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.

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d&b session 20090519
My take on... (various mixes planned, updated when I can be arsed)

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.

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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.

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d&b session 20090519
My take on... (various mixes planned, updated when I can be arsed)

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

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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.

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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).

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d&b session 20090519
My take on... (various mixes planned, updated when I can be arsed)

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.

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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.

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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.

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