DJ vs KJ Debate
Most people don’t know the difference between a DJ vs KJ, but we will address this here. We will explain the different roles each has at any entertainment event.
What is the Difference Between a DJ and a KJ?
There are differences between a DJ and a KJ. In simple terms, DJs play mostly dance music, while KJs use karaoke tracks to allow people to sing along.
Of course, there is a crossover where a DJ could be a KJ and vice versa. So, let us look at the differences between a disc jockey vs a karaoke jockey (DJ vs KJ).
What is a DJ?
How we entertain ourselves has evolved in all aspects of life. In the 1960s and especially the 1970s, people often went to a disco (short for discotheque). The DJ (Disc Jockey) ensures the best dance music is played for a particular audience. Over the decades, nothing has changed, and the DJ still exists today.
The DJ usually has two sources of recorded music (decks) connected to a mixer. The DJ can fade songs in and out at will. However, the DJ can also blend or mix the tracks. Having multiple decks also ensures that, if one fails, others can be used. The DJ always ensures that music is non-stop at the venue.
The most specialised and experienced DJs can create a different beat, often using old recordings. Scratching or scrubbing was another technique DJs would use. That involved turning vinyl records back and forth on their turntables. Usually, though, a DJ would play one track after another. Of course, this kept the audience happy.
Of course, even if you didn’t go out to a disco, you always had DJs on the radio! Indeed, we all had our favourites.
Most modern DJs don’t use vinyl records but prefer a computerised system. However, there is a small scattering of DJs using other formats, such as vinyl and CDs.
What is a KJ?
While the DJ plays popular music to keep his audience in a jolly mood for a dance, a KJ (Karaoke Jockey) will encourage the audience to sing along to karaoke songs. As you know, karaoke songs are recordings that sound close to the original song but have no singer. This is where you become the star and sing along to your favourite song.
Go back to before the invention of karaoke and tell people they can be Mick Jagger one day! Do you also think they would believe you if you said they could sing like Paul McCartney on stage?
Of course, the Japanese invented karaoke. And if you are old enough to remember, you will recall how the news spread. Did you think it would catch on?
The KJ will have a setup similar to a DJ. This is one of the reasons why most people will refer to the KJ as a DJ. However, a KJ will encourage audience participation when the venue hosts a karaoke show. The KJ will make the audience feel at ease by inviting people to sing.
Most KJs will have a vast amount of karaoke tracks. These tracks will be a mixture of old and new music to cater for all ages. KJs have also moved on from CDGs (Compact Disc + Graphics) and now use a computerised karaoke system using MP3+G (MP3 + Graphics).
DJ vs KJ Diversifying
We have touched on the differences between a DJ vs KJ. However, the debate continues. As in any business, being diverse is the way to go. After all, you need a backup plan!
Many DJs specialise in their chosen field and don’t do karaoke. Likewise, a KJ might do the same and only cater for a karaoke audience. However, we find that, more likely than not, a KJ will revert to playing music. Hence, a KJ often does become a DJ, even if for only part of the karaoke gig!
To Sum Up
Next time you visit a disco or karaoke event, you will know the difference between a KJ and a Dj. However, more likely than not, the host will usually have the title of ‘DJ’. For example, DJ Gordon or DJ Sue. Be that as it may, those who specialise in karaoke are KJs, while those who host discos are DJs.
While the difference between a DJ vs KJ is vastly different, addressing your host universally as a DJ will not offend. Many KJs have never thought about their proper title. Indeed, many will deliberately title themselves as DJs. Of course, if they are still using a disc-based system using CDGs, then perhaps they are Karaoke Disc Jockeys!
Our website has a vast amount of information about the karaoke scene. We also have karaoke directories and review individual labels. So, if you intend to collect CDGs, that is the perfect place to start. Of course, each label has a songbook, so you know what you are buying. Please look at what we offer, and don’t forget we have a karaoke forum for all.