Kaci Lea Lynch, aged 16 and Tom Laird, aged 17, have both started exciting DJ work following music production training with Mode. DJ residencies, playing music at private parties and even an invitation to work in Ibiza have come flooding in.
Queen of Clubs
Kaci tells us how she began developing the skills to be a professional DJ:
“I started at sixth form but realised it wasn’t for me. I was scared to leave but I wanted to try something new. Mode was the only place I could find that offered the type of training I needed to become a DJ. Once I started it didn’t take long for me to realise this is what I want to do as a career.”
Whilst still training, Kaci set about promoting herself on social media. She was snapped up by Queen of Clubs that arranges all female DJ line ups. Venues she has played with them include Circo in Liverpool’s Albert Dock. Alongside that the teenager has a regular Saturday night residency in St Helens and is frequently booked for private gigs at the weekends.
Listen & Learn
Ambition doesn’t end there for Kaci, she believes becoming a successful worldwide DJ is a real possibility. She offers the following advice to anybody thinking about a DJ career:
“Go for it and follow your dreams. Listen to other artists’ tracks and take everything you can from it. Learn and believe in yourself; confidence is key in this game. And get a relevant music qualification under your belt, like the ones offered by Mode.”
Ibiza Bound
Both Tom and Kaci have been lined up to play in Ibiza this summer. Tom has been asked to play at legendary Sin Sundays. The regular beach events on the sunny island sell out months in advance. He explains:
“Sin Sunday is an amazing gig for any DJ. It’s an upbeat house music party, in the open air, with acrobats and entertainers. Learning at Mode has given me the confidence to embrace these opportunities. It really developed my production skills.”
Tom has been working at Kukoo on Victoria Street in Liverpool city centre since the club opened in January 2019. He is heading out to Ibiza in the summer after being approached by the promoter to play house, old school and tech music at the beach-side venue.
Tom adds: “After the training Mode has given me, I am getting my name out there. The confidence I have through solid skills means I could realistically become an A-list DJ and producer.”
Kaci will play at leading Ibiza club Plastik on 20th September, as one of five Queen of Clubs dates there between May and September.
Industry Professionals
Mode offers private group and one-to-one DJ tuition for adults and children. All courses are delivered by industry professionals. Skills can be acquired in film and gaming music, electronic music as well as studio operations and recording technology. Tom and Kaci have both recently sat the first part of their BTEC Music Technology exam following training with Mode.
Debby Tagoe, Mode’s director says:
“We’re very proud that our students are having such success in finding paid DJ work both in the UK and abroad. Gaining their qualification is equally important as it is this that will provide a springboard for even greater things in the future. We have students progressing to university level courses in music technology once they have achieved their qualification at Mode. This can lead to exciting high-level job roles in the music industry which is great inspiration for anyone interested in a music production career. We are concerned with our students’ long term success which is why we insist they all complete their formal training. Even when exciting DJ opportunities arise in the meantime and the temptation is to focus on just that.”
Mode have also launched DJ camps for young people aged 10 to 16. These run during the school holidays and are proving hugely successful. In addition, there are private one-to-one sessions available as well as group training. For further information about all our DJ courses, please contact recruitment@modetraining.co.uk