How to Become an 80s DJ
I’m Jerry Frempong, a UK based DJ with over 25 years behind the decks, and if you’ve ever felt that pull when an 80s record drops and the room lights up, you’re already halfway there. Becoming an 80s DJ is about far more than just pressing play on old tracks. It’s about understanding the culture, the sound, the technology, and the energy that made that decade unforgettable, then learning how to translate it into modern DJ sets that work in clubs, festivals, private parties, weddings, and radio shows today. This guide is written to help you understand exactly how to become an 80s DJ, how to learn DJing properly, and how to turn your passion into real skills that audiences respond to.
Why the 80s Still Matter in DJ Culture
The 1980s were a defining era for music, nightlife, and DJ culture. Synth driven pop, funk, disco, early hip hop, electronic, new wave and soul all collided in a way that still influences dancefloors worldwide. When you learn how to DJ 80s music properly, you’re learning crowd psychology, musical storytelling, and timeless mixing techniques that never go out of style. From London clubs to international festivals, I’ve seen first hand how an expertly mixed 80s set can unite generations. That’s why becoming an 80s DJ is such a powerful skill and why search terms like how to DJ 80s music, 80s DJ mixing techniques, and learning to DJ classic tracks remain highly searched today.
Understanding the Sound and Structure of 80s Music
To become a confident 80s DJ, you need to understand the musical structure of the decade. Many 80s tracks were written with strong intros, breakdowns and extended outros, which makes them perfect for mixing once you know what to listen for. Tempos vary more than modern electronic music, so beatmatching by ear becomes an essential DJ skill. Learning how to mix 80s tracks smoothly means recognising rhythm patterns, counting bars, and knowing when to blend, cut or drop a record for maximum impact. This is where proper DJ training makes all the difference, because guessing your way through it limits your growth.
Learning the Foundations of DJing the Right Way
If you’re serious about how to become an 80s DJ, you need strong foundations. DJing isn’t just about equipment, it’s about music knowledge, timing, confidence, and reading a room. Over my 25 plus years playing clubs, festivals, radio shows and private events around the world, I’ve seen talented people struggle simply because they never learned the basics properly. When you learn DJing with guidance from an experienced DJ, you shortcut years of frustration and develop skills that last a lifetime. That’s why structured DJ courses are so valuable, especially for beginners who want to stand out.
Choosing the Right DJ Equipment to Learn On
Modern DJs have more options than ever, and as an 80s DJ you should be comfortable across multiple formats. Learning to DJ on a controller teaches you digital workflow, track preparation, cue points and effects, all essential for today’s industry. Learning on CDJs helps you understand club standard equipment, USB management, beat grids and professional performance setups. Learning to DJ on vinyl connects you directly to the roots of 80s music, teaching true beatmatching, pitch control and musical discipline. When you train across controller, CDJs and vinyl, you become a versatile DJ who can walk into any booth with confidence.
How to Practise Mixing 80s Music Effectively
Practice is where good DJs become great DJs. To practise properly as an 80s DJ, you need to work with iconic tracks that represent the era’s variety. Some of the most popular 80s songs to practise DJ mixing with include Michael Jackson Billie Jean, Prince Kiss, Madonna Like a Prayer, Whitney Houston I Wanna Dance with Somebody, A-ha Take On Me, New Order Blue Monday, Lionel Richie All Night Long, Rick James Super Freak, Depeche Mode Just Can’t Get Enough, and Run DMC It’s Tricky. Working these tracks into your practice sessions helps you understand tempo shifts, energy control and crowd engagement, all key SEO relevant skills for DJs learning 80s mixing techniques.
Developing Your Unique 80s DJ Style
One of the biggest mistakes new DJs make is trying to copy others. Becoming a successful 80s DJ means developing your own sound while respecting the era. That might mean blending disco into funk, mixing pop with early electronic, or adding tasteful modern edits while keeping the original vibe intact. Your DJ style becomes your brand, and audiences connect with authenticity. I always encourage new DJs to explore deep cuts as well as hits, learn music history, and understand why certain tracks work together emotionally, not just technically.
Why Learning with an Experienced DJ Changes Everything
There is no substitute for learning with a DJ who has lived it. Training with an experienced DJ of more than 25 years means learning real world skills, not just theory. I’ve played all over the world, released music, worked in radio, performed in clubs, festivals and private events, and that experience feeds directly into how I teach. You learn how to handle real crowds, how to recover from mistakes, how to adapt your set on the fly, and how to build confidence behind the decks. These benefits are impossible to get from random online videos alone.
A Beginner’s Journey Through a DJ Course
A proper beginner DJ course should take you step by step from absolute basics to confident performance. You start by understanding DJ equipment, terminology and setup, then move into beatmatching, phrasing and mixing techniques. As you progress, you learn how to mix 80s music specifically, how to structure a set, how to use EQ and effects tastefully, and how to transition between genres within the decade. You then explore performance skills, crowd reading, track selection, and finally how to prepare for live gigs. Learning on controller, CDJs and vinyl ensures you’re industry ready, flexible and confident.
Turning DJ Skills Into Real Opportunities
Learning how to become an 80s DJ opens doors. There is consistent demand for skilled DJs who can deliver authentic 80s sets at weddings, themed nights, corporate events, clubs and festivals. With the right training, DJing can become more than a hobby. It can become a creative outlet, a side income, or a full time career. When you invest in learning properly, you position yourself as a professional, not just someone who plays songs.
Confidence, Creativity and Long Term Growth
DJing builds confidence like few other skills. Standing behind the decks, controlling the energy of a room, and seeing people respond to your music is powerful. Learning with encouragement, structure and expert guidance helps you grow faster and enjoy the process. As an experienced DJ, my role is to support, motivate and challenge you so you reach your potential without losing the joy that brought you to DJing in the first place.
Your Next Step Into the World of 80s DJing
If you’re serious about learning how to become an 80s DJ, now is the time to start properly. With the right training, the right mindset and the right guidance, you can master the skills, build confidence, and step into the DJ world prepared and inspired. Make an enquiry in the form below to get started on your DJ journey and take your first step behind the decks today.