i only read the first post, but here is my 2 cents:
it sounds like they are paying you to play the stuff that makes people dance. just do that or find somewhere else to play. if you can't figure out how to be creative with a restrictive play list, then you haven't been checking out a lot of talented djs who play in mainstream clubs.
this thread is stupid, but really you just have to take the plunge and program differently. Certain songs might not work as well, but you just have to be patient, ride it out and cue something else up. Folks will come around.
Some nights when I am playing, I take the "force it down their throat" approach. For example, I might want to play a latin set early (at a spot that I normally play funk / soul / disco early). There might be about 10 minutes of weird looks or whatever, but a few joints in, the crowd will come around and start moving. Doesn't always work that way, but it's one approach.
Also it can be helpful to go check out some other DJs in your area.
If you've been djing for 15 years, you certainly have the tunes to change it up a bit.
so, yes i will post up a set list when i have a minute - and let you guys tear my ass up some more
the reason i said that the thread had been not much help, was because pretty much most of the things suggested i do, i do already to no avail. And yes i've been djing a long time but and i'm always paying attention to whats going on out there, but i'm always trying to here more music and search out things that may i have missed along the line - i don't see a problem with this attitude?
also, when i play other cities and other venues - i get along just fine and can play much more varied/fun sets and always have a great time and get the job done - and often get complimented by the owner and get love from the crowd
its just this one residency in this one venue (which i rely on for ??), which is difficult for me. this really is a redneck kinda city. With only a couple of decent places to drink - but even these places are often full of fucking idiots. For instance at least every other week someone will say (before the girls start dancing) "Why the fuck are you playing n*gger music? Do you see any fucking n*ggers in here mate?" - at which point i often ask the security who are black to escort them from the venue. Just an example of the kind of people i often have to deal with - any UK strutters maybe aware of a program called "The Only Way is Essex"? - its not that far off.
You can only really keep a dancefloor by playing obvious music, but the venue doesn't want me playing Lady Gaga and David Guetta. Its not just a problem for me either, the guys who dj the indie/rock night the night after me also have the same problem (they just don't get the racists hassling them!). They get stuck in a rut too. But they are just happy to take a pay cheque from it.
I sincerely promise you all that this weekend i am going to make a concerted effort to switch it the fuck up, and will report back ASAP.
Comments
Pick it up..Pick it up..Pick it UP....Scenario Bassline!
it sounds like they are paying you to play the stuff that makes people dance. just do that or find somewhere else to play. if you can't figure out how to be creative with a restrictive play list, then you haven't been checking out a lot of talented djs who play in mainstream clubs.
Crate digging revealed.
Some nights when I am playing, I take the "force it down their throat" approach. For example, I might want to play a latin set early (at a spot that I normally play funk / soul / disco early). There might be about 10 minutes of weird looks or whatever, but a few joints in, the crowd will come around and start moving. Doesn't always work that way, but it's one approach.
Also it can be helpful to go check out some other DJs in your area.
If you've been djing for 15 years, you certainly have the tunes to change it up a bit.
forget about your routines
forget about your whole schtick
forget about what people are into
forget about what people aren't into
chill out at home
get stoned
go to your records and start vibing to your shit for a good few hours.
while doing so, stuff a whole bunch of sureshot records into two big record bags
your only criteria should be - is this shit gonna be killing it in tha clurb? is this something I truly feel?
- be broad in your genres
go to the club early
smoke something drink something - settle into the vibe
feel out the crowd using your jedi mind powers
when you need to get on
play this
take it from there
improvise
:roar:
love that YouTube clip, whistle creux! anyone id th
e wabillydibblydo track at 12,40??
i guess i knew the thread would end up like this
i got clonned
so, yes i will post up a set list when i have a minute - and let you guys tear my ass up some more
the reason i said that the thread had been not much help, was because pretty much most of the things suggested i do, i do already to no avail. And yes i've been djing a long time but and i'm always paying attention to whats going on out there, but i'm always trying to here more music and search out things that may i have missed along the line - i don't see a problem with this attitude?
also, when i play other cities and other venues - i get along just fine and can play much more varied/fun sets and always have a great time and get the job done - and often get complimented by the owner and get love from the crowd
its just this one residency in this one venue (which i rely on for ??), which is difficult for me. this really is a redneck kinda city. With only a couple of decent places to drink - but even these places are often full of fucking idiots. For instance at least every other week someone will say (before the girls start dancing) "Why the fuck are you playing n*gger music? Do you see any fucking n*ggers in here mate?" - at which point i often ask the security who are black to escort them from the venue. Just an example of the kind of people i often have to deal with - any UK strutters maybe aware of a program called "The Only Way is Essex"? - its not that far off.
You can only really keep a dancefloor by playing obvious music, but the venue doesn't want me playing Lady Gaga and David Guetta. Its not just a problem for me either, the guys who dj the indie/rock night the night after me also have the same problem (they just don't get the racists hassling them!). They get stuck in a rut too. But they are just happy to take a pay cheque from it.
I sincerely promise you all that this weekend i am going to make a concerted effort to switch it the fuck up, and will report back ASAP.
peace
b
you'll be glad to know that tonight i switched it up AND STILL FUCKING MURDERED IT
i still had to keep it pretty obvious but it worked well
and i had a few fuckups but held it together (i don't get time to practice at home so did it all on the fly, in the club)
and i had fun
so i guess you all helped, even the ones who were pricks all the way through the thread ;)
thank you Soulstrut
peace
b
x