DJ Politics # 2

Awhile back I posted a blog on the Politics that are involved with the Dj Industry in this city we live in Vancouver..

I covered two examples of your typical Dj..

1) Being the matured Dj who is experienced and knowledgeable and wise with world travel and music knowledge with a minimal amount of friends and the other..

2) Being the young inexperienced youth with many a friend on face book, very little music knowledge and getting weekly gigs due to bringing a following/a crowd.

I pretty much asked the question who should get the gigs?

The response I got from this report was great with mixed opinions. It showed that other than issues being at hand in the industry, at least people are conscious of the problems we face as Dj's.

***

This report is more based on the level of quality and lack of care I've witnessed and experienced in some instances of Party Promotion and also touches on how the scene is changing so drastically and effecting the peoples appreciation for quality music and also changing the cities social behavior.

Some months back I found myself hanging with some friends, chilling and drinking in the west end with every intention to go support a couple of fellow Dj's who were playing at a specific Venue in the Gastown area. My friends had not heard of or met either of the Dj's playing but I invited them along to join me, in support of my other acquaintances (the Dj's) whom had put a lot of time and energy into promoting themselves and more specifically the night.

Of course being Vancouver is was a cold, rainy and windy evening.

The information I was given was, " If I wish to receive free entry on the ticket I was given I would have to be at the Club before 11pm to avoid paying."

We rushed to make it there on time as my friends were not really interested in paying for Dj's they weren't specifically interested in seeing..

By the time we got to the venue it was ram packed out the front, it looked busy, I was quite impressed and stoked for a solid turnout.

At this stage it was pouring down with rain, and neither my friends or myself were ready to stand in the rain waiting for the door men to let us in. The club owners/party promoters had 1 small tent set up to stop people from getting wet and that's it. I found this rather irritating and myself and friends decided to leave the event an go to a pub up the street.
Simply put, what's with rushing people down there at 11pm or before to only have them stand out in the rain? Oh, " My bad, I didn't 't bring an umbrella".. Fuck that, who wants to go out at 11pm generally anyway? Fair enough if someone rocks up to an event after midnight or some shit, and then has to pay a door charge I understand. Though an amateur event based on new comer Dj's whole have been Dj's for two minuets is a different story.

This really pisses me off.. I mean, why concentrate so much on the following two things. 1) Money 2) Reputation when the most important things are staring you in the face.. 1) The people 2) The culture..

Isn't it more important to look after the people who have shown up to support the talent by maybe considering extra comforts to ensure happier club goers? Such as extra cover from the rain, or Later time for validation of tickets?

In business there is the old saying, " You have to spend money to make money". Right?? Well can't these Club owners/mangers/promoters take a loss for awhile in order to develop a culture of club goers happy with their scene and proud of there music??

Look, I totally respect the whole business side of things, really I do.. But this lack of caring about making a solid contribution to a dying scene is really starting to destroy the Electronic music culture.

I mean really what's hot right now?? Dubstep? Grime? Electro? Top 40??? More Dubstep?? ..... These are the standard genres (Besides Dubstep) that are being played in all the clubs right now because it works..

I've had people come up to me and say things like, " Fuck this city, every Dj is playing the exact same shit!!".. Well of course they are right!?!? Its because once the Dj gets the gig he wants to keep it right? So he plays what works for the club, and plays what has been working for the club? If he doesn't? Well too bad mate, we'll replace you!!
And its true, it happens..

So funny that DJ's in this city hold onto their gigs so tightly even though they are taking gross cuts on the general/standard fee Dj's should charge..

Anyway - To cut this report short let me get to the point of all this affecting the social behavior amongst the general clubbing community..

So basically people are totally saturated with invites to various different events on the two nights, lets say Friday and Saturday..

It's cold, rainy and the romance for clubbing has gone... I check Facebook and I've been invited to 10 different parties, ( Plus being a supportive friend I say Attending to 5 of those parties because a friend or acquaintance is spinning )..

Where do I go? I should really be responsible and stay home as I have work the next day but I want to hit the town, talk to some birds, get loose maybe get stoned who knows!! I'm just so torn what to do...

Generally I think people between 25-30 are broke, saving or too tired from work to find the motivation to go out to begin with, I can totally say that I fall into this category as do my closest friends sometimes...

"Fuck it", I say, I'm just going to stay home its all too hard.. LOL

There is no denying times are changing, and that more and more people are becoming involved in the Dj/entertainment industry, and I truly say, "Good luck"..

There is no doubt that we as a generation of people are not going to stop wanting to party and hopefully with the times changing as will peoples perspective on what's legitimately a great party... And I hope these people will attend the clubs/parties run by decent, fun loving passionate people who truly love music and the club scene and who want to create a safe, fun and social entertainment scene....

Please do note that anything I have written is not meant to offend those in the industry (Promoters/club managers/owners/dj's), but just points raised to address issues worth discussing.

I respect all those who have worked hard to develop a community and truly am stoked to continue to party alongside you and hope to evolve together..

Joe Barrs