What Makes A Good Dj.
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» greatjob replied on Fri May 7, 2010 @ 7:51pm |
 Coolness: 282435 | amd we aren't? just saying. typing takes 3 seconds friendo |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» A.Singleton replied on Fri May 7, 2010 @ 11:53pm |
 Coolness: 33930 | I am just saying that some people, lets say, like Intoccabile, are doing what they have to do, and delivering, without the drama. thats all. Multi-tasking isnt focusing. |
| I'm feeling like tweaking that drum kit right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Blisss replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 1:22am |
 Coolness: 129700 | Host, he's right, and for record the guys who I respect the most are guys like Intoccabile and people that work in the dark on the side
But at the same time, staying in a corner won't get you a ton a gigs. You need to be pro active if you want to be really successful. You don't know how times I go out and listen to djs whine about how they don't get recognized and how they don't play out and such. I feel like asking them "Man, how many demos did you make this year? How many promoters did you contact? What actions did YOU take to get more gigs" You know what I mean And @ Jeepee, I was just kidding around when I added you in there, lol...all jokes, no worries. Update » Blisss wrote on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 1:56am @ Luke, I read what you wrote, I agree with some it, disagree with other parts. I don't think you know me enough as a dj to really get the scope of what I play.
I am not an opportunistic dj who just plays anything thats popular. Thats quite untrue, I actually very rarely follow anything current. I don't play dubstep for example, although everywhere I look everyone is. One night I might play a lot of acid house, big beat, the next night trip hop and jazzy breaks. The fact you is you have no idea To give you some examples of my clubnights, I co-founded Montreal first breaks weekly in 1999, back when no one was doing breaks in this city and no one even cared. Does that sound commercial to you? I used to be a resident at an idm night, does that sound commercial to you? I also highly doubt you know every single track or artist I play, you can check out my playlists, most of what I play you won't find on any mainstream chart. You can actually go look for yourself [ www.rave.ca ] BTW my favorite electro artist is a guy called Dsico, my favorite ep right now is from a producer in Iraq called Dj Foundation. I'll be playing my first dnb set ever at KO in two weeks (don't miss it!) and I just finished a mix entirely in French and am working on a dub album in my spare time. Now does that sound like some commercial bullshit too you? |
| I'm feeling sunshine right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» greatjob replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 8:36am |
| Coolness: 282435 | Yeh I find a lot of hard working producers have a tough time getting gigs here. They need a lot more exposure imo, and money. Money motivates and keeps the wheels greased for more creativity. And keeps
starving artists happy ;) |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Blisss replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 10:33am |
| Coolness: 129700 | Thats cause producing has NOTHING to do with djing. You can produce a million songs it won't make you a better dj. Back in the day it was simple, some guys made music, some guys played it
But at one point the producers were like "fuck, why are the djs getting the fame and the cash from playing our tracks, and we remain anonymous?" So alot of producers started this mentality that because they produce they should get to dj Total bullshit Producers for the most part are TERRIBLE djs, they often have little skills and little experience The best producer/djs are the ones who were djs first and producers second PS I don't want to get into the whole "well you don't make the music you spin" arguement...I do make music on the side and its whole other ball game. Djing was and will always be about "playing other peoples music", even if you might drop a track of your own in there. Its still fundamentally about reading the crowd, programming, mixing, cutting and all the rest. |
| I'm feeling sunshine right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» nodeletesucks replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 11:49am |
 Coolness: 56000 | Originally Posted By BLISSS
Producers for the most part are TERRIBLE djs, they often have little skills and little experience The best producer/djs are the ones who were djs first and producers second I disagree with you on this one. 1. Being a producer in the first place makes you know the whole music theory aspect of DJing. Uncounsciously, you know that there is mostly changes at 8 or 16 bars (for example) and will able to fit your mix on time more easily. 2. You develop a certain ear to the synchronicity of the sounds that you learn more faster than anybody else. When you start DJing, beatmatching 2 songs together sounds pretty much like trying to fit some percussions together in time. 3. If you know how to structure a song in different parts that makes sense (progressively I mean), you obviously know how to structure a mix in a progressive way so people won't lose their interest. On the counterpart, I must say that DJs has that "song digging" part that producers don't need. So what mostly happen is that a producer who listens to 2-3 other producers of one genre will be inspired by this and make something out of it, sometimes similar. DJs have more knowledge of one style (or many) and can take a different approach on how to make a song. On the minus side : DJs take become producers will be most likely to copy a whole genre and making a song that looks like 99% of the tracks on the market. Producer, being "disconnected" from the whole world, will make a song similar to one genre ok but the song would much more unique. My 2 cents AxelHelios - 9 years of producing, 5 years of DJing. The best way to become better is to balance both of them. |
| I'm feeling horny right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» fishead replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 12:15pm |
 Coolness: 75650 | Originally Posted By BLISSS
But at one point the producers were like "fuck, why are the djs getting the fame and the cash from playing our tracks, and we remain anonymous?" So alot of producers started this mentality that because they produce they should get to dj Total bullshit In the music business performance is where the money comes from... you'd be surprised by how many acts never really get paid for their albums, and make all their money from gigs and the merch sales at shows. If you're lucky you might get a bit of money from record sales, but you'll get more if you travel around and get your name in circulation. It simply isn't feasible for producers to bring their entire studio with them in order to perform... not to mention that multi-tracked tunes can be almost impossible to perform completely live. I know a lot of producers that started DJing because it was the only way that they could realistically tour to get their name out there and pitch their music. Nowadays things are a lot simpler with laptops and such, but go back 10+ years and you're looking at situations where people would have to lug around their desktop computers at the very least... I mean, in extreme cases you guys like DAC Crowell from Urbana, Il who did MINDBLOWING ambient work - but his live shows required a bare minimum of about 750 pounds of gear. I agree there are some producers who are horrible DJs, but I've never felt any animosity towards them... most of them would rather be doing live performances, but had no other options... |
| I'm feeling new records right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» chemical.quiet replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 1:22pm |
 Coolness: 49110 | Real DJs mix off of a wireless connection to youtube videos, on normal quality mode |
| I'm feeling the floor right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Blisss replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 3:36pm |
| Coolness: 129700 | Originally Posted By FISHEAD
I agree there are some producers who are horrible DJs, but I've never felt any animosity towards them... most of them would rather be doing live performances, but had no other options... Well I don't know about that. To me if you're gonna call yourself a respectable producer PLAY LIVE Don't shit on djs and then turn around and tour as a dj. I mean it seems to me all you need to do an electronic live show is a computer. @Axcell, a person who goes from djing to producing has the advantage of having a better knowledge of what works or not on a dancefloor. You shouldn't underestimate a djs ear either On the flip side, I'd say many djs are HORRIBLE producers, so it goes both ways I guess |
| I'm feeling sunshine right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» A.Singleton replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 4:16pm |
| Coolness: 33930 | Originally Posted By BLISSS
Well I don't know about that. To me if you're gonna call yourself a respectable producer PLAY LIVE Don't shit on djs and then turn around and tour as a dj. I mean it seems to me all you need to do an electronic live show is a computer. Some producers have 2 fees, 1 for lives, the other for dj sets. Why bother doing a live, with all the preparation that it requires if you can bring your laptop and dj? They do have the choice between the two and the promoter too. |
| I'm feeling like tweaking that drum kit right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» nodeletesucks replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 4:41pm |
| Coolness: 56000 | Originally Posted By A.SINGLETON
Some producers have 2 fees, 1 for lives, the other for dj sets. Why bother doing a live, with all the preparation that it requires if you can bring your laptop and dj? They do have the choice between the two and the promoter too. Yeah I saw something like that for one of the guys I wanted to book here. In my opinion, Live P.A. is way better because of the feeling of seeing people dancing and shouting is multiplied by the fact that it is YOUR songs. @Bliss : Both sides have their pros and their cons. Going from DJing to producing will sure help you to know how to create that catchy thing that would turn the dancefloor on fire. But on the other side, take 2 guys that start learning DJing. One was a producer, the other one did f*** all except listening to some songs on their iTunes. Which one will have an advantage on the other one? I know great producers that spin flawlessly on 3 decks (records) as I know DJs that produces some killer track. One thing that is important is that NONE shall affect in a negative way. A good example is Axel Karakasis from Greece. The guy is playing 140 BPM Hard Techno and mixes on 4 records at the same time. The tracks he uses for it are repetitive so he can mix between the four of them without any flaw. Thing is : all of the tracks he produces are 5-6 minutes of the same fucking loop with only a hi-hat that comes and go or a 1 minutes breakdown which is the same loop without the kick. At the end : it's BORING. Someone who wants a career in music should know how to take the pros of both sides and balance them. |
| I'm feeling horny right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» DjCy-Fi replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 4:42pm |
 Coolness: 37110 | So I didn't make it through /all/ of this, but.......
A good DJ to me is some one who: 1. can beat match 2. mix in key 3. understand the finer points of business 4. read the crowd 5. diversify their style when needed 6. perform under pressure 7. is professional enough to perform sober & maintain a certain standard of behavior Also you need a certain love for the music and your audience...there are so many lack luster club DJs that do have skillz, however they stopped truely caring a long time ago. |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» A.Singleton replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 4:45pm |
| Coolness: 33930 | Some producers are just teaming up with djs and have the perfect match, banging originals flawlessly mixed. We gotta get organised ;) |
| I'm feeling like tweaking that drum kit right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» nothingnopenope replied on Sat May 8, 2010 @ 7:09pm |
 Coolness: 201205 | Originally Posted By BLISSS
Well I don't know about that. To me if you're gonna call yourself a respectable producer PLAY LIVE Don't shit on djs and then turn around and tour as a dj. I mean it seems to me all you need to do an electronic live show is a computer. @Axcell, a person who goes from djing to producing has the advantage of having a better knowledge of what works or not on a dancefloor. You shouldn't underestimate a djs ear either On the flip side, I'd say many djs are HORRIBLE producers, so it goes both ways I guess The only problem is that a lot of smaller venues don't even have the space for a proper live setup.. it requires a lot more work and most of them would rather save money by not booking a live act and simply pay (or not pay in many cases) a DJ to play other people's music. I'm thinking more of bars here. |
| I'm feeling meow right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» MolocH replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 8:53am |
 Coolness: 226255 | Originally Posted By DRTAKO
The only problem is that a lot of smaller venues don't even have the space for a proper live setup.. it requires a lot more work and most of them would rather save money by not booking a live act and simply pay (or not pay in many cases) a DJ to play other people's music. I'm thinking more of bars here. <Mark's two cents> QFT. However, we have got to keep in mind that "BARS" are meant to drink. Else they'd be called "dancefloors". Bar owners ususally only have alcomohol sales in mind. They often don't give a shit about what's playing. Mind you, I *AM* generalising a bit. But yeah, it's still a sad fact. And you can usually tell how the owner/managers of a bar feel about this when you look at the drinking/dancing space allocated on the floor plan. </Mark's two cents> |
| I'm feeling stabbie stabbie right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» Mutante replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 9:21am |
 Coolness: 76160 | what makes a good dj?
a good crowd |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» MolocH replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 9:25am |
| Coolness: 226255 | Originally Posted By MUTANTE
what makes a good dj? a good crowd +10K Si tout les dj's pensait dememe, ils seraient tous les meilleurs: |
| I'm feeling stabbie stabbie right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» clown replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 9:27am |
 Coolness: 221745 | Originally Posted By BLISSS
I'd say they are mainly djs that have not been very successful (UFot, Host One, Jeepee, CLOWN etc..) First off, how dare you use my name in a negative way on this board ? who do you think you are ? Especially when making referance to "Success". What is success ?? Dj'ing, like anything else, is a competition between YOURSELF.. not others !! Only an individual can judge their own success..!! you want to talk about success.. lets look at your life, Hamish, .. Did you even finish high-school ?? or was working as a flyer-boy for Sona the route you wanted to take with your life ? How many steady relationships have you had recently ?? ever been a home-owner ? Do you see your family often, spend time with them ?? or is your night-life as an Ipod time consuming ... Why are you so frustrated at other dj's ?? Are you an "in the closet" homosexual waiting to come out ?? is that why you feel the need to divert common discussions towards yourself ?? shit man, the only thing you've been successful in is making other's think of you as an egocentric, really arrogant person. good job on that. your the best referance for that in Montreal for sure !!! |
| I'm feeling the other side right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» MolocH replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 9:34am |
| Coolness: 226255 | Vince, don't even fret.
Serieously, the dude is digging his own grave. |
| I'm feeling stabbie stabbie right now.. | |
| Good [+1]Toggle ReplyLink» rawali replied on Sun May 9, 2010 @ 4:35pm |
 Coolness: 140665 | Originally Posted By DJCY-FI
So I didn't make it through /all/ of this, but....... A good DJ to me is some one who: 1. can beat match 2. mix in key 3. understand the finer points of business 4. read the crowd 5. diversify their style when needed 6. perform under pressure 7. is professional enough to perform sober & maintain a certain standard of behavior Also you need a certain love for the music and your audience...there are so many lack luster club DJs that do have skillz, however they stopped truely caring a long time ago. I'd add, having some understanding of sound production and sound equipment, knowing how to plug your gear and get yourself out of dodgy situations with dodgy gear. Good eqing and propper leveling/knowing how to work a PA to get everything you can out of it without getting distortion or compression... to a certain extent though... part of this should be the sound tech or promoter's job to tell the dj the sweet spot for levels but in my years of djing I have had that happen... maybe twice |
| I'm feeling lovely right now.. | |
What Makes A Good Dj.
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