What is a "real D.J."

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
Status
Not open for further replies.
Now you open a new can of worms. So you are a FULL TIME DJ??? What does that mean??? Is it a DJ that entertains Mondays thru Fridays??? I have a day time job (Monday thru Friday), yet I DJ on Friday Nights, Saturday Nights and sometimes even on Sundays. Does that mean that I am a Part-Time DJ, therefore, I am not a real DJ??? You must be kidding!

I am so busy with gigs that I don't even have time to update my web site. I did not really put my answer to the question, but I did share my thoughts about being a DJ - along with my experience from when I first started.

But now I would like to answer the question on what I think a real DJ is all about.

100_0975b.jpg


- Knows how to beatmatch, mix and blend music together
- Knows how to use a microphone to MC without over doing it
- Knows how to read a crowd and can keep them dancing
- On public events can play the latest dance music
- On private events can play music selected by his client/customer
- Has the best selection in all the popular genres of music
- Has a large music library that can be customized for each gig
- Can handle ALL TYPES of parties and events (NOT JUST WEDDINGS)
- Knows the difference between P.A. System and S.R. System
- Knows about sound systems (Watts, Ohms, Crossovers, Maximizer, EQ)
- Use a Monitor when needed, and knows why a Monitor is needed
- Builds a light show that creates a club experience
- Has a passion to entertain, puts an effort to go the extra mile, is not lazy
- Experience in all types of situations and knows how to handle them
- Offers a setup based on location and situation (checks site prior to event)
- Custom lighting to accent ball room, tables, walls, etc.
- Has satisfied customers, happy clients and return customers
- Has an agenda for every event, is ready with a plan for the night
- Personality

Above is just a small list from the top of my head - at time of posting. Basically, it's much more than just doing it FULL TIME.

djtimewedding.jpg


AGAIN, this is my opinion, without targeting anyone but I do not need to quit my daytime job to be a REAL DJ.

Marco DJ TIME
Time Sounds & Lighting
http://www.TimeSounds.com/
http://www.BigWeddingDJs.com/

DJ TIME Gig Videos
http://www.youtube.com/grafxnrg

Image-3848D47C40BE11DD.jpg-thumb_269_202.jpg
OT

Hey Marco, great to see you here, love your youtube videos.
 
Just a little clarification Joe before I answer honestly.

The DJ doesn't own his primary DJ system?
The DJ doesn't own his backup DJ system?
The DJ doesn't own his own music library?
The DJ doesn't sell himself to the client?
The DJ doesn't suffer the monetary loss that comes from a poor performance?
The DJ may not even have to transport or set up the system depending on how the Multi Op works.
The DJ may be part of a two person team at the event and only be responsible for the operation of the system or just the MCing.

If any of these apply then my answer is "NO".
 
Just a little clarification Joe before I answer honestly.

The DJ doesn't own his primary DJ system?
The DJ doesn't own his backup DJ system?
The DJ doesn't own his own music library?
The DJ doesn't sell himself to the client?
The DJ doesn't suffer the monetary loss that comes from a poor performance?
The DJ may not even have to transport or set up the system depending on how the Multi Op works.
The DJ may be part of a two person team at the event and only be responsible for the operation of the system or just the MCing.

If any of these apply then my answer is "NO".

OK, Cesar, I guess we're gonna have to thin the herd even more. In at least the NY/NJ area there are professional club DJs. These guys only work in huge dance clubs equipped with a house system. The top can make 1500-2000 a night in the biggest clubs in NY ( Just mentioning the money for info. I know fee size doesn't make a DJ). By the criteria above, they aren't DJs either?

I would also ask about DJs that work in tiny bars that only carry 12" speakers, but I already know your answer for that one...:sqlaugh:


Now that I think of it, maybe the best thing I could do is ask you to list your point by point criteria for defining a "real" DJ. Might speed things along a bit...
 
Im waiting on pins and needles and even holding my breath for this one. I suppose it will suddenly be bed time.
 
Joe are any of those DJs you are referring to here chatting on this Board?

To hurry the conversation along I am talking about the Mobile DJ Profession.

P.S. Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ performing at a Wedding Reception with Brides Maids and Groomsmen all dressed in Formal wear and the DJ is wearing shorts and flip flops.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ drunk at a event.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ that is late for a event.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ that sets up his system or Light truss with wires running all over the place looking like a bunch of snakes on the ground.

Why is it O Kay to shake you head at a DJ who sets up his system with no regard to how it look.

Why was it not O Kay to mention my displeasure with DJs that show up with 8 inch woofers to perform at a event?
 
Joe are any of those DJs you are referring to here chatting on this Board?

To hurry the conversation along I am talking about the Mobile DJ Profession.

P.S. Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ performing at a Wedding Reception with Brides Maids and Groomsmen all dressed in Formal wear and the DJ is wearing shorts and flip flops.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ drunk at a event.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ that is late for a event.

Why is it O Kay to shake your head at a DJ that sets up his system or Light truss with wires running all over the place looking like a bunch of snakes on the ground.

Why is it O Kay to shake you head at a DJ who sets up his system with no regard to how it look.

Why was it not O Kay to mention my displeasure with DJs that show up with 8 inch woofers to perform at a event?


NONE OF THIS IS OK! But what are you trying to say?? Is this where the real dj come in??
 
Do Real DJs go to sleep at 900 or 10 or 11PM?

I've often wondered why on Fri, Sat the boards weren't busier then they are thinking that most DJs would be returning from their events and needing that little unwind time before it was time to hit the sack.
 
1) Joe are any of those DJs you are referring to here chatting on this Board?

2) Why was it not O Kay to mention my displeasure with DJs that show up with 8 inch woofers to perform at a event?



1) I don't know. Is it neccesary for your answer?


2) Cesar, don't you remember me? Of course it's ok. It's just that you have bought it up so many times that I like to tease you now and again, remember? JUST FOOLIN' AROUND! :sqwink:
 
Do Real DJs go to sleep at 900 or 10 or PM?

I've often wondered why on Fri, Sat the boards weren't busier then they are thinking that most DJs would be returning from their events and needing that little unwind time before it was time to hit the sack.


Um, Cesar, you're on the wrong side of the country :sqcool:

It's 4:15am here in beautiful New Jersey.
 
Joe I remember you from that other place Where I made such good friends with Main Event and Dan McKay and Fat Man.

As far as the teasing goes it's all right with me..................................................

Cloaking system activated. LOL
 
Joe I remember you from that other place Where I made such good friends with Main Event and Dan McKay and Fat Man.

As far as the teasing goes it's all right with me..................................................


Cloaking system activated. LOL



Dam! You DO remember..:sqbiggrin:


Well the sky is getting a bit lighter. Nite, John-boy
 
I am available to accept an event without checking with anyone

I liked your list but "You" conveniently left out the most important item.

That you are available to accept a event without having to check with anyone.

P.S. The word "Busy" is like the word "Success", Until you compare it to another DJ that is busier or more successful then you it has no meaning.

You see, I own my equipment and I operate in the City of Long Beach. Xavier owns his own equipment and operates in the City of Los Angeles, whereas Richard operates in the City of Whittier. We only get together for "promoted" events where 2 DJ Systems are needed (2 dance floors), and we help each other when we have private gigs. If you check my videos, you will notice that at private parties, I am alone DJing while my son is working the light show.

If I am booked for a date, I have Xavier or Richard contact that person. So we work as a team/group but we do not check with anyone or ask permission. Read my earlier post in the beginning of the thread regarding how I started. Maybe knowing about DJ groups will make more sense.

Many DJs work alone or by themselves but have friend DJs which they share gigs or help each other. Trade equipment, borrow equipment, etc. but the difference is that we have an umbrella DJ name. Hope this helps you understand about DJ groups.

When you get a chance, take a look at some of my videos.

http://www.youtube.com/grafxnrg
 
Joe

It's 0100am here in California and the only DJs I can talk to are in N.J. Canada and MN.
Where are the Real DJs in California? I've got my event booked for tomorrow that will end at Midnight, by the time I pack up drive home and unwind and get something to eat it will be at least 200am. Would a Real DJ go to sleep Thursday Night at 900pm or would he establish his life style to match the working hours a DJ encounters? Just a question I thought I would throw out.

P.S. It's a good thing I found out DJMN is over 25. LOL
 
do you have to belong to a DJ forum to be a real DJ? from your reply where are they? It sounds as though you assume you are likely one of only a couple true DJs in the world. Im going to bed however so sing to the moon its all yours.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.