Whenever I tell somebody that I’m a professional DJ, I often get different reactions. Some people say “Oh, cool!” (which is always a great response). Some people say “do you make your own beats?” or they make the typical DJ hand motion and say “wiki-wiki-wiki.” I usually laugh and roll my eyes at the last one, then I explain that’s not really what I do and I explain the type of DJ that I am.
In this post and in the video below, I set the record straight and define the five types of DJs and how they are different.
CLUB DJ
The first type of DJ is a Club DJ. They’ll spin Hip-Hop, EDM, Country, Disco, Rock & Roll, etc. The genre they spin is usually specific to the type of nightclub they’re working at. Sometimes it’s an eclectic mix of music, but for the most part there’s one particular style of music the people want to hear and that’s what they play.
MOBILE DJ
The second type of DJ is a Mobile DJ. That’s pretty much all that I do. This type of DJ performs at weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, school functions and more. They have their own speakers, lighting, etc. so they can travel anywhere and DJ all types of private events.
Musically, they’re mixing many different genres, because the events they do are usually quite diverse.
TURNTABLIST
The third type of DJ is what’s called a Turntablist. These DJs are extremely skilled on the turntables and mixer. They can do all kinds of crazy tricks and scratches with the beats to create an entertaining show. When they perform, people are generally watching them in awe as opposed to dancing to the music they play.
RADIO DJ
The fourth type of DJ is a Radio DJ. They are less about mixing and programming music (that’s usually the programming director’s job) and more about using their great voice and dynamic personality to entertain the listeners.
PRODUCER / DJ
The fifth type of DJ is a Producer / DJ. These are guys like Calvin Harris who produce their own music then use DJing as a way to perform their own tracks at nightclubs, concerts and festivals.
These different types of DJs can also overlap and typically do. A Club DJ might also be a Wedding DJ and a Radio DJ might become a Wedding DJ. They definitely intermix, but there are also qualities about each of one that makes them unique.
Hopefully, that helped set the record straight about what types of DJs are out there.
~ Eric Rhodes
Eric Rhodes is the owner of Rhodes Entertainment in Boise, ID. He has always had a passion for entertaining people through music. Eric officially started mixing records at the University of Idaho in 1999. After college Eric moved to Boise where he started making a name for himself in the local music/club scene with his unique sets of House, Indie and Hip-Hop tracks. He started his business in 2011 after realizing that his career in TV news just wasn’t for him. Since then, Eric has been following his dream by building his mobile DJ Company.
Aside from music, Eric has a passion for fitness, personal development and, most importantly, raising his young family. He was also the President of his local Toastmasters Club and President of the Idaho Event Professionals group.