This sub-forum is a little quiet lately, so I figured I'd try and get some conversation going.

What do you struggle with as a DJ? What recurring problems or hurdles do you run into? Problems with networking? Skill? Price of gear? Lack of appreciation?

I'd say that, for me, I live in a small town with a lot of DJs. So, I end up playing for free a lot... which kinda sets a precedent that I will play for free in the future. (Though, I'm not really into this for business... if I were, I would focus more on the wedding/graduation/mobile DJ scene). But, it would be nice to be compensated sometimes. I've been trying to insist that I get some compensation for special events (like fundraisers) that I play, since I provide and set up my own sound. It becomes a job at that point.

What about you?

Ha, It's the same thing in my area. Too many bedroom DJ's who think they're all Tiesto, and promoters that don't want to pay. Can barely get free drinks out od some places. The old models of getting into DJ'ing are useless these days. Too many nubs are doing it. Should focus on producing and getting some tracks played by the big boys and let the gigs come to you.

quote:

Originally posted by KiNeTiC ENeRgY Ha, It's the same thing in my area. Too many bedroom DJ's who think they're all Tiesto, and promoters that don't want to pay. Can barely get free drinks out od some places. The old models of getting into DJ'ing are useless these days. Too many nubs are doing it. Should focus on producing and getting some tracks played by the big boys and let the gigs come to you.

This pretty much sums up my feelings

I made a similar comment on another message board and nearly got crucified... got called a communist and a thief by the end of it. Not even sure how that happened, lol.

They are mostly wedding/corporate/graduation DJs running businesses, though.

My bane right now is some nasty rotator cuff stuff going on in my left shoulder. Injured multiple times along with nearly 3 decades of cupping the headphone to my ear with my shoulder has temporarily sidelined me from even jamming out at home for my own entertainment.

___________________
4a.m.deepdarksweatypulsingwarehousemusic

WestsideWax Soundcloud

WestsideWax Mixcloud

New! WestsideWax Archives

quote:

Originally posted by PivotTechno My bane right now is some nasty rotator cuff stuff going on in my left shoulder. Injured multiple times along with nearly 3 decades of cupping the headphone to my ear with my shoulder has temporarily sidelined me from even jamming out at home for my own entertainment.

Yowza. I didn't even know that was a thing.

Of all the ways a DJ could possibly get injured, I never would have even considered something like that.

edit - skipped over the part where you said it had been injured multiple times, but still. Gotta be annoying having something like that keep you from mixing.

Personally, I keep my headphones "band" up top and just put one cup behind my ear when I need to, so I guess it wouldn't affect me as much.

My buddy used to go to jam band festivals and dj in the lot at night and hand out cds and promote himself he actually has thousands of people following him on soundcloud now and he has even landed gigs at some festivals djing in front of thousands and thousands of people. Doesnt make a lot of money but he is really happy and has a following.

When other DJs or booth bunnies try and have a huge conversation with me while I'm clearly on a 2-3 minute long layer job between two tracks. Fucking drives me nuts.

That the Chinese do not get my sense of humour. I like to joke and do stupid shit. I once tried to mix 2 records with chops sticks. I train wrecked like mad, and they just got hungry. Epic fail.

___________________
Freak Out Tóng Zhì

quote:

Originally posted by Dykes_on_Jay That the Chinese do not get my sense of humour. I like to joke and do stupid shit. I once tried to mix 2 records with chops sticks. I train wrecked like mad, and they just got hungry. Epic fail.

My biggest hurdle is that I don't play music most people want to listen to, or they like some music in my set and can careless for other stuff. This usually happens when I play psy/goa in my sets. :-/

___________________
B u s h i d o HEAT
Ben Acosta on soundcloud!
tranceaddict.com Colors 2 mixed by Ben Acosta
Colors 2 Mix on mixcloud!

quote:

Originally posted by BshidoHEAT My biggest hurdle is that I don't play music most people want to listen to, or they like some music in my set and can careless for other stuff. This usually happens when I play psy/goa in my sets. :-/

I feel you man and it seems the only way to correct this is to have a strong following or become a great artist and have a strong influence in your sound.

___________________


Juan Paulino - Quantum Break (Original Mix) [Progressive Breaks]