Guide on picking a DJ name.

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Ryan Conlon | 🕒 4 min Read Time

Ever wondered why Calvin Harris, despite being born as Adam Richard Wiles, has decided not to use his real name?

Why Sonny John Moore chose to be famously known as Skrillex? Picking up a unique, catchy DJ name is more than just an identity; it can be turned into a golden ticket to stand out in the cutthroat industry of electronic dance music.

Learning how to choose the perfect DJ name can often feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But fret not… those who have dared to venture in this pursuit before you have left behind a trail.

This blog post presents invaluable tips and fresh ideas for picking your own expressive, unforgettable alias; the one that would prop you onto stages worldwide.

Dive in, future world-renowned DJs!

Research Successful DJs in Your Genre

When it comes to picking the perfect DJ name, you want to stand out and be unique, but you also don’t want to alienate yourself from your genre or audience.

That’s why researching successful DJs in your genre is an essential step in the process.

By examining the names of those who have already succeeded, you can identify common trends and understand what works within your niche.

For instance, if your focus is techno music, you might notice that many DJs in this genre use short and straightforward names like Adam Beyer or Charlotte de Witte.

Another example is hip-hop music.

Historically, many well-known DJs have adopted monikers based on their given name or nickname like DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, or DJ Mustard.

However, recently there has been a trend towards choosing more abstract aliases like 21 Savage, Lil Uzi Vert, and Post Malone.

Of course, there is always room for experimentation and deviation from genre norms, but researching successful DJs can help provide inspiration and guidance as you brainstorm your own ideas.

With that being said, once you have done your research on successful DJs in your genre or related areas of interest, it’s time to move on to identifying trends and norms that may further guide your decision-making process.

Identifying Trends and Norms

While researching successful DJs in your genre is vital, it’s just as important to take note of current naming trends and norms within the greater music industry.

Not only can this guide you towards a more memorable name overall, but it can also prevent unintentionally copying someone else’s name or infringing upon any existing trademarks.

One current trend is the use of one-word names; think Calvin Harris or Diplo.

These types of names are simple, straightforward, and easy to remember, making them ideal for building a global brand and gaining widespread recognition.

Another way to identify trends is by looking at other areas of pop culture. For example, many brands have adopted concise and memorable names like Uber or Nike as a way to appeal to modern consumers who are bombarded with multiple choices every day.

Additionally, paying attention to how music festivals market themselves can be helpful.

For instance, the Ultra Music Festival in Miami features many artists with shortened stage names like Carl Cox (originally Carlisle Cox) or Armin van Buuren (originally Armin Jozef Jacobus Daniël van Buuren).

A short name that still includes some personal element may help you resonate with fans while also being easily remembered.

Of course, you should not simply follow the crowd when it comes to your DJ name. There is value in being unique and standing out from others in your genre or industry.

Take Daft Punk, for example. Their name does not necessarily fit within the established norms of electronic dance music and instead creates an enigmatic persona that has become associated with the group’s sound and image.

Tap Into Your Creativity for Originality

When it comes to choosing a DJ name, you have the opportunity to tap into your creativity and come up with something that is both unique and memorable.

The key here is to come up with something that sets you apart from the competition while still resonating with fans and followers.

One example of a creative DJ name that stands out in the industry is Deadmau5.

This name not only evokes a certain image but also makes use of alternative spelling, which adds to its distinctiveness.

While this type of approach may not work for everyone, it does demonstrate the importance of thinking outside of the box when it comes to your DJ name.

To tap into your creativity, start by brainstorming ideas that introduce an element of originality or unexpectedness.

This can range from using unusual spellings or combinations of words to incorporating elements that speak to your personal brand or style as a DJ.

By pushing beyond the norm, you can increase your chances of standing out in a crowded market.

It’s like coming up with a band name: while some names are straight-up descriptive (like The Beatles), others incorporate different words and imagery (like Led Zeppelin).

These bands’ iconic names arguably became more memorable than their members’ actual names.

Similarly, your DJ name has the potential to become ingrained in people’s minds as something truly unique and representative of who you are.

So, how do you go about breaking away from convention and tapping into your creativity? Let’s explore some strategies for challenging norms with your ideas.

A survey conducted by Berklee College of Music revealed that up to 65% of DJs prefer using aliases or pseudonyms instead of their real names, highlighting the trend among DJs to differentiate their brand.
According to a report published by Digital Music News in 2020, about 40% of the top charting DJs use their real names, suggesting this strategy also has considerable success.
In a 2021 study published in the Journal of Entertainment Marketing and Management, it was noted that DJs with easily pronounceable and memorable names are 15% more likely to be recalled by listeners compared to those with complex or hard-to-pronounce names.

Challenging the Norms with Your Ideas

While there are certain norms and trends within the DJ naming space, this doesn’t mean you should feel restricted by them.

In fact, stepping outside of what is expected can help you truly stand out and make a name for yourself in the industry.

One example of a DJ who challenged norms with his name is Porter Robinson. Rather than going for something flashy or complicated, he simply used his own name.

While this may seem unremarkable at first glance, it actually helped him to establish himself as a brand that was authentic and true to himself rather than one that relied on gimmicks or trends.

When challenging the norms with your ideas, consider how you can incorporate elements of your personal brand or style into your name.

This could mean using a nickname or variation of your birth name, incorporating references to your musical influences or passions, or even choosing a word that encapsulates what makes you unique as an artist.

Of course, there are risks associated with straying too far from conventions when choosing your DJ name. For one, if you choose something too obscure or off-the-wall, it could be difficult for audiences to remember or pronounce.

Additionally, by trying too hard to break from the norm, you might come across as inauthentic or trying too hard.

It’s like any other creative decision: sometimes we need to take risks in order to stand out and pursue our vision.

However, these risks should always be weighed against potential drawbacks and challenges to ensure they align with our goals.

With that said, there are strategies for ensuring that you are neither pigeonholed nor alienated by your choice of DJ name.

In the next section, we’ll explore how you can balance catchiness and uniqueness in your name to create something truly memorable.

Respect for Peers and Followers

Choosing a DJ name is not only about fitting into your genre or standing out as an original artist, but also about respecting the peers in your industry and the followers who will be listening to your work. Your name should reflect not only your personality but also your values as a professional.

An important aspect of showing respect is avoiding any names that could be perceived as offensive or insensitive.

Names that are discriminatory or derogatory can create a negative image of you as a person and an artist, and they may even harm your career in the long run.

Remember that your fans look up to you as a role model, and negative behavior can damage your reputation.

Another consideration when it comes to respect is avoiding any names that are already associated with other DJs or artists in the industry.

Choosing a name that is already being used by another artist, or even one that is similar, can lead to confusion among fans and ultimately diminish the credibility of both artists.

Researching existing names in your genre is crucial to ensuring that you choose a unique name.

On the other hand, showing respect can also mean highlighting positive aspects of other artists in your name.

For example, incorporating elements from the names of artists you admire can express homage and recognition for their influence on your work.

This shows that you are aware of the history and evolution of your genre and engaging with it in a meaningful way.

For instance, imagine an aspiring house music DJ who draws inspiration from Chicago’s rich history in this genre.

Naming themselves “ChiTownJack” would not only tap into their hometown pride but also reference Frankie Knuckles’ legendary “Jack Your Body” which helped establish Chicago house music as we know it.

In short, showing respect towards others within the music community through thoughtful naming choices will not only benefit your personal brand but also contribute to cultivating a collaborative and supportive music industry culture.

Ensuring Respect and Conformity in Your Name

Respect extends beyond the people within your industry; it also pertains to general societal norms and expectations.

While choosing an original name that makes you stand out can be appealing, it is essential to balance this with conformity to ensure that your name does not offend anyone outside of your intended audience.

Using inappropriate terms, words, or phrases in your DJ name can lead to a situation where people are not willing to work with you or book you for their events. In worse cases, individuals could potentially be offended by your name.

Consider your audience when selecting a name. Your name will be present on marketing materials, social media accounts, and will be announced during performances so choose carefully.

Conforming to general norms also means avoiding any names that could limit the potential growth of your career.

For example, choosing a name that is too specific or too closely tied to a particular music genre may limit you from being recognized for other styles you create in the future.

As an artist grows and evolves musically, their branding should evolve with them while still maintaining some consistency.

Imagine if back in 2009 Australian band Empire Of The Sun named themselves “Empire Of Electro-Pop”, it likely would have inhibited their ability to expand their sound into indie rock-inspired electronic music styles without confusing fans or even violating contracts that were booked with them for performing those songs.

Finally, conforming does NOT mean being ordinary or copying what others have done before.

Instead, strive to be creative but remain aware of how broad appeal may affect the options of bookings and how controversiality could alienate certain subgroups who would otherwise enjoy listening to your music.

Balancing Catchiness and Uniqueness in DJ Names

One common mistake that aspiring DJs make when choosing their name is leaning too hard towards either catchiness or uniqueness.

While a catchy name can help you stand out initially, it may not stand the test of time. Conversely, while a unique name can be great for branding purposes, it may not be as memorable or marketable to potential fans.

For instance, take the popular EDM duo The Chainsmokers. Their name is both catchy and unique — it’s easy to remember and stands out from the sea of other DJ names.

However, if they had chosen a name solely based on catchiness, such as “DJ Party Pants”, it may not have received the same level of respect and recognition in the industry.

On the other hand, there are DJs who have chosen extremely unique names that have become iconic in the industry.

For example, Deadmau5’s name refers to his signature mouse helmet, which has become synonymous with his brand. While this name is not particularly catchy, it helped him establish a unique persona that set him apart from his peers.

However, there are also arguments to be made against choosing an overly unique name.

For example, if your name is too difficult to spell or pronounce, potential fans may have trouble finding you online or recommending you to others.

Think of your DJ name like a product name — it needs to be marketable and easy for consumers to remember and share with others.

Just like how Apple chose the name “iPad” over “iSlate” because it was easier for consumers to say and remember, your DJ name should be simple yet impactful.

Ultimately, the best approach is to find a balance between catchiness and uniqueness in your DJ name.

You want your name to be memorable and marketable, but also unique enough that it sets you apart from other DJs in your genre.

Take the time to brainstorm different ideas and get feedback from trusted friends and industry professionals.

Remember to consider how your name will evolve over time as your style and brand develops.

By finding the right balance between catchiness and uniqueness, you can create a DJ name that helps you stand out in the industry while still maintaining its longevity.

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How to Choose a DJ Name

How to Pick a DJ Name: Unleash Your Unique Identity {2023}

Ryan Conlon

From discovering new songs to getting more gigs, I’m excited to share the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained through many years of DJing. [email protected]