THE BEST DJ'S?

[martin808]

Sasha just stands there and laughs at the crowd. He left the music off for an enternity. My friend said it was probably 5 or 10 minutes. He said Sasha would look at the crowd and ask "What?" People were yelling for more music. Then Sasha would pretend like he was cueing a record, and everyone would cheer.... and then he would walk away and talk to someone in the booth. The whole time, just laughing at the crowd. He was just teasing them.

what a dick!

[dhilsabeck]

my favorite dj is mr crispy from appleton, wi.

[martin808]

my favourite dj is feadz from paris.

[feeldamusic]

I don't care what the dj does behind the decks. He can even be standing on his head spinning 6 tables. What I hear is the only thing what matters. If he gets my vibe going then everything else is not important.

IMO best DJ must feel the crowd.

Do you guys go to clubs to admire how many tables a guy can handle or do you go to clubs to listen/dance to some "good" music? Don't get me wrong, I admire great skills but that is not my main concern.

Oh, almost forgot. My favorite dj is DJ CRAZY FROG

[drumroll57]

We don't worship the guy who cleans the toilets after the bar closes, but he's just as vital to the evening as the DJ, and has just about as much talent.

Your post is about as inspired and perceptive as when someone is stating that "All Black People Look The Same"....

Obviously, from your repeatedly bitter comments over months on this board, we get the point. How much do you have to rub it in?

Fact is, one could very easily apply your comments above to so many musos playing uninspired, insipid and regurgitated music for drunk people at gigs everyone would rather forget.

Of course there are many worse-than average DJ's, just as there are 20 people who know Eddie Van Halen's solos note-for-note in every town and hamlet, but who can't find something meaningful to say with their music that ACTUALLY MOVES PEOPLE AND MAKES THEM REACT. So they go on being bitter and not understanding why all these years of practice haven't paid off while some little unknown DJ dude can find a way to recognition in a few months by making people go bezerk on the dance floor.

The point I am trying to make is simple: there are geniuses and charlatans in every field. Your continued nasty and bitter attacks and insistence on bundling a whole category of people together reeks of the worst type of prejudice.

That which is the opposite of open-mindedness. This, whether you like it or not, will also translate in the way you create music, and how people perceive you and react to what you are projecting via your (?) art.

There is still time for you to admit to erring on the side of narrow-mindedness, as the redemption will be a newfound appreciation in things you didn't know, or previously turned a deaf ear to. Enriching knowledge, which can then applied to many real-world situations and can widen the scope of things to do and professional activities, rather than pouting and stubbornly refusing to see the obvious.

Imagine!! Growing up, learning, getting to accept things heretofore hated, evolving.

we all know too well what the opposite will bring: stagnation, jealousy, and finally (as for so many others) taking up another profession when the realization comes that being a muso doesn't pay the mortgage and the kids' tuition.

I respect your opinion, but must admit that I have met a few like you, and it never turned out so good with them, as their very closed-mindedness and constant rancor and spitefulness was their ultimate downfall, while those who adapted, learned and embraced became success stories. It is likely that many around you are growing tired of hearing your rants about how untalented DJ's are, and all the while secretely wishing you'd wake up and start being a nice person by having honest thoughts rather than all this obvious prejudice.

The first step, obviously, will be for you to even admit that your are prejudiced. The ball is in your court. All you have to lose is rancor, bile, and swallow a bit of your pride for admitting that your were not totally honest with yourself.

D.

[M. Bréqs]

The first step, obviously, will be for you to even admit that your are prejudiced. The ball is in your court. All you have to lose is rancor, bile, and swallow a bit of your pride for admitting that your were not totally honest with yourself.

D.

Amigo, I've been in this game for almost 20 years.

I'm postjudiced, not prejudiced, and I've earned the right to judge.

I'm not slagging all DJs - even mix DJs have a function (just like the lighting guy) and it's a respectable profession. So is plumbing, so is being a machinist. It's a trade though, not an art (until you enter the grey area that lies at the nexus of production / muscianship that includes Turntablists, electronic musicians etc). What I'm slagging is the false notion that there's art or talent akin to the level of hype that surrounds the mix DJ mystique. And yes, riding a four record mix for an entire hour long set is difficult, but compared to playing concert violin at a similar level of stardom, it's a friggin joke.

The bedroom DJs I know who try to make it but can't should appreciate my point of view. The level of hype that surrounds the "art" of DJing is poisoning the well for these kids; When people mistake "Hype" for "talent" then a super-talented turntablist in his bedroom (without hype) can't get a break.

The whole subculture of the "underground DJ community" is based on an incredulous foundation.

Sorry if that insults you, but hey dude - I've been hauling wax to gigs back when most of the people in the game today were still sitting in shitty diapers. I've seen the Emperor, and he's friggin naked.

Since we're offering advice to each other, then my advice to you; Listen to a song by Public Enemy, and really catch the lyrics: Don't Believe the Hype!

[drumroll57]

Amigo, I've been in this game for almost 20 years.

Well, let's not get into a pissing contest, since (as much as I hate to admit it) I have got you beat by a very long mile and then some.... why even go there? The amount of experience one has doesn't necessarily equate with any other qualifications or talent, or grant anyone the right to judge so harshly, does it?

It reminds me of this girlfriend of mine (subsequently dumped her) who was in the biz at a major label and feeling so superior to everyone else who did not have a college edumacation. What did that have to do with people's ideas, creativity, and overall success escapes me to this day. She is currently working for an insurance company; that's that.

I know plenty of others who have been in the game for more than 20 years, and still can't make or pick hit records today. DJ's as well as musicians or producers. So they get average jobs in the music biz, and they can be pissed off all they want at the young kids getting mad props and fierce gigs from doing it for 1 year, DJ's or otherwise. Find your crowd, connect to it, speak to it, make the girls wet their panties. 'nuff said.

I am not sure what your constant grumbling has to do with this board's purpose, which is to relate, exchange and discuss Ableton Live. Identify your problems and acrimony. Act like a grown person capable of evolving and turn this into an asset, rather than a liability. The same talent will go a long way in keeping you current and working.

Have you perhaps forgotten that the purpose of all this is to make people dream, and that there are so many ways to do so?

D.

[John Sweet]

Seriously, Monty. "What a pathetic joke?" In a thread just asking for the favorites of people who care about this shit? That kind of line is reserved for super villians living in volcanoes in crappy action movies.

You're entitled to yr opinion, but now that you've told us how you paid yr dues I kinda feel like you were never really DJing at all, just playing records, same as the sad guy scrubbing the god-forsaken toilet. It might have all passed you by without yr knowing it.

Believing in music is like believing in a supreme being--some do, some don't, everyone's idea is different. If you don't want to see all kinds of possibilities in DJing, fine, and don't make it a pissing contest either. I want my possibilities.

[smutek]

No, I have nothing but contempt for mix DJs, and it's a well earned opinion I assure you Rob.

You are seriously arrogant when it comes to this subject. I'm a "mix dj" as you put it.

I mix tunes, one to the other. I don't even use Ableton to dj with. It's either decks or traktor for me.

You know, sometimes, its ok to just go and play music for people. I have a few silly tricks up my sleeve but, with the exception of mixing from one tune to another, eq'ing, and the occasional lame effect, I usually play them as the artist wrote them. And if someone walks up "train spotting" or asking what tune it is I am playing, I will usually pass them the vinyl sleeve or otherwise show them what is playing.

I don't think I have some special skill. I don't act like some sort of god and stand behind my mixer in the christ position during some cheesy build up.

I don't try to fool myself, or anyone else, that the sound coming out of the speakers belongs to me.

I don't feel elite or think I have some special skill.

I just play tunes for people. Like, umm... a dj.

And if people are dancing, or otherwise enjoying the music I smile because it makes me happy.

I do a fair amount of gigs where I open up for bands and I know, every-time, that there are a few of these guys, with attitudes like yours, standing around sneering. And sometimes it bothers me but you know what, fuck 'em.

Guy's like that who want to judge me, seriously man, fuck 'em. They're not worth my time. Not all of us "mix dj's" think it is about us, the guy/girl behind the mixer, some of us still remember what we are up there to do and what its really all about is the music.

Like Adonis said, stop hating.

**edit**

Amigo, I've been in this game for almost 20 years.

I'm postjudiced, not prejudiced, and I've earned the right to judge.

I'm not slagging all DJs - even mix DJs have a function (just like the lighting guy) and it's a respectable profession. So is plumbing, so is being a machinist. It's a trade though, not an art (until you enter the grey area that lies at the nexus of production / muscianship that includes Turntablists, electronic musicians etc). What I'm slagging is the false notion that there's art or talent akin to the level of hype that surrounds the mix DJ mystique. And yes, riding a four record mix for an entire hour long set is difficult, but compared to playing concert violin at a similar level of stardom, it's a friggin joke.

The bedroom DJs I know who try to make it but can't should appreciate my point of view. The level of hype that surrounds the "art" of DJing is poisoning the well for these kids; When people mistake "Hype" for "talent" then a super-talented turntablist in his bedroom (without hype) can't get a break.

The whole subculture of the "underground DJ community" is based on an incredulous foundation.

See dude, a lot of what you write here I can relate to. I've never tried to "make it" as a dj, and quite frankly I have no desire to. Don't get me wrong, I think it would be cool to earn a couple grand a night for standing behind decks for two hours, but I have never had a desire to go for that.

Mainly, I really can not stand the whole "dj worship" culture. the hype, the marketing, etc.

Seriously.

So a lot of what you said in the post above I agree with. But I also can't stand people judging me and lumping me, and every other dj, into that mix. And maybe you weren't, but with some of the blanket statements you made earlier it certainly seems that way. Instead of making the "mixing monkey" statements and such maybe you should just try explaining yourself.

You are much more effective that way.

[DeadlyKungFu]

If there was a DJ's union this is what the talk would be after a few beers after hours between veterans. It's an art with a lot of depth of experience and experiences.

The hating part of it all IMO stems from the DJ worship thing, which is a cliche and gripe that came onto the scene a decade or so ago.

This is mostly 'infighting' amongst peers, outside this sphere add the rockers, a whole 'nother set of egos and ids. I'm sure there's another few layers to the onion after that, promoters, producers, bar owners, label schmucks...

In a long view you all agree, pay yer dues, be passionate, the scenes come and go, find your niche and be groovy. The important part is to keep it moving.

I think DJ worship is THE most volatile subject on this board, it doesn't make people agro, it makes them passionate. It's interesting to read the stories, like fishermen comparing scars.

[drumroll57]

But I also can't stand people judging me and lumping me, and every other dj, into that mix. And maybe you weren't, but with some of the blanket statements you made earlier it certainly seems that way. Instead of making the "mixing monkey" statements and such maybe you should just try explaining yourself.

You are much more effective that way.

This is a classic case.

I have seen it a lot, for example with frustrated rock PA guys who feel that providing backline services to an 'electronic music' outfit or a DJ is a sub-par job compared to working for one of their long-haired guitar heroes. So they have this HUGE chip on their shoulders which invariably translate into not caring whatsoever about the gig's setup, not trying to fix problems if they're not guitar or drums-related.... until they're yelled at by the stage manager, and still then only doing the very bare minimum.

You ask them to do a speaker check, they break out an AC/DC or speed metal CD with a wall of midrange, mind you you were trying to test the subs, they don't understand. Nothing you can do about it. It's ingrained. Part of their stubborn culture, part of the social fabric they're stuck in, part of the values their peers have instllled in them. House and Techno is music for queers, faggots and the like.

You see them standing by the sidelines during the gig with earplugs and a contemptuous grin when the DJ gets the crowd to go completely ape-shit, it's never good enough, no matter how incredible of a set you could play, they've already pre-judged you because YOU will never be able to equal the mullet-cut Rock Gods™, Jazz muso nerds, or whatever else they may be into.

A bunch of frustrated, jealous crybabies. This is what the problem is. Someone who makes of point of keeping up the criticism (Bréqs has been doing it for YEARS on this board, for his own reasons which I honestly don't know but can sort of guess) because deep inside there is a basic insecurity, there is contempt and envy which stems from the fact that some of those DJ's are wildly successful, UNDESERVEDLY so. They do NOT deserve this amount of success.

See, success is something that is only deserved by people who understand Phrygian, Mix-o-Lydian scales, dimished 13th chords and the relative values of a Vox amp versus a Marshall head. If you practice playing scales for 3 hours daily, wear baggy t-shirts and hang out at the music store complaining how few gigs there are compared to what it used to be with other smelly males, then it's a different story. You would be on your way to DESERVING to be successful.

Never mind the people who buy your DJ albums, be it compilations, artist albums, whatever. They are being manipulated into buying it. Forget the fact that you may be setting dance floors on fire and helping all of these new records get exposure and become hits, or inspire another producer to make a record based on the grooves you just play. Getting dancers into "The Zone" and making then see butterflies? Plumbers could do that too.... As if most of us didn't know that there are some undeserving superstar Trance monkeys who get paid several cars for two hours of standing around playing the same predictable set for a year straight. OK, it's marketing. SO what?.... Just the same way that for every exciting ground-breaking new band there is the drossness of Celine Dion, the stiff fake song that J-Lo seems to sort of sing, and other prefabricated boy bands. But for each of those, there are many more who have contributed in elevating what a DJ does to a true artform, which is clearly and abundantly demonstrated by the reaction people have to what they do live. It does make a difference sometimes, and when it does, it is nothing short of life-changing. Should we go and tell Carl Cox, Derrick May, Jeff Mills, Danny Tenaglia and Joe Claussell that what they do is completely over-rated and not worthy of the kind of excitement there seems to be when they play somewhere, and also tell their listeners the ERROR of their ways?

To each his/her own.

It serves as a stark reminder that no matter how much progress we think we've made, bitterness, petty hate and wholesale prejudice (as in bundling all people who are DJ's in one group) are never that far behind.

Rather than for his talent at composing stellar melodies and timeless songs that will warm souls, it looks like this haterade is what our Bréq friend wants to be remembered for, which is why he takes great pains in reminding everyone of this fact whenever the occasion arises. I'm just sick of seeing him get away with it. Enough of this sh*t already!!

Let me sum it up for you: AS WITH EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE, THERE ALWAYS IS 95% CRAP. THAT YOU CHOOSE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT 95% RATHER THAN THE 5% OF PURE TREASURE IS REALLY TELLING ABOUT YOUR PENT-UP NEGATIVITY. On behalf of the other 5%, I would venture that we got used to your kind since the days of Steve Dahl at Comiskey Park, and we're still around stronger than ever.

Comme une vielle bonne femme acariâtre après sa ménopause.... (forgive the French)

D.

[ryansupak]

My favorite DJs are unknowns...most of them go in and out of jail, vagrancy, etc, and make little or no money from DJing or anything else.

I tend to think the spirit of DJing (or the best parts of it) is somehow tied to anonymity or "the collective" or some idea like that, and I generally find aggressive self-promoters insufferable (ironically, the thing it takes to be a famous DJ).

Aggressive self-promoters tend to talk "at you", not "to you", in my experience. ("I don't really care who you're opening for and about your MySpace page!" I think to myself. "How are you FEELING?")

$0.01,
rs

[hambone1]

IMO, good DJs are skillful, top musos are talented.

Promoters don't have the skill or talent to do either, otherwise they would. They're the true wannabees.

[djadonis206]

Promoters don't have the skill or talent to do either, otherwise they would. They're the true wannabees.

Speaking as a former promoter

I have to agree with this - go out, get drunk, pass out flyers and kiss ass to booking agencies

I guess you have to be a fast / good talker but so are used car salesmen and street pimps (I actually do look up to street pimps )

oh and you have to be a tad bit sleazy, just a little

Don't get me wrong, I made money and threw some memorable shows but I think it was because I dj'd as well and had a good idea of what I wanted the party to be like - the vibe, atmosphere etc - plus I raved for a couple years befoer i even started djing <--- yes I raved, dj'd then threw raves now I'm a "techno" producer --> cheesy I know

but anywayz...

There is a good promoter in town but he has hair plugs and he's extremely sleazy / cheesy but he brings the bomb talent

[robtronik]

I promote and DJ. Its the best way to have quality control on the night. You know what you want and you can design it that way.

I'll say this about DJs: You may slag on whether a DJ is talented, but I can surely tell you when one ISN'T.

And the fact that you can tell a bad DJ from a good DJ means that, by default, there is a skill that is needed to do the job right.

I think what Breq's is stating is that a dj skill or dj talent is easily acquired in his mind which is then equal to it not requiring much talent at all. In his mind its a lower level effort to learn the art of mixing and music programming than it is learning an instrument.

I think these are two different ideas that he's combined into one and they deserve seperation. Its quite apparent when a DJ who has no talent gets on the decks/laptop/whatever and ruins a room's vibe, clears a dancefloor, or gets kicked off vs. the DJ who can manipulate the emotions and vibe of a room through music successfully.

rob.