Hard to retire
- Thread starter tunes4046
- Start date
That's really the core issue - our capability should be at or better than that of the patrons.
There has to be a good reason to show up in "legacy" mode. For example, using turntables and 45 rpm for a "sock hop" where everyone is coming in period dress or costume. Perhaps turntables and vinyl for a disco or 1980's theme. This presumes of course, that our DJ skills are plainly visible and not hidden behind a facade or other decor.
There are meaningful technical differences when we use old technology. CDs require significant buffering to avoid "skips" just as turntables require isolation for both skips and low frequency feedback. There are things we simply can't do on analog sources that people take for granted in the digital age. If any of those things are important to the program - then the old technology will be misplaced,
I also don't think price is of any bearing. I would be charging MORE to produce an authentic period show than I would for a modern one. I'd even be concerned with having a younger DJ/actor who actually "looks" the part.
I guess this post is directed at me. The first time I lost the business due to my addiction. I was a DJ for 13 years at that time from 81 to 94. I finally got clean in 97 and 3 years later I became a DJ again and have been back 26 years. Next year will make 40 years all together. I believe this is the talent that God blessed me with and it's what I love to do even at my age. I'm 68. I told myself I would never be a DJ again. I forgot to consult with God. God had me to go to a Oldies But Goodies party and I saw a DJ do the event that was a bit older than me and I told myself if he could do it that I could too. I found a way to come back to doing what I love to do and I'm back.
I thought I couldn't be back as a DJ because how was I going to get all those records back to DJ with. At one time I had 22 crate of records. I saw DJs using CDs to DJ with and that's how I first got to be a DJ again. Now I'm a computer DJ and have never looked back since.
I have done events by myself. As far as have I made money at this? I haven't made a million dollars yet. LOL.
Of course not. I find I need not forget those who are just starting out because at one time we were all new to this.
Actually, when people look at that rack full of equipment, they are usually at awe of it as most wouldn't have a clue what to do with it.
We are all different. I couldn’t wait to get rid of cds. I’d much rather be watching the crowd, talking with guests and thinking about what’s going on next. I love being able to make adjustments at the last minute.
If it’s something you like, I’m all for it. Just not for me
Some Djs told me years ago that once people saw me using a computer, they wouldn’t need me. What I thought then is If all I’m doing is what any computer can do, then they shouldn’t be paying me. But it wasn’t true then and isn’t true now. Business never slowed down then and still hasn’t.
Great sound, reading the room, understanding what clients want and playing and mixing the right songs at the right times are what I’ve found makes.
I use equipment that I think sounds great while being easy to transport. I’ve just never experienced people thinking they were wanting bigger equipment and wanting me to look unnecessarily busy.
My equipment is even smaller and lighter than the light equipment I used 20 years ago. Sounds even better in my opinion. People seem to love it. Plus now there’s even more options for lighter equipment.