DJing with a mask?

I think it works for some people very well, like DJ BL3ND or something, but for others it would be unproffesional and stupid 😛

“If people remember the mask over the music – the DJ has failed.”

As with all things marketing, it isn’t quite that simple. If the dj is remembered and gets more work out of it, then he has succeeded. I don’t like the look, and think it’s a gimmick that will run its course (hopefully), but I can totally see why it works and why people are doing it.

U31, post: 12161, member: 195 wrote: As much as i hate the Frank Sidebottom style of DJ’s, i still know who they are, so in a way, as much as Smittten is right, Todd Oddity is even more so

😀 One for people of a certain age, that!

I personally think its wrong. Its like all the fake girls that go spray tanning and bleach their hair, its all for attention. If you have to wear a mask to get people to remember you then you must have been doing something wrong. But don’t get me wrong, I would love to wear Thomas’ helmet from Daft Punk, but as he told me “If Ben can’t get it from me, you wont get it from me.” But I would only wear it as a joke for one set, like at Halloween or for a release party for Daft Punk. But I believe that if you are producing music then its fine to wear a mask as its part of your group.

I won’t knock the use of masks…just make sure it speaks your brand. Bear in mind you’ll have to wear it every time you play…even if you don’t feel like it.

I also agree with Smittten, if your set isn’t phenomenal, then the mask is pointless.

I think it’s a good idea to get remembered actually. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten a DJs name that I’ve wanted to remember. Even the ones who have those custom made deep voice “this is DJ lahteedah in the mix” that they drop every so often. I remember the ones who wore masks though.

Ah, but the original question was “is a mask a good way to build a brand,” not if a mask is more important than being a good dj. The reason it works is because it stands out in a crowd (it’s a very quick way to see who is in the booth at a club). You’d get the exact same effect if you were 7 feet tall and towered over everybody else in the bar. There are other ways to do it too – a banner behind the booth, special lighting or effects, or just poster the crap out of places.

We live in a visual society, and anything you can bring to a show that stimulates that visual element helps make you stand out a little more than the other guy who just shows up and plays.

But that’s all from a branding and marketing position. Obviously if you can’t actually put on a good show – sooner or later that comes back to bite you.

To make a name, yes but just be sure to stay hydrated. Prime example: deadmau5 passed out from dehydration at a gig due to the mask.