exciting to do once you make friends with other DJ’s, meet all the interesting people, create the connections and having the ability to travel.

So, there were several different reasons why you should become a DJ. There are surely other reasons that are going through your mind so just keep thinking of all the benefits and go for it!

There are hundreds (even thousands) of music festivals in the world but there are only five that made this list. What you’ll find here are ones which every festival hopper should have on their bucket list before they die.

Coachella

Coachella has seen a wide range of inspiring artists from genres all over including rock, hop hop, electronic and more. Held at the Empire Polo Cub in Indio, California, Coachella continues to grow as many well known artists such as Pearl Jam, Daft Punk, Tool and countless others lend their talents to create a festival of a life-time.

Although the festival was originally a three day event it has since moved into a two weekend format generally in April. Artists that performed from the previous year rarely make an appearance again as festival promoters wish to keep the vibe fresh.

Coachella can be a bit expensive to attend but it will certainly be worth paying for a memory and tale that you can tell friends and family for many years to come.

Learn more at the official Coachella website.

Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo is a four day festival event that’s held at Great State Park in Manchester, Tennessee. Bonnaroo has picked up popularity for indie goers as it has long since pushed to show lesser known artists and those that don’t fit into the mainstream (although there are some well known names that do headline from year to year).

The main draw of Bonnaroo is the rock but let’s not forget the massive amount of art and various projects that happens on the ground throughout the event. Thousands show up to sell their wares, cook food and display their art for the countless festival goers to see.

Bonnaroo is generally held between June 9^th to the 12^th so if you plan to go be sure to grab your tickets early.

Learn more at the official Bonnaroo website.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a massive music festival held in south west England where it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. The festival has shifted from modest size to one of the largest with well over eighty stages at the last event; featuring hundreds of artists.

Glastonbury could be considered the English equivalent to Burning Man as it attracts many hippies and free thinkers. The festival has been running for many years and doesn’t show signs of stopping. Expect to find nearly every genre of music represented at this festival.

Learn more at the official Glastonbury website.

Winter Music Conference

Winter Music Conference, held in Miami, is like none other. An entire week of electronic music (and more) runs rampant at dozens of clubs and smaller events. The biggest event of the all, Ultra Music Festival, is held on the weekend where it attracts up to 80,000 festival-goers with some of the biggest names in electronic music today.

Planning to attend WMC? Than get your hotels and tickets early because Miami virtually shuts down for the duration of the event. Prices will skyrocket once you get close but for those that are willing to take a hit to the wallet will have one of the best experiences of their life.

Winter Music Conference is generally held between March 8^th to the 12^th each year; it’s been running since the 80’s and doesn’t shown any sign of slowing down.

Learn more at the official Winter Music Conference website.

Burning Man

The granddaddy of all hippy festivals: Burning Man. Burning Man is a week long festival held in the Black Rock Desert of northern Nevada. Every year there is a different overall “theme” but the one thing that stays the same is the traditional “burning man” which, in short, is generally a large wooden man that is burned on the Saturday prior to the event finishing.

Burning Man attracts some of the wildest, weirdest and open minded individuals. Thousands of artists share their work along with the festival attendees. Everyone is expected to contribute in some small fashion and show their independence.

Burning Man continues to blow the minds of those whom attend although it has picked up in mainstream popularity and made changes over the years (for the better or worse).

Learn more at the official Burning Man website.

So there you have it; the top 5 music festivals in world. Ready to start festival hopping? I know I am – see you there.

I love Dubstep, it’s still really young compared to genres like house, trance and techno so we’re still seeing the genre splinter into various sub-genres, each with its own flare and awesomeness.

This post really isn’t about the overall top 5 Dubstep artists because that would be a bit pretentious; for that reason, I’m going to list my own favorite and if you’d like to add to your own list, just leave a comment at the end along with a few links so everyone else can hear that wobbly goodness. Okay? Let’s get into it…

1. Distance

I remember being at an after party when Mala from Digital Mystikz dropped a huuuge track by Distance. I didn’t really know about them at the time but I can say that as soon as I got home, I jumped on YouTube, found their music and they’ve been one of my favorite Dubstep artists ever since.

Here’s one of my favorite tunes by Distance:

2. Kryptic Minds

My friend Dez got me into Kryptic Minds and I still thank him for it. I love the deep, dark sounds they produce; it’s much more chill overall, hits hard and is perfect for just chillin out. I really wish they produced more stuff.

Here’s one of my favorite tunes by Kryptic Minds:

3. Datsik

Datsik came up really, really fast within Dubstep. Alongside with Excision (mentioned in the next part), Datsik drops some really filthy Dubstep – it’s robosteppin’! I got to catch a bit of Datsik at a party before, really brang the ruckus and seems like an overall pretty cool guy.

Here’s one of my favorite tunes by Datsik:

4. Excision

Next up, and how can I not mention him, is Excision. Excision puts on some uber, uber awesome sets such as the ones from Shambhala for the last few years now – these things are always bumping. It’s more robostep tunes but I mean, how can you not like this stuff? It’s just pure dirty, dirtiness.

Here’s one of my favorite tunes by Excision:

5. Coki

Coki’s going all over the place these days. A bit of old school reggae thrown into some tracks, others that are pure chill out while some, nowadays, are flat out weird as hell. As you can probably tell, I generally go after the tracks that are a bit more down tempo overall, check it:

Here’s one of my favorite tunes by Coki:

Honorable Mentions

Just so I don’t get on anyone’s nerves, I do like a ton of other Dubstep artists out there but again, these are my fav’s – go ahead and list your own in the comments to pick up on any of the others that need the limelight. Just like any other genre’s, Dubstep is ever changing so this list will change over time – at the end of the day though, it’s about the music, not just the artists so if someone drops something amazing, you can’t just knock them because their either well known or uber obscure.

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for ya – go wobble somewhere else.