I think this attitude is pretty poor and is not what this forum is all about. People do have to start somewhere and there is nothing wrong with stepping out of your comfort zone once in a while. It's the way we as DJs learn to evolve. DJs aren't born they are made. DJ skills can be taught and the best teacher is experience. Your plumber analogy is way off the mark because your plumber would have learnt his skills at college and / or on apprenticeship. Mobile DJ college courses are few and far between so the best places to learn are from experienced forum members like those we have here. That's what we do here.
My biggest concern is that your comments will put people off coming here fur help and advice. And this happens then the spirit of the forum will be gone forever. There's a reason the forum has so many members and this is that reason!
I completely agree.
I'd much rather see DJs post on the forum admitting where they need help and gaining advice from those that can offer pointers, than going out and 'winging' it without asking the question. Whilst I agree to an extent that not all events are geared towards all DJs, as some events require a more specialist DJ. In the above situation where the poster is asking for advice on an entire decade of music...I'd definitely say this isn't a case where he should be turning down the booking. A few good pointers (which he's already had from some members already) is all he needs.
Once upon a time, we had someone posting what decades the Now albums fell into. That would be a good guide. If anyone feels like posting the dates of them, feel free.
I'd say that a musical remit of 90's is so wide that it wouidn't require a specialist DJ, the advice given here already is basically for music that could easily find its way onto your average wedding playlist, nothing there particularly likely to alienate a high proportion of the guests. Once you get into the research, it's often surprising how much choice you have. I did an 80's night once, and was amazed at how much variation of musical styles there was.
Re specialist gigs, well that's one where I find myself somewhat on the fence. I'd have to admit that there are functions which would require a DJ with specialist knowledge to do them justice. I roadied for Justin at one, and I have to say I'd have made an awful mess of it myself. He was brilliant. However, I've since done a couple of not too disimilar functions, which went well, and I felt I had acquitted myself admirably, simply because I had learnt a lot in the interim, and done some research. ( Spotify is in my opinion, a must for any mobile DJ. ) There are still functions I wouldn't touch with a bargepole, Northern Soul for a kick off. I can put together a basic hour or so with little trouble , but no way a whole night at a specialist function.
I'd have to broadly agree with Dazzy and Shaun that leaving your comfort zone occasionally is an excellent thing to do, as it extends your musical range. The tricky bit is knowing how far to step outside, and if I'm honest, I think the more experienced of us find that easier to judge. Of course, if the newer ones only do the same functions with the same music every week, they won't learn anything. At some point, they'll have to take on something they're not terribly familiar with. At that point, I think that giving them help, advice, and encouragement is preferable to telling them they're not capable of doing the job, and that they should leave it to the big boys.
As others have said, this is the biggest benefit of a forum.
Now... 20 was in 1990, Now... 30 was 1995, and I think Now... 45 was the last of 1999. As you can tell, they started making more than two a year at some point towards the late 90s.
I guess everyone has their areas of musical expertise. Due to my age, the 90s is probably mine. I could comfortably fill 4 hours of 90s hip-hop, or 4 hours of 90s house... in fact, probably 40 hours of 90s across all genres!
I think Daryll has covered most bases already. That's a good list!
Now... 20 was in 1990, Now... 30 was 1995, and I think Now... 45 was the last of 1999. As you can tell, they started making more than two a year at some point towards the late 90s.
I guess everyone has their areas of musical expertise. Due to my age, the 90s is probably mine. I could comfortably fill 4 hours of 90s hip-hop, or 4 hours of 90s house... in fact, probably 40 hours of 90s across all genres!
I think Daryll has covered most bases already. That's a good list!
According to that spreadsheet, Callum, it's vols 17 to 44 that cover the 90s.
Mastermix do an excellent 90's night set of CDs. If you can get along to theMastermix Open Day on Sunday 21 September and you might be able to pick up a set at a bargainprice.
Originally Posted by DazzyD
Reply With Quote
