Todd Oddity

I can’t speak directly to your problem, but I would suspect something on the software end. If the hardware were having a problem, I would expect it to be much more dramatic (buttons not working at all, or cutting in and out). A delay in the software processing a command sounds like a setting in the software, or a driver issue.

That said, make sure you have the most up to date firmware on the Denon. There were a few minor glitches in the system when it was first launched that have been ironed out with firmware updates.

I’ve been using my 6000 since it was released in North America, and it’s a good, solid unit. Love it. Mind you, it’s also a totally different kind of beast than the NS7 – if you are looking for a scratch workflow with moving platters, well, the 6000 certainly isn’t your answer.

You can buy a new button. And get the contact switch underneath it replaced too. An authorised Pioneer repair shop should have them. But those things cost money, so consider that when crunching the numbers.

It will always seem a little slow at first – especially if you don’t have a lot of shows going on. Don’t force it. If you fill your page up with spam and garbage just to keep it active, the people who have ‘liked’ it will be more likely to ignore any content from you (and therefore miss when you have important things you need to post).

As you start getting more shows, event details (before a show) and event photos (after the show) are two of the biggest traffic generators. You could also decide to post a new mix a couple of times a month, and a few times a week share some music that you enjoy that you think others might like too. But again, try to keep a natural flow to all of it, not get too spammy, and don’t clutter it up with things that aren’t focused on the brand and image you are trying to create for yourself as a dj.

As a side note, make sure you link back to your page everywhere you can – so add it to your signature here. Google notices this stuff and boosts your rankings.

Good lesson here is always remember to register your software as soon as you get it. If you are registered you are able to download the software directly from the Atomix site – no disc required.

I take last minute shows all the time. In fact, I make sure other dj’s and local bar managers know that I live just a couple of minutes away so I often get calls when someone is sick or just doesn’t show up. You’ll get forgiven for everything not being 100% because they are just so happy to have you show up at all. Basically, no matter what you do, you look like a hero.

It sounds unique. I like it.

Oh, I almost forgot… I have a pretty simple policy – I will always TAKE requests. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll PLAY them next, soon, or at all for that matter. My reply is always the same thing: “I’ll try to squeeze that in for you tonight.”

Taking them helps get a sense for what crowd I have (not to mention if there is new music that I have missed), but most importantly, it helps me get to actually know people so they feel connected to me and want to come back and visit more. It works too – my customers love me. They keep in touch years after they stop coming out to clubs. They credit me with meeting their spouses. I get invited to their weddings. Hell, I’ve been invited to the hospital to be one of the first people to meet the new babies!

It very much depends what your goals are… If you don’t need the money, and aren’t looking for regular shifts, then take what you enjoy and politely pass on the rest.

If you are looking for shows and looking for exposure, then expand what you are willing to play, but still be a bit selective. After all, you don’t want to build a great reputation for yourself in a style you hate, as that doesn’t help you out in the long run. But do take things that are slightly outside what you want to play if they may lead to shows you want (ie. making connections, gaining a following, whatever).

And last, if you need the money, well then suck it up and take absolutely everything that comes along! lol

Obviously, I’m generalising a little, but you get the idea. 🙂