For The Love Of Music
The most successful DJs are music lovers, lovers of all music. A DJ never place limits on the type of music they play because there are only two types of music, good or bad. I believe in having a musical base that you play, disco, soul, techno, or whatever. The DJ’s that I admired and studied built outside of their main-base. They would play an unexpected song at the perfect moment. A song played at the right time can change the life of someone on that dance floor. As a patron of the Paradise Garage and The Loft, I can personally attest to the magic of selecting the right song at the right time.
Discover New and Different Music
Search for the most obscure songs, no matter the style. A two-minute break of a lost, forgotten gem extended beyond the original. Unpopular B-side album cuts. One of the responsibilities of a DJ is to introduce their audience to new and different music. Keep your eyes open and ears tuned for your next great musical discovery!
Musical Programming and Flexibility
A DJ must know how to read a room and, if necessary, change musical gears on a minute’s notice. Successful DJs can play any genre at any given moment. This is where the love of music comes into play.
My theory has always been to play 50% of what the masses want to hear mixed in with 50% of the music you would like to introduce to your crowd.
I’ve watched DJ’s totally bomb out because they were too stubborn or maybe didn’t know how to play a different type of music. With access to so much music, today’s DJ has no excuse. Technology has made it so that music is so cheap and convenient to purchase. Musical Programming and Flexibility is vital to your success as a DJ.
Passing The Torch
It’s about sharing the music and the culture so that it can bloom within the next generation. I relied on the DJs I admired and studied for guidance. I’m now an older music lover with a vast knowledge of music. I don’t mind sharing music, stories, and history (hence why I created this blog).
Peace and Blessings,
Nick Jones