D-Jam
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D-Jam
ParticipantI started that idea here, but it’s more meant for travelers…
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2012/01/how-to-dj-abroad/
If you’re planning on living in Japan for a long time, then get into the CULTURE. Find the clubs, the people, the scene. Get to know them, know and respect their scene, and build from that.
November 5, 2012 at 2:16 pm in reply to: LPs vs. DJs – Is it Time for Us to Finally Distinguish Between Them? #31383ParticipantWaaaaaaaay back, Phil posted an article where he interviewed a laptop-only guy, and he used a great term to describe the new movement:
Digital Jockey
That’s what I think should be used. In the end, it’s all DJs because it’s about the same ideology. I just wish people would stop thinking plastic discs (CDs or vinyl) are the defining element of what makes a DJ a DJ.
I am a Digital Jockey. I used to be a Disc Jockey. I’m still proud of who I am and what I believe in. 🙂
ParticipantTerry_42, post: 31522, member: 1843 wrote: Like what D-Jam said, especially you do not need to look good, Skrillex, Deadmau5 and Guetta all look like geeks…
The thing however is the above formula does only work to some extend, what you then need to add is:
A LOT of stamina, as this is a really long haul and the chances you ever make it to a place where you get called in line with Guetta, Tiesto and Oakenfold are prolly below 1% even if you have everything that D-Jam writes.
As you have to be in the right place at the right time, meet the right people AND be lucky enough that those people pick you up and talk to you…I forgot to mention that, but you hit it on the head.
Practically all the “top DJs” have put in 15-20+ years in it all. Carl Cox was playing in the second summer of love back in the late 80s. PvD was already known around Germany in the early 90s rave scene. Oakenfold was going to the Paradise Garage in the 70s and then later playing in England while the Hot Mix 5 were blowing up here in Chicago.
It doesn’t come quickly…if it ever comes.
ParticipantI was first tantalized by hip-hop in 1984. I’d pick up cassette compilations of b-boy and hip-hop tunes…despite if breaks had fallen out in 1985 and 1986.
1987 I started high school…and heard WBMX for the first and only time. They were playing “Can You Dance” by Bad Boy Bill and Mike ‘Hitman’ Wilson. At that point I wasn’t into rap as much anymore as I was into house. It was five years later that I finally bought decks.
I’ve seen many “explosions” when pop culture jumped on it all. They had their good and bad points.
November 4, 2012 at 11:01 pm in reply to: Creating a DJ jingle – pros, cons, production options #31351ParticipantThis might help:
ParticipantI think it depends on the DJ.
I personally like looping to help extend breaks, and effects to add an accent point on a dull spot. I usually like to keep my music “pure”, meaning play it the way the artist/remixer originally intended it.
ParticipantI’ll be honest and blunt, it’s somewhat a formula. You need to:
- Have something unique about you. Guetta was the face people put to electro house. Deadmau5 as well. Tiesto and AvB were the faces people knew of trance. Skrillex for Dubstep.
- Produce anthems. The guys who end up on every DJ’s playlist are the ones who get noticed and booked more.
- Be likable and charismatic in some way. You need to look nice for the cameras or have a personality people can jump on with. Doesn’t mean you have to be good looking.
- Have a marketing powerhouse backing you up. Like it or not, the big names have marketing and PR behind them.
ParticipantHave any of you people ever run into these cocky newbies who do this horrible stuff?
ParticipantMy advice…
- Find what promoters and nights are playing and doing things along the lines of what you’re doing. Don’t go just approaching every promoter out there hoping one will give you a chance. If 99% of the promoters in your area are doing cheesey mainstream and you’re not, don’t go trying to convince them to change.
- Go and HANG OUT at those events. That means going out, going to these events, socializing, getting to know the regulars, and the promotion company. When I used to promote, I hated all the kids who roll in, hand me a demo, and then leave…while my event is not getting a crowd. I know some promoters who won’t consider any locals who never bother to come to their events as a patron.
- Craft yourself into the DJ they need. So you play Drum & Bass, Electro House and Dubstep…can you play a solid opening set? If I’m a promoter and I’m booking headliners who play the big room stuff, why would I book some no-name to do the same? Many promoters put the no-names as opening DJs.
- Don’t say you play “Drum & Bass, Electro House and Dubstep”, say “I play to the crowd”. The business of nightclubs has become so much about money that promoters have no time or love for local nobodies who roll in to play the tunes they love while the crowd isn’t dancing or staying. You have to be a DJ who will make that crowd happy…not the DJ who will force stuff on them they don’t want.
- Start small and be prepared to work. That means you might first meet some up-and-coming promoters and thus you end up joining their crew to help them throw events. The world isn’t anymore about showing up, playing, getting paid, and leaving. Promoters book DJs as investments, so you need to have an ROI.
- Focus on PEOPLE, not promoters. You could become the pal of every promoter in London, but if you can’t get 20 people to come out early for you, no one will bother with you. They’ll only see you as the scrub DJ they might like as a person, but you’re not worth giving a time slot too. Do stuff to gain fans. Post mixes, blog, podcast, just work on getting average people to check you out…even if it’s on the net during the day while they work. If you have no fans/following, then all the talent in the world won’t get you gigs.
Be sure to check out the series here on how to succeed as a DJ
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/03/how-to-succeed-at-djing-part-1-what-type-of-dj-do-you-want-to-be/ParticipantAmr, your spiel is part of why I stopped gigging and went more into a hobby/blogging kind of logic. Not to mention I’m almost 40 and rather enjoy going to bed earlier now and waking up in the mornings on weekends.
If you want to play the “cool music” and not have to pander to the mainstream, then you have to work your tail off to get there…
- Do some kind of online show or a podcast. Stick to it and push it so you gain a loyal following.
- Network your butt off with the underground promoters and the rave promoters. Even try to work your way in to helping them plan and promote events. Underground folk always have to build a scene…not convert one.
- Look into production, but don’t stop DJing. Yes, if you want to be the big headliner playing the music you love, then you need to churn out music so people buy it, know your name, and the industry thinks you’re bigger because your name shows up on the playlists of other DJs.
- BE PATIENT!!!!! Guys like Deadmau5 got lucky. Most of the major headliners are in their 30s and 40s. I’ve seen some of these guys playing when I was a teenager. It took them decades of dedication to become the big names. Even superstars of the now like Guetta have been playing for many many years. It doesn’t come overnight. Not unless you sell out and become more fluff over substance.
ParticipantI’m waiting a year before going into Windows 8. I did try a beta and found it interesting, but I’d rather wait until Traktor has updates and fixes for any potential problems with Win 8.
Plus I’m still a little miffed Lenovo abandoned the Android Thinkpad Tablet I had…only been out a year. So I’m reluctant to invest in anything (laptop or tablet) for a while until the smoke clears and we know if Windows 8 is worth it or if we’re going to hang on to 7 and move to Windows 9 down the road.
ParticipantI’ve tossed mine around before. http://www.d-jam.com
I still need to make a mobile version.
ParticipantTerry_42, post: 30838, member: 1843 wrote: You forget D-Jam that many DJs have G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome) so they just MUST have it 😉
I know. I’ve fallen into that trap both as a DJ, photographer, and foodie. It’s again why I managed to catch myself before I went nuts and now think differently.
It’s why I don’t mind buying the “plasticky” stuff since I am a hobbyist. It’s why I’m looking at PVC pipe DIY solutions for some light stands and a background stand. It’s why I don’t buy an appliance for the kitchen unless I know I’ll use it at least two times a month.
I think the best way a DJ can avoid G.A.S. is to think more of the music and promotion. Spend on some new tunes. Spend on promotional materials for you to get gigs. Buy stuff when you really need it.rfb, post: 30865, member: 2662 wrote: D-Jam, that is one of the most resounding with truth, no BS posts I’ve ever read here.
Whichever hobby it is, I’m always a little prone to fall for GAS so I can kinda relate to that. Thanks for your words of wisdom! (Zero sarcasm)
No problem. Us older folk can always help steer you youngins away from our past mistakes. 😉
ParticipantMy goal is to make more time to make new mixes for my site. My normal career keeps me so busy I end up making a new mix every few months.
October 23, 2012 at 8:49 pm in reply to: Would You Consider This DJing? Put It On Playlist and Leave. #30644ParticipantI’m setting up my iPhone on shuffle for my own wedding…although it’s a laid-back cocktail reception. Is that sacrilege?
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