open letter to all djs

proffesor ink 9:13 AM - 27 December, 2004

this is a great product with a diverse forum. i have been blessd with being a proffesional DJ. it leaves me with a ton of free time. there are a lot of collegues that i would like to reach. that will be the purpose of this letter. please feel free to comment, negative or positive, add insite, and expand any thought that i spark.

these are my observations, opinions, tips, and insights.

unfortunately we do not have a school or degree program that helps teach us how to dj. most djs are self taught. it is an art.

1- a dj is a crowd pleaser - i hate djs that complain about requests
2- an opening dj warms up the crowd - i'm so tiered of the "up and coming" dj who plays all the hits in the first hour. what are we supposed to play?
3- a dj that can't mix isn't a dj - you are a person who plays records. practice makes perfect
4- a dj who has a day job isn't a professional dj - the crutch of a day job alows these djs to undercut and sneak there way into gigs. this just hurts our craft and hurts our wallets.
5- it is who u know - i don't kiss ass, but i would reccomend it to all new djs. a goos tip is becoming the club managers roomate, or girlfriend
6- tip your bar staff - the most important thing to a dj is to have the staff like you. they are the ones who get you fired or reebooked. they are working too. when its dead you make $500, they give u free drink, so tip. it's a good thing
7- break new songs i know some markets this is hard because the people don't like new music, but play 3 they know and 1 new one they don't
8- not too much scratching - in a club it is really not nessesary, save it for mixed tapes
9- demos don't get gigs - work experience and connections do. so when u give a demo u are saying that u are an amatuer. ask for a meeting. thats the way to get a gig, be personal.
10- don't undercut - only suckers undercut. a gig is worth a fair market price. you either are good enough or not. in the end u hurt other djs and the stupid club manager is helping his club go out of business by hiring u. so just practice more and get the money
11- play for the ladies - who cares if the guys are jumping up and down. it's the ladies that make a party. keep them happy, there will be less fights and the night lasts longer
12- playing for no-one is like playing at home - gigs with no-one there are not worth playing. try and hook up with good venues and owners. if your new to it, it does not help that you play at an empty club
13- dj with your head up - watch the crowd
14- freestyle - djs with set routines lack creativity. i hate hearing the same mixes by the same djs at all thier gigs.
15- go out, a lot!!! - u can never improve if you dont go out and hear what other djs play and what works. if this is your life then u should be out 6 days a week
16- find an agent - an agent can represent u better then u can represent yourself

final thought: on any given saturday in the US there are probably 500 proffesional djs working along with 4500 amatuers playing music. we are in a very small group. instead of having big egos and being so cool, we should really ne cool and help each other to get that money. help the scrubs get better, perfect our craft, and make the clubowners pay.

i hope this is not too much. please any thoughts spit em out. i want to hear what other djs have to say. PEACE

Revolutionary 10:27 AM - 27 December, 2004

Thanks for the information, man. Really interesting...

Stuart Ramdeen 12:16 PM - 27 December, 2004

Quote:

Really interesting...

for once, Rev, I couldn't agree with that more.

Revolutionary 12:32 PM - 27 December, 2004

Good...By the way, Stuart, did you record that radio thing you did the other night?

I disagree with some of your points though, ink, but some are really good.

SpinThis! 3:24 PM - 27 December, 2004

nothing really new here but this one really kils me:

Quote:

4- a dj who has a day job isn't a professional dj

i'm assuming this is geared more towards mobiles but.. someone who spends less time perfecting their craft isn't a "professional?" give me a break. we can argue all time the semantics of the word professional, but imho someone who is passionate about their craft, doesn't jack on other DJs (undercutting)and uses good business practices and ethics (among other things) is a professional. i think of professional along the same lines "takes what they do seriously." just because a dj is part-time--for whatever reason, financially or otherwise--doesn't automatically make them less than professionals. for the club DJs, take into account the majority of "amatuer" DJs are the majority of record buyers. take this people away and the rest of the underground fails as a whole.

Detroitbootybass 3:43 PM - 27 December, 2004

I highly disagree with number one and number four.

This must have been written by a hip hop DJ, because, with the music I play, no one makes requests... it just isn't acceptable to do so. Radio station 'DJs' (and I use the term 'DJ' lightly) take requests...

I know of literally HUNDREDS of DJs who play out two nights per week, have productions on multiple labels, and keep a day job. That day job is their stability... it pays for their car... it pays their child support... it allows them the freedom to actually love spinning, instead of seeing it as just a 'job'.

P.S. - A 'professional' is someone who accepts money for their services... learn.

proffesor ink 3:44 PM - 27 December, 2004

think about this. does shaq work in a coffee shop??? does brad pitt do accounting??? does jay-z collect garbage??? no they don't. this statement is very important because unless you are in the club business. like a promoter, graphic artist, or manager FULL-TIME, you are not doing this as your proffession. you are not ungulffed in it. you are not taking it sewriously. and why not??? because you don't have comfidence in your skills sto earn a living. i am sure if you could earn a living djing or in the club business u would choose that over your day job.

a mobile dj is 100% a proffessional dj. if he does it full time. it is just as creative and probably harder to please a crowd the in a club. i give mobile djs a ton of respect as someone that makes djing a proffession.

i am disappointed that this kils you but it is not about being better or worse, talented or less talented, artistic or not, it is more about taking the craft to another level or admitting that u are not as serious as u think u are. this business is filled with amatuers. it is a shame, but true. people don't do BRAIN SURGERY on the side. be a proffessional. take the leap. i am sure you are capable. (when i say u i am not reffering to u personally, by the way)

so far so good, 4 people in 8 hours responded. i hope to get over 100. this will give me something to do this week. thanks for the comments. keep'em coming

Detroitbootybass 3:51 PM - 27 December, 2004

Commercialized hip hop DJs have such a skewed perspective of the world... for shame.

proffesor ink 3:54 PM - 27 December, 2004

detroit: i worked at a radio station for 6 years. we had a request line. i am from NY. people call in all day with requests. remember our job is to make people happy. we are playing other people's music. i think point one is very important. it is obvious but important. if you want to play music for yourself then it will be very hard to be a proffessional dj, but i am sure u know that. if i taught a class on djing that first comment would be the number one rule of the class. you can fight it, but you will always end up back at it. thanks for the comment

yuri 4:09 PM - 27 December, 2004

Quote:

Commercialized hip hop DJs have such a skewed perspective of the world... for shame.

LOL... There is def a lack of awareness going on here

proffesor ink 4:43 PM - 27 December, 2004

make me aware. thanks.

djjb 5:35 PM - 27 December, 2004

Quote:

so far so good, 4 people in 8 hours responded. i hope to get over 100. this will give me something to do this week. thanks for the comments. keep'em coming

What exactly is your point with this thread? By the looks of your responses, it looks more like you are just trolling for a flame war.

djpetey 5:48 PM - 27 December, 2004

i disagree with the whole concept behind this. its pretty bold to think that they way you do things is the way they should be done. djs who play for the crowd can say that "djs play for the crowd" and djs who play for themselves can say that "djs who play for the crowd are jukeboxes and arent djs at all"..... ive heard hip hop djs say techno djs arent djs becuase they cant scratch, and techno djs who say that hip hop djs just cut and drop records.....

heres my revision of this..... if you share music with people, in a sense, you are a dj.... if you are in junior high school and you pass your walkman around and show the other kids at your lunch table the new tape you just bought, youre a dj, if you come home from your dayjob and add songs to your internet radio station, so that youre 5 friends can tune in and listen to them, youre a dj....

and just for the record, i dont have a day job and I spin clubs 5 nights a week for between 500 and 1500 people a night.... that doesnt make me important and it damn sure doesnt make me want to disassociate myself from the people who are practicing the same thing im practicing in a different form.....

if you think youre a dj, youre a dj.... and if everyone here owns ssl, im pretty sure that everyone here qualifies.

Revolutionary 5:57 PM - 27 December, 2004

Yo, listen, ink. You're definitely no writer. That's for sure. You have even messed up your own nick, or is it something I'm missing cause I'm not that professional as you? Might be the case...

Anyway, I would rather spend the evening listening to some rookie trying to get his shit together than someone who spends the whole evening telling everyone how pro he is. You know what I'm saying? All the people have probably left before this guy even places the first record on the platter. Skill is not the only thing that is important in DJing. Of course, you gotta know your stuff, but things like human touch and attitude. There's a reason why we still have DJs, you know. Couldn't the clubs just play an automated playlist or something? Do we really want all those robots? You know what I'm saying? People don't like to see robots behind the tables...

Think of all the people working on their mixtapes in really cold basements. Don't they deserve respect? Just because you have some connections doesn't mean you are more pro than them. Who judges whether you're a pro or not? That's subjective, man.

Revolutionary 5:58 PM - 27 December, 2004

I totally agree with you, petey...Nice post!

dj synystr 6:32 PM - 27 December, 2004

this thread is great. i am mainly a hip hop dj, but i have everythign from progressive house, to Jump up Jungle to classical. a REAL DJ can play for any crowd. i do think alot of house or electronic dj's think hip hop dj;s can;t mix or do anythign other than cut and drop a track. this is BS i myself do live blends, long mixes, jugggles, cuts what ever the party calls for. as far as taking requests THATS YOUR DAMN JOB! i learned a while back when someone comes up and asks for that odd ball song your not really fealing personally, to give it a shot. you would be supprised on what the CROWD will like. i also totally agree with "the ladies make the club" if you don't have the females on yoru side just forget it. i play for the ladies, not the dudes mean muggin asking for Dip Set, and ill tell them when they ask for ghetto ass shit at the end of the night. i am a proffesional dj. i don't have a day job, i have a studio and duplication business, i spin 4 clubs weekly do a friday mixshow and mixtapes nationally. i understand what he meant by non pro's cutting out the pros. but at the same time i have NEVER been undercut. you have to give the owner, manager, promoter reasons to keep you in there spots.

Revolutionary 7:06 PM - 27 December, 2004

Hmm...

Szalony Wariat 9:09 PM - 27 December, 2004

I had big argue with people playing reggae music. I was that "scratch/mix everything dj" and they were "man, we cant mix 7" and we are proud of it".
Its nonsense to say "dj have to mix records". If we are talking only about party djs than yes - I think that its important and usefull. But there are also dj playing with band, djs playing reggae, playing funk, whatever. Funk is live music so You usually cant make 1 minute mix, unless You get edited record.
Dj presents music and it depends on him what will he play.
Even if we are talking only about party-rnb dj's.. its art to play for yourself and still get people dance.

nik39 9:16 PM - 27 December, 2004

Quote:

1- a dj is a crowd pleaser - i hate djs that complain about requests

No, I have a problem with some drunks stepping to me "can you play that song where they , you know ... uhm, that song from xyz" and they dont know that the hell they are talking about, neither they cant express themselfs properly. And its good if someone suggests a track, but that doesnt mean I will play it instantly. Why should I? I mean, I am the dj and there is a reason why I am standing behind the decks and not some robot machine, as Rev has said. And there is a reason why I am standing behind the decks and not the guy who is the bartender, or the guy who did request that song (which he didnt even know the name...). I also hate, when I just played a Nas song, a Tribe Called Quest song and then someone steps to me and asks "cant you play some hiphop?", goddamn. :) Back to subject, its cool when someone requests a song, but its up to me, when I will play it, and whether it will fit into the context and flow which I am playing right now. It makes absolutely no sense (and not a good dj either) if you instantly play a song after it has been requested, the more the better. I disagree.

Quote:

4- a dj who has a day job isn't a professional dj - the crutch of a day job alows these djs to undercut and sneak there way into gigs. this just hurts our craft and hurts our wallets.

One word ... "quality". If you are good, people gonna book you and appreciate it. If not, then you should be feared. I have heard many many "professional" djs who dont have a work day job and only spin shit, and cant even mix! And I heard djs who dont spin "professionally" as you would call it, they earn money from other jobs, they spin for the love for music AND they know the art AND they can combine all that with pleasing the crowd. So to sum up, if youre a good dj, people will book you. And dont complain, it was YOUR decision to be a "professional" dj and to rely on your dj wages _only_.

7 is a good point, (though it somehow contradicts to number 1 a bit).

Quote:

8- not too much scratching - in a club it is really not nessesary, save it for mixed tapes

... is okay, but I aint down with boring blends-only-djs. A good scratch here, a juggle there gives the special spice to your mix, but dont overspice it, its just like cooking, a bit of green curry is tasty, too much of it will destroy the fine taste. :)

12 is right, you will also damage your name if you play at those parties only, people will remember "oh yeah, dj abc plays only on wack parties, makes no sense to go to his parties."

13 is a good point, 14 is even better, I also hate hearing the same sets. Fortunately I am bored pretty quickly, so I try not to play two songs in the same order (thought some songs are destined to be played after a certain other one). Also its not only the order in which you play your songs, but also the songs you play, it bores to hear every week the same set of songs.

Szalony Wariat 9:33 PM - 27 December, 2004

"can you play that song where they , you know ... uhm, that song from xyz"
Yeah, thats international problem. :))
About 2 months ago I even had worst situation. I played big hit in my country, lest say "X" track. But I have made blend. Original "X" accapela + Arrested Development beat.
And drunk 15 year old boy came on stage and said "Man, great track. but can you play 'X' track?! You know.. it goes.."

It's like You play something well known as "Real Hip-hop" by DasEfx ang after 2 minutes guy comes and say "man, great song but could You play 'Real Hip-hop' by DasEfx?!"

People have shit in their heads. They even dont hear they favourite tracks. And dj is right person to learn them music. Dont know if playing only for pleasure of crowd is good.

2 years ago I was playing concert in Austria. And we came to "hiphop club". It was hiphop concert and most of people were metal-rasta-commercial specialists-artist mix and only 10% looked like fans of hiphop. They all dancend to Madlib and when I played Rakim they were like "thats commercial shit". I asked local dj's what the hell is happening? Why they listen to good music? And they said that 2 years before all dj's said "stop. we will not play more rnb hits and stuff. From now on we play quality music" and they played. They learned people. :)

proffesor ink 10:10 PM - 27 December, 2004

thanks for all the responses. i appreciate you taking the time to write on this thread.

the purpose of this is to stimulate conversation. i am sure people will agree and disagree with my opinion. you cn express yourself and i will be able to respond. if i can meet one guy from OHIO and get him a gig in MIAMI and he can get me out to OHIO then i have succeeded. if one amatuer gains some insight and takes his craft to the next level then i will be happy.

djjb - i am not looking for a "war" i am actually looking for the opposite. i want to find people who want to further the art of djing.

djpetey - people who share music with people are doing just that. just because you can write doesn't make u a writer. shoot a ball doesn't make you a basketball player. get naked make u stripper. there is an art to stripping (i know im trying to be funny) but i am serious. we are not all proffessions. i love b-ball but unfortunatly i am not a proffessional basketball player. u sound very successful in the proffesion and it is interesting your liberal viewpoint.

rev - yep, writing is not a forte. but hear me out. i am tiered of amatuers with 1000 people on a thursday working when they can't even mix 2 records. everyone here knows what i'm talking about. i mean the rookies. i have to listen to that and ireally want to tell them to go practice. you wouldn't pay $$$ to watch some scrubs play ball. these djs are supposed to be proffessionals and unfortunately because they have connections they get to work. it is a shame.

synstr - alright i agree with u 100% now "to me" he understands the art of djing. for instance like. Litlle louis vega or grandmaster flash to name a few. unbelievble djs and party rockers. this is what i use as my basis for what i think the artform is. let me know when your playing i would like to check u out. also i have some cool demos i can send you if you give me an address.

szalony - being a dj is the art of mixing. if u can't mai you are not a dj you are just playing someelses records. you should be able to mix reggae into rock into 80's into house. now that is what djing as an artform is. as for requests it is a skill to know how to handle people and there requests. i can start a whole thread on that. while the an all hip-hop crowd is rocking at 2am of course when someone requests house u can't play it, but what happens when you mix from hip-hop to classics to house and at 3:30 in the morning you blow the place with all the house heads that stuck around to hear you play for them???

nik - i appreciate hearing your ideas. where do play at??????

m0rph! 10:13 PM - 27 December, 2004

Quote:

nik39 said: I also hate, when I just played a Nas song, a Tribe Called Quest song and then someone steps to me and asks "cant you play some hiphop?"

Nas, Tribe, The Roots, Digable Planets, KRS One, pre-1992 rap, and people asking "can you play some real hip-hop?"... MAN I'm not even gonna get into how many times I've heard that load of crap! If vinyl wasn't so precious, I'd crack a few records over their craniums while screaming "THIS IS HIPHOP, BUFFOON!" >:-(

My memory isn't what it used to be, so 16 points is kinda hard to keep in mind. Here's my personal list of "rules" / observations, opinions, tips, and insights:

1. Be true to yourself, your craft, your peers, and your audience
2. Everything begins and ends with respect

Umm... that's the whole list! You will NEVER be able to please everybody, so that should never be a priority. No one can tell you how to do it "right." Don't let anyone define your style. Be willing to be different; leave your own personal mark in the DJ community. I would stake my entire DJ career on this statement: if you're not happy being a DJ, then you've violated one of my 2 rules. $0.03 :-)

proffesor ink 10:20 PM - 27 December, 2004

mOrph - no arguments from me. we are djs, we know music. the people who come up to us are regular people trying to have a good time. they don't know generes, styles, and ussually good music. that is our job. to give them a good time and at the same time enlighten them. that to me is the art of djing. i have been playing house and had people tell me can you play "dance" music. i love that one even more then your example. i have am playing hip-hop like u mentioned and peopel have asked me to play "rap". we all have those stories.

where do you play at???

Revolutionary 10:53 PM - 27 December, 2004

You have a lot of time on your hands, ink? Hobby perhaps?

Szalony Wariat 10:54 PM - 27 December, 2004

Proffesro - There is offcourse difference between dj who can mix but dont do this, and dj who just cant mix. In both cases I have seen people rocking crowd just puting next record, without mixing, more - with about 30 sec. silence between! :) You can also build dramacy and preccuse by making people wait for track.
I can mix, scratch. More - I think that I'm doing this well but I have seen some soundsystems and stuff and I think that in some cases You dont need to be mixmachine to make people love You.
I agree with You when You write about rookies who cant even mix two tracks. But thats more about "party dj" type, not "dj" in general. Now we can talk about who is "dj" and who is not.. Who is "hiphop dj" and who is "turntablist". And so on.. :)
I say - just do it well. Put it all together doesnt mean "mix it all in same tempo".

Revolutionary 10:56 PM - 27 December, 2004

Well, I agree with you, SW. I don't always mix in the same tempo, but it doesn't sound bad afterall. It depends on your style...

proffesor ink 11:10 PM - 27 December, 2004

rev, szalony where do u play at?

Revolutionary 11:11 PM - 27 December, 2004

Over here in Oslo, man.

Szalony Wariat 11:13 PM - 27 December, 2004

Warsaw, Poland. Yes, somewhere in Europe. :)

proffesor ink 11:21 PM - 27 December, 2004

with serato it makes it real easy to travel.

what style???
how many files??
do you have a bio are resume??
do you ever come to the US??
do you promote also??

thanks

Szalony Wariat 11:28 PM - 27 December, 2004

Dont know if that is so interresting to people that I should write my bio in here. :))

proffesor ink 11:41 PM - 27 December, 2004

of course it would be. if you are amatuer so be it, if proffessional it's all good. we are all in it together. give me an email and i will send u my resume.

Szalony Wariat 11:45 PM - 27 December, 2004

janjanjan@o2.pl

moegio 1:14 AM - 28 December, 2004

Man I have a day job. Use to battle in the bay area back in the 90s. When shortkut, disk,quest were coming up and many others. I have a career now. Women, kids you know how it goes. 15 years later still cuttin and scratching. A few parties here and there. I just love it cant get it out of my system. I dont do it fulltime and i will do some parties for free. Why? cuz im a dj bitch. It has nothing to do with money. Dont write it down, dont label it, dont analyze it. Just feel it and dont let anybody tell you what kind of dj you are.

dj synystr 1:47 AM - 28 December, 2004

proffesor ink hit my email djsynystr@djsynystr.com and ill send you my info and some links to my newest cds.

radish 1:55 AM - 28 December, 2004

I'm not going to respond to every point, but I will mention a few things. I come at this as a self-affirmed amateur. I have a day job, I don't claim to be a professional (well, not a professional dj anyway) - but I hope my opinions are valid too. I consider a DJ an artist, just like a painter, a musician or a writer. There are really two types of artist - those who take commission and create what is ordered (i.e. a painter who paints portraits for cash, or a writer who does magazine articles) and those who create what they want, and hope someone will like it and buy it. These two types exist in DJing too.

For example, in some small town nightclub there will be a resident who plays every saturday and keeps the crowd happy. He'll do requests, play the hits, whatever. The ladies like it, the bar is busy, everyone's happy. Essentially, he's doing a job, he's playing what is asked of him in exchange for a pay check. Nothing wrong with that.

Then there's the DJ who is booked because of who he is, and what he plays. No-one tells Sasha or Jazzy Jeff what to play, you're just happy to have them in the house. People come from miles around to hear what they are creating - they're just lucky (and talented enough) that people want to hear what they do.

I (as the guy with the day job) am in a position where I can play what I like. If people don't like it, fine, fire me. As it happens, I think I'm pretty good, and others seem to agree. But I DJ for myself as much as for anyone else, and if I had to take requests or play "the hits" I simply wouldn't do it - that's not what I'm about. So I have the ultimate in respect for people who are able to earn a good living doing this, but I like to keep it as a hobby, it's a change from my day job and gives me a creative outlet. I don't think that makes me any less of a worthy DJ to entertain a crowd.

Zion-Prayz 1:57 AM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

think about this. does shaq work in a coffee shop??? does brad pitt do accounting??? does jay-z collect garbage??? no they don't. this statement is very important because unless you are in the club business. like a promoter, graphic artist, or manager FULL-TIME, you are not doing this as your proffession. you are not ungulffed in it. you are not taking it sewriously. and why not??? because you don't have comfidence in your skills sto earn a living. i am sure if you could earn a living djing or in the club business u would choose that over your day job.

a mobile dj is 100% a proffessional dj. if he does it full time. it is just as creative and probably harder to please a crowd the in a club. i give mobile djs a ton of respect as someone that makes djing a proffession.

i am disappointed that this kils you but it is not about being better or worse, talented or less talented, artistic or not, it is more about taking the craft to another level or admitting that u are not as serious as u think u are. this business is filled with amatuers. it is a shame, but true. people don't do BRAIN SURGERY on the side. be a proffessional. take the leap. i am sure you are capable. (when i say u i am not reffering to u personally, by the way)

so far so good, 4 people in 8 hours responded. i hope to get over 100. this will give me something to do this week. thanks for the comments. keep'em coming

Professional athletes have to work other gigs depending on their sport and in some cases how good they are in a particular sport. In the "major" sports you used to have to work during the off-season before multi-million dollar contracts became commonplace. A pro boxer will have to work another gig if he is not good enough or have a high enough profile to get top dollar, but they are still nevertheless a professional. When you are paying your dues in the beginning you will have to have another source of income.

Actors (not counting the wanna-be's who had millions from another profession) all had to start out having another gig on the side. They didn't become professional because they got famous enough to make enough money to not have to wait tables.

moegio 2:09 AM - 28 December, 2004

i do agree with 11 play for the ladies. I remember dancing to madonna just cuz this fine chick wanted to dance to it.

proffesor ink 3:08 AM - 28 December, 2004

moegio - u sound bitter. caught in a job u hate, u probably have mad skills (i'm assuming) because of the people you play with. you love music. oviousily, yet you never figured out how to make it your carreer. maybe you didn't play what the crowd liked, maybe you do scratched too much. or maybe you had no conects. instead of being bitter maybe if you made a demo or made a post on a board like this you could dj and get paid for it so you could quit your job and be happy. but, this is the art of djing and maybe you need to work on your art???

radish- u hit it on the head. i love guys like u. you want to perfect the artform and you want to play or yourself. of course it will hard to make a living like that, but the key is "you don't want too" it's your choice. i am sure that at a dj who is out partying i would have a great time listening to one of your sets. drop me an email address and we can talk about me buying some of your mixed cds. THANKS

Zion - i am not going to argue with you but think of this. instead of working 40hours a week for the man why don't you:
10 hours practicing
10 hours making 2 demos
10 hours on the phone and internet networking
10 nours going out in your local scene

you can't tell me that after 3 weeks you won't have 4 paying gigs for at least $1000. that is if you are good of'course. it is so much better to work for yourself!!!! trust me. i would love to help u.

Thundercat 4:38 AM - 28 December, 2004

For the record, I re-wrote this four times to get as much venom out of my lengthy response as possible. You then made it excessively easy for me to respond by discrediting yourself for me. Follow along here:

Quote:

9- demos don't get gigs - work experience and connections do. so when u give a demo u are saying that u are an amatuer. ask for a meeting. thats the way to get a gig, be personal.

Followed most recently by a recommendation to spend:

Quote:

10 hours making 2 demos

If you want to stimulate a dialog, that’s fine. Just please don’t start preaching about what people need to do in order to become a ‘professional’ DJ if you can’t even make up your own mind.

proffesor ink 5:46 AM - 28 December, 2004

thanks for holding back the venom, its not fighting a need.

actually the demos are for sale or to give to your friends or peopel who ask for them at clubs. i ussually sell mine. so i don't think it was contridictary. i can get a cd full color face and a full color front and back cardboard package for 99 cents and sell it for $10 - $20. that is the art of DJING. i am not preaching i am trying to helo. Think of me as Jesues. u can persecute me or embrace me either way i keep doing what i do.

Thnaks

bartaug 7:34 AM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

Think of me as Jesues.

IMHO You should keep in mind that every proffesional DJ, even proff. Jesues, started as an amateur, incapable of mixing and having no clue about music at all.
Whithout amateurs there are no pro's :-)

proffesor ink 9:27 AM - 28 December, 2004

of course, u are right. they need to find a mentor and learn the art. hone thier craft and become proffessional. that iswhat i am trying to help do. i never played out until i knew i was good enough. i still suck compared to the great djs out there. i can admit that i got a lot to learn.

ANYONE OUT THERE CAN TEACH ME???? Please feel free to offer up knowlege I WANT TOO KNOW.

until then i can only share my opinion. that is what a forum is.

Amatuers, stay home and practice. don't play when you know you suck. keep practacing and pros get the gigs that the amatuers have, not by lowering your price, but by showing the value in having a professional. we sell more drink, give the people a better time, and build a base customer.

BARTAUG - how did youlearn to play?? did u have a mentor?? how old are u?? where do u play??? so, so agree or disagree with my 16 points??? give me some pointers please!!!

bartaug 9:56 AM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

i never played out until i knew i was good enough

You only good enough playing out if your audience thinks thinks so... And the only way to get good enough is by playing out for an audience. You can't stay at home and practice. Playing at home is a whole different ball game.

Quote:

so, so agree or disagree with my 16 points???

In general I agree with your 16 points. On the 'Crowd pleasing/Taking requests' my remark would be that I see two kind of DJ's (and anything in between :). The 1st type plays the style of the place where he is booked and takes requests to please the audience. The 2nd type is booked because he is known to play a certain style and does not play on request.
I mean that if e.g. Afrika Bambaataa is playing no one would think about doing a request, they would be enjoying what the DJ is doing to them with the music.

proffesor ink 10:03 AM - 28 December, 2004

bartaug - where do you play?? you have any other tips for the people on this board

i would like to see other letters involving the art of djing. i know this is a site for rane, but it can only help stimulate conversation which will get more people involved in DJing. i hope that this general forum could be used like that.

i have been reading other sections and i find all the posts very interesting and entertaining.

proffesor ink 10:04 AM - 28 December, 2004

bartaug - u never answered my first group of questions???

bartaug 10:16 AM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

bartaug - u never answered my first group of questions???

You seem to have plenty of time: Google is your friend :-)

Revolutionary 10:18 AM - 28 December, 2004

I'm in first year of high-school, so I wasn't really planning on going to the US yet. So I guess I wouldn't call myself a pro, eventhough I spend most of my freetime in my very primitive studio making music and remixes. I have kind of created my own style. It's somewhat similiar to Big Beat. You know what I'm saying? Fatboyslim...

Thundercat 12:46 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

Think of me as Jesues

Oohkay then. Who am I to question the messiah? I'll just move along...No suden moves, backing away slowly, slowly...

bartaug 12:59 PM - 28 December, 2004

lol :)

nik39 1:40 PM - 28 December, 2004

radish, I do like your attitude and views and idealisms you still have about dj'ing :-) Good to see, there are still some djs out there who keep up the art of djing.

Quote:

Don't let anyone define your style. Be willing to be different; leave your own personal mark in the DJ community. I would stake my entire DJ career on this statement: if you're not happy being a DJ, then you've violated one of my 2 rules. $0.03 :-)

morph, youre the man, "Don't let anyone define your style." thats worth much more than $0.03 :)

Revolutionary 1:52 PM - 28 December, 2004

Absolutely worth more than 3 cents. How boring would it be if all DJs had the same style! Again, robots...

DJ 3pm 2:05 PM - 28 December, 2004

ok, i tried to stay out of this as long as i could, but i keep reading valid points from all sides.

Quote:

12- playing for no-one is like playing at home - gigs with no-one there are not worth playing. try and hook up with good venues and owners. if your new to it, it does not help that you play at an empty club

i couldn't agree less. this first steady gig i got was at a college bar on tuesday nights. sorry if i offend anyone, but only drunks go to the bar on tuesday nights. when i first started, i would basically be playing for the bartender and a handful of lushes (not even enough to warrant a bouncer on-duty).

i did treat that empty bar as my own private practice session. i would test the water with new songs that i had heard, taught myself how to program a dmx light controller, even how to use a 19" vertical mounted mixer (no real dj's had ever played there before). but over the span of a couple weeks, i started getting noticably better. i would take requests, with 10 people in the crowd its hard to say "i'll get to that, i've got other requests to play first". i had a regular who would always want to hear 2pac and bnth "thug luv". that was before i could use ssl to organize all my music by bpm, so i would try new ways to mix in a 60-ish bpm song in with all the 90-ish bpm stuff i was playing. eventually, that led to me not just working tuesdays, but some wednesdays/thursdays/fridays/saturdays.

this sort of contradicts your statement about having to go out and network. being a paid dj is about the best way to network. i've had club owners who didn't know anyother way to get ahold of me come and offer me jobs at competing clubs in the middle of my set. this definately wouldn't have happened if i was in my bedroom mixing in my headphones for free.

Revolutionary 2:12 PM - 28 December, 2004

Hell yeah, I even had a small "gig" for a friend of mine in China and his friends over the web. Basically, I was playing for someone, but at the same time playing at home. You know what I'm saying? It's always fun playing when someone else is around. It doesn't really depend on how many.

DJ 3pm 2:52 PM - 28 December, 2004

exactly. one of the best gigs i ever had was a party for my old college roomates. i had graduated and moved, but they were still living at our old house. i set up a streamcast and an im window and did the party live. i took requests, did shoutouts, it was a blast. i was alone in my living room at my house while dj'ing a party 150 miles away. the random chicks loved that theses guys actually had a 'real' dj, the instant message window got cold for half an hour, finally one of my roomates got on and told me that the cops had came and busted the party. they just turned the stereo down. i had no idea, i had just kept spinning the whole time!

Revolutionary 3:11 PM - 28 December, 2004

Nice ;)

yuri 3:14 PM - 28 December, 2004

i still dont get the point of this thread

bartaug 3:16 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

i still dont get the point of this thread

Someone is writing a book or a paper and needs some input :-)

Revolutionary 3:23 PM - 28 December, 2004

Is he? LOL... :D

I don't get the point either...

LoLyfe 5:50 PM - 28 December, 2004

I have not gotten around to reading this entire thread, as per I just signed up today for the first time, but I think that the perspective vision of what a DJ is will always be on the eyes/ears of the listener therefore I dont agree that the "definition" of a DJ is set in stone and . I have close friends that are turntablist, House/Trance, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock/80's,Reggae, MixTape etc.. DJ's. Me myself I am strictly a reggae DJ and cater to a wide audience in relation to their backgrounds. It's hard for me to say what a DJ is in my eyes bcuz there are so many variables to discuss. I personally critique a DJ's library and how he/she ties in everything they play for that night. BY THE WAY I LOVE THIS FORUM AND THE SERATO!!

proffesor ink 7:41 PM - 28 December, 2004

yuri & bartaug - u could be right??? but how about somebody is looking to meet likeminded pros that take this as seriously as they do. and maybe i just want to help and stimulate thought. can u just believe that someone out there really wants to help people? or is that impossible to conceive???

dj3pm - the best party i ever did was memorial day weekend in mIami 1999 at the clevelander 80 degrees, 1000+ people, super hot girls, and around 6pm it started to rain. i mean absolutely pour. people started taking their clothes off and jumping in the pool then i unleashed some song by then popular razor and guido and the entire place was jumping up and down in unison. i am not trying to belittle your best party example, but i did read it and smile.

we are on 2 different levels. so when i make a comment like that i mean you should hook up with good promoters so you can play ridiculously good parties make the crazy loot and have a great time. your case is unique and is a great story, but my tips are more in general. what happened to you is more on the really special tip. everything u said is great and i am glad it worked for u. i am sure if u were writing a book a rule for success would not be "play empty rooms so you can get more work" i am sure that your party was fun, but please think of how fun my party might be??? i do appreciate the comment though.

this djing thing is serious. it is a proffession. so far i have read all the comments. 9 people NEGATIVE, 5 INDIFFERENT, 1 POSITIVE.

i see YURI & REV do not get the point!!!!! well YURI open your eyes. the point is "contribute". either help us or learn something and thank us, but don't sit on the sidelines and be braindead. this is not a dis nor do i want to fight you, i want to stimulate u. has it worked????

again i ask. TEACH ME SOMETHING!!!! post some tricks, tips, skills, or opinions.

Keep the posts coming.

PEACE

nik39 7:48 PM - 28 December, 2004

If you read between the lines, certain people allready tried to teach _you_ something, but it looks like you missed their points ;)

proffesor ink 8:00 PM - 28 December, 2004

c'mon nik. yeah they are teaching me:

don't right on a forum unless i want a "fire war"
that people don't understand why i started this thread
that i need "read between the lines"
that this is the way to write a book

that is what i learned. and i have written what i agree with and explained what disagreed with. so i hope that i didn't miss anything.

NIK - where do you play??? where do u live??? what style?? are you a dj as a proffessio or do u have a day job?? tell me one trick, one tip, don't be snyd or sarcastic, or belittling. teach me the art of djing. nik, what's up baby?? what do you have for me to learn??????

thanks

Revolutionary 9:08 PM - 28 December, 2004

Well, someone should definitely teach you how to write correctly.

Stimulated? No, sir...
Most guys aren't braindead here on the board. The only braindead guy I can find in this thread (or even on this board) is you. No offense, man.

Let's just leave this thread alone. I'm tired of his bla bla about how many people that were at his gigs and so on. Like we give a damn...He can go on himself if he wants though.

Just my two cents...

nik39 9:16 PM - 28 December, 2004

Rev, no offense, but your writing is not superb either. At first you start talking to him directly, then you suddenly change to the third person, talking about "him". Thats not only a bad style of writing, but I would also call this rude. Just my one cent.

proffesor ink 9:20 PM - 28 December, 2004

rev - its funny that you stil haven't said anything that is productive yet. u keep reeding and you have made about 5 comments, but all negative. add something positive. are u one of those haters???? i am curious. tell me about yourself. other then being in HS.

maybe its your age that is making it so hard to understand??? i have repeatedly said "i am not here to fight" argue or be malicious, but u keep going down that path. you want a confrontation. i want no confrontation at all. i want to help people and share experiences. u want to disrespect and discredit. you are playing yourself, kid. help, don't hurt.

this is an open later so u can say whatever u wany, but this is a dj forum, so instead of attaching add some dj insite. please.

u still havn't answered:
where do u play?? what style?? any tips??

Revolutionary 9:23 PM - 28 December, 2004

Notice the "let's", nik. That is let us. Plural first person, you know. In other words, I'm talking to the rest of the guys in that case. You know what I'm saying? Maybe you should improve your reading skills before you go off and post some shit about bad style of writing and me being rude. No offense, man, but you seem to misunderstand a couple of things quite often since you're not a native speaker. I'm not a native speaker of English either, but at least I understand what people are talking about and who they are actually talking to...

I have never said that my English is perfect either.

proffesor ink 9:25 PM - 28 December, 2004

nik - i appreciate the defense. i am here to spark conversation not get into arguments about writing styles. i am glad u understand that.

to everyone: please post positive things not negative. i love critisizm. i am not affraid nor offeneded to hear it, but critisize my points and opinions don't personally attack me, my intentions are good

Revolutionary 9:31 PM - 28 December, 2004

Here we go again with the kid thing...I'm tired of hearing that. That is not an argument. You say you didn't want no confrontation? Well, you're kind of requesting that when you're posting shit like that.

You wanna go brag about all the girls who showed up at your party? Go somewhere else, man. We don't wanna hear about it. Or at least I don't wanna hear about it.

I have absolutely no idea what of the things you have written are questions or not. Kind of hard, you know.

Quote:

u still havn't answered:
where do u play?? what style?? any tips??

Are you talking to me or nik? If you're talking to me, scroll up, man.

The things you're saying are pretty far fetched and sometimes even offensive, you know.

Just my five cents...

proffesor ink 9:34 PM - 28 December, 2004

i was out last night and heard a great set by a female dj named Danielle, here in SF. she djed from 10pm to 11pm. the club filled up. she played old BDP, Eric B, SWV and mixed in some newer stuff like pharell and kiesha cole. she set up the room perfect for the next dj. she didn't play any hits and warmed up the crowd. here is my observation. the next guy that came on was standing in the booth the whole time, i mean the whole time. he did not leave. he was hawking her. like right over her shoulder. then he came on and immediately played some big tymers and some lil flip. we are in the marina in SF which is the whitest neighborhood in SF. this crowd was mixed. he totally changed the vibe. from what i explained do you think he is a doing a good job as a dj??? or am i reading it wrong??

point 17 - the dj booth is your office - if you are the next dj to come on do not stand in the booth while the other dj is playing. i am sure he would not have liked her standing there during his whole set while he was djing. and also when u are sched to finish at midnight and the headliner is coming on don't play the biggest hit u have and don't ask "yo, you mind if i play 2 more songs". just suggestions of courtesy. i know u wouldn't like the opening guy to do it to you if u were the headliner.

Revolutionary 9:34 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

to everyone: please post positive things not negative. i love critisizm. i am not affraid nor offeneded to hear it, but critisize my points and opinions don't personally attack me, my intentions are good

It doesn't appear that freaking way to me...

You gotta accept both positive and negative criticism, man. As long as it's objective. And with your degree of objectivity, you are getting exactly the same stuff back. I'm just answering with the same caliber as you are..

nik39 9:35 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

In other words, I'm talking to the rest of the guys in that case.

I understood that. Thats just in line with what I wrote. Its rude to behave like proffesor ink is not present anymore, and switch to "yeah, he is #!%§!". Thats like, you tell your friend "hey, youre braindead", then turn to your other friends which are listening as well, and you start "Hey, that dude is a punk. He can do whatever he wants, I dont give a ish, lets ignore him". If you dont call that rude, well... you need to learn something which ends with "anners" and starts with an "m". Go and figure ;-)
So no need to improve my reading skills here.

Yes, it happens sometimes that I misunderstand things. But have you recognized that even others (_native_ englishspeakers) do misunderstand you as often as I do? "..."

proffesor ink 9:37 PM - 28 December, 2004

rev - kid is a slang term for dude or yo or guy, i was curious if you would take offense to that. i apologize!!!! i have never cursed in any of my posts. please refrain from cursing.

i hope other people are interested in this, thread obviously u are not. iw ill no longer respond to you. u can feel free to post whatever u like. enjoy

yuri 9:38 PM - 28 December, 2004

Dude this forum is for SERATO SCRATCH LIVE.. this is not a definitive dj resource and inspirational site. Also I have no interest in discussing "theory" or "teaching" you anything.

And personally Im still offended that you had the balls to declare that you are the only one using a digital system in a major club on the east coast. The end.

proffesor ink 9:40 PM - 28 December, 2004

yuri - i appreciate your comments. u too obviously do not see the good in this thread, so i will no longer respond to your posts. you can keep reading and post if you choose. enjoy

Revolutionary 9:45 PM - 28 December, 2004

What I could have done was to make two separate posts, but I didn't wanna catch in on the postmaster, you know. And by the way, you gotta learn what is rude and what is not. I don't know what it's like down there in Germany, but you seem to misconceive a lot of things because of that. If I was sitting around the table with you and ink, it would definitely be another thing. The thing I did was totally correct and has absolutely nothing to do with being rude or manners for that matter.

Maybe it's because of your age? Go figure (or go and figure as our German friend says) why I drew some lines between kid and that.

Revolutionary 9:46 PM - 28 December, 2004

Word, yuri. Word...

proffesor ink 9:52 PM - 28 December, 2004

anyone know any good dj message boards that have interesting and insiteful info???? thanks

Revolutionary 9:54 PM - 28 December, 2004

Haram that you are using SSL...

www.inksonemanboard.com

proffesor ink 9:57 PM - 28 December, 2004

a serato point - if u ever are at a setup where one of the chaneles coming from the turntable works and the other doesn't then you will not be able to use serato. yet you can still play records in mono and it sounds find. i didn't have any records, that is where the reverse input comes into play. i played the whole night on one turntable. i think that's a great thing about this program

nik39 9:57 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

I don't know what it's like down there in Germany, but you seem to misconceive a lot of things because of that.

You are a racist. And due to the fact we allready had this discussion and you didnt learn anything since then I will call you dumb. Go (and) figure.

Revolutionary 10:01 PM - 28 December, 2004

I'm not a racist at all. I just stated that you seem to be a little more polite over there than the rest of world. I'm a commie. You are as far as I can see pretty conservative. Doesn't that make you more of a racist than me? I got a lot of friends from all over the world.

Call me dumb if you want. I don't care...You seem to be the brighest bulb on the board, nik. You really do.

feniks 10:10 PM - 28 December, 2004

i say everyone just whips out thier cock and see whos is the biggest. that'll settle this once and for all.

Revolutionary 10:15 PM - 28 December, 2004

Hmm. That would be real mature, wouldn't it? Men...

Thundercat 10:21 PM - 28 December, 2004

Point 17 is full of garbage that would make me want to undercut the so-called 'headliner' in an instant. Show me a DJ that is too cocky for his own britches and I’ll show you a DJ that I will make a point to knock down a peg or two. Tell someone not to play the biggest hits that he (or she) has? Puhleeze! If the 'headliner' is all that, it shouldn't matter what songs the opening DJ plays. Sounds to me like you are afraid of someone that has more natural-talent showing you up. Someone that doesn't have to spend 40 hours a week hustling and still bangs. I could care less what the DJ before or after me plays. I play my set my way. I ain't scurrd a no competition. You might be Jesus, but I'm like Dave Chappelle keepin' it REAL! I'll come at ya no matter who you are. Opening DJ or 'headliner', I expect you to try and smash it. That will just give me more incentive to totally rip it up.

I am obliged at this point to reiterate my motto:
Share the knowledge, compete on execution.

Case in point: I have other DJ's in the booth standing over me and watching me 90% of the time I'm spinning. Why doesn't it bother me? Because they might learn a thing or two. Watch me pick my tracks, watch me read the crowd, watch my technique, watch my beer, I don't care. They might even have some useful advice for me. The booth is my office and I subscribe to the open door policy. ;-)

ps. feniks - if that's what it somes down to, I'm in. But you first. :D

m0rph! 10:54 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

Dr. Ink scribbled: where do you play at???

Quote:

i was out last night and heard a great set by a female dj named Danielle, here in SF...(snip)... we are in the marina in SF which is the whitest neighborhood in SF. this crowd was mixed. he totally changed the vibe. from what i explained do you think he is a doing a good job as a dj??? or am i reading it wrong??

Ha-ha! You must have been at Gravity. Funny, I was out last night too looking for a little place to get my groove on after sushi -- Gravity completely slipped my mind!

To answer your former question, I play out at a couple of SF venues (111 Minna, Harry Denton's Rouge, Polo's Blue Cube, LJ's, etc). House music is my passion, but sometimes I have the freedom to experiment with other genres in the smaller venues. I always tell people that DJing is my "professional hobby." It's what I love doing, and I am blessed enough that I don't have to feel pressured to DJ if I wanna eat / pay rent / not be naked, etc. (and no, I don't have a 9-to-5 job either).

To comment on your latter question, I think you've alluded to an excellent observation. One of the major changes I've seen in the past 8 years of being a DJ is a lack of a sense of unity amongst us artists. There are 6 BILLION people on this planet, and we are the keepers of the music - why the HECK are we fighting amongst ourselves?! Rarely do I see a DJ come early for their set just to listen to the DJ playing before them. Where's the love? The BEST parties I've been to are where all the DJs are vibing off of one another. It's not something that you have to do, but it definitely goes a long way towards encouraging you to reach beyond your record crates and try something that you'd only save for the confines of your bedroom.

I don't mind another DJ being in the booth with me (as long as they're courteous and not in my way - a fly on the wall, ya know?). If their goal is to give me some support and energy, then it's all for the better. I love opening for the headliner, and "setting them up" nicely to bring the house down! Fortunately, no headliner has ever had the nerve to say to me don't play these tracks cuz I'm gonna rock 'em later. I take it upon myself to know that I wield the power to really get the crowd ready to explode. Believe me, if you find yourself behind the turntables 10 minutes before the headliner is due, you can work some SERIOUS MAGIC with the dancefloor and still leave plenty room for the next DJ to put the icing on the cake (the phrase "adrenalin rush" doesn't even come close to describing the feeling!).

Sorry for the rant... I'm just elaborating on Rule #2: Everything begins and ends with respect.

$0.04 and climbing :-)

aside: My heart and prayers go out to those affected by the Sumatra earthquake and the resulting tsunamis...

BassChamber 10:59 PM - 28 December, 2004

interesting thread...

i wonder why do we tend to flame... professor ink, you set good points. a "professional" dj works to please the crowd. the more you please the crowd, the better you are.

but an "artist" dj works to create ART with his hands, as a musician do.

sometimes, the "professional" and the "artist" is the same dj; sometimes not.

hope you understand me... im not native speaker of english :P

Revolutionary 11:01 PM - 28 December, 2004

Agreed, BC.

nik39 11:14 PM - 28 December, 2004

Quote:

The BEST parties I've been to are where all the DJs are vibing off of one another.

m0rph, well said! I enjoy it to listen to djs if I spin at prime time. As said, its important to get the vibe from the dj who played before you did. And I also enjoy it if the other dj takes the time to listen to my set. Nowadays, I dont go out a lot b/c I want to dance, but I just like to listen to other djs.

yuri 11:42 PM - 28 December, 2004

SSL DATING GAME:

LORD KASEEM and PROFESSOR INK are a match made in heavan

proffesor ink 12:13 AM - 29 December, 2004

thundercat - have u ever been a headliner??? and most imprortantly do you play recorde twice in a night???? point 18 - try as hard as possible not to play a song twice in the night. if people want to hear the same songs they can listen to the radio all day. if u come on and play all the hits from 9pm to midnight then what would the headliner play?? provided he doesn't play songs twice. the art of djing is knowing how to set up a crowd, not banging it from the moment that people come in. i opened for KID KAPRI one time at level in 2001 i played Vivrant thing, and his manager came up to me and told me that if i play that what is kid supposed to play??? i felt like it was old and that i wasn't playing anything from his set, but i guess i was wrong (and this was at 1am in a club that goes to 5am) so i was even guilty of that. i hope you rethink your position.

morph - yeah it was gravity. have u ever been to the wmc??? i am in awe of how 100 djs stand around the booth and watch guys like NICK WARREN (for examplE) play other peoples music and move faders up and down instead of dancing and having a good time like i would expect people to do at a party. why such awe??? i think that all of us on the board can move faders like nick. so what's the fascination. aren't they there too party???

nik - good point

bass - i know it is symantics, but that is the exact point i am trying to make. a proffessional dj/art of DJING is soem points and tips i mentioned, but there is art and manny other things that it can be labeled or called. some djs are even muisicians or turntableists. i would expect Mixmaster mike to smack me if i did not classify him as a proffessional dj. i am sure that he doesn't follow a lot of my points, nor agree with them. i obviously think he is a pro dj, but i actually think he is a musician more then a dj. which is GREAT of course.

proffesor ink 12:15 AM - 29 December, 2004

morph - is that your dj name???? let me know where your at and i'll come check you out.

proffesor ink 12:16 AM - 29 December, 2004

morph - should be a lot of peopel at dragon bar tonight. if you are looking to do something

nik39 12:40 AM - 29 December, 2004

proffesor ink, sorry to say, but you really contradict yourself. On the one hand you say

Quote:

if people want to hear the same songs they can listen to the radio all day.

when you said before a dj is supposed to please the crowd AND play requests. IF the audience wants to listen to the tracks they only request, switch on the radio, and listen to one of those request radio shows. If they decide to come to my party where I play, they should be aware of that they have to trust me and my musical knowledge/taste (and all other abilites that a good dj must have). I dont have problem with one or two request, but I wont play it, if it doesnt fit into my set and the vibe as a whole.

To add to your warming up subject, I agree with you. I wouldnt play all the bangers at the beginning, it doesnt make sense if the club is not packed (which it isnt normally at the beginning when you warm up). I love to play prime time, but I also enjoy doing warm up, creating a chilled vibe etc. playing my favorite neo soul stuff from Erykah Badu, Bilal etc.

proffesor ink 1:47 AM - 29 December, 2004

nik - it is an art to deal with the people. what i was refering to with what you quoted, is:

DJS should only play a song one time in a night (if possible) i don't know if u subscribe to that rule or if u play the same song 5 times a night. i was reffering to how the radio will play the song 5 times in a night. i don't think that is why people go to a club. but people will say PLAY 50 CENT and u have played it already. i say i played it and almost 99 out of a hundered they understand. one person will say play it again.

please let me know if u think i contradict myself, i will always explain what i meant.

thanks

Zion-Prayz 2:25 AM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

Zion - i am not going to argue with you but think of this. instead of working 40hours a week for the man why don't you:
10 hours practicing
10 hours making 2 demos
10 hours on the phone and internet networking
10 nours going out in your local scene

you can't tell me that after 3 weeks you won't have 4 paying gigs for at least $1000. that is if you are good of'course. it is so much better to work for yourself!!!! trust me. i would love to help u.

Not arguing at all but you really just confirmed my point. You have to pay your dues in order to get those $1000 gigs and until you get to that point you need some income coming in while you're honing your craft and making the connections that will get you the higher paying gigs if that's what somebody wants to do.

proffesor ink 2:57 AM - 29 December, 2004

zion - you are exactly right!!!! you can be amatuer and stay at home and practice. once u are good enough. then a good recipe will be to focus on your career full time and give up your day job.

Zion-Prayz 3:30 AM - 29 December, 2004

On the flip side you can be a very good "amatuer" holding down 2 jobs :) I don't think folk should be banned from playing out because they don't do it full time, but I also understand your point about playing a gig at "market" rate and not undercutting other DJs.

Thundercat 3:51 AM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

thundercat - have u ever been a headliner???

Yes.

Quote:

and most imprortantly do you play recorde twice in a night????

Yes with the following caveat: If I feel like the crowd, as a whole, wants it. I'm not above putting the crowd's needs before my own petty principals.

Quote:

point 18 - try as hard as possible not to play a song twice in the night. if people want to hear the same songs they can listen to the radio all day.

Point taken, point dismissed as per above.

Quote:

if u come on and play all the hits from 9pm to midnight then what would the headliner play?? provided he doesn't play songs twice.

Maybe he shouldn't be the headliner if he is just a carbon copy of the DJ opening for him. Hmmm...

Quote:

the art of djing is knowing how to set up a crowd, not banging it from the moment that people come in.

Banging is relative. You can and should be able move a room from the minute the doors open.

Quote:

i opened for KID KAPRI one time at level in 2001

Nice name drop, would say subtle but you felt the need for all caps so I felt the need to point it out. Moving along...

Quote:

i played Vivrant thing, and his manager came up to me and told me that if i play that what is kid supposed to play??? i felt like it was old and that i wasn't playing anything from his set, but i guess i was wrong (and this was at 1am in a club that goes to 5am) so i was even guilty of that. i hope you rethink your position.

I won't play any track the 'headliner' DJ has a production credit on. I'll give you that. Furthermore, I would never ask for anything more from anyone opening up for me.

Bottom line, every DJ has his or her own style, own crowd, own way of doing business, own modus operandi so to speak. Who are you to be judgmental of how we handle our own? Oh, I forgot. You're Jesus. My bad. :)

Thundercat...OUT

proffesor ink 4:05 AM - 29 December, 2004

thundercat - this is an open letter and i stated these are my opinions "on the art of djing". you are discussing my opinions with me. i am trying to convince you of my position. i m not judgeing anyones style. i am explaining what i feel the art is. a style that i have learned. have u ever heard:

funk flex
tony touch
kid capri
biz markie
stretch armstrong
live

i am going to generalize and say that they warm a night up with R&B and old school, set it off with the hot new bangers and let it down with classics. no, they don't always follow that format, but yes they generally do. i believe that playing a full night is an art. the art of djing. in my opinion this is the way to play a night. i have adapted my style from hearing them. in turn:

have you heard:
tenaglia
vega
vasquez
hex hector
frankie knuckles
play live

they do the same with house music.

of course everyone has his own style. Shaq plays a post game. garnett dunks, kidd passes. yet they all play basketball. shaq doesnt say my style i refuse to pass. garnett doesnt say my style i wont shoot a 3. and kidd doesnt say my style i wont drive. CAT??? u following me. i am offering an opinion to help and are retorting with i dont want help ill do it my way, i know better tpye position. i appreciate your opinion but keep an open mind.

PS i am glad though that i touched u on a few points. PEACE

proffesor ink 4:08 AM - 29 December, 2004

zion - do u watch baseball to watch amatuers. how about go to the doctor to have an amatuer treat u? or to the bank to have an amatuer teller take your money? u want proffessions. that excel at thier craft. people who do it full time. people who are committed to it. there are as many bad pros as good. it is that way in all proffessions. i am saying that to be a pro quit your 3 jobs and take a leap. that is advice, that is opinions, i hope that alows u to dj as a job and make a living do what u enjoy. that is my advice to all on this site. JUST DO IT!!!

proffesor ink 4:12 AM - 29 December, 2004

thundercat- send me your resume??? i will send you mine. what if i told u i was KID CAPRI. does that validate all that i have said???? or do you just say, "He aint KID CAPRI!!! he's just some sucker. funny thing is i have played many rooms that he has played (at least 15) as the headliner just like him. do i suck??? am i good??? who knows, but that is not what this is about. it is simply an OPEN LETTER TO ALL DJS"

Thundercat 4:45 AM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

i am saying that to be a pro quit your 3 jobs and take a leap. that is advice

While I appreciate your opinion, I fail to see how this makes any rational sense at all. Unless of course you are still living at home in your mother's basement, and have no responsibilities to anyone other than yourself. I am not even going to get into an argument over the semantics of your opinion of a pro vs. an amateur DJ. This is simply a matter of financial responsibility.

Then again, you are Jesus KAPRI so what do I know.

Thundercat...OUT

proffesor ink 4:59 AM - 29 December, 2004

thundercat - i am super happy u said that. now u addressed the issue. u are 100% right. a matter of fact 1000%. it is called sacrafice. that is the sacrifice i have made for the art of djing. i have a ton of friends that want to be djs (not wanna be) but are held back by lack of time because of thier jobs.

now we are on the same page. i hope that u understand the sacrifice that would be made if u did that. then u would also know why i started thid thread. because i thought it was my duty to share the info. that is all part of the art. i have done it. the sacrifice that is, and it aint easy. so anything i can do to make it easier for a guy like u makes me happy.

are we still on the same page??? do u get it?? i still want to know where do u play?? what style?? and any other info about u.

DJ 3pm 4:09 PM - 29 December, 2004

i know its like 20 posts old now, but here is my feeling of playing a track more than once a set: if you have to, play a remix or better yet make a remix with the acapella and some hot instrumental. the crowd ear is so radio trained that most the time they won't even realize its the same song if they hear a different beat. silly bar patrons.

Revolutionary 4:48 PM - 29 December, 2004

Well, that is true. I don't know if any of you geeks watch Discovery Channel, but they did a quite interesting show on people's ability to recognize different things. They had this guy standing behind a counter. Then he bent down to get something and stayed there. Another guy that didn't even look like the previous one went up and gave the subjects to call them that a receipt or something. He even had another color on his shirt. Most of the subjects didn't notice. Funny thing...

theBrooke 5:28 PM - 29 December, 2004

professsor... Not all of us live in a city big enough to quit our jobs... I see you live in SF which makes it easy. Keep that in mind. I see what you are saying though. If you live somewhere with enough going on spending 40+ hours a week focused on djing could replace your job. To do that you would have to have some money stockpiled to cover bills, or be living in your mommas basement... So which is it? ;)

Revolutionary 5:33 PM - 29 December, 2004

In what city do you live in?

SpinThis! 5:45 PM - 29 December, 2004

i don't know why people get so upset when DJs "undercut" others. if you're getting undercut, your message/marketing to prospective clients isn't strong enough stand out.

proffesor ink 6:36 PM - 29 December, 2004

brooke - i know this is extreme, but i would suggest you to move to a market where u can dj full time. i lived in NY in 1997 and i visted MIAMI and realized that in NY at (at me skill level and lack of connections) i had no chance of working full time, but in miami even with ,no connections, by the nature of the 7 day a week party and my ability to play house and hip-hop (only 1 or 2 djs could do that in miami) i would be able to become pro. so acyually it was neither. but using your example, probably both of those suggestions could work.

proffesor ink 6:43 PM - 29 December, 2004

spin this- think about this:

does lebron undercut or does he get a premium???
does robert denerio undercut or get a premium???
does a good plastic surgeon undercut or get a premium??

why would u undercut???? if u are the best at what you do you would try and get the most money, u would not try and get less money to steal a gig.

in our business the difference of $50 can sometimes make a shortsided club owner book a total scrub (or even someone decent) over someone with more talent and experience. so now that undercutter now enables the club owner to make more money. so he now not only hurts his fellow dj, but helps the club owner.

that is why football players make 5million. u think football is worthg 5million as compared to 4 or 3 million. we don't know. but the agents do. they look into the numbers of the owners and say we have the best talent and make the money so u have to share it. that is the art of djing. knowing what you are proffessionally worth.

rule 19 - you must make more money on NYE - that is like our christmas bonus. we dont get health insurance we don't get bonuses. NYE is the one day in the year clubs charge more and we need to make more. our job is the same, but we make more.

nik39 7:04 PM - 29 December, 2004

Whats that bitch and whining about? If you are good, and you have good points, then it shouldnt be a deal for you to expect an appropriate wage, if you are NOtT you should fear undercutting djs.

DJ 3pm 7:06 PM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

does lebron undercut or does he get a premium???
does robert denerio undercut or get a premium???
does a good plastic surgeon undercut or get a premium??

because you are the cheapest doesn't mean you are the best deal. because you are the most expensive doesn't mean you are the best.

i can understand why a bar owner would rather make payroll for the entire bar staff instead of bringing in some big name dj that they can only afford for the last 3 hours of the night: that is business. if you are a good enough dj, eventually you can make your living. or perhaps you may be lucky enough to catch a break and ride on someone elses coat tails (whoooooooo kiddddddddd).

i am satisfied knowing that the gig i have now came from working a few pro bono sets. so i ask you this proffesor ink: what is your dj name and where do you spin?

proffesor ink 7:27 PM - 29 December, 2004

nik - it is not bitching and whining it is explaining. i stated an opinion someone responded and i now responded to them. that is what a forum is for. again, i do not want to keep getting off the topic of discussing djing. i am sorry if u think i am winning, but that is not my intention. Nik, if you don't like a point or you do, agree or disagree and then state the reasons. i hope im not winning again, but it wil benifit he thread

dj3pm
because you are the cheapest doesn't mean you are the best deal. because you are the most expensive doesn't mean you are the best.

that is 100% true, but that is not what we are discussing. if you are good and read this maybe you will think to ask for more money. if you suck and your overpaid maybe u will read this and be more humble. i think that relates more to pthe point. i am not talking about making payrolls, or bringing in headliners. i'm talking about the midsized 400-500 person club on a saturday that is packed with a dj tht can't mix (or mixes great) and he got the gig because he said he would do it for free or for cheap. he hurts himself, other pro djs, and gives the clubowner an unfair advantage to those clubowners that subscribe to keeping the art of djing on the up and up and paying people what they deserve.

i'll send you a resume if you give me an e-mail. THANKS

DJ 3pm 7:44 PM - 29 December, 2004

dj3pm (no spaces) AT mac DOT com (this is one of my few email addresses without spam, trying to keep it that way)

i'm not the top-notch dj that is overpaid and needs to be humbled (hoes gotta eat too), i also know better than to work for too long at no or little pay (free drinks are a benfit, not a barter for djs)

LoLyfe 7:51 PM - 29 December, 2004

I personally think that there should be a guild for DJ's. I also do graphic design pt-time and there are guide lines for contracts and charges for certain fees. Perhaps "someone" should publish a "guideline" in such a format to set the standard fee applicable for the services a DJ provides. This should eliminate price "cut-throating" (pardon my spelling) and allow a DJ to shine for his talent, not how much he is charging. I mean if you have a sick-ass DJ that is worth more and the promoter believes his name will pack house then they should be willin gto pay for him. I have numerous friends that make a living DJ'in. I on the other hand support my love for DJ'in with the income i make from it.

nik39 7:54 PM - 29 December, 2004

proffesor ink, yeah, I might have mistaken you.

Quote:

he hurts himself, other pro djs, and gives the clubowner an unfair advantage to those clubowners that subscribe to keeping the art of djing on the up and up and paying people what they deserve.

Valid point. Dont let others misuse you, or get an advantage out of you in a way that the rip you off. I have come across a couple of club owners who simply mistake my love for music, I am playing with my heart, and am willed to compromise on the first evening (if they dont know my style etc) and maybe on the second, but not on third. Pay or I wont play. Even if I am in this business with my heart, that doesnt mean people can fool me, or use my love for music to keep their costs low.
Sometimes club owners step to you like "oh yeah, you will buy these records anyway, so why should I pay you so much?"... BS. Its not only the records I buy, its also the time I invest to practice, to keep myself up to date etc.
Be conscious of your worth and value, and dare to drop a date if it looks like the club owner is making big stacks, with your talent and music but is not willed to pay you apropriately. If you are good you will make it sooner (or later).

Enough of the wise old man talkings ;))

SpinThis! 8:32 PM - 29 December, 2004

well, in some respects it's hard not to "undercut" when you're first starting to DJ. you have to start somewhere. but i think a good guideline would be a % of drink sales for the night. that's very low risk for a club owner--if you happen to pack the place and keep the drinks flowing, that works in both the club owners favor and yours since the owner doesn't have to shell out mad cash when he's not making anything. if you play to a brick wall, tough rocks.

theBrooke 8:40 PM - 29 December, 2004

For those wondering... I live in Boise Idaho population 200k. I'm moving to Phoenix in August for school that should be a little better.

As for NYE I totally agree we should get paid more. I had a tough decision to make this year, no gig... or play for next to nothing at a hot party. This club usually has no cover and on NYE $15, but they are paying the djs the same they do on the nights with no cover. I hashed it out with the promoter, and it came down to me getting a huge guest list. A lot of my friends got tickets to the party for Christmas which I kind of compensates.

When I was throwing parties local djs got paid $100/hr. Now I can only hope for that in this town. The only way to get paid here is to play top 40, sorry state of affairs.

proffesor ink 8:43 PM - 29 December, 2004

lolyfe- i agree with your suggestion, but as u probably know it is unrealistic. so instead that is why we have a forum like this. i appreciate your comment. do you have a web site with your GA work???? always looking for a good artist. where do u spin??? what style

nik- now your working with me not against me. i am glad i was able to explain my position. u mentioned giving a gig for free or under your price i don't agree with this practice at all. ball the points i have made earlier are exemplied with this type of business decision:

if u are good why would you work for free?? for the love of music??? no, this is not about love this is a business and an art. keep our artform at a premium.
u give the clubowner a way to take advantage of you??
you potentaially knock out a dj that might be better then u??

one day u might me on the other side and u would hate to find out the reason you lost your good paying gig was because someone played for free. am i right or wrong??? food for thought.

Revolutionary 8:50 PM - 29 December, 2004

I know noone asked for my opinion, but here we go anyway. Music ain't about money, man. Money is just screwing up the whole artform...I'm sorry to say that, but it's true.

proffesor ink 8:51 PM - 29 December, 2004

spin- this "open letter" was my way of getting my opinion out on the art of djing. you have raised a good point!!! what is the up and coming dj supposed to do to get work. well i will tie a lot of my points together in this response:

1. Practice a lot. get good. i mean really good. i know it's not easy, but very possible. have a day job and practice at night.

2. meet a lot of people - go out in your free time and network. use BB like this and meet people

3. become an apprentice - very important - find a working dj nd work with him/her even if it is for free it is better then working for a club owner for free. also any real dj who is an artist shoul dpay u for your services, because they have been there i know i would

4. market and promote - once good enough with the right connects and a good mentor start circulating your demos and solidify your contacts. also playing with your mentor will give u great exposure.

5. quit your job and go out it full time- dedicate all your time to your art and proffession.

u will then make it as a proffessional dj. what do u think of my blueprint to success????? this is my advice. dont undercut, dont work for free.

also if you produce or make music u will help your cause, but that is a whole other section.

proffesor ink 8:52 PM - 29 December, 2004

brooke - i might me in arizona in Jan- i have SSL - maybe i could come check u out. send e-mail if interested

dj synystr 9:02 PM - 29 December, 2004

i gotta say when i decided to quit the day job and go at djing full time it opened alot more doors. i make ALOT more money djing and with my dup business than i would be making at a day job. i used my schooling to help with my business. its nice to wake up at 10:30 every day and work from my couch. i have freinds who went through 5 years of college that are waiting tables (not that theres anything wrong with that) and they say man your making it in what you LOVE doing. iw ish i could do that.

nik39 9:07 PM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

if u are good why would you work for free?? for the love of music??? no, this is not about love this is a business and an art. keep our artform at a premium.
u give the clubowner a way to take advantage of you??

I didnt say I would play for free, but I am willed to get a lower wage dependent on the club/party etc. just to proove that I can rock. But it would be better having a deal as SpinThis! suggested, a fixed percentage of the income on that night, but the problem is sometimes, party makers dont promote ish and expect a good name to make the club go bang, that might be the case for veeery big names, but even then, people gotta know that he/she is coming to that club to play. So the problem is that I wdont want to be responsible for lack of promotion, so that fixed percentage thing is not always the best deal.

Another thing, yes there are clubs out there, I would play there for a little to almost nothing due to various reasons. Its good for my bio, its a privilege to play there and I can play absolutely my music and people would apreciate it, these are some aspects which dont make dj'ing be any work at all, just 100% pleasure, and I am willed to play there for little money for the first time. Funny enough, those spots are those where they want to pay you, if you understand.

Quote:

you potentaially knock out a dj that might be better then u??

Quality will last and survive. Thats why I expect SSL still be there in 3 years from now. Thats why that other "top" dj should not fear anyone, if he is good, he doesnt have to bother.
Any clubowner will know at a certain point, if he has bullshit djs, he will get a bad rep and a low quality audience.

theBrooke 9:14 PM - 29 December, 2004

I'm in Idaho until AUGUST... but I'd love to meet any of the people on this board! I like your approach prof. (mostly anywho), but understand it's not the same for everyone. I've been spinning for 6 years now. The thought of digital vinyl has breathed new life into my passion for sure, and I've done a lot of the things you've mentioned but I CAN'T quit my job, and I AM a pro. I'm the one getting undercut all the time here, that's why I'm sitting at home more than I play lately. Stupid little pricks playing for nothing to get started have spoiled the club owners here, now no one wants to pay anyone. I talked to a few djs about starting a little "union" and setting minimums that we all stick to, but there were quite a few who said they wouldn't do it... guess who would be playing all the time.

So what am I going to do? I have SSL on the way, and I'm going to start playing in the 2 clubs that pay the djs well... even though that means putting aside the house music I love and playing top 40 and hip hop. Money is money I guess. One day I'll have a residency in a dope club that let's me do my thing. But all the house/breaks places here just let whoever wants the least amount of money take the decks. Uninspiring to say the least

proffesor ink 9:15 PM - 29 December, 2004

nik- i have to say, with the experience i have, that you are "DEAD WRONG". as far the best dj will in th eend keep a gig. that unfortunatelt DOES NOT APPLY in the real world. you would think that would be true, but it is 100% not. try to get i gig in Miami or Vegas. it is impossible. even if you play for free. also your gig is never safe. unless u have a contract, which is a whole other section. it's all about who u know. nik, if u dont know that already u will find this out, i am sure of it. where do u live??? where do u play??? have i asked u that already??

proffesor ink 9:19 PM - 29 December, 2004

brooke- this is the first cool response i heard. thanks. (that was a personal opinion, i know i have been trying to stay from personal opinions and give objective opinions). u said everything i want to say but cant for fear that this thread will turn into a fight.

i agree with you 100%. send your e-mail and i will get u a resume and can even sendd you some cds. i would also like to see your resume.

THANKS

bartaug 9:19 PM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

Thats why that other "top" dj should not fear anyone, if he is good, he doesnt have to bother.

100% agree on that. If you believe in what you do there should be no need to 'fear' another dj. And if you don't believe in it you don't care anyway and better do something else :)

dj synystr 9:19 PM - 29 December, 2004

not to be rude but alot of people think playing top 40 and hip hop is like bad or something. im sorry but top 40 and hip hop is played in ALOT more clubs in the U.S. than eletronic. i had a boy who spun jungle and was like man you spin hip hop its tough to get noticed. well im in all the big clubs in my area, i get calls from owners to get nights going, you ask most people around here who i am they at least know my name. my cds are everywehre, even been bootlegged a bunch of times in NY. now hes the one asking me for extra vinyl. i have nothing against eletronic music but its just a reality that hip hop is what people wanna hear in the US in the clubs.

theBrooke 9:23 PM - 29 December, 2004

No disrespect meant man, AT ALL. I totally agree. It's just that I can really shake em down with my house sets. It's what I know, what I love, and what people know me for. I'm so comfortable with it, the crowd is putty in my hands! It's kinda sad for me that I can't do what I really want to do. You know?

proffesor ink 9:24 PM - 29 December, 2004

bartaug - i answered nik, but its funny we are on opposite ends of the spectrum so first let me ask. are you one of the best djs in your market?? if so have you ever been cut from a gig because:

a cheaper promter comes in??
a dj has undercut???
the club owners roomate wants to play??

if answered no to all then what market are you in because u are very lucky. and i appreciate your opinion.

but this has happened to me countless times and i was the best dj in the market. now if you are not the best dj, then when you do become one, which i am sure you will try to do, then your opinion might change

dj synystr 9:25 PM - 29 December, 2004

brooke look at it this way, learn the top 40 , and hip hop and soon you can do the same with thast. man i play at raves and other events with electronic and hip hop. i sometimes even ask to start off with a few of there cuts. music is music man. if you cvan mix one you can mix them all. just learn the hot tracks and have some go to tracks that always work in most situations.

proffesor ink 9:26 PM - 29 December, 2004

bartaug -by the way, where does FEAR come from. check my posts i have never used the word fear in discussing any of these points. i am talking about art, not competition or "fear"

LoLyfe 9:27 PM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

lolyfe- i agree with your suggestion, but as u probably know it is unrealistic. so instead that is why we have a forum like this. i appreciate your comment. do you have a web site with your GA work???? always looking for a good artist. where do u spin??? what style

No sire yet, its a working progress, I DJ at a few Bars in NYC (GOODWORLD, BIG 6) but i have alot of history at big venue in NY. I DJ strictly reggae. Been DJ'in since bout 1991-92. Started off doing mixtape in Jamaica Queens. And whats your story?

theBrooke 9:33 PM - 29 December, 2004

synstr - That's the plan, but house will always be my heart. This is one of the main reasons I wanted SSL. I just cant afford all the wax it would take to start all over. I've got a room full of house, breaks and techno, and about 10 hip-hop tracks. SSL is going to make it much easier cause I can go get some cds and find some (legal) downloads online and be in business you know?

Off topic - anyone know any cds or series that have great tracks from multiple artists that are must haves? I'm just starting my collection, and my main gig (starting in March) is a top 40 hot spot.

proffesor ink 9:34 PM - 29 December, 2004

i'm a palladium dancateria guy. lived in ny until 27 when i decided to go pro and move to miami where i played at Liquid groove jet, opium, level and every other big club in miami.

i don't want to instigate on this thread, because i dont want people to say im name dropping and what i want to keep it to the art of djing and digital djs. so send me your e-mail and i will give you a complete bio. i am interested in your bio, too.

THANKS

dj synystr 9:35 PM - 29 December, 2004

you can get PROMO ONLY CD's the subscription is about 300 a year but i think you get 4 cds a month with all the new music. you can choose your packages too, like hip hop or urban, rythem shit like that. where you located at brooke, do you have AIM?

theBrooke 9:40 PM - 29 December, 2004

I'm in Boise, and I don't have AIM at work... have msn messenger here though. thefunkykind at hotmail dot com. $300 is pretty steep, are they worth it? I've heard some funkymix xmix and shit like that, with the longer intros and outros...same type stuff?

dj synystr 9:41 PM - 29 December, 2004

actually i was wrong its like 160, man get aim and you can search my music hard drive and take what you want. my shit is well organized and labeled.

dj synystr 9:42 PM - 29 December, 2004

i get alot of it straight from the labels so its all good quality mp3's too.

Revolutionary 9:42 PM - 29 December, 2004

Yo, guys. Check this out www.chatzy.com if you wanna chat...

LoLyfe 9:44 PM - 29 December, 2004

ibpnyc@aol.com

nik39 9:47 PM - 29 December, 2004

Quote:

as far the best dj will in th eend keep a gig. that unfortunatelt DOES NOT APPLY in the real world. you would think that would be true, but it is 100% not.

proffesor ink, I know what you mean, but you have to keep some "idealism" (correct word?) (*). As bartaug said, if you are good there is nothing to worry about. Of course I also suffer from djs who undercut wages, but honestly, I know my "advantages", my pros... those djs will either not rock the crowd (at least the crowd will "feel" the difference [if it doesnt... its not that I am really interested in that crowd too much anyway]) or if he rocks the crowd, and he will take being dj seriously later he will raise his wage requirements as well. As a dj you got a awful lot of expenses, I still buy records and am not 100% radio/label sponsored. That gives also freedom.
So if that other undercut dj gets booked, no need to cry for me, cause I know what I am worth and why I am worth it. If they want to stick to "av8 throw ya hands up bla bla" dj who lacks any sense of music... go for him. If the crowd is happy with that... then it was obviously the right decision, for the owner AND for me. If the crowd is not happy, well, hopefully the promoter will learn.

I think the main line is, if you take dj as a full time job, you have to keep in mind that you either are a top dj, then you dont have to bother about "undercut" djs as promoters will book YOU due to your name/fame/abilities, or you will have to live with the fact that you are not a top dj but you want top wages and you as a [i]dj personality[/] (with your unique style and flavour) are not recognized, THEREFORE you will have to fear other undercut djs, cause towards the promoter it will look like "hm, whats so special about him? nothing. so i will go for the cheaper dj". If you aint got no personality, from my POV you dont deserve anything better. There are more than enough robot djs out there.

(*) I once saw Tony Touch live, and I was shocked. A top dj, with a good reputation, and I saw him live, he was so wack, looked like he sniffed too much whatever. Yeah for that night he filled the hall, but believe, if he ever plays again, out of those who saw them before at least 50% wont come again. Quality survives.

theBrooke 9:55 PM - 29 December, 2004

synstr - I sent you a PM to avoid chatter here... Thanks for the offer! Click on that chatzy link to join the chat Rev created for us...

Revolutionary 9:58 PM - 29 December, 2004

www.scratchlive.net It's awesome. Check it out...

radish 10:01 PM - 29 December, 2004

I really don't get this whole undercutting thing. Forget DJing - look at any other job. I get paid a good salary for my day job, higher than average. There are plenty of people out there who would do my job for less. Would they do it as well? I guess my employer thinks not, or they'd fire me and hire them. Same with DJs. You can charge what you're worth, and what you're worth is not just about how good you are, it's about how many people you will bring to the club based on your name. Sasha, Oakenfold, Tiesto etc can charge 10,000+ a gig because they will fill any club in the world. I can't charge that because I'm not as well known (and of course, not as good). So because I only charge $200 am I "undercutting" Oakenfold? Am I taking money from his pocket? Of course not. I'm getting paid what I'm worth. If you find yourself in a position where promoters won't pay what you want then you're either not good enough, or not popular enough, or simply in the wrong business. It's a tough business to be in for sure, which is why I have a day job.

dj synystr 10:03 PM - 29 December, 2004

GOOD POINT RADISH!

theBrooke 10:32 PM - 29 December, 2004

Not always though. Seriously. When I play here, and the promoters do their job (good flyers, etc.) I always fill the floor. But I've been sitting around a ton, often I will go check out the clubs that have random guy spinning instead and the place is dead! Maybe we have a special situation here, but 3 years ago things were poppin...the scene did a nose dive (long story but I will tell it) and now the clubs won't pay the good djs. They got burned in the past, but people are ready to come out again I can feel it... there's just not a respectable night to go to. Sad. I've built a solid following in my little town, but I don't play for free so I rarely play.

What am I gonna do about it? I'm trying to start up my own night somewhere. I was a promoter for years, and I know I can make a party pop. Wish me luck.

proffesor ink 10:40 PM - 29 December, 2004

before i answer all of the interesting posts u guys just sent in i would like to present a situation:

what if i quit being a pro dj. play what i want i want to hear, don't care about the crowd, play for free and get a job as a waiter so i can earn i living at a job that is supposed "to be business" i will do it for the love of the music!!!!

becuase for some reason i think that is what 9 out of ten people are saying so far, only about 3 people agree with my tips, the other 25 seems to think very opposite. i appreciate all the comments, but i hope you are reading my responces and are understanding my perspective.

dj synystr 10:43 PM - 29 December, 2004

i agree with most of them, but each market is different and each dj is different. some people dont know what tehre worth while others think they are worth more than they are.

proffesor ink 10:49 PM - 29 December, 2004

nik - the tony touch story makes me laugh because i agree, but we are djs so it's easy to critize and in his defense everyone has an off night. he is actaully really good (in my opinion)

that brings me to point 20 - everyone has an off night - so try not to slam the dj thats playing because u never know who you are talking to and that could impact if u get a gig.

radish - good point, but the ill thing about djing is that it is subjective. it is an art. so not everyone agrees what good is or rocking a crowd. to become an accountant you go to school you learn the art, u become acredited and then you work at a certain level. in djing there is no system like that. so i can listen to u and say you suck or your great, but the dollars and sense make the difference. as for major acts: it's like comparing Madonna to the local band. they each serve there purpose. there is a bottom line number venues can make and if they can exceed it then they pay if they dont they cant. thats why madonna play stadiums and the local band plays bars, but they serve a purpose. oakenfeld is not discussing undercutting, but as i stated before a 400 person club in NY might be.

Thanks

Zion-Prayz 12:48 AM - 30 December, 2004

Quote:

zion - do u watch baseball to watch amatuers. how about go to the doctor to have an amatuer treat u? or to the bank to have an amatuer teller take your money? u want proffessions. that excel at thier craft. people who do it full time. people who are committed to it. there are as many bad pros as good. it is that way in all proffessions. i am saying that to be a pro quit your 3 jobs and take a leap. that is advice, that is opinions, i hope that alows u to dj as a job and make a living do what u enjoy. that is my advice to all on this site. JUST DO IT!!!

Actually I prefer amatuer basketball these days because the quality of play in the NBA has gone way down - too many selfish millionaires playing for the money rather than love for the game. One of the best ice skaters in the world - Michelle Kwan - amatuer. Most Olympic athletes - amatuers. If what you mean by amatuer is somebody of questionable skills then yes, they shouldn't play out until they're ready. Quitting your day job doesn't mean you're going to be able to make a living Djing at the beginning. Take somebody in theBrooke's situation (hope you don't mind if I use you for an example) - she could move to New York or California but it is going to take her time to make the connections to DJ fulltime. Is she supposed to "keep it real" and not get a daytime gig and sleep in her car with her gear in the trunk? Wise people quit their day job because they have enough gigs to pay the bills. When you're up and coming you don't usually get those kind of gigs right away. The sacrifice is that you do both until you get the connections. The foolish thing is to give up what pays the rent when you know you don't have enough work to go fulltime - you do both until you do.

The best actors, musicians, and whoever else all had to do both at the same time until there came a time they could do one. To do what you suggest requires having cashflow or you will be one good homeless DJ (or you live at home with mom).

proffesor ink 1:15 AM - 30 December, 2004

zion - i gave advice in a previous response on how to become pro. i will quote it at the end of my response. you say you like amauter b-ball players, how about amatuer doctors?? it is easy to argue to argue, but who would u want to have the money?? the players or the owners??? who is potentially the better enterainer the amatuer or the pro?? i know you know the answer. you can fing any way to win an arguement, so i will state i am not here to argue. i accept your opinion and i offer my help. if you don't want to you it so be it. thanks for your post.

Quote:

well i will tie a lot of my points together in this response:

1. Practice a lot. get good. i mean really good. i know it's not easy, but very possible. have a day job and practice at night.

2. meet a lot of people - go out in your free time and network. use BB like this and meet people

3. become an apprentice - very important - find a working dj nd work with him/her even if it is for free it is better then working for a club owner for free. also any real dj who is an artist shoul dpay u for your services, because they have been there i know i would

4. market and promote - once good enough with the right connects and a good mentor start circulating your demos and solidify your contacts. also playing with your mentor will give u great exposure.

5. quit your job and go out it full time- dedicate all your time to your art and proffession.

u will then make it as a proffessional dj. what do u think of my blueprint to success????? this is my advice. dont undercut, dont work for free.

also if you produce or make music u will help your cause, but that is a whole other section.

Zion-Prayz 1:28 AM - 30 December, 2004

I'm was just trying to figure out what definition of amateur you were using. If you mean low skills then obviously people don't want to come see an unskilled DJ. But if by amatuer you mean somebody that doesn't DJ fulltime that doesn't make them not a good DJ.

The 5 points you have here are what I'm talking about. You have to do 1-4 before you can do number 5 is all I was saying. Those 5 points my man is a pretty good blueprint.

Zion-Prayz 1:31 AM - 30 December, 2004

By not DJ fulltime I mean somebody who DJs on a regular basis but has a day gig until they get better paying gigs.

ssagala 1:38 AM - 31 December, 2004

my two cents on number 1....

I was playing at a club last week and this rather attractive girl (read big breasts :-D ) kept asking me for an awful song (diplomats - 'push it' ... a TERRIBLE remake of a salt & pepper classic). I refused giving her the standard lines we all know- 'management won't let me', 'it is not the crowd for it', 'i already played it, where have you been?' etc etc but she was relentless, returning every 10 mins to ask again. And she had the usual banter down too- 'it is my birthday', 'me and all my friends will dance, i promise', 'i will be very, very grateful'. The last one was delivered, of course, with batting of eyelids and leaning of aforementioned substantial cleveage into (now slightly drunk) dj. So I guess we were having a battle of clubland wits, if you like and against mt better judgement I gave in. (The heady mix of breats and alcohol was too much for my poor defences). Anyway I played the song and to my dismay watched the dancefloor that i had spent hours carefully coaxing and nudging to capacity immediately clear. COMPLETELY!! Even the girls who coem early 'just to dance' left! I have always considered requests as suggestions rather than absolutes and I am back to that state of mind. I did get the dance floor back, but that is besides the point of course. There is nothing worse than seeing a dancefloor clear so quickly.

The moral of the story is- you are the dj, play your songs as you see fit. They are the clubbers... if you are any good they will dance and have a good time. And of course be wary of the power of those breasts my brethren. :-)

skutch 1:46 AM - 31 December, 2004

Thats why you get the hand job BEFORE you play the song. *LOL (sorry I couldn't resist)

SpinThis! 3:11 AM - 31 December, 2004

hahaha... if she was drunk you might have gotten away with the original push it.... maybe.

SpinThis! 3:22 AM - 31 December, 2004

also it seems hot chicks usually are the *worst* and least tolerant when it comes to "decent" music.

DJUnknown 3:50 AM - 31 December, 2004

Standard lines we all know... if the song is whack and I don't feel like battling with them I always use the "ooops I left that at home line, sorry"; but from what it seems you wanted her jocking you, can't say I blame you but the cost was probably not worth being "DJ Moses".

proffesor ink 3:51 AM - 31 December, 2004

ssagla - i like the story. none of my points are absolute. i like how u handled it. in the end u got the floor back, so it was all good. i have a question, in general you were playing for the crowd that night??? correct??? a lot of the songs you played were old, or played out, or to commercial, for your taste??? i would be surprised if u weren't because you had the floor rocking. if not, where do u play and what do u spin??? that is what i mean by point no 1

that has happened to me many times, but the older i get the less clearing the floor makes me upset. it also teaches us how to get the florr back, fast which is also an art. i'm sure if you played i like the way u move or something commercial like that it was all good. which you probbably did.

the more experience i get the more i love to party while working. the good time you have as a dj overflows into the energy of the club.

rule 21 - THIS IS A BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!
RULE 21 - IF THEY REQUEST SOMETHING FROM U THEN U REQUEST SOMETHING FROM THEM - in my case i ussually as for them to dance on the bar when i play thier song. but, money, drinks, and anything else you can think of ussually works. it is your party, u can for whatever u want. (note: it is important that you are respectful when u ask, because you want them to ask respectful so should u)

proffesor ink 3:51 AM - 31 December, 2004

ssagla - i like the story. none of my points are absolute. i like how u handled it. in the end u got the floor back, so it was all good. i have a question, in general you were playing for the crowd that night??? correct??? a lot of the songs you played were old, or played out, or to commercial, for your taste??? i would be surprised if u weren't because you had the floor rocking. if not, where do u play and what do u spin??? that is what i mean by point no 1

that has happened to me many times, but the older i get the less clearing the floor makes me upset. it also teaches us how to get the florr back, fast which is also an art. i'm sure if you played i like the way u move or something commercial like that it was all good. which you probbably did.

the more experience i get the more i love to party while working. the good time you have as a dj overflows into the energy of the club.

rule 21 - THIS IS A BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!
RULE 21 - IF THEY REQUEST SOMETHING FROM U THEN U REQUEST SOMETHING FROM THEM - in my case i ussually as for them to dance on the bar when i play thier song. but, money, drinks, and anything else you can think of ussually works. it is your party, u can for whatever u want. (note: it is important that you are respectful when u ask, because you want them to ask respectful so should u)

ssagala 7:59 PM - 31 December, 2004

i wouldn't play 'i like the way you move' now. it is played out.
if you are not challenging the crowd then djing becomes boring in my opinion.

Thundercat 8:38 PM - 31 December, 2004

What do you mean by challenging the crowd?

Diva 3:44 AM - 1 January, 2005

Challenging their ears. Challenging what they've heard before. Placing different styles back to back. Mashing up, cutting up, scratching and creating your own unique style.

Playing tracks that haven't been heard before, new styles, new beats etc. Making people LISTEN.

i.e. The opposite of playing all the tracks in one night that have already been "played out."

(Hope you don't mind me jumping in here ssagala!)

nik39 3:12 PM - 1 January, 2005

I agree to ssagala, its easy to pick only sure shots, well known top40 tracks, that would be boring. Robots... :)

Revolutionary 3:36 PM - 1 January, 2005

Gotta love my robots ;)

Thundercat 4:39 PM - 1 January, 2005

Depending on the venue and demographic you are playing to; a technically sound robot may be just what the doctor ordered. At the majority of places where I have been the resident, the club owners want certain things done a certain way.

1: Sell Alcohol
2: Appear packed (more women than men) appearance and perception are very important.
3: Keep them dancing just enough to get them to drink but not so much that they don't drink often enough.
4: Sell Alcohol

I have had club owners tell me to take it back a notch because too many people are dancing and not drinking. It can definitely be boring and robotic, but it also puts your professionalism to the test. Can you have the figurative handcuffs put on your natural instincts and still perform to the highest quality standards? Can you still nail every mix no matter how boring it may seem? One of the most difficult things to do is to look like you are working hard and into a groove when you are actually bored out of your skull. :)

nik39 4:45 PM - 1 January, 2005

I think the most interesting part is, when you can take it to that other lever, means, play sure shots _and_ combine that with playing non-standard tracks while keeping the floor packed and people dancing.

Thundercat 5:34 PM - 1 January, 2005

I have to agree 100% with that nik. That's always a challenge for a DJ in a pop heavy environment. If you can drop in hot new promos, B-sides, alternate track selections, etc. and keep your floor, you get props from me. Pop crowds are a fickle bunch. In all my years of spinning, I think that is one of the biggest wholesale changes in the club scene and club crowd.

Back in the day, you would go to the club to hear the hottest joints that would never make it to radio. Back when people could still think for themselves. You went to the club with an open mind and open ear. These days a track ain't hot until the radio or video rotations tell you it is. That means it ain't hot until the record label decides that they want to push the next single. I wish they would take the feedback they get from pool jocks either more seriously or with more urgency. :)

nik39 6:56 PM - 1 January, 2005

Yeah, I remember how the crowd was looking at me when I played 50 Cent's In Da Club, before it got played on radio and before it got heavy video rotation. Same with Trut Hurt's Addictive, people were starring at me like "wtf is he doing"? It was not prime time, and the club was not packed at all, but it was funny to see how they were thinking "what rubbish is he playing" and then 3 months later people were begging for those tracks. Haha.

dj synystr 8:14 PM - 1 January, 2005

the hell with that, i play the new cuts at PRIME TIME. i force feed my crowds. people come up to me EVERY week talking like "Syn what you got i aint heard yet, i know you got some new joitns, blah blah" as a DJ you shouldnt be scared to play new shit that on one else will. thats what i live for. get on the mic let them know its new and who its by. don't exspect people to get excited about a track if your not. i cant even count the ammount of records i broke WAY BEFORE it was in rotation or even on radio period. theres nothing wrong with playing the commercial joints but don't let the crowd control you too much, thats your job to control them.

Thundercat 8:51 PM - 1 January, 2005

If it is a hot new track that I am determined to feed the crowd, it is typically a 2-3 week process. There is the occasional track that gets instant love but it is usually gradual. Instrumentals and acapellas are a DJ's best friend for breaking new joints. You can let a hot beat run anytime. And you can drop an acapella over a popular beat anytime (a-la reggae riddims). I typically drop new beats while the MC is shouting out, doing drink specials, talking up the DJ, etc.

Keep in mind that this is when dealing with the club's / bar's regulars; not necesssarily 'my' crowd. My crowd is easy to drop new cuts on. My people are other DJ's, ex-DJ's, wannabe DJ's, friends of DJ's, DJ's girlfriends, DJ's sisters and DJ groupies. Basically music lovers that grew up around it. I wish I could spin for that crowd every night.

Revolutionary 9:05 PM - 1 January, 2005

Totally off topic, but I just wanna say that I looked at your profile, Thundercat, and basically wanna know what happened when the cops came ;)

proffesor ink 9:37 PM - 1 January, 2005

i am going to give away the biggest secret to the art of djing. that is

BE OPEN MINDED!!

very easy to say but very hard to do.

ssagla- u say u would not play that song because it is played out. i agree with you 10000% but the funny thing is, the crowd probably doesn't think that. yeah the 2 djs listening did, and maybe the 4 cool kids, but the other 400 out looking to have a good time might night. especially the girls, that want to "shake it like a poloroid picture" my point being, as soon as you say to yourself i ain't playing a song tonight because it is played out, or whatever reason, then you are not being open minded and you are limiting your art of djing

i personally think almost all of the south stuff is garbage (lil jon, lil flip, lil scrappy, trick daddy and so on) but guess what??? i play it. you know why because the crowd wants it. u would be surprised what happens when you play "let's hear it for the boy" by denise williams, at a hip-hop party, or nirvana smells like teen spirt at a house party, or back that ass up at a gay party. you have to feed them what the know. we are experts, they know nothing. on NYE i got a request for the new usher song. i said u want to hear "caught up"? the girl said no, isn't it called "YEAH"??? i laughed to my self...

i hope that this thread stimulates thought. keep posting ideas. we all can learn from discussing our experiences!!

proffesor ink 9:46 PM - 1 January, 2005

synstr- i could rock a hip-hop party, or house, or 80's. i can go as deep as anyone on all generes. the question is can i go commercial?? it's funny how by nature we want to play new stuff. one guy said it's easy to play commercial!!! it's actually not easy.

ITS HARD TO PLAY COMMERCIAL. it goes against all of our natural feelings as djs. it is super hard to play commercial. i wonder where you play that you ar playing new stuff??? it must be a really good crowd. now, if you are forcing it, then you know you are hurting the "party". but you know that already. you do it because you love hip-hop and music for that matter. of course if you do it right anything can work.

it is clear by the responses on this site that i am thinking differntly then people the majority of people. i think i had 5 agreeing comments, 6 indifferent, and about 15 against.

keep them coming

dj synystr 10:27 PM - 1 January, 2005

maybe you misunderstood my FORCE FEEDING the crowd. it does take weeks for them to totally be behind most new tracks as stated already. but i know how to set up the new music i drop. as far was where i play that i cna do this ALL TYPES of venues. i play for the yuppiest of crowds to the most ghetto ill shot you for steppin on my timberland crowds. setup is something like ill drop a track thats hot now or reccent, then mix the instrmental of a new track i wanna break in. talk on the mic hype the crowd up handle the bar biz specials what not, then i hype the new track and intro it like " This is the New BANGER from 50 Cent DISCO INFERNO". i usually cut it in or do some doubles with it to get there attention then i rock it for a bit and see how the crowd is responding. if i see half the people dancing i let it ride at least 2 or 3 verse. then ill go back into a hot ass old school cut or a reggae cut. this way even if they don't realize they are gonna be asking for this very same song a month later they are still kept interested. if you can't talk on a mic or be 100 percent behind a track your playing then don't try to break new music. just stick to a format that is comfortable.

proffesor ink 10:41 PM - 1 January, 2005

i'm curious what djs have the board heard in the past 2 weeks??? and did any of them use digital djing??? what djs are the biggest (most working being biggest) djs in your market or your genere??

i heard:
DJ Solomon (Y), ean golden (y), daymetrious, johny knight, mei lewm (Y), daniella, jerry ross, Solid SF crew, blaquest,

market/genre
mindmotion, mark farina, miguel migs, david harness, d mykonos,

proffesor ink 10:42 PM - 1 January, 2005

synstr - what new tracks did u play last night????

dj synystr 5:12 PM - 2 January, 2005

LOL, on saturdays i only play for 2 hours at the end of the night. i played all the usuall ones, Disco Inferno, Gasolina Remix with MR. Vegas, JAy z and Slim Thug I Aint Heard Of That Ludacris Potion. just to name a few.

BassChamber 6:03 PM - 2 January, 2005

proffesor ink, my respects to you. you fully understood what a professional dj is. and i have not meet too many people like you...

here, in spain, there are thousands of wannabe djs. and they dont understand the point! im spinning house in a house club here, recently open. last saturday night we made a party... but the club owner made a mistake: he contracted some djs but he didnt explain them what music style they should play (because he thought they were professional ones and it wasnt necessary).

hell, they played techno in a house club! what the f**k where they thinking about?? people got sick!

but you know, they said that "they play the music they like", "they play advanced music", "they are electronic artists"... and crap like that.

be open minded... you are totally right proffesor ink. most amateur djs (specially electronic ones) are very close minded. and thats no good for the club, no good for the crowd, no good for the djs themselves.

and i have to say that sometimes (maybe too many times) i make the same mistake. learn how to be a really professional dj and what music you have to play is hard, very hard...

this thread is interesting! :)

proffesor ink 5:49 AM - 3 January, 2005

bass chamber - i am glad to hear your input. it is important to expand our ideas with real world experiences. i am sure those djs thought they were doing great job exposing your crowd to these new and underground techno songs. which people were not there to hear. its funny how subjective our business is. everyone thinks they are rocking it or doing it right.

objectively speaking, as a pro dj, trying to maintain the art. i strive to play what the people want in an interesting way. playing new songs at the right time, listening to requests, and making smooth transitions between multiple genres. letting young old, thug and bougie, gay and straight all feel like that are having a good time. especially the ladies. im not the best!! i can name 100 better, but i am right around 100. i earn a living over a gee a week. and i am shocked that this business is not run with more structure. anyone thinks they can do it, but unfortunately, they can't. i hope that people who read this keep teaching/learning from this thread.

by the way bass chamber, where in spain u from, i stayed in barcelonia for 3 months in 1995. i played at polyesther, off and on, and in a cafe in the distrcito maritimo, as well as one of thos FAIRIAS. i had a great time there. i played hip-hop one night at bonazaza (???) in the plaza rael.

proffesor ink 5:52 AM - 3 January, 2005

nobody has posted who they heard in the past two weeks or working djs in thier market. Why Not???

it is important info that all of us can share. especially curious how many other digital djs out there??

BassChamber 3:42 PM - 3 January, 2005

barcelona is a beautiful city, glad to know you enjoyed your stay in my country :)

i live in badajoz, little far away from barcelona... different place too. here music scene is less evolved than in barcelona, but well, we are working on it.

of course, those djs played good music (fortunately they played techno-electro, not that crappy hard techno that most techno djs play nowadays) , and they thought they were doing a good job... unfortunately, they didnt.

they were more worried about pretending to be a star than making a good warm set; they were thinking about themselves, not about the crowd or the club... that was not a professional behaviour, you know :S

people (specially women) felt tired because of the music and left the club. the only ones who stayed there were on drugs... sometimes our business subjectivity is not funny! :S

and about your question, djs here are still stucked to vinyls. digital thing is not common here, but it will be, im totally sure.

proffesor ink 5:50 PM - 3 January, 2005

bass chamber- great point about the drugs. a lot of people new to this might not be clued into that. (especially electronic music parties). that ascpect can make any dj/party seem like it was good, if u are on them. but at that point the music and the syling of the music doesn't matter as much. its funny, it makesour job easier. but as you mentioned. if you play for the drug users, the rest of the crowd might not get it thus loosing (possibly) the girls, the drinkers, and more leaving you with apacked room of zombies not spending any money.

BassChamber 11:05 PM - 3 January, 2005

word!

proffesor ink 3:31 AM - 4 January, 2005

check this site!!!!

www.djladytribe.com

anyone heard of hear?? does she have skills?? now that is marketing????

dj synystr 3:53 AM - 4 January, 2005

never heard of her but she got marketing down pat, lol. costs around 5 grand a breast.

Diva 4:33 AM - 4 January, 2005

I try not to judge... but it would be easy to slag this girl off for her trashy look. (my opinion anyway) However... on further reading I discovered she started tagging at 13 and received much notoriety for the dangerous locations in which her art was found. Much respect.

I sure hope she has skills!

(I guess to make it in L.A a certain Pamela Anderson look is expected).

proffesor ink 4:51 AM - 4 January, 2005

i have been reluctant to voice a personal opinion on this thread. (of course professional opinions are overflowing). but as far as graffiti goes that is kinda whack. i mean i could probably do that and i suck. i saw here mixed cd. 30 tracks, so you know she is mixing in 2 verses or less. which might be good. she is playing in sf. i will make a point to see it.

you know the dj from PLAYBOY??? she played with me at a party. she couldn't mix two records and she was scratching on one turntable (as in with no music playing under the scratch) but she was super hot and she did have a good music selection. she did not clear the dancefloor. i was impressed by the effort. and not to mention she was super nice (hug and kiss and very respectful)

Diva 6:30 AM - 4 January, 2005

i just like that Tribe has some guts / balls / attitude. Whatever. It takes that to grafitti in places she has and it takes that to DJ as well.

Apart from that I can't really comment as there is no audio on her mix tapes. doh.

Report back when you hear her play. I'd be interested to hear your verdict.

Being female I of course have an interest in other female DJ's. The best I've heard yet were Kemistry and Storm. Man they rocked the party. Super close 2nd is a female dnb DJ in NZ. Also what Miss Kitten does but haven't heard her DJ. There really aren't many international female DJs are there?

proffesor ink 6:57 AM - 4 January, 2005

ok, female djs i have heard that are good (and i mean good) are jackie christe, tracy young, jazzy joyce, babby anne, dj rap, other then that i have heard a lot of female djs that can'tt mix two records. but i can say the same for the guys.

have any of u heard any of the girls i mentioned?????????

as for the grafitti she writes that she doesn't do anything illeagal. also if you look at dome of her pages you can see here tags are horrible. so i hope she djs better then she writes. (as for all those pieces, i have a feeling she only filled those and hot designed them)

DJ Dynamight 6:23 PM - 4 January, 2005

I've heard Jazzy Joyce rip a party way back in 1996, she definately does her thing. She has a radio show on Hot 97 on Friday's called Ladies Night from 8-10...she alternates with Cocoa Chanelle who has craaazy cutting skills. ( www.hot97.com ) I enjoy listening to Cocoa Chanelle more than Joyce though. I go "coo-coo for Cocoa cuts."

prof. ink, have you checked out the videos on Lady Tribe's site? I think she leaves more to be desired when she is on the wheels of steel. the only thing I am basing that comment on is a video with her at a TV show in Miami where she had a few minutes to do her thing ("Mun2: The Roof" on this page www.djladytribe.com ) I don't know how she handles a packed club, maybe she can tear it down.

what ever happened to Spindarella from Salt N Pepa?

BadCompany 6:34 PM - 4 January, 2005

LOL! that has got to be the most gimmiky i$h ive ever seen...

skutch 6:49 PM - 4 January, 2005

ROFLMAO!!!
Gotta keeps it real with some fake tits and bottled blondies..

Detroitbootybass 7:21 PM - 4 January, 2005

DJ Heather (EXCELLENT Chicago house dj)... Magda (pretty good techno dj)... Dayhota (alright, but carried by her looks)... Janel Roland (not bad, not spectacular either)... there are more, but I am drawing a blank at the moment.

dj synystr 8:14 PM - 4 January, 2005

yeah cocoa is better all around then joyce. i dont like alot of the styles i hear on NY radio alot of cut and drop when ever they feel. like not even on the hook, or end of a verse. just cut and SLAMMMMMM! cocoa is about one of the few who doesnt do it much and when she does she does it right, ie: on the end of the verse with the new hook.

nik39 10:02 PM - 4 January, 2005

DJ Ladytribe? Damned, I would love to have a scratch session on her. :-)

nik39 10:03 PM - 4 January, 2005

Uhm, damned, I meant with her ;-) A classic scratch battle session ;-))

proffesor ink 12:17 AM - 5 January, 2005

well my fellow djs, male and female, we all know what that site is about. djing as an art????? well not in all cases. i am sure she works more then a lot of djs many time better. i learned a lot from the site, not about djing, but about marketing myself as a professional dj. and i guess that is an art too

Diva 2:58 AM - 5 January, 2005

Quote:

jackie christe, tracy young, jazzy joyce, babby anne, dj rap,

I haven't heard any of them as I live over the other side of the globe from you. However I have heard of DJ Heather.

Nik - you like Ladytribe. Man that look is fake. Check out these girls. They're far hotter ;-)

www.flipsidedjs.com

I know there are many female DJs worldwide but many of them are up and coming, or just known in their own city / country. What I was talking about is that there aren't that many that are well known internationally. I still think Kemistry & Storm were in their day and probably still are the most well known female DJs.

Maybe it's to do with the fact that less females produce than guys and producing is a quick way to spread your name. It only takes one great track to become famous. Girls also face more pressure to look good and present themselves a certain way too. It's a catch 22 because if you don't look good, you won't get booked, and if you look good, people will judge you first as being good looking and not as a DJ.

Man there should be more females representing. Females are good, and a good female DJ with a lot of confidence kicks arse over a male DJ any day (ha ha - I'm waiting to get my a*s kicked here! :))

proffesor ink 4:56 AM - 5 January, 2005

why does this thead have the most posts???? i think it is because it is the most interesting!!!!

i ask any of you in the form to add new points for us to discuss. any tips or insights into the art of djing. of course be prepared for all responses.

i have a new tip!!!!!

TIP 21 - Volume - this one is common sense, but i see a lot of amatuers make this mistake. when it is early in the night and you are warming up the club don't have the volume blasting!!! even if u love what your playing (becuase you love music so much) the people walking in arent ready to hear loud music at such an early hour. also you would be surprised how when, at the right time, you can turn up the volume and it will SET THE PARTY OFF!!! it is a wierd phenomomenon what pumping music can do to a crowd.

nik39 6:59 AM - 5 January, 2005

Quote:

It's a catch 22 because if you don't look good, you won't get booked, and if you look good, people will judge you first as being good looking and not as a DJ.

I agree to some extent, but I also want to say, that personally (for me...) after all the bells and whistles and all the good looks, if she cant mix or spin good, I wouldnt go to her gigs. Cause I dont need to go to a club just to watch a good looking lady spin... while having my fingers in my ears cause the music/style she is playing is trash. But you know what I mean, we had that in the discussion, what happens if we go out, we have a big ear to the dj.

nik39 7:00 AM - 5 January, 2005

Quote:

I agree to some extent

What I meant was, I agree that it is the way as you said, not that I agree that it is good the way it is. Just to make it clear.

Shaun W 5:02 PM - 5 January, 2005

Quote:

Also what Miss Kitten does but haven't heard her DJ.

I had the pleasure of watching Miss Kitten perform here in Seattle and all I can say is that she F#@KING KICKS ARSE! Best female DJ I've seen yet (next to DJ Heather :))

yuri 9:47 PM - 5 January, 2005

How has no one mentioned Misstress Barbara ??!?

Shaun W 9:53 PM - 5 January, 2005

Quote:

How has no one mentioned Misstress Barbara ??!?

How could I forget? ...I guess I must be punished :)

theBrooke 10:09 PM - 5 January, 2005

I can tell you one thing Baby Anne... Not so good. Hated it actually, big name but the floor was dead and she looked unhappy to say the least.

My favorite female dj? Dj Dazy (LA), and Dj Heather (Chicago) is a close second. Both great party rockers.

I love Misstress Barbara too, own a few of her tracks, but have never seen her live.

Shaun W 10:44 PM - 5 January, 2005

I remember DJ Dazy from my days in Portland Oregon..aww sweet memories (she was the roommate of a friend of mine). I used to watch her play every week at a club called La Luna (back in the day). She was a great DJ in '94, so I would expect that she'd be even better now.

theBrooke 11:00 PM - 5 January, 2005

I've had her come here and play for me 4 times, every single time the floor blows up! I love her, I haven't seen her for a bit... but she is still tops ;)

bartaug 7:53 AM - 6 January, 2005

Quote:

Also what Miss Kitten does but haven't heard her DJ.

I've seen Miss Kitten perform here in the Netherlands: really kicked ass! Amazing DJ set!

Reality 8:04 AM - 6 January, 2005

Let me start off by saying that this discussion has held my attention tremedously (sp). I have been DJ'ing for many years and from personal experience I kinda agree with Mr. Ink. I hold a full time job, run my own radio/retail promotion & distribution company and spin on fri & sat nites.

By his definition, I would be considered an amateur cause I haven't devoted my life to just the art of spinning. In a sense, he may be correct. But, I have felt the need to devote my time and energy to the science of music and how to get it to the masses from both sides of the tables.

Spinning along side the greats and the near greats (both as an opener and headliner) has taught me to pratice long and hard and apreciate what they do and what I do. I have done it all from NY underground radio to crunk clubs in the south...lol and I have still alot to learn.

Mr. Ink, I will always have a job (be it for the man or my own thing), but dj'ing will always be my first love. Does this make me not serious? I think not, but it does make me work harder to rock the crowd.

You have made alot of very good points and I'm sure there are a few of us that thank you for the thread. At first I thought you were on your high horse and thumping your chest, but you seem to have explained your points... to a point.

By the way Mr. Ink, I am female, been spinning since the 80's, came up with joyce and them, was in a few documentrys, was on WHCR in NYC for a few, play everything from hip hop to polka... U pay me, I'll play (this is a business ya'll), ect...

Cause you seem to like info...lol

As far as the digital area is concerned... I am purchasing SSL so that I can devote more time to spinning on the rest of the days of the week...lol

DJ Synystr... really enjoyed your classic hip hop mix on your site... got me thru writting this and the technitions are a hella group of DJ's... U, AP... got it going on..!!!!!

proffesor ink 8:20 AM - 6 January, 2005

reality - appreciate the feedback. i would hate to alienate anyone especacially because i am by no means the most talented DJ in the world. i am just sharing my opinion (as stated). i do think that when you quit your job and dj as your main source of income then you look at it with a more of an eye for the ARTFORM. maybe i expressed myself wrong by making rules and points. i am an expert, but i am not trying to be "An EXPERT" if u know what i mean. doing this full time makes me synical, critical and kean. if we grabbed a cup of coffee we could talk music for hours. and i would be surprised if we could not each learn a lot from each other. once again that is the point of this thread!!!

by the way everyone should check out the VIDEOS ON dj DYNOMIGHT's site. he should post a link here. anyone else has footage like that i would like to check it out.

By the way if anyone wanted to know i am 34 years old and been djing since 1989. NY, MIAMI, WV, SF, BARCELONA, LV, BAHAMAS, and TEMPE. feel free when you post to add any info about age and experience, like reality did, i like the reference. THANKS

dj synystr 3:19 PM - 6 January, 2005

thanks reality, AP is a beast him and i have done a few parties together in NY and man it was bannaananannas. i have some other mixes on my site too the links are in my post about being on a mixtape with me. hope you enjoy those as well.

proffesor ink 6:13 PM - 6 January, 2005

here is a tip on mixing more on the technical side.

TIP 22

as an art, to make a smooth blend, in general a house mix should be a minimum of 8 bars or 32 beats. anything less then that is ussually to quick. so learn how to hold your mixes. it could even build longer of course. a lot of djs mix to fast, it kills the flow. if u are good then hold the mix until the right time. i good incicator is when the main melody of the new song bigins.

for hip-hop - you have to mix over the chorus. hip-hop choruses are either 8 bars or four bars. this is standard. sometimes there are 2 chorues like headsprung ll-cool j. i listened to some mix cds online and most sucked because they were mixing after thechorus or during a verse. hip-hop is a little easier to mix because you can drop a new song after a chorus by using a cut, but a good mix can last 32 beats with an intro coming in during the exit of a chorus. intros can be from 1 bar to 8 bars. an intro like HOTEL- Cassidy is 6 so is the DROP IT LIKE ITS HOT - SNOOP when the Magnium PI sample hits, that's a good time to drop in the mix. the in is the tricky part to time the exit is easy to know. super easy.

this is an obvious technical tip, but hopefully some of you might not have know that so you have gained some info.

when mixing with serato the color coding of the wave file helps make it very easy to mix. of course if you are really good you don't need that, but when just starting USE IT, it does help. hats of to SERATO.

s42000 3:46 AM - 11 May, 2007

Good Refresher ..

De LA 3:05 PM - 11 May, 2007

meh. Over analyzing something takes the fun out of this hobby/job/career.

Quote:

4- a dj who has a day job isn't a professional dj - the crutch of a day job alows these djs to undercut and sneak there way into gigs. this just hurts our craft and hurts our wallets.

how does having a day job give me an advantage over the next guy? Because I work more? Because I have more than one passion in my life? Because DJing cant pay for all my hobbies and lifestyle? I forgot DJ's aren't supposed to make money any other way. Who comes up with this stuff.

And Damn this thread is old!

OakLawnDJ 10:36 PM - 11 May, 2007

The only requests I hate are the ones that are from the 1 or 2 wallflowers who are like "can you play some Metallica or Led Zeppelin?" Can you dance to it? No. STFU.

I like Rock music (not Metallica or Led Zeppelin), but it's just not conducive to keeping people on the dancefloor.

I tell all of my customers... I don't take requests, but I'll take suggestions. If they give a good suggestion that'll get a positive crowd reaction, it'll go on. If they request something that's going to kill the mood of the party, it's not happening. (And I do dedications when applicable.)

Along those lines though, my older brother used to be a club DJ here in Chicago. He was in the middle of a dance set when some older guy requested "Rocket Man." Obviously he wasn't gonna play it... until the guy dropped a $100 bill in the tip jar. He cut off his dance set to play "Rocket Man" LOL. He got bitched out by his manager that night... but he has no regrets about it.

DJ-NV 5:20 AM - 12 May, 2007

Quote:

The only requests I hate are the ones that are from the 1 or 2 wallflowers who are like "can you play some Metallica or Led Zeppelin?" Can you dance to it? No. STFU.

I like Rock music (not Metallica or Led Zeppelin), but it's just not conducive to keeping people on the dancefloor.

I tell all of my customers... I don't take requests, but I'll take suggestions. If they give a good suggestion that'll get a positive crowd reaction, it'll go on. If they request something that's going to kill the mood of the party, it's not happening. (And I do dedications when applicable.)

Along those lines though, my older brother used to be a club DJ here in Chicago. He was in the middle of a dance set when some older guy requested "Rocket Man." Obviously he wasn't gonna play it... until the guy dropped a $100 bill in the tip jar. He cut off his dance set to play "Rocket Man" LOL. He got bitched out by his manager that night... but he has no regrets about it.

i'm up for trying to fit anything... last week i played pretty woman (hott chic has the smile that made me say "ok"). its not out of the question for some Nirvana, and rarely but if i'm feeling it i'll do some enter sandman.

DJ Greg J 6:58 PM - 14 May, 2007

LMAO!!!! there are TOO many DJ's that are butthurt about #4 .....chances are they are all electronic DJ's. I used to be an electronic DJ, a PROFESSIONAL one that made $1,000 per gig, so I've got insight here.

99% of electronic DJ's are NOT professional DJ's, not even close. and it's totally cool, there's nothing wrong with having a hobby that you are passionate about. In fact, that's pretty much what a hobby is, something you are passionate about that is not your profession. but 99% of electronic DJ's have HUGE overinflated egos.

Here's the bottom line, electronic DJ'ing IS very easy, by any accounts, definitions, or criteria. For those electronic DJ's out there who want to argue, check out mixes of mine and if you ever find an electronic DJ who can do it better all around technically, other than Bad Boy Bill (who should be par for the course, but instead he's revered), let everyone know ......however, there are probably hundreds of hip hop DJ's who are awesome and obviously have worked longer, harder, and are a lot more talented than I am.

One of the main reasons I am NOT a professional electronic DJ anymore, and am now a professional hip hop DJ instead is because of hobbyists with day jobs who undercut DJ's like me out of a job.

The bedroom electronic DJ phenomenon pushed all of the professional DJ's out of the market .... leaving only professional producers who can't DJ for shit, but get booked because they make songs, and guys like the ones complaining here .... more people who can't DJ for shit, but will do it for $100, or even free in many cases.

That left electronic parties with pretty much nothing but unskilled amateurs on the decks, and is the main reason why that entire scene has been consistently shrinking for the past decade. Most people don't have respect for electronic DJ's for good reason.

JACKMASTER 12:01 AM - 15 May, 2007

Quote:

1- a dj is a crowd pleaser - i hate djs that complain about requests

might as well get a jukebox then... Fuck requests and fuck people who make requests.

JACKMASTER 12:09 AM - 15 May, 2007

Quote:

12- playing for no-one is like playing at home - gigs with no-one there are not worth playing. try and hook up with good venues and owners. if your new to it, it does not help that you play at an empty club

a lot of valuable experience can be learned in that "early" slot at clubs. I totally disagree... playing on a new/different set up is important to beginners, listening to a booth monitor and a 10,000 watt system is totally different than being at home, playing through two 8 inch monitors. How are you going to hook up with better promoters and venues if you dont play anywhere and no one knows who the fuck you are? Build your resume and experience... it can only help. I've been to a Mixmaster Mike show where only 20 ppl showed up and I saw Jazzy Jeff last year with only about 70 people in a 1000 capacity club. Its going to happen, even the best DJ's in the planet have played to empty rooms, and still managed to put on a phenomenal show... its all about pride.

Dj Maxim S 12:21 AM - 15 May, 2007

well he is right about the demo though. demos are either played in the car or its gonna be in the bin.so why bother giving a cd.plus i have never made a demo and i really dont know how a demo should sound like

papsworth 1:16 AM - 28 May, 2007

bring jackmaster back he rules

DJBIGWIZ 6:18 AM - 28 May, 2007

Quote:

if you are in junior high school and you pass your walkman around and show the other kids at your lunch table the new tape you just bought, youre a dj,
if you think youre a dj, youre a dj.... and if everyone here owns ssl, im pretty sure that everyone here qualifies.

OMFGoodness......

Are you SERIOUS?????

Buying a tape and a walkman and playing your tape in your walkman does NOT make you a DJ... it makes you a music consumer. That is what a walkman is for... It's not some magical device that makes you a DJ... it makes you some kid playing a tape you bought.

So, I buy DVD's and invite my friends over to watch them... does that mean my house is really a movie theater? REALLY...

So, by that logic... if some kid forgot his lunch and you gave him half your sammich, does that make you a restaurant? And, if you MADE that sammich, does that make you a chef? If someone has a headache and you give them a tylenol that you bought, does that make you a Dr. or a health care provider? If I buy a hammer, does that make me a carpenter? What about buying a drafting table... will that make me an architect? If I broke up a fight one time in middle school does that qualify me as a professional (which by the way means someone who does something as a PROFESSION... not a hobby... no matter how good you are at it) security guard... is that all I need to get a job with the secrete service?...

"Hey, I broke up a fight once so that makes me a security professional.. employ me."

I finger painted one time in grade school.. does that mean I'm a real artist and I can now go make thousands of dollars now?

Are you SERIOUS man!?

Do you think so LITTLE of what a DJ is that you can really say.. playing a tape you bought in a walkman for someone makes you a DJ??????

You obviously consider yourself a DJ, so do you really have that little respect for what it is you think you are?

Or, "if you think you're a DJ then your a DJ"? WHAT????? ummm.. if I THINK I'm a great basketball player, will they let me play in the NBA? just because I THINK it?

Come on man?

REALLY???????

WOW!

Not to be funny, but ARE you in junior high?

If you REALLY think you are a DJ then I think you should start thinking a little more of yourself and what it is you do.

kid vicious 4:29 AM - 29 May, 2007

big whiz knows what the fuck is up bitches!!!!!!!!
i've gotten alot of gigs with demos. but instead of givin them to promoters, i just handed em out to normal people. and if you make something good then they spread the word for you.

proffesor ink 1:41 AM - 26 July, 2007

glad to see people are still reading this thread.

I LOVE SERATO!!

DJing Discussion

open letter to all djs

open letter to all djs

Search Results