DJing Discussion

Forum
 DJing Discussion
what's with djs accepting gigs for genres they don't know?
This area is for discussion about DJing in general. Please remember the community rules when posting and try to be polite and inclusive.

what's with djs accepting gigs for genres they don't know?

dj_soo 2:06 AM - 28 February, 2007
I've noticed quite a few threads on here from DJs that are accepting gigs in genres that they don't care about, don't listen to, and know little about and then coming on here and asking what to play days before the event (not singling anyone out, there's definitely a few).

Is this another byproduct of serato? Before digital, you were limited to what you could play by what records you owned - therefore if you were a house DJ, the majority of your records were going to be house, if you were hiphop - same thing.

I used to be mainly a dnb and hiphop dj and if someone approached me to play at a trance or house night there's no way I would accept that gig since, not only did I know shit about the music, I didn't own enough of the wax to play a set.

Is it because now when DJs get asked to play something they don't have, they think they can just download 100 songs on soulseek or spend $50 on beatport?

Honestly find this somewhat disrespectful to the promoter that's booking the DJ, disrespectful to the patrons that are expecting a knowledgable and experienced (in the respective genre) DJ, as well as disrespectful the fellow DJs that actually give a shit about the music and have been working their asses off buying records/perfecting their crafts...

just my 2 cents
Mr. Goodkat 7:47 AM - 28 February, 2007
Quote:
I've noticed quite a few threads on here from DJs that are accepting gigs in genres that they don't care about, don't listen to, and know little about and then coming on here and asking what to play days before the event (not singling anyone out, there's definitely a few).

Is this another byproduct of serato? Before digital, you were limited to what you could play by what records you owned - therefore if you were a house DJ, the majority of your records were going to be house, if you were hiphop - same thing.

I used to be mainly a dnb and hiphop dj and if someone approached me to play at a trance or house night there's no way I would accept that gig since, not only did I know shit about the music, I didn't own enough of the wax to play a set.

Is it because now when DJs get asked to play something they don't have, they think they can just download 100 songs on soulseek or spend $50 on beatport?

Honestly find this somewhat disrespectful to the promoter that's booking the DJ, disrespectful to the patrons that are expecting a knowledgable and experienced (in the respective genre) DJ, as well as disrespectful the fellow DJs that actually give a shit about the music and have been working their asses off buying records/perfecting their crafts...

just my 2 cents


i was thinking this too, but its hard enough getting GOOD gigs, so if these guys are doing as a business thing i would understand. BUT, I would never do it. I think most of these guys would be eventually learn what they are doing can potentially backfire, when a promoter comes over and asks for a classic song and they don't have it or don't know it all. I got embarrased by a guy about 5 yrs younger than me, because I had to take some house gigs when I was broke(I know hip hop songs back and forth/house was never my thing, although I do appreciate it now). I was at WMC that yr, and someone played a New Jersey Deep remix, and I asked a house dj what song it was and he looked at me all crazy. That when I knew I should leave the house djing to the house djs.
hustlas 7:49 AM - 28 February, 2007
Quote:

WORD UP!! Could not agree with you more homie. DJs SHOULD be themselves and play what they want. AT THE SAME time, when I am asked "What r u doin tonight?" I say "I'm workin" yes.. "I'm workin" WHY? CAUSE ITS WORK!!!! Its not PLAY. I don't get to play ONLY what I want. I wish I had it like that. I am not the only person in the room. People come to dance. Like someone said earlier. I did something with deep dish. There were all house fans there. I don't really play house. WHY they booked me.. shiiiiiiit I dunno. But You think im NOT gonna take the money and do my best to make people DANCE and be happy? Your wrong if you think that. I did my BEST, got paid and left. THAT IS WHAT WORK IS! So what I am saying... it's a job dudes.


DJ AM
sixxx 7:52 AM - 28 February, 2007
I understand what you're saying. You should stick to what you know or have. I can understand if you're need a little help as in starting out, but don't just pick up a gig because you need the money knowing damn well you won't do a good job because it isn't your thing.
Dj Shamann 8:03 AM - 28 February, 2007
Well because AM said it, it must be true.


*rolls eyes*
dj_soo 8:28 PM - 28 February, 2007
Quote:
Quote:

WORD UP!! Could not agree with you more homie. DJs SHOULD be themselves and play what they want. AT THE SAME time, when I am asked "What r u doin tonight?" I say "I'm workin" yes.. "I'm workin" WHY? CAUSE ITS WORK!!!! Its not PLAY. I don't get to play ONLY what I want. I wish I had it like that. I am not the only person in the room. People come to dance. Like someone said earlier. I did something with deep dish. There were all house fans there. I don't really play house. WHY they booked me.. shiiiiiiit I dunno. But You think im NOT gonna take the money and do my best to make people DANCE and be happy? Your wrong if you think that. I did my BEST, got paid and left. THAT IS WHAT WORK IS! So what I am saying... it's a job dudes.


DJ AM


uh yea, I'm sure when booking someone like DJ AM, the promoter is well aware of his style and what to expect given his status as a DJ.

Huge difference between someone like that and some random dj that posts on the scratchlive forum asking for the names of tracks that he "should" be playing for a style they obviously know nothing about.
MusicMeister 6:51 AM - 1 March, 2007
Let me guess.... posts like this:
www.scratchlive.net

If I had a gig and they wanted me to change the music I'd bust my ass to keep the gig if it was good - including begging information on the genre. And I'll admit, I've booked a gig on a genre that I didn't know - but it was more than 6 weeks out and I spent a LOT of time studying up on the genre, listening, and checking out clubs that played that kind of music. I made an effort to EDUCATE myself instead of begging information from other DJ's. Put in the time YOURSELF instead of trying to rely on other DJ's to pull a gig out of your ass at the last minute when you don't want to invest the time....
sixxx 11:53 AM - 1 March, 2007
.. and I agree with MusicMester on this one too. I can't stand to see people who need so much help a few days before a gig. Be prepared.