An Average DJ?

[JTRS]

On another thread someone suggested that I was an 'average DJ' and I agreed with it, I am I think an 'average DJ'.

It occurs to me that the term average is somewhat subjective, so I'd be interested to know what others think is average

To me it means the following

I have PLI (£5 million limit), my equipment is PAT tested and I have an enhanced CRB check

I have 14 different lights (usually take out between 4 and 6 to use and 2 spares), I use CD decks and have a wide selection of music, it's rare that I don't have a request and if I come across it I add it as soon as I can.

I carry spares/back up to the event and whilst I don't do a formal risk assessment I am conscious of the run of the mill health and safety things (taping wires down and not blocking fire exits etc). I always check where the fire exits are and also know the fire assembly points and tell the venue management in the event of an emergency if they turn their lights on I will kill the music and leave the mic available for announcements.

I am not an expert on all genres of music but I can do a 30 minute set of 60's, 70's, soul and motown, indie rock and rock and roll. I couldn't do a full night of them though. I could however do full night of 80's (that's my era), Northern Soul (that's my passion) and Classic Rock/ Heavy Metal.

I am confident on the mic, but don't tend to speak too much but will quite happily banter with the crowd as and when it's appropriate

That's what being an 'average DJ' is to me.

JTRS

[rob1963]

I'd also add in around 10-15 years experience to the average DJ definition.

[Excalibur]

I'd also add in around 10-15 years experience to the average DJ definition.

Nowadays, more like 10-15 minutes. :bang:

[Danno13]

I'm not sure why experience should only be considered in years? If you do 100 gigs a year and have been going 4 years, thats better than 15 years experience of 20-25 gigs a year.

If we're talking about just an average DJ, then equipment doesn't really matter either, as that makes very little difference to the DJs ability.

[rob1963]

I'm not sure why experience should only be considered in years? If you do 100 gigs a year and have been going 4 years, thats better than 15 years experience of 20-25 gigs a year.

True, but that was based on a DJ being out more often than not on Saturdays.

I'd say 10-15 years experience equates to roughly 250-500 gigs under your belt.

[Mark Wild]

I'd never admit to being average at anything, even if I was ! The words "yeah I'm really average" just don't compute with me. Maybe that's the problem.

[soundtracker]

I'm not sure why experience should only be considered in years? If you do 100 gigs a year and have been going 4 years, thats better than 15 years experience of 20-25 gigs a year.

If we're talking about just an average DJ, then equipment doesn't really matter either, as that makes very little difference to the DJs ability.

and of course there are many DJs out there working for 15 years, who actually have one years experience 15 times!

[Danno13]

True, but that was based on a DJ being out more often than not on Saturdays.

I'd say 10-15 years experience equates to roughly 250-500 gigs under your belt.

That's ok then, as that means I qualify :p

[JTRS]

I'm not sure why experience should only be considered in years? If you do 100 gigs a year and have been going 4 years, thats better than 15 years experience of 20-25 gigs a year.

If we're talking about just an average DJ, then equipment doesn't really matter either, as that makes very little difference to the DJs ability.

That's what I meant by it been subjective

To me it is all encompassing, everything from what equipment they have to what styles of music they are comfortable with playing. To some extent dress and demeanour also have an input (for example most people would expect a DJ to wear a shirt and tie at a wedding, so to turn up in jeans and a T shirt would be inappropriate or below average, whears to turn up in a tux and bow tie would perhaps be too extravagant or above average)

Ability is only a part of the whole picture (a big part yes, but a part of it nonetheless)

JTRS

[JTRS]

I'd never admit to being average at anything, even if I was ! The words "yeah I'm really average" just don't compute with me. Maybe that's the problem.


Out of interest then what makes you above average as a DJ?

JTRS

[Excalibur]

Out of interest then what makes you above average as a DJ?

JTRS

His modesty. ;) :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Mark Wild]

Out of interest then what makes you above average as a DJ?

JTRS

Belief in myself and what I do.

[BeerFunk]

From my perspective, the majority of DJs out there are fairly poor all round, in terms of the presentation of their equipment, and their technical ability. These DJs tend to be the guys going out for peanuts, and not doing things by the book.

So on that basis, I'm well above average, and so are the majority of the DJs on these forums, I'd guess.

[Mark Wild]

I love the fact you have started a thread and detailed exactly what makes you average, I'm totally convinced mate well done, you are average.

[rob1963]

I'm way above average...in the number of years experience I have, the number of discos under my belt & the level of service I provide.

:D

[JTRS]

I'm not sure why experience should only be considered in years? If you do 100 gigs a year and have been going 4 years, thats better than 15 years experience of 20-25 gigs a year.

If we're talking about just an average DJ, then equipment doesn't really matter either, as that makes very little difference to the DJs ability.

If this thread was about ability I would agree with you, but since you cannot be any kind of DJ (below average, average, or above average) without equipment then I'd say it makes a very big difference.

I live in a 3 storey house, an average window cleaner couldn't do the job because of the heights involved, it took me ages to find one with long enough ladders, again, equipment plays a big part.

JTRS

[JTRS]

I love the fact you have started a thread and detailed exactly what makes you average, I'm totally convinced mate well done, you are average.

I'll ask for your advice and guidance then.

What could I do to make me above average then?

JTRS

[sleah]

I'm way above average...in the number of years experience I have, the number of discos under my belt & the level of service I provide.

:D

Rob, I expect everyone on here would agree you are anything but an average DJ;);)

:D:D:D:D

[rob1963]

Rob, I expect everyone on here would agree you are anything but an average DJ

Nobody on here knows what sort of DJ I am, as they don't know me & haven't seen me doing a disco!

;)

[Danno13]

If this thread was about ability I would agree with you, but since you cannot be any kind of DJ (below average, average, or above average) without equipment then I'd say it makes a very big difference.

I live in a 3 storey house, an average window cleaner couldn't do the job because of the heights involved, it took me ages to find one with long enough ladders, again, equipment plays a big part.

JTRS

So what about club DJs then? Or DJs who work soley for production companies that provide the equipment?

The other point I was making is that anyone can go out and buy fancy equipment, but it doesn't make them any better as a DJ.

[rob1963]

anyone can go out and buy fancy equipment, but it doesn't make them any better as a DJ.

I couldn't agree more.

However, some people clearly THINK it makes them a better DJ!

[JTRS]

So what about club DJs then? Or DJs who work soley for production companies that provide the equipment?

The other point I was making is that anyone can go out and buy fancy equipment, but it doesn't make them any better as a DJ.

OK point taken

I should have emphasised that I was meaning a mobile DJ.

And I agree with you fancy equipment does not make you any better as a DJ, but I'm interested to know what other DJ's see as an 'average DJ'

In my opinion, if you are trying to be above average, then it is essential to understand what average is and means, not just to yourself, but more importantly to others.

JTRS

[Mark Wild]

OK point taken

I should have emphasised that I was meaning a mobile DJ.

And I agree with you fancy equipment does not make you any better as a DJ, but I'm interested to know what other DJ's see as an 'average DJ'

In my opinion, if you are trying to be above average, then it is essential to understand what average is and means, not just to yourself, but more importantly to others.

JTRS

I'm sorry but this has just turned into a load of nonsensical psychobabble ;)

[JTRS]

I'm sorry but this has just turned into a load of nonsensical psychobabble ;)


How so?

I don't want to be average, but I accept that I currently am just that, ie average and I am getting the average rate.

I'm hoping to use the experience and the expertise of the forum to ascertain exactly what average is and what it means to a cross section of established DJ's and having discovered that then I hope to better myself to being above average, which according to the general consensus should lead to an increase in my charges and consequently my profits.

Is striving to better oneself such a bad thing?

JTRS

[Megamix]

I think the word average is probably not a good idea to use (average meaning to my mind - the usual or ordinary kind or quality)

It's all about whether you meet or exceed the customers expectations - they are the judge - I guess we all feel we meet or exceed their expectations if they book you again or pass on your name.

But maybe that's not even a good guide - they may only book a disco once!!:D

[DJMaxG]

Do you mean 'average DJ' by : average pro or average semi pro?

If you are trying to define yourself as the 'sixty squid sid', then you are far from it, with 5 Million PLI and backup equipment. I don't think 'sixty quid sid' who is a builder during the daytime and a DJ by the weekend always carries spares, and I'm not sure that most would have more than 2 Million PLI.

If not, then what do you mean by 'average DJ'?

You could argue based on a forum survey or active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.


You could argue based on a forum survey of active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.

;)

[kilmeedyman]

You could argue based on a forum survey or active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.



Oh god, now you've labelled me as average by clear and accurate definition.... and I don't like it! :no: :D

[Excalibur]

If not, then what do you mean by 'average DJ'?

You could argue based on a forum survey or active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.



Oh god, now you've labelled me as average by clear and accurate definition.... and I don't like it! :no: :D

It's alright for you mate, but I'm below average by the same token. :cry:

[Tony Scott]

I'm awesome..... always have been! :D :D

[Excalibur]

I'm awesome..... always have been! :D :D

That's not what your beloved says. :confused: :confused: :p :D :D

[JTRS]

Do you mean 'average DJ' by : average pro or average semi pro?

If you are trying to define yourself as the 'sixty squid sid', then you are far from it, with 5 Million PLI and backup equipment. I don't think 'sixty quid sid' who is a builder during the daytime and a DJ by the weekend always carries spares, and I'm not sure that most would have more than 2 Million PLI.

If not, then what do you mean by 'average DJ'?

You could argue based on a forum survey or active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.

;)

To be honest I didn't really know what an 'average' DJ was and until it was mentioned on another thread I hadn't ever thought about it, so I thought I'd ask what it meant to other people.

Although I am relatively new to DJing I never wanted to be classed in the £60 sid bracket and thought I had pitched in above that (both in terms of what charge and how I run my business) so it's nice to hear that another DJ thinks I'm above that bracket too.

Cheers :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

JTRS

[rob1963]

I'm awesome..... always have been! :D :D

Except when you use those chairs!

:D

[Tony Scott]

That's not what your beloved says. :confused: :confused: :p :D :D

..... which one? ;) :D :D




Except when you use those chairs!

:D

Yeah let my guard down there..... :o :D

[ppentertainments]

You could argue based on a forum survey or active members that an 'average DJ' uses RCF speaker cabinets and runs an ultimax / DSBP and owns a Denon playout system.

One of the best statements you have made, and probably true I think.

[soundtracker]

One of the best statements you have made, and probably true I think.

I think not! Surely that would be an average forum member! On the basis that we don't have any Sids the "average" DJ would be at a much lower level.

[funkymook]

I'd say if you and your equipment are legal and safe and you get good feedback (packed dancefloor and/or positive comments, repeat bookings etc) and you continually strive to keep learning and improving your service then you need not worry about being above or below anybody elses definition of average.

[Corabar Steve]

Well said.

[ppentertainments]

I'd say if you and your equipment are legal and safe and you get good feedback (packed dancefloor and/or positive comments, repeat bookings etc) and you continually strive to keep learning and improving your service then you need not worry about being above or below anybody elses definition of average.
Good points - although disagree about a packed dancefloor, but that is another completely different topic ;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Good points - although disagree about a packed dancefloor...
He did say

packed dancefloor and/or positive comments...

[ppentertainments]

He did say
Apologies, eagle eyes. :p :o :o :o

[funkymook]

Good points - although disagree about a packed dancefloor, but that is another completely different topic ;)

Totally agree (had one last night, about 6 people dancing, but everyone saying how much they enjoyed the music) that's why I put 'packed dancefloor and/or positive comments' to try and cover it :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Apologies, eagle eyes. :p :o :o :o
:d

[rob1963]

I'd say if you and your equipment are legal and safe and you get good feedback (packed dancefloor and/or positive comments, repeat bookings etc) and you continually strive to keep learning and improving your service then you need not worry about being above or below anybody elses definition of average.

Whoaaaa......cool!

:D