It’s never been easier to become a DJ, with all the technology in the world, online tutorials and physical spaces. DJing is often a first start at being more creative, particularly when it comes to music production. These days, many are both; think of Fred again.., Kaytranada and Nia Archives. All accomplished beatmakers that can light up the dancefloor any given night with their talent on the decks. The world of DJs and producers is incredibly connected, but what skills do you need to be one, the other or both?
We’ve teamed up with PIRATE – one of the globe’s leading studio spaces for DJs, artists, producers and podcasters – to learn more. In this series, we speak to three DJs and producers on their journeys, looking at how gaining confidence on the decks can harness your success in other creative forms of expression.
In our second chapter, we talk to Swami Sound, a New York-based producer, DJ and PIRATE Ambassador. He is best known for creating euphoric original music and incredible edits of tracks by Solange, Kelela, Shygirl and many more. We asked him to share five valuable lessons he’s learned from balancing DJing and production and why his career is better for it. “The relationship between my production and my DJing it’s something that I’m grateful for,” he says. “They empower each other and have their own relationship beyond me. I’m just the brain and both sides sit on my shoulders telling each other what to do!”
DJing helps you gain fans and build community in real time
Swami Sound: “Music producers should become DJs because DJing is the next step in getting music translated into an ecosystem of more people and listeners. It’s the most humane way of getting music out there. I think I understood that early and that’s why I decided to do it. When you play music by specific artists, you’re supporting them. If you play a song at a festival and you have to register it to ASCAP or BMI, the artist will get paid whether they knew they were being played or not. It’s so beneficial because when you think about playing music in a physical space and people come up to you and ask ‘what song is that.’ You can gain new fans for what you do outside of DJing, including production.”
It will level up your technical and live performance skills
“Knowing what is good when and reading a crowd definitely has always been the most important part of musicianship. DJing helps that so much. It gives you that level of dynamism that you can easily transfer into production. You have a better understanding of what you want for yourself and what people want from you.
I played a set in Denver the other week and I was contracted to do a live set with my original music. In the middle of it I felt like it wasn’t necessarily the crowd for it. So I started improvising and used a song to transition into spinning and DJing. I ended up playing two hours more than I was supposed to, but it allowed me to take things into a different direction. So taking the approach of being patient with yourself as you experiment, you could create some really amazing things when you’re producing original music.”
Digging for music will make you an expert in different sounds
“DJing is a great way to enhance your understanding of the genres you play. As well as the culture within those scenes that they occupy. You gain so much perspective about what you do from learning about what makes the sound itself tick. You then become empowered to present that genre in your own unique way, at shows or festivals or wherever you might play. Then, when you’re ready to produce, you have an idea of how to move a crowd and get people to dig what you put out. It’s a profound connection.”
DJing helps you get clear on your passion
“In my career, I’ve learned about how much I love DJing and being of service to people. Even in the darkest of times, I remind myself that this is something I’ve committed to. I’ve been able to understand how passionate I am about it and always want to do well. I always reminded myself that DJing is so much more than just me and what I bring to the table. Humility has been a big aspect of my journey. Especially when I want to wrap my head around what I represent to certain people. But it’s clear to me, through DJing and production, that I’m here for a reason.”
You can contribute to music culture in a positive way
“My first point also lends itself to the idea of contributing to music culture and whatever space you occupy. Through DJing and music production, you figure out quickly that you’re doing more than serving yourself. You’re serving so many different kinds of people. I was in Miami one night eating at a restaurant. There was a DJ playing my Solange edit. I knew it was from the first two seconds, so I went inside and told him, ‘dude you’re playing my edit right now, thank you.’ He was like, ‘oh my God you’re Swami!’ So it goes back to the ecosystem feeding itself. It empowers other artists and DJs and pushes music culture forward, whether or not you know people. You never know who you’re influencing. I’ve found that DJ-producer balance to be so important for that goal.”
Use the same gear found in the world’s best clubs at a Pirate DJ studio near you, available in 30+ locations. Learn, teach, record a mix, or simply practice — solo or with your crew.
Book recording studios equipped with everything you need for music production and access artist opportunities within the community. Get started at Pirate with 20% off your first session. Use code: MIXCLOUD20
Photography: Sam Wachs