As you embark on your journey of becoming a successful DJ, one important factor that will set you apart from the rest is your unique DJ name. Your name will represent you as an artist and become your brand and identity in the music industry.
But coming up with the perfect DJ name can be daunting, which is why we’re here to guide you through the process.
We’ll share some tips and tricks for coming up with a killer DJ name that reflects your style and personality. So, let’s get started!
How Do I Come Up With My DJ Name?
Choosing a DJ name is an important aspect of branding yourself as a professional DJ. A strong and memorable DJ name can help you stand out in a competitive industry and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some steps to follow when coming up with your DJ name:
1. Consider your personal style and image:
Your DJ name should reflect who you are as an artist. Think about the type of music you play, your fashion sense, and your overall persona. Your name should be authentic and align with your brand.
2. Brainstorm ideas:
Start by making a list of potential names that come to mind. Ask friends or family for suggestions and jot down any words or phrases that resonate with you.
3. Research existing DJs’ names:
Take a look at the names of successful DJs in your genre or local area. This will give you an idea of what names are already taken and may also inspire you to create something unique.
4. Avoid using generic or cliché terms:
Avoid using common words like “DJ” or “music” in your name, as it can make it sound unoriginal and get lost among other DJs with similar names.
5. Make sure it’s easy to pronounce and spell:
Your audience should be able to remember and pronounce your name easily, so avoid complicated spellings or hard-to-pronounce words.
6. Incorporate unique elements:
Consider adding a personal touch to your name by incorporating aspects of your identity such as your real name, nickname, initials, or hometown.
7. Test it out:
Once you have a few potential names, try saying them out loud and see how they feel when introducing yourself as a DJ. You can also ask for feedback from friends or fellow DJs.
8. Give it time:
Coming up with the perfect DJ name takes time, so don’t rush to decide. Your name will represent you in the music industry, so it’s important that you feel confident and comfortable with it.
9. Check for availability:
Once you have settled on a name, make sure it’s available to use. Do a quick search online and on social media platforms to see if anyone else is using the same name.
10. Register your DJ name:
Consider registering your chosen DJ name as a trademark to protect it and ensure its exclusive use. This will also give you legal rights if someone else tries to use your name without permission.
How To Keep A DJ Name?
To keep a DJ name, follow these steps:
1. Choose a unique and memorable name: Your DJ name should reflect your style and stand out from the crowd. Avoid using cliché or generic names to avoid getting lost in the sea of other DJs.
2. Research availability: Before settling on a name, make sure it is not already taken by another DJ or company. Do a quick internet search and check social media platforms to ensure that your desired DJ name is available.
3. Register your name: Once you have chosen a name, register it with the appropriate authorities, such as your local government or performing rights organization. This will help protect your brand and prevent others from using the same name.
4. Use consistent branding: Use your DJ name consistently across all of your promotional materials, including business cards, flyers, website, and social media profiles. This will help create awareness and recognition for your brand.
5. Maintain professionalism: As a professional DJ, it’s important to maintain a level of professionalism both in-person and online when using your DJ name. Be mindful of what you post on social media and how you represent yourself at events.
6. Network with other DJs: Networking with other DJs can help increase exposure for your brand and potentially lead to collaboration opportunities. Attend industry events and connect with other DJs in person or through social media.
7. Keep evolving: As an artist, it’s important to keep evolving creatively and rebranding if necessary to stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry landscape. Don’t be afraid to change or update your DJ name if it no longer represents who you are as an artist.
8. Protect yourself legally: Consider trademarking your DJ name to ensure its exclusive use for commercial purposes and to prevent anyone else from using the same name without permission.
How do I protect my DJ name?
There are a few key steps you can take to protect your DJ name from being used or misused by others. Here are some suggestions:
1. Register Your Name:
The first and most important step is to register your DJ name as a trademark. This will give you legal ownership and protection over the name, preventing others from using it without your permission.
2. Use Your Name Consistently:
Make sure to use your DJ name consistently on all of your marketing materials, social media accounts, and music releases. This will help establish brand recognition and prevent confusion with other artists.
3. Monitor Online Presence:
Regularly search online for your DJ name to make sure no one else is using it or attempting to pass themselves off as you. If you find any unauthorized use, take immediate action to have it removed.
4. Be Cautious with Collaborations:
When collaborating with other artists, be clear about who owns the music and how it will be released under each artist’s name. Make sure any agreements are in writing to avoid future disputes over the use of your DJ name.
5. Copyright Your Music:
Copyrighting your original music will provide additional protection for your brand and prevent others from using it without permission.
6. Consider Obtaining Domain Names:
Purchase domain names that include variations of your DJ name to prevent others from creating websites or social media accounts using similar names.
7. Protect Your Social Media Handles:
As soon as you choose a DJ name, secure the corresponding social media handles on all major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), even if you’re not planning on using them right away.
8. Hire an Attorney:
If someone is infringing upon your DJ name or causing confusion in the marketplace, consult with a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law for guidance on how best to protect yourself and enforce your rights.
Remember that protecting your DJ name is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures.
Should I trademark my DJ name?
Considering trademarking your DJ name? Here’s what you need to know. Trademarking your DJ name is a crucial step in establishing and protecting your brand.
As a professional DJ, your name is not only your identity but also a representation of the quality and uniqueness of your services. With the growing popularity of DJs and the music industry, trademarking has become more important than ever.
So, should you trademark your DJ name? The short answer is yes. Here’s why:
1. Protects Your Brand Identity
A trademark gives you exclusive rights to use your DJ name for promotional and commercial purposes. This means that no one else can use it without your permission or risk facing legal consequences. By registering for a trademark, you are safeguarding your brand from being stolen or copied by others, ensuring that only you can capitalize on its value.
2. Establishes Credibility and Professionalism
Having a registered trademark adds legitimacy to your brand and sets you apart from other non-trademarked DJs in the market. It shows potential clients that you take yourself seriously as an artist and are committed to delivering high-quality services under your unique brand name.
3. Expand your Business Opportunities
With a registered trademark, you have the ability to expand into different markets and collaborate with other businesses without fear of losing control over your brand identity. You can also license or sell your trademark to others, creating new revenue streams for yourself.
4. Prevents Legal Disputes
Without a registered trademark, anyone can use or imitate your DJ name, leading to confusion among consumers and potentially damaging consequences for both parties involved in legal disputes. Registering for a trademark serves as evidence of ownership in case of any infringement issues.
We’ve discussed the benefits of trademark registration for DJs. It’s important to note that it is not mandatory but highly recommended. As an artist, protecting and promoting your brand should be a top priority, and trademarking is a crucial step in achieving that.
What are the rules for DJ names?
There are no set rules for DJ names, as creativity and personal preferences play a significant role in choosing one. However, here are some general guidelines that can help you select a suitable DJ name:
1. Unique and memorable: Your DJ name should be something that stands out and is easy to remember. Avoid generic or overused names, as they may get lost in a sea of other DJs.
2. Reflect your style: Your name should reflect your music genre or style, giving the audience an idea of what to expect from you. For example, if you specialize in EDM, your name could include words like “electronic” or “rhythm.”
3. Length: Keep your DJ name short and concise to make it easily pronounceable and memorable.
4. Personality: Choose a name that reflects your personality or stage presence. It should feel like a natural fit for you and represent who you are as an artist.
5. Consider branding: If you plan on building a brand around your DJ career, consider how your chosen name will look on merchandise and marketing materials such as posters or social media handles.
6. Avoid offensive or controversial names: Steer clear of using any offensive language or references in your DJ name to avoid alienating potential fans.
7. Check for trademark conflicts: Before settling on a name, do some research online to ensure it is not already trademarked by another artist.
8. It should be easy to pronounce and spell: Choose a name that is straightforward and easily recognizable so that people can find you easily when searching online.
9. Consult with others: It’s always helpful to get input from others when choosing a DJ name. Ask friends, family members, or fellow DJs for their opinions on potential names.
How did famous DJs get their name?
Famous DJs are known for their unique stage names, which often serve as their brand and identity in the music industry. But have you ever wondered how these DJs got their names? Here’s a look at some of the most famous DJs and how they came up with their monikers.
1. Marshmello
The electronic dance music (EDM) superstar Marshmello is known for his upbeat tracks and signature marshmallow-shaped helmet. His real name is Christopher Comstock, but he chose to go by the name “Marshmello” as a nod to his love for the sweet treat and its resemblance to his helmet.
2. Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris has been dominating the charts for years with hits like “Summer” and “This Is What You Came For”. However, his birth name is Adam Richard Wiles. He adopted the stage name Calvin Harris early on in his career as an homage to iconic soul singer Al Green, who also used a different surname on stage.
3. Tiësto
Known as one of the pioneers of EDM, Tiësto’s real name is Tijs Michiel Verwest. He was nicknamed “Tiesto” by schoolmates because it was easier to pronounce than his full name. The Dutch DJ liked it so much that he kept it as his stage name when he started performing professionally.
4. Deadmau5
Joel Thomas Zimmerman goes by the stage name Deadmau5 – pronounced dead-mouse – which stems from an incident where a computer mouse crawled into his computer and died while he was producing music. He simply added a ‘5’ instead of an ‘s’ at the end for aesthetic purposes.
5. David Guetta
French DJ and producer David Guetta’s real last name is actually Gueta, without the extra ‘t’. But after being called “Guetta” instead of “Geta” in a club, he decided to keep the mispronunciation as his stage name. The extra ‘t’ was also added to make it look more international.
6. Skrillex
Skrillex’s real name is Sonny John Moore, known for his unique style of dubstep and electronic music. He chose “Skrillex” as his stage name because it was a nickname given to him during his teenage years, and it stuck with him throughout his career.
7. Diplo
DJ and record producer Thomas Wesley Pentz Jr., better known as Diplo, got his name from a childhood fascination with dinosaurs. His first website was called “Dinosaur,” which was shortened to “Diplo” by his friends, and the name has stuck ever since.
8. Afrojack
Dutch DJ Nick van de Wall goes by the name Afrojack, which comes from his signature hairstyle – an afro with long dreadlocks – and the fact that he lived in Africa for some time when he was young.
9. Kygo
Norwegian DJ Kygo’s real name is Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, but he chose to use just the first two letters of each part of his last name for convenience’s sake. He also liked how it sounded when pronounced quickly.
10. Avicii
The late Swedish DJ Tim Bergling adopted the stage name Avicii after reading about Buddhism and learning that Avici is the lowest level of Buddhist hell. He added another ‘i’ at the end because Avici was already taken on MySpace at the time.
Conclusion
Coming up with your DJ name is a personal and creative process. When brainstorming potential names, consider your style, personality, and brand.
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from friends and fellow DJs, but ultimately, choose a name that resonates with you and feels authentic.
Remember that your DJ name will become a big part of your identity in the music industry, so take the time to develop something unique and meaningful.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect DJ name that sets you apart and represents who you are as an artist.
