well what sort of music do you spin? and what sort of crowd do you think you will cater to?

i know, in perth at least, a lot of mobile companies give traineeships to younger dj's, they teach you how to be a proper mobile dj and be able to cater for all aspects of the industry, they teach you about music, mixing, crowds, etc. you get to go out and play gigs with experienced dj's etc..... a lot of my friends have done this and whilst they suck coz they cant mix well and play crappy music, theyre successful mobiles. so call around the local dj companies and see whether they offer a similar deal.

take Seans advice, i learned the hard way, and it
was no fun, living down hear in south beach, every
dj has a ego bigger than there brain, be yourself,
and you will find your niche, good luck.

Tape yourself, give other people your mixes, and promote yourself in any way possible. Above all practice.
- DJ Wicho

ahhhhhhhh so you want to be a club dj. well thats a bit harder coz most of the time you have to make connections and meet people and get them to like you and thats kinda hard to do whilst you're under the legal age. sure i did it, but when i was 16 i looked 21. dont get so anxious about playing out you've got a long time to go before you can play in a club.

i reccomend in the meanwhile follow the mobile path.

the advice above is good... however, mobile is not for everyone!!!

Playing at clubs is about making contacts. In Chicago where DJ's are a dime a dozen... is much more difficult to land a decent club gig.

Other than being yourself and getting people to hear you live, on tape or cd, or even the music store... thats all a part of it. You have to put yourself in that salesperson mindset everywhere you go. Don't pass up any opportunity to spin anywhere (this is of course assuming you have some skills).

I think the DJ community is quick to pass up existing talent because there are just a ton of people waiting in line. You have to be consistent! Showing up every party, every club, every event. Talk and mingle... basically sell yourself. Someone will cut you a break sooner or later. However, if you decide to work on it this week and chill the next week, the momentum you build in the community will quickly fade.

Just my advice and if you are serious about your goals.... this is what I have found to hold true.

Stan...

The obvious practice advice is true. I would think that if you are serious about music.... nobody has to remind you to practice.

Then again some people think this is just a business that anyone can do. Sad because it adds competition to people that really do know what they are doing.

I agree with 'feelthebeatdj', either buy the music, go to a second-hand store or use the mp3 if it's being offered for free from the label. Mobile work will give you some good experience, because you are going to have to play tunes that you will hate and deal with people that think they know a what great music is. Also resign yourself to the fact that maybe you won't get paid for your first couple of gigs (hopefully you will be paid).
ANX.

Is i treally illegal to produce a mixtape and giving it away. One thing if you want money for it but just giving it away... Well it is probably illegal.. well well

or hire yourself a good lawyer

Don't be so fast,one of the moderators,Pulse,lives in Vancouver,i don't know how close that is,but at least it's in Canada....

The hitchhiker's guide to the DJ-galaxy:

1. go out a lot, and listen to the music people like. Go to places where they play music you like. Listen how they mix it etc

2. go out a lot (again ), and make friends, not just ordinary customers, but also barmen, barmaids, managers, doormen, DJs, DJ-friends etc

3. Once you know what music is 'hot', make sure you get it. Don't settle for 'easy' stuff (Britney, Mambo, poppy crap etc). Make sure you got something to offer 20 other amateurs DJs can't. Doesn't have to be non-commercial or hi-skilled techniques, but sometimes the combination of known music styles blended together can impress people. So if you're short on cash, get used in the internet world of P2P music, BBS'es, sites etc.

4. Get a fast internet connection

5. get yourself used to the equipment, learn the tricks what is possible

6. take some advice of DJs how to mix (counting to four, pitch control, pitch bending, EQ control, etc)

7. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

8. try to get in contact through your 'connection'-friends with a barmanager who will give you a try-out evening (not the weekends, but a more quiet day of the week.

9. if you're acquainted with a fellow DJ, and you're good in mixing a bit, ask yor DJ-friend if you can spin a few discs during his night when he needs to take a whizz or when he's busy with a girlie at the DJ booth You might impress him (publicity for you!) if you succeed in good mixes or getting the crowd wild with a good song and a good mix of that song.

10. Don't screw up when your own introductionary night is Don't risk too much experimenting your own style, do a 50/50 of personal style and mainstream music of the stuff they play regularly in that place.

11. Once you are self-confident being a DJ, have the balls to step to a barmanager and ask him for a tryout. If needed, ask to play your try-out night for free (well, normally they'll pay ya if it was ok anyway)

I'm with Ben Ka, it can have alot to do with connections and little to do with talking in DA HOOD.
fyi, Vancouver is about 4500 klm's or approx.3000 miles away from Toronto.
Dutch.