Are you proud to be a DJ?

[Andy Goodtimes]

Might be interesting...I've been reading the thread about the public perseption of DJs and also the one about Charlie's kids party and I wonder are you proud of being a DJ?

I went to a new barbers the other day and got chatting to him and I asked him to put up a poster in his window for a charity night I am doing, there is a picture of me on the poster and he started asking me all about being a DJ. It was obvious that he had a pretty low regard for us and as the conversation developed he started to realise that I worked the higher class venues and ran my business in a pro way and earned a decent living from it.

The conversation developed further and he was telling me that his daughter is seeing a lad who is a DJ and he thought this lad was a bit of a lout...not good enough for his daughter and that kind of thing.

I am a qualified teacher and in the past when I have been teaching and folk ask me what I do I have never had any problem with saying "I'm a teacher" but now when people ask me what I do I feel that when I say "I'm a DJ" I have to quickly follow it up and tell them that I am a professional specialising in Weddings and Corporate work.

[Paul The Party Dj]

... and there is the key to our problem.

In this country people have very low expectations of DJ's and don't think it's a real job. It's up to us to change that perception and I can honestly say that only in the last 2 years have I finally thought this would ever be possible. It won't happen overnight but places like this forum, BPM, and the various people who are trying to raise the bar, really are making a difference.

The solution is networking and the desire to train and get better every day - to be a successful DJ you also need to learn business skills - lots of people don't agree with this, but it's true. Seminar room 2 on Sunday at BPM would be a very good place to make a start.

I'll go and put my protective clothing on now, because I'm sure I'm in for some flak.

[Javlingames]

I am not proud to be a dj. I get embarrassed about it when asked. In actual fact if im in a hairdressers etc and im asked 'what am i doing this weekend' i just say 'nothing, quiet one at home'. im really not sure why i am embarrassed, i cant put my finger on the reason why. I guess to me its just a bit cringeworthy. Or possibly when im on stage im the life and soul of the party and off stage i am pretty quiet and shy away from any attention.

Also i think that people think club dj = cool and mobile dj = cheesy. So now that i am a mobile DJ i defo keep it quiet! My missus brother is 23 and although he has never seen me djin he says 'are you one of those really cheesy dj's that people have at their weddings?'

[DazzyD]

Do you think that the likes of Reggie Yates or Sarah Cox, or Norman Cook or Judge Jules have a problem telling people they're DJs? I think not. And why should we? I'l proud to be a DJ and I'm happy to keep on entertaining people with the music I play. And I never feel bad about telling people I'm a DJ. To be fair, I've never had a negative reaction from it.

We might not in the same league as the DJs metioned above but, nevertheless, we are all DJs and we do the job of bringing the music to the people. Simples!! ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Am I proud to be a DJ?
I USED to be a few years back. I am proud to be making a decent living out of being a DJ but am I proud? No, not really. It may sound harsh but it's true.

I overheard a comment a couple of weeks back at a gig I was doing which made me chuckle a bit. 2 guys were sat infront of me and chatting. I heard one of them say that one of their mates was a "Proper DJ" in that he used record decks. There was no malice in it or anything as far as I could tell.

A bit later on one of the guys came up and asked for a track and hung around for a while as he wanted to see what I was using. We got chatting and then he said about the "Proper DJ" thing again. I said to him that a lot of the big name DJ's mainly used CD Decks and he was surprised. I told him that I used to use decks too and that you really had to move with the times doing what we do because of things like reliability etc. One example (and a simple one) was that when you are digital, MP3's don't skip and jump if they get knocked about (unless they are corrupt). Another one was that you can take a huge library of tracks with you to each gig without having to take boxes full of vinyl and CD's. It turned out that his "Proper DJ" mate was one that DJ's in his bedroom on his 1210's.

To be fair to him, he was actually very interested. He also commented and apologised in advance for saying so, that he thought most Mobile DJ's were 'Cheesemeisters'. The function was a wedding and he said that he went along more or less knowing that there would not be any songs played that he would like because it would be the "usual wedding stuff" with cheese etc. I told him that I hated the words 'Mobile DJ' because that's the general perception people get for whatever reason but unfortunately, that's what I am whether I like it or not. At the end of the day, it IS what it says on the tin. It's a Disco that is taken out on the road but it doesn't mean that it has to be cheesy.

Anyway, he requested a track, I played it along with some others that fitted in nicely with it and he came back a bit later and asked me for a card!

I'm not proud to be a DJ if I turn up at a gig with a whole bunch of people who have the same perception as this guy had but I am proud when I give the customer and their guests a good night and they give positive feedback. I am sure we have all had feedback where the customer has said words to the effect of "It wasn't your typical Mobile Disco".

[Shaun]

I'm neither proud, nor not proud. It's just a job.

[Larry B Entertainment]

A bit later on one of the guys came up and asked for a track and hung around for a while as he wanted to see what I was using. We got chatting and then he said about the "Proper DJ" thing again. I said to him that a lot of the big name DJ's mainly used CD Decks and he was surprised. I told him that I used to use decks too and that you really had to move with the times doing what we do because of things like reliability etc. One example (and a simple one) was that when you are digital, MP3's don't skip and jump if they get knocked about (unless they are corrupt). Another one was that you can take a huge library of tracks with you to each gig without having to take boxes full of vinyl and CD's. It turned out that his "Proper DJ" mate was one that DJ's in his bedroom on his 1210's.



Proper DJs use Traktor :D
I wonder how many DJs that use timecode vinyl have punters coming up asking why they never see them changing records ? Happened to me once.

Im not proud or un proud. Its a job and there are people out their doing worst jobs.

[yourdj]

When I buy my Mercedes people will respect my job :D

I am very proud to be a successful DJ. In fact I love it and am considering doing just DJing instead of all the other offshoots I seem to start.
I can sit at home during the week and only have to technically work two evenings.

How many people can afford a nice car working 8 hours a week.

That may take several years however :(

[Megamix]

I'm proud of my kids, but that's about all.

[WWDJ]

How many people can afford a nice car working 8 hours a week.

Hmm... me if you don't tell my boss :D
Work smarter, not harder.

Am I proud to be a DJ. Well I think people generally have those 'cheesy' perceptions which are difficult to get round and they think it is just a job for people who like to play music loud and listen to the sound of their own voice on the microphone.

Guilty as charged in some cases, but i am steadily raising my game and hope to do so further in 2012.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I have no issue with telling people I'm a DJ but its not the only thing that I do so I will follow it up with the other bits and pieces.

I don't think everyone thinks of Djs in a poor light either.

[DAVESOUNDS SERVICES]

Interesting Question.
Yes im very very proud to be a DJ,
I love many different types of music
so i suppose its a great job for anyone into music.
After 35 years of Slavery its rather nice to be
Self Employed and making a great living out of it.
The company runs my car and provides a reasonable
wage too .I never dont want to go out gigging so it must still be
a good job for me.
Oh my 9 year old thinks its great having a DJ dad too.
he is very proud of me being a mobile dj.

Cheers Dave

[leelive]

totally.
Lee

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Toby, I take it that the 8 hours you mean is just playing time? :D

[Stu]

I am proud to be a bar and club DJ. I'm not so proud of doing private parties. BUT, private parties are where the money obviously is.

When someone asks me what I do for a living, i always say i'm a full time DJ. If they ask where abouts, i'll list off names of bars and clubs but hardly ever mention the mobile side of things.

[Excalibur]

I'm neither proud, nor not proud. It's just a job.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Say it loud, and say it proud: " My name is Shaun, and I'm a DJ". It's not Alcoholics Anonymous, for heaven's sake.


Oh my 9 year old thinks its great having a DJ dad too.
he is very proud of me being a mobile dj.

Cheers Dave
So was my daughter. Funnily enough, my son never really showed an interest.

[hammy]

Q: Are you proud to be a DJ

A: Damn right I am, I`m proud of what I do and also how I do it, Also proud of the comments I get after a gig, Tonights one was " I can see why so many mums book you now", From a group of mums in Tunbridge Wells that book me for their kids disco`s, So yes I am proud.

[Ecstatic Events]

I am proud in a way. The buzz when you walk away from a gig "knowing" full well you've smashed it is unbeatable. I have never experienced "job satisfaction" like it in an office environment. Never.

I doubt most of my mates walk away from a days/nights work with the same ego massage :)

[BeerFunk]

I think I'm proud to be an accomplished and experienced DJ, yes. Proud, but very private and modest about it.

I know quite a lot of DJs who like to people to know they're DJs, and it's cringeworthy IMO. You know the type I mean, the ones that have a photo of them with headphones on standing over their decks, as their profile photo on Facebook :o

[ppentertainments]

I am proud to be a DJ, however since attending a Networking Workshop a couple of months ago now use a different job description which helps prevent the more 'negative' thoughts people have.

Works wonders too when networking B2B

[Shaun]

I am proud to be a DJ, however since attending a Networking Workshop a couple of months ago now use a different job description which helps prevent the more 'negative' thoughts people have.

Works wonders too when networking B2B

What description do you use now?

[ppentertainments]

Depends on the situation.

I have the notes on the workshop somewhere which explains things better.

Basically if someone says to you : "what do you do for a living"
You reply "I am a DJ"
"Oh yeah, I know a guy down the road who DJ's" will be amongst the usual replies.

Change this by providing an opener such as :
"I provide a memorable service to people on one of the most important days of their lives" (corny example I know).

You have now 'opened dialogue'. The next question may lead into "what do you actually do" but by this time you have already gained interest and started a conversation you can hold peoples attention a little longer to allow you to explain what you actually do.

(Trust me it is so much easier with the notes I got, when I find them I will post some up here) With a bit of practice I find it now a lot simpler to get people to listen to what I provide rather than just being 'Another DJ'.

[Jonathan Ford]

I'm neither proud, nor not proud. It's just a job.

This. I provide a service in exchange for money. Gigging makes me miserable more often than not as it's just going to work.

[DazzyD]

This. I provide a service in exchange for money. Gigging makes me miserable more often than not as it's just going to work.

Ever thought of a career change? Doesn't sound like you're cut out for this business!

[StarZSoundS]

Extremely proud to be a DJ.I was proud to be a Redcoat too.....


I like anything that sets me apart from the run of the mill!!Maybe one per cent(?) of the population could ever have the skills that I have....thats what makes me proud and different??

[Corabar Steve]

I think I'm proud to be an accomplished and experienced DJ, yes. Proud, but very private and modest about it.

I know quite a lot of DJs who like to people to know they're DJs, and it's cringeworthy IMO. You know the type I mean, the ones that have a photo of them with headphones on standing over their decks, as their profile photo on Facebook :o
We soooooo need a like button on this forum right now.

Also include those that do it on forums. It's a mobile disco forum, so the chances are you're a DJ, we get it , now get over it :sj:

Proud to be a DJ? HELL YEAH!! Anyone who is embarrassed by it should give up & leave the work to the rest of us.

[DazzyD]

We soooooo need a like button on this forum right now.

Also include those that do it on forums. It's a mobile disco forum, so the chances are you're a DJ, we get it , now get over it :sj:

Proud to be a DJ? HELL YEAH!! Anyone who is embarrassed by it should give up & leave the work to the rest of us.

Good comments!

[boomerangdiscos]

i'm more proud of having been in business for 20 years and having retained a lot of clients throughout those years although it makes you feel old when you get the my daughters getting married phone call and you remember doing the parents wedding all those years ago so even if people do consider us cheesy we know that our skills have made a big difference to one of the biggest days in peoples lives.

[Jonathan Ford]

Ever thought of a career change? Doesn't sound like you're cut out for this business!

Why? Does the guy that empties your bin every fortnight have to love his job in order to excel at it? My clients would never know how I feel about it...it's just work, and doesn't make me proud or otherwise.

[simonp]

I know quite a lot of DJs who like to people to know they're DJs, and it's cringeworthy IMO. You know the type I mean, the ones that have a photo of them with headphones on standing over their decks, as their profile photo on Facebook :o


:rofl: What like this

http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af105/floorfillerz/DJSiP_2.jpg

for non of the reasons you've stated - you don't even know me :muppet:

I'm actually more proud of many other things other than being able to DJ - let's face it, it's hardly rocket science is it?

[Excalibur]

I'm actually more proud of many other things other than being able to DJ - let's face it, it's hardly rocket science is it?

Oi. I've just spent two days wandering round BPM in a state of total bafflement. :o

Most of the gear I saw the children playing with looked to me as if it could easily bring the Space Shuttle in to land, while doing the accounts for a small country. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[katman]

Most of the gear I saw the children playing with looked to me as if it could easily bring the Space Shuttle in to land, while doing the accounts for a small country. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Probably has more processing power than the first Lunar Lander

[funkymook]

Most of the gear I saw the children playing with looked to me as if it could easily bring the Space Shuttle in to land:

and sounded like it as well....

booom booom tizzzzzz wicki wicki wicki.......Houston, we have a problem!

[Corabar Steve]

Houston, we have a problem!
Somebody's playing a load of crap at high volume :sj:

[Davy]

Proud to be a dj ?

Yep

We really are our own worst enemy at times.If you have a negative attitude about what you do then that's the vibe you put out to everyone else so that's the perception they do.

My job title changes from week to week depending on what I'm doing

If I'm doing a hire only job for some of the events I do then when asked - I run a sound and lighting hire company

An all day wedding - I'm a wedding presenter and DJ

When I had other DJ's working for me - I run an entertainment company

But when asked and I'm dj'ing the evening only - I'm a DJ

I've heard loads of comments and once had a guy very interested in my kit at a gig and spent ages asking loads of questions and where to buy stuff. Just as he was finished he said "Although i'm a dj I don't charge for it as I have a real job "

I'm also a full time student now ( 2.5 days a week ) so when people hear that they assume I'm sponging off the system even though I pay for everything , Have a mortgage , a relatively new car & Van and don't really want for anything.

Had a comment a few weeks ago from an ex dj saying he "grew out of it " so I asked what makes him say that and he said its not worth it for the money you can charge................Don't even need to comment on that

Yes we get some gigs where you'd much rather be elsewhere but luckily these don't happen often and its an amazing feeling having a crowd chanting your name saying they want more ( Really wish I could have my camera recording those bits )

Do you think a joiner or a mechanic gets a round of applause at the end of a job ?

At the start of the night many people may think your just another cheesey dj .Its up to you to change their perception.

[STEVE HANLEY]

Am I proud to be a DJ? After this weekends shenaningans? HELL YES:D :D :D