Online and across the media the life of a DJ seems far from lonely.
Whether it be the nightclub DJs on stage performing in front of huge crowds every weekend.
Or the radio presenters, chatting away, playing their favourite tracks and interviewing the biggest stars.
But behind the scenes, the real picture can be much different.
Ted Wolford, a DJ from Norwich, told UEA Journalism “It’s quite common to work 3 or 4 gigs over a weekend, you’re away from family, you’re potentially travelling between cities.”
“A lot of people do feel lonely on the road,
“I don’t think a lot of younger DJs starting out realise that.”
Beyond the stage lights, on the airwaves, similar feelings are felt by radio DJs.
Steve Denyer presents the early breakfast show on Virgin radio.
“I’ve had to sacrifice a lot, I’ve worked all around the country.”
“Finally I’m back at home in London just up the road from my family, but for about 20 years I wasn’t.
“I’m waking up at 4 in the morning and at 5 I’m in a room by myself, talking to myself.”
“I was the person live on air on New Year’s Day at 6 o’clock, I went to bed at 7pm on New Year’s Eve.” He continued.
“It requires a certain type of person to do the job I’m doing.
“But this is not a hardship. I’ve loved doing this.”
In a 2025 survey, conducted by the Pete Tong DJ Academy, mental health was a key concern, with 52% of participants reporting experiences of anxiety and burnout.
Despite these concerns both Ted and Steve shared the love they had for their job.
“It’s a profession where your hard work can give a bit of enjoyment back to people.” Said Ted.
“People go back and they reflect on a good night out and you are the person in control of that.
“If the club is a vibe and people are all jamming along together you know memories are made.”
As well as being a broadcaster Steve has been DJing in clubs for many years.
“I really like meeting people and it’s a nice feeling to know that you’re in control of their evening.”
“In the mornings I get a similar feeling, I’m the person who sets up their day,
“It’s a lovely position I’m in, I would never take that for granted.”