Compelled to speak about 'over the hill' djing!

This topic has 23 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 13 years, 8 months ago by Jahit Halil.

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March 30, 2012 at 3:14 pm #17631

VinnyBlanc
Participant

Thanks for speaking out and I must say I am envious of you. I am 28 and just started DJing < 1 year ago. I wish, at this point, I could have 12 years behind the decks. I am sure too that with being married and all the great things to follow my time will effectively be cut back. I was also going to suggest committing to release a monthly mix as there are tons of internet radio/apps now to get your music out there when you physcially cant.

Regards.

March 31, 2012 at 6:08 am #17664

Jahit Halil
Participant

thanks for the reply vinny,

i think the amount of time djing is not so important…how to sustain it is what my biggest problem is on a practical level especially when you arent a proffessional becuase im not doing it for a living. Commiting to a monthly mix at the least is a great idea and i will be doing that as soon as i upgrade my kit in the coming few weeks.

April 2, 2012 at 4:31 pm #17784

Todd Oddity
Participant

I have a similar story and can relate. Started playing around with dj’ing when I was 17, moved into the clubs as soon as turned 19 (legal age in these parts), and then worked three to five nights a week for the next 11 years. Then at 30 my significant other convinced me to retire and move into other things. It didn’t take much convincing as I was totally burnt out and didn’t enjoy any of the venues I was working at…

Then we broke up, and people started bugging me to come back. I didn’t want to look like I was having a mid-life crisis, so I resisted. But I started paying a little more attention to all things music again.

And then I was diagnosed with an abnormally aggressive form of cancer. That totally changed my perspective on things. I decided it was important to focus on the things that I enjoy, and so I officially picked the headphones back up and dove in head first. Fast forward a year and a half, just had my 36th birthday, and I’m loving it and have absolutely no intentions of getting out again anytime soon… (and, as a side note, beat cancer along the way too)

April 3, 2012 at 8:40 am #17856

Jahit Halil
Participant

Hi Todd

Wow thanks for sharing such an emotive and heartfelt subject, its a very humbling story, im really happy you managed to pull through such a difficult experience. Its great to see that your back into the djing again, your absolutely right about realising what you enjoy in life and pursuing it regardless of lifes other ‘distractions’ and challenges. This give me much hope and inspiration for the future. Ive even ordered my new kit, a better laptop, new audio speakers and a new controller!!! Hehe….after DDJT does a review of the Stanton DJC.4….

April 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm #17863

Terry_42
Keymaster

I can totally relate, I am 38 now (for a few days hehe) and I feel the same.
Best of Luck to you on your new ventures!
We should think about an event for “old DJs” like “geriatric beat festival” hehe (little self ironic is never bad…)

April 4, 2012 at 7:59 am #17922

Phil Morse
Keymaster

I’m definitely considering a follow-up article to this one:

http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2010/09/dads-behind-the-decks/

April 4, 2012 at 2:46 pm #17940

gbadegesin
Participant

Jahitty, I clocked 43 two days ago and as a family man i can relate very well.

But my passion and addition to music will not let go till i drop dead…… OK , maybe till i clock 99years.

I dedicate every Thursday night as a mix/practise nite to myself. Everyone in my family knows this schedule so it really helps. OK, so i usually mix/practise when they’ve all gone to bed.
I upload a mix at least once a month to the internet and i also do clubs once a while as well. This helps me from being stale also comments from friends and feedback from mixes as well. Relating with other DJs also does wonders as does this site

In short, as long as the passion is there , it can work. Keep on , Keeping on

Phil…. Would love to read about the 2nd phase of DJ Dads maybe a bit more emphasis on how to make it work rather than the advantages….

April 5, 2012 at 1:53 pm #18005

David Somerville
Participant

One thing i do when practicing is running the main mix through a headphone amp so it runs through my main headphones then plugging in lil ipod earphones for the cue mix…..could never practice otherwise as kids are in bed by 8.30 and banging out tunes after nine is a no no……specially with the wife!!

April 17, 2012 at 6:54 pm #1003593

The DJ Kevin Smith
Member

Life is short man! We have to do what we love!!!

April 17, 2012 at 10:55 pm #18718

NewportDJ Drew
Participant

Well I am about to celebrate my 2nd 21st birthday. I also started a degree in audio engineering only this year. I have Dj’ed since i was about 16. My son inherited my first controller a month ago and he is now following in my footsteps. Oh, I am not just a dad but also a grandpa! My granddaughter is also showing signs of the dj gene……8)

April 18, 2012 at 3:35 am #18729

Xhris Vile
Member

Your story is very inspiring. I’m 27 and just learning. Was wondering if “OLDER” djs have a harder time getting gigs. Are clubs and such looking for younger people who “look” like a DJ? Any stories? Maybe this should be another thread. sorry I’m a reporter by trade and can’t open my mouth without asking at least 7 questions.

April 18, 2012 at 8:41 pm #1003608

Todd Oddity
Participant

I can’t say I’ve had problems getting work due to age – in fact it means I have more connections and they are more likely to have actually heard me play. The real problem for me is the scene is in a bit of a weird state here lately and there just isn’t a lot of work to be had. Hopefully with summer arriving we’ll see some new venues open up and stir things up a little.

April 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm #18814

Jahit Halil
Participant

So many amazing replies to my thread that the only thing left to say is that im going to keep keepin on! Just ordered some new monitors, a new laptop and got a heavy duty DJ table made for the spare room!!!!! The controller is on its way too!

Long live dj dads, and yes a follow up article would be great Phil.

April 22, 2012 at 2:37 am #18954

Reason808
Participant

Hey Jahitty, I’m mid-forties and I’m getting back into it. I bought my turntables in 87 and never looked back. I thought by now I’d be listening to classical music in my smoking jacket, but I’m more of a beat junkie, than ever. Phil, I’d love to see a follow up article, and I’ll share my adventures of my “return” in this forum.

My biggest obstacles at this point are my crazy busy work schedule. I have little free time, and when I do, I like to spend it with my wonderful girlfriend chilling in my home. The club lifestyle starts to be less appealing as you mellow with age. Sometimes I worry about looking old, or coming off as an old guy in mid-life crisis, but I doubt that matters when you rock out an amazing set. I think good taste seasoned over decades is probably a big advantage.

June 10, 2012 at 3:38 pm #1005913

Todd
Participant

Wow , I am really not Alone …….

Backstory – Started spinning vinyl very young when I was 12 – That was over 30 years ago ..errrrrr – from there it was Parties , Weddings then clubs and Mix Shows on the local Radio show . At 18 I fell in to radio and remained there till 30’s , did everything from Guest Dj at Clubs , voice overs for commercials,music director ,on Air Talent ,Program Director,Operations Mgr etc etc – at 30 Big companies started being all the stations in markets then started bringing in so called market and music consultants and things became way to political for me , so I lost my passion that I had for so many years from such a young age …

Fast forward to now – Im 44 , 3 kids and never lost my love for music . tech wise things seem so much more fun now …A quick and funny story …” When Djay for iPad came out i figured what the heck , so I got it and starting playing around with it , last summer we had a huge pool party with friends, I hooked up my iPad and did about a 60 minute set , most of my friends had no idea about my past (they are all younger then I am ) …They couldn’t believe I was rocking a party with an iPad and current music …LOL – Anyway since then every time we go to outings I’m always asked why I don’t get back in ? Well , I am now and thanks to Phil and Digital Tips and of course a bit of nudging from me friends , the NS6 is on its way ….

Sidenote – One of our younger friends was so inspired by me , he admitted to his wanting to learn , he went out and got an N4 , and now has me teaching him the basics …..Hell I even ordered Phils course just to refresh myself and try to catch some insight on the new stuff …..

Well thats my brief , well kinda of long story …Cheers
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