Why DJs Should Start Producing Their Own Tracks (And How To Get Started)

As a DJ, there’s nothing quite like dropping a track that you’ve created into your set and watching the crowd’s reaction. It’s a powerful feeling, and the great news is it’s easier than you might think to get there.

At Digital DJ Tips, we help DJs start their production journeys every day – and today, I’m here to show you why you’re already well on your way if you’re a DJ.

Why DJs Have A Head Start

If you’ve been DJing for a while, chances are you already have an edge when it comes to producing music. DJs know music deeply, they have a keen sense of what moves a crowd, and they’re constantly experimenting with the structure of tracks. This experience is valuable because it’s exactly what will fuel your creativity and guide you as a producer.

But maybe you’re hesitant to start because of some common myths about what it takes to be a music producer. So let’s break down the advantages you already have as a DJ and dispel those myths.

Key DJ skills that make you a better producer

1. You know music well – DJs spend hours listening to, analysing, and playing music, so you already have a trained ear. You understand flow, drops, and builds instinctively, which is crucial in production
2. You understand what people like – DJing gives you insight into what makes people move, what hooks them, and what doesn’t. This is invaluable in production, where understanding the crowd’s taste can make all the difference
3. You can test your tracks – Many DJs aspire to create tracks to play in their own sets. If you’re regularly DJing live, you can test your own productions and fine-tune them based on real feedback

Common myths about music production

For many DJs, production can seem intimidating, but most obstacles are more mental than technical. Here are some myths that may have held you back – and why they shouldn’t:

• Myth 1: “I need to be a musical genius” – The truth? Most top producers can’t read music, don’t play an instrument, and learned production over time. Production is a creative pursuit, and tools today make it accessible to everyone
• Myth 2: “I need to play an instrument” – No, you absolutely don’t because you can program in notes and you can use all kinds of tools to help you come up with melodies, bass lines, chords, and so on. Sure, one day it might be nice, but it isn’t essential
• Myth 3: “I need an expensive studio” – Top producers have proven you can make hit tracks on a laptop with a decent pair of headphones. You don’t need a studio to start producing quality music

The 5 most common excuses for not producing music

Now that we’ve busted the myths, let’s look at the common excuses that hold DJs back:

1. “I don’t know where to start”: Start small with re-edits. Use your DJ software’s cue points and loops to tweak tracks to your liking, then hit record. Congratulations, you’re now producing! Re-edits and mashups are natural steps that bridge DJing and full-fledged production
2. “I feel like I need to make a perfect track every time”: Don’t fall into this trap! Production is a journey, not a single track. Make as many tracks as possible and learn as you go. As our tutor Laidback Luke says, he won’t even listen to a new producer’s work until they’ve made at least a hundred tracks
3. “I feel like an imposter”: It’s normal to feel out of your depth when learning something new. Embrace it! If you don’t feel challenged, you’re not growing. Treat discomfort as a friend in your journey to improve
4. “I feel like I’m cheating by using certain tools”: There are no shortcuts in production – only tools that help you express your vision. All the best producers use sample packs, presets, and tools to help them get the right sound
5. “I feel lonely producing music”: Producing can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Digital DJ Tips, our courses are designed to keep you connected with tutors, fellow students, and even live lessons. Plus, there are plenty of online communities where you can share your work and get feedback

How To Get Started

We have a range of courses at the school designed to take you from your first remix to producing original tracks. Here’s a quick look at the options:

• Our range of mixing courses – If you’re just getting creative with re-edits and DJ mixes, our mixing courses will give you a solid start. They’ll teach you to work creatively within your DJ software and refine the skills that lay the foundation for production
• Laidback Luke’s Bootlegs, Mashups & Re-Edits – Ready to step into production software? Laidback Luke’s course starts with re-edits and moves through mashups, bootlegs, and into full productions. It’s the perfect start for DJs who want to learn production basics with expert guidance
• Dance Music Formula – This flagship course walks you through every step of creating a track in Ableton Live, from the first beat to release. By the end, you’ll have a finished track and the knowledge to produce more music on your own
• James Hype’s Club Banger Course – If you’re already familiar with production software and want to level up, this course dives into advanced techniques with James Hype, one of the world’s top DJs. You’ll learn how he crafts club bangers that he plays in his own sets

Read this next: Bootlegs, Mashups, Re-edits & Remixes: What’s The Difference?

So, if you’ve ever thought about making music, there’s never been a better time to start. Check out our courses and join our community to get the support, guidance, and encouragement you need to finally turn your ideas into reality.