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-- the qualities of a good DJ

the qualities of a good DJ

Track selection, transitions, effects, crowd interaction, BPM, there are so many different factors that make a set what it is and it all depends on the DJ.

What to you are some other things you think a good DJ should do for your perfect night and what ranks highest up in the list of must's for a quality DJ?

Who are some DJ's who posess the most important qualities?

Hm..

For me personally, track selection is more important than mixing, although, since I've started to spin myself, I am paying attention to transitions more and more, even up to the point I'm not really enjoying a set anymore.. Annoying.

Crowd interaction is not really that important to me myself, but I know it is to a good deal of people, so that's an important factor as well..

The best DJs possess a well-balanced mix of all of these qualities of course. Though here too, there are some exceptions.. John Digweed is an awesome DJ technically and track selection-wise, but his crowd interaction is as good as the figure skating skills of an average rhinoceros.

The only thing I don't understand from your post is the BPM factor, in what way does that influence the qualities of a DJ? Some people like it fast, some like it slower, that's got nothing to do with DJ quality I think.

Great Thread
I'm not a dj and I don't have any experience. I think that track selection and crowd interaction are the most importatant, but I don't know in practise how it is

quote:

Originally posted by basd The only thing I don't understand from your post is the BPM factor, in what way does that influence the qualities of a DJ? Some people like it fast, some like it slower, that's got nothing to do with DJ quality I think.

Acually BMP choice is an important factor for being a good dj. A good warm-up Dj will keep it slow and slowly build it up. Its all about reading what the crowd wants, but slamming bamming 150 bmp tunes at 9:30pm is gonna exhaust them by the time the night has started.

Imo, the choice of tunes is by far the most important thing in what defines a good Dj. This cant be learnt in the beedroom but only through the wisdom of playing out.

quote:

Originally posted by Dj Dissent Acually BMP choice is an important factor for being a good dj. A good warm-up Dj will keep it slow and slowly build it up. Its all about reading what the crowd wants, but slamming bamming 150 bmp tunes at 9:30pm is gonna exhaust them by the time the night has started.

In that respect, you're right. I was just thinking he meant that some BPM ranges were better than others. Of course this is true when you look at when (timewise) someone is playing, but it is not a general fact. As i said, some people prefer faster music, some people prefer slower. Of course you have to 'build an evening'

quote:

Imo, the choice of tunes is by far the most important thing in what defines a good Dj. This cant be learnt in the beedroom but only through the wisdom of playing out.

If you mean by 'choice of tunes', adapting your track selection to the crowd, then again you're right.

Playing more than 20 tracks (and doing it well) in 60 minutes and/or knowing how to scratch. Aka actually DJing.

stole my reply from an old thread in the dj booth

i think the definition of a good dj is:

* technically nailed
* ability to read the crowd
* quick reactions
* creativity
* adaptability


and on a sidenote, i dont think you have to scratch to be a dj at all. it helps, but it depends on what you play. e.g. if a dj scratched over prog i would frown dissaprovingly.

quote:

Originally posted by Radagast Aka actually DJing.

As opposed to what?

I think someone who can glue together tracks smoothly, in a way that transitions are hard to notice, can be called a DJ too. Even if he doesn't scratch, or just puts ten tracks in an hour. The latter can be done with the right type of techno tracks too, you don't need to put that many tracks in a techno mix when you pick the right records. If your track selection consists of typical Marco Bailey / Redhead loop-based techno crap, then yes (or even better, refrain from playing them at all).

quote:

Originally posted by Radagast Playing more than 20 tracks (and doing it well) in 60 minutes and/or knowing how to scratch. Aka actually DJing.

At the same time, a lot of dj's force their mixes trying to get off 20 tracks in an hour. I would rather listen to country music than listen to the pot clanking sounds of a dj that hasn't matched his beat properly and has to continually correct as he goes. I also hate listening to dj's that quick mix or scratch mix, because they can't ride a mix out. There are some fantastic turntablists out there and I love to see them play too(Rectangle, Craze, Mix Master Mike, etc.), but I am looking for a completely different show when I see turntablists. I am not usually too excited about their mixing, but the show takes over.

On the other hand, a good dj (that doesn't play repetitive music that needs altering and tricks) has other concerns. I would never call myself a turntablist, but I do understand programming, transition tracks, smooth and fluid level mixing, and timing/phrasing. A progressive/trance dj has to know their records and their crowd. Different shows beget different sets. If I play a larger event/party I will usually play more trance/hard trance depending on my set time. If I am playing a club where the crowd is a little bit older I might play deep proggy into some ambient, melodic proggy into some old trance with a progressive feel (Sander Kleinenburg, Tilt, Natious).

The other thing that is ultra important, is confidence. Being able to shrug off a mistake and move on to the next mix. In many instances a dj can make a mistake without anyone knowing it as long as they don't freak out and show their displeasure. Sometimes a mistake can be turned into a positive. For example, Micro (who is definitely not a fantastic dj/mixer) had a record run out mid mix one time here. There was a drastic drop in bass levels. He waited the phrase out and kicked the bass up to full. The crowd went crazy. I went crazy in a different way, but you see the point.

id say any DJ who can incorporate scratching or different techniques would surely show he is a talented DJ.. maybe not what id like to hear though. i believe good fresh track selection that hasn't been overplayed too much and the ability to beatmatch flawlessly most of the time. the ability to play for a crowd helps too

I'd say Paul van Dyk, Sasha and John Digweed are the ones that entirely fullfill what I would consider the best qualities of a good DJ John Digweed's track selection is fantastic, and PvD's interaction with the fans is awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by apollo_144 I'd say Paul van Dyk, Sasha and John Digweed are the ones that entirely fullfill what I would consider the best qualities of a good DJ John Digweed's track selection is fantastic, and PvD's interaction with the fans is awesome.

WTF are you talking about. Have you ever seen PVD live.

Here's my take on this...

Diverse Record Box
The DJ needs to be able to have a variety of styles to cater to the needs of the crowd.

Track Selection/Build-Up
The right track at the right time, and the wrong track at the wrong time makes all the difference in a set. I also like something that builds up to a nice climactic, energetic ending.

Crowd Interaction
A DJ should be into what's playing, and should show it. I like a DJ who will dance in the booth and acknowledge the crowd, and who smiles a lot.

Mixing
Mixing must at least be mediocre. I can handle double-beats for a couple of seconds, as long as it is fixed right away. You also can't start mixing tunes over the melody... I've heard a DJ do this before (and still does it), and it's absolutely horrible.

For the most part that is true, but melody overlapping can be good as long as the songs are in key and harmonize. That is a far greater challenge, but the reward can be very fulfilling. For example, Breeder - Twilo Thunder mixes awesome with L.S.G. - Netherworld with big time melody overlap, but this is a risky process and one should listen hard in the headphones while beatmatching to make sure there isn't a clash.

The Set has to be a real show... Fireworks when the track "explodes", dance with the crowd, start with BPM around 134, then go to 139 BPM... 139... Ideal dance BPM

quote:

Originally posted by Nite-Mer For the most part that is true, but melody overlapping can be good as long as the songs are in key and harmonize. That is a far greater challenge, but the reward can be very fulfilling. For example, Breeder - Twilo Thunder mixes awesome with L.S.G. - Netherworld with big time melody overlap, but this is a risky process and one should listen hard in the headphones while beatmatching to make sure there isn't a clash.

Yeah, like a mashup. Those can be done, but that DJ wasn't trying to mash the songs together in a good way; he was just trying to mix out of them. It was a horrible set.

quote:

Originally posted by idoru Yeah, like a mashup. Those can be done, but that DJ wasn't trying to mash the songs together in a good way; he was just trying to mix out of them. It was a horrible set.

I hear you. I have definitely seen some of those. I figured that was what you meant, but wanted to elaborate a little. For the most part I agree 100% with your analysis. And there is a lot of shit one can get away with as a dj. The average listener might catch a wreck, but won't even hear the minor double beat. As long as you correct quickly, one can get away with murder.

quote:

Originally posted by basd The only thing I don't understand from your post is the BPM factor, in what way does that influence the qualities of a DJ? Some people like it fast, some like it slower, that's got nothing to do with DJ quality I think.

Like it was said allready, the pace of the night is very important. now while some may like it slow and some may like it fast certain songs just don't sound good at certain BPM's and tunez like PvD - Animacion sound a lot better with the BPM cranked up a few notches.

This might just fall under effects I suppose but I think it's important that not only do you not wear the crowd out or bore them to death but also that you have a feel for how songs should really be heard.

quote:

Originally posted by trance_n_dance Like it was said allready, the pace of the night is very important. now while some may like it slow and some may like it fast certain songs just don't sound good at certain BPM's and tunez like PvD - Animacion sound a lot better with the BPM cranked up a few notches. This might just fall under effects I suppose but I think it's important that not only do you not wear the crowd out or bore them to death but also that you have a feel for how songs should really be heard.

Problem with that is interpretation. Everyone likes different tempos. Key is to read the crowd. Some sets you want to vary your tempo up or down or both to create a rollercoaster effect. As long as you do it slowly and fluidly, people won't even notice. In an hour, it is easy to bump up 5 or 10+ BPM. I really like opening more progressive and building the tempo and the energy as the set goes, but it is also really effective to drop down a bit from the beginning and then build back up and keep building beyond the level of the intro track and closing out at a peak.

The unparalleled ability to rebound from a trainwreck and turn it into a good thing that drives the crowd wild.


P.S. this is not unheard of. Someone like James Zabiela *intentionally* uses clashing sounds and atmospheres, not to mention a bit of good ol' beatslop and maybe some scratching to prime for a rising climax -- letting the bass drop when the smoke clears.

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