Too Much Alcohol Almost Ruined A DJ’s Career

So much of the time I blog about DJ equipment, technology and performance tips. But today, I want to write about something that’s at once both before our eyes and hidden within the industry.

Alcoholism.

Let’s get one thing clear first. At no point am I going to tell you not to drink. As far as I’m concerned, there’s lot of room to enjoy alcohol responsibly. Sip a glass of something with food … make it part of a meal, and you’ll soon start to distinguish the array of nuanced flavors that wine, beer and spirit producers work so hard to bring out in their products.

But, addictions are a real issue in the industry. DJing comes with its own set of pressures, though, doesn’t it? There’s the pressure to perform well, to entertain the audience, to make your client happy. If you also happen to be an introvert, being the life of the party is hard, draining work.

How do you DJ at your best under the circumstances?

For many DJs, alcohol is the source of creativity and energy. You down a few drinks and you suddenly transform into a dynamic genius. If only it were that simple. The truth is the opposite is happening. Lots of DJs who’ve traveled that dark journey are able to arrive at a place of sobriety and happiness becoming even better DJs at the end of it all.

Have you had this experience? Tell me what you learned about yourself.

Recently, Digital DJ Tips published a personal account written by a DJ about his or her (the DJ remains anonymous) journey through alcoholism to sobriety. Check it out here and let me know what you think about the issue.