DJ POLICTICS

Whats up fellow Internets,

So working in the DJ dept of one of Vancouver Cities biggest Music store can be a challenging task sometimes to say the least. With all of the perks such as, discount on Rad equipment IE.. NS7, VCI300 etc, comes also a random day where I find myself emerging into the politics of DJ and the in's and outs of the club scene this city has.

You know!! Promoters, club owners, all they want to do is make a crust at the end of the day right? Well hopefully I am wrong, and that there are a fair few promoters still out there that are doing it for the love... Anyway I find I can't help myself get into a lengthy discussion with customers who ask!!

It makes me wonder, do you have to sell out in this city to feel successful in the industry your most passionate about?

DO you have to adapt to playing a genre of music that is quite commonly known to exploit artists and the youth of today through commercial advertising and backing?

Why is it that the people in this city who pull the strings, who claim to love the music made by electronic artist can't band together and create a scene, a culture an education for the impressionable kids growing up around us.

Are breaks not fun to listen too? Is house music Boring?

Some friends of mine start these nights at nightclubs around the city, and a few have lasted no More than 4 weeks due to not enough business.

The " Nah, that didn't work, its scrapped" attitude is destroying the confidence in people to subscribe their down time to local indie promoters trying to make a change.

In my opinion Music grows, friendships are made, and people need to be given a chance to GET TO KNOW AND TRUST an event/night.

Lets tka ea DJ for example.

1) 27 y/o. 10 years experience DJ, worldly travelled, vast Electronic music knowledge, expeotiional beat matching skills and EQ knowledge, entertaining, down to earth, respectful and mature. 250 friends and fans on facebook

2) 22 Y.O. 1 year experience, fresh faced, local never travelled, Genre specific, average beat matching, no Eq experience, boring to watch, arrogant and vain.. 1000 friend and fans on facebook.

Who gets the gig in your opinion?? Mine, well its hard to say, would I sell out and go for gold with the 22 year old if I were a club owner promoter??

Anyway, business is business and starving, passionate musicians and artists will always be the same.

For those out there wanting to DJ heres a couple little tips from me personally. You can take the advise and run with it or leave it, though these are just my personal tips;

1) PRACTICE - The key is to practise at home everyday

2) Listen to mixes - Go beyond lengths to listen to fellow dj'S mix tapes and compare your styles to theirs.

3) Be kind enough and respect other established Dj's and promoters so they will listen to your own mixes, and make sure you ask for constructive critisicm rather than thew ever to famous, "Yeh its great" line...

I guess in short, it is up to the individual to make a change, and create your destiny..

If I've got the dice, I'm gonna roll em!!

Joe BJZE

Please don't take this post personally if you are offended, remember everyone has a right to an opinion and if you wish to discuss this matter further contact me.

Thanks