Is experience really in years?

[Mark Wild]

Having a few shandies in my local after a gig on Sunday night, me and another DJ got talking, he's nearing 50 and kept banging on about 'it's all about experience Mark'

In a way he was somewhat belittling me (in a beer drinking bantery way you understand)

My argument was that I've had way more hours in 'live' situations than him, for 5 years I worked 6 nights a week ! He's only ever done 2-4 gigs a month.

Now I know this is different when it comes to musical knowledge as a whole, I only have to talk to my dad about music to understand that, his knowledge on music is mind blowing and he's NEVER been a DJ. But I'm aiming this specifically at 'the working DJ'

So what counts for experience then? Hours behind the decks in 'live' situations or does how old you are automatically make you more experienced?

[Corabar Entertainment]

I've always argued the same as you, Mark. 10 years doing 1 gig a month does not make you more experienced that someone doing 3 times a week for a couple of years.

...of course, to throw another couple of spanners in the works, it does also depend of the type of experience, and whether the person is willing to learn!

[Penfold42]

...of course, to throw another couple of spanners in the works, it does also depend of the type of experience, and whether the person is willing to learn!

:agree:

But putting the mileage in does count as well.

[Excalibur]

So what counts for experience then? Hours behind the decks in 'live' situations or does how old you are automatically make you more experienced?
Yes. Next question please.


I've always argued the same as you, Mark. 10 years doing 1 gig a month does not make you more experienced that someone doing 3 times a week for a couple of years.

...of course, to throw another couple of spanners in the works, it does also depend of the type of experience, and whether the person is willing to learn!
A day without learning is a day wasted.

[Mark Wild]

depend on the type of experience,

That certainly does chuck a spanner in the works ! :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well, if you do the same thing 100 times, that only makes you experienced in that, doesn't it? :D

[Excalibur]

Well, if you do the same thing 100 times, that only makes you experienced in that, doesn't it? :D

How many different ways are there to press play? :confused:

[Mark Wild]

How many different ways are there to press play? :confused:

One, but there are many different results to what happens after you have :)

[Excalibur]

One, but there are many different results to what happens after you have :)

Two. Floor clears, or it doesn't. :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

It all depends on the DJ themselves, the types of events and venues that they do, the amount of gigs and also why they DJ. There are so many variables that it's hard to give a yes or no answer.

[Excalibur]

It all depends on the DJ themselves, the types of events and venues that they do, the amount of gigs and also why they DJ. There are so many variables that it's hard to give a yes or no answer.

OK, now Neil's posted the crux of my argument, I'll be relatively serious.

There are undoubtedly some under 21's who have put more time in behind the decks than I have, but as alluded to before, that is a very narrow band of experience.

By the same token, just being of advanced years does not in itself confer experience.

There really is no one size fits all answer, for each case is individual. Experience must surely be measured in some form of Experience= Variation of gigs x Number of gigs + Years on the planet.

I've never worked in Clubs, so even some of the younger members will beat me hands down in this area. I have however done pretty much most other types of gigs, so believe I can legitimately call myself experienced. Others will have more, I know that.

One thing I do know, you can't beat experience, and I wish I could bottle it and sell it. ;)

Edit: Also as mentioned earlier, an open mind is de rigeur. Preclude nothing.

[Penfold42]

By the same token, just being of advanced years does not in itself confer experience.

But your customers don't know that. :)

[paul1404]

Its too much of an open question - I personally think that if you have a mixed aged crowd ranging from 0 - 90 then an experienced dj will probably cope better than a less experienced dj - on the flip side if you have a young upfor it crowd wanting the latest underground remixes then a lesser experienced younger DJ may cope better as long as he knows his subject.

Every Disco we do is different and I think that every DJ is also diffrent -
Experience is key in any trade - Youth is also key in some trades

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Look at this way - A scenario....

Resident DJ who has been doing the same venue for 10 years covering mainly weddings and does 3 bookings per month. The resident DJ is in his 50's.

Another DJ who has DJ'd in Clubs / Bars and all kinds of venues covering all genres and different types of functions and does on average 10 bookings per month. This DJ is in his 30's and has been DJing 5 years.

Personally I'd say that the other DJ has more experience. Not just because he is working more and gaining experience quickly but because he has experience with all different types of venues.

Like Mark, I was DJing 6 sometimes 7 nights a week back in the day and doing all different types of functions too. Different musical genres and different venues and that was the best experience you could get.

[Kernow]

Experience is knowing what to do in any given situation, combined with the confidence that you will get it right.
It isn't age dependant, but a good indicator is found in "What would you do.... ?" type threads, and those who regularly offer the best solutions ? :)

[Excalibur]

Experience is knowing what to do in any given situation, combined with the confidence that you will get it right.
It isn't age dependant, but a good indicator is found in "What would you do.... ?" type threads, and those who regularly offer the best solutions ? :)

Why I would follow the advice given in that reference work by Mr Adams.



" Don't Panic".

[Eski75]

Does one aquire ten years experience or does one repeat one years experience ten times?

[Mark Wild]

Does one aquire ten years experience or does one repeat one years experience ten times?

Only if ones in ground hog year.

[Eski75]

There was me thinking that sounded quite philosophical lol!

[wensleydale]

Experience is only part of it- there are plenty of people on here that are appear to have had less "experience" who I think look like they do a better job than some of the more experienced members.

It also depends on common sense, a desire to offer great service, willingness to learn (from mistakes and others) and always wanting to move forward.

[supersound]

You get out what you put in.There are DJ's who rest on their laurels and Dj's who put themselves out and learn different aspects of the trade,Eg marketing, networking,mixing,audience working and general versatility.
I think its about pushing boundaries and setting targets.(6 months ago I couldn't do magic tricks but now I have a 45 min kids show).
There are DJ's mature and young who rest on their laurels and say time makes them more experienced.
I personally take my hat off to Danno who does all matter of Disco related diverse work(hire,lighting,Stages,Trussing,Different PA,Concerts ect)and every day is different and a learning curve.
We do get set in our ways and I for one have been there.

Paul

[yourdj]

I am not even going to read the thread as it is not in years IMO :)

I get loads of guys saying they have been Djing for 20 years but only go out once a month (on average). i have been Djing for 5 years and go out 7.4 times a month (obviously average - I do not pack up almost half way through my 8th gig :D). Same level (if not more) of working experience in my book.

Although, i would say they have lived through a a couple of decades of hands on musical experience which may help for a more obscure track, although most people always ask for the same stuff and can be read pretty easily with enough WORKING experience.

Alot of the oldschools I meet are also stuck a bit in the past, but the majority of people i have met have managed to move with the times which is crucial (music knowledge/equipment). Such as Excalibur etc. going digital. i for example cannot for the life of me understand what is remotely good about dubstep :confused: although I know I have to try as its a popular genre.

[funkymook]

I am not even going to read the thread as it is not in years IMO :)


And you've made over 3500 posts on the forum but that experience hasn't taught you to read through a thread before posting?

Find that attitude quite dismissive of those who have contributed IMO - are they not worth reading?

[Jason]

Lots of ways of looking at this;
Doing pub gigs for 20+ years
Doing clubs for 20+ years
Doing Weddings for 20+ years

or

A mix of the above?

I'd say a good measure will the number of varied gigs. The times when amps/mixers fail, guests start a fight, all help create experience..
Playing in the same enviroment to similar crowds do not.

A Wedding expert thrown in a town center bar will find it hard work (if they don't normally play to this type of crowd), a pub DJ will also struggle at a high-end wedding.

[wensleydale]

A Wedding expert thrown in a town center bar will find it hard work (if they don't normally play to this type of crowd), a pub DJ will also struggle at a high-end wedding.

Thats a bit of an assumption that isn't true.
Some might.
Some might not.

[Jason]

Thats a bit of an assumption that isn't true.
Some might.
Some might not.


I feel it is (but that is my opinion)- but my point is putting someone used to a certain type of gig into a totally alien environment. If the Wedding DJ does play to "town center bar crowds" at the Weddings, then its easy.

If they never set foot in these places, then they will struggle.

So, I guess we can talk about experienced Wedding/Bar/Club/Pub or Karaoke DJ's, or an all-rounder DJ who does all.

[wensleydale]

I feel it is (but that is my opinion)- but my point is putting someone used to a certain type of gig into a totally alien environment. If the Wedding DJ does play to "town center bar crowds" at the Weddings, then its easy.

If they never set foot in these places, then they will struggle.

So, I guess we can talk about experienced Wedding/Bar/Club/Pub or Karaoke DJ's, or an all-rounder DJ who does all.

But I think this goes back to the original point- some people are simply better DJ's than others.
They can read the crowd better, have greater music knowledge, and can flex to suit different environments better.

[yourdj]

And you've made over 3500 posts on the forum but that experience hasn't taught you to read through a thread before posting?

Find that attitude quite dismissive of those who have contributed IMO - are they not worth reading?

Not at all just did not have time and expressing what I think IMO. :)
i will have a good read when i am not out the door for a gig.

And yes "why not leave it until you have time" but its too addictive :D