Not The Dj

[steve z]

In time to come a virtual dj will be in place (Kev's on this already ) So why go to a particular venue?ATB Stevie z

[Guest dundeedavie]

In time to come a virtual dj will be in place (Kev's on this already ) So why go to a particular venue?ATB Stevie z

yoou could argue stevie that with nearly every track available on cd or various electronic format why go to the venues now lol

Davie

[steve z]

yoou could argue stevie that with nearly every track available on cd or various electronic format why go to the venues now lol

Davie

Hi Davie ,we are at home...........I only venture to occasionally go out to a venue that I may hear something new.But I do like the company of those who have the same passion.The days of venues that are just about tunes that play records for the bulk of ..............Better stop now ATB Stevie

[Guest espo]

Plenty of virtual D.J.s about-------Anyone that doesnt use a mic.----unless theyre breaking something new or playing a rarity --might as well put a cd on and go sit down

[Guest SteveC]

Plenty of virtual D.J.s about-------Anyone that doesnt use a mic.----unless theyre breaking something new or playing a rarity --might as well put a cd on and go sit down

Used to, and to a certain extent, still agree with you but there's a little girl over in Italy who puts her set together with so much thought that she doesn't need the mic - Barbara Grassi, I feel is the exception to the rule.

[Guest espo]

Yes theres always exceptions----------on the modern side who needs a mic---fading records in and out,the need to que in at a specific point--mics arent needed.

However on the 60s northern side of things dont you think it adds something to a spot to have someone up there who stamps his personality on that particular hour (people like Bub, Robbo,and many others)Someone who can use a mic to good effect can turn an empty floor around,These people are D.J.s the rest are just record players

[hipshaker 05]

yes ............... especially when they're announcing the raffle winners

[Guest dundeedavie]

yes ............... especially when they're announcing the raffle winners

go on son ....

at BASICS we have a policy of no mic , as i know some of the newer soul clubs do .

no need for one it's not the wheel tappers and shunters , quality music to be played . anyway been here before and no need to again

Davie

[John May]

go on son ....

at BASICS we have a policy of no mic , as i know some of the newer soul clubs do .

no need for one it's not the wheel tappers and shunters , quality music to be played . anyway been here before and no need to again

Davie

As regards to the mic discussion i'm not fussed either way, if there's one there i'll use it, if there isn't, just play the records, As regards to virtual D.J's that would be fun to see a hollogram beind the decks .....My pet hate as regard D.J's, is D.J's who stand beind the decks with their hands in their pockets looking miserable, I think a good D.J is one who looks as though they are enjoying what they are doing, entusiasm is infectious, and a good D.j can definatly influence a dancefloor.

[BlueWail]

Most of the time you cant understand what the DJ is saying over the mike

[steve z]

As regards to the mic discussion i'm not fussed either way, if there's one there i'll use it, if there isn't, just play the records, As regards to virtual D.J's that would be fun to see a hollogram beind the decks .....My pet hate as regard D.J's, is D.J's who stand beind the decks with their hands in their pockets looking miserable, I think a good D.J is one who looks as though they are enjoying what they are doing, entusiasm is infectious, and a good D.j can definatly influence a dancefloor.

Hi John Hands in their pockets Must be male DJs Admit that when playing something out for the first time (for me) .....I want the tune to be received well ATB Stevie

[Stuart Bower]

Yes theres always exceptions----------on the modern side who needs a mic---fading records in and out,the need to que in at a specific point--mics arent needed.

However on the 60s northern side of things dont you think it adds something to a spot to have someone up there who stamps his personality on that particular hour (people like Bub, Robbo,and many others)Someone who can use a mic to good effect can turn an empty floor around,These people are D.J.s the rest are just record players

and so say all of us....

[steve z]

and so say all of us....

Hi ,For clarification are you saying that the DJ is better than the tune he/she is playing ATB Stevie

[Guest carolyn]

Hi John Hands in their pockets Must be male DJs Admit that when playing something out for the first time (for me) .....I want the tune to be received well ATB Stevie

Yes but how many times do you see just the DJ on the stage behind the decks, without a gang next to him in deep discussion.

[Ged Parker]

go on son ....

at BASICS we have a policy of no mic , as i know some of the newer soul clubs do .

no need for one it's not the wheel tappers and shunters , quality music to be played . anyway been here before and no need to again

Davie

I, unlike many regular contributors to this site, still have lots to learn. So if the DJ is playing something new (or something old I haven't heard before) I'd like a clue or two as to who / what it is. There is no need to tell me that Denise LaSalle sings Love Reputation or that it is from Chicago or whether it is Chess or Tarpon, issue or demo but intellegent use of the mic is better for me at least than none at all. Just my opinion and I know I am as guilty as anyone else of the pointless introduction but I am trying to get better.

[Guest Baz]

I, unlike many regular contributors to this site, still have lots to learn. So if the DJ is playing something new (or something old I haven't heard before) I'd like a clue or two as to who / what it is. There is no need to tell me that Denise LaSalle sings Love Reputation or that it is from Chicago or whether it is Chess or Tarpon, issue or demo but intellegent use of the mic is better for me at least than none at all. Just my opinion and I know I am as guilty as anyone else of the pointless introduction but I am trying to get better.

A good DJ will create atmosphere with a microphone IMO

[uni ted]

so in a nutshell,you let the music do the talking at a tricky disco event,but must act like bobby ball with a mike at a sixtys-northern event,i dont use a mike cos nobody could understand my thick geordie accent

[Simsy]

so in a nutshell,you let the music do the talking at a tricky disco event,but must act like bobby ball with a mike at a sixtys-northern event,i dont use a mike cos nobody could understand my thick geordie accent

Not too little and not too much chat I think is what's needed. Can't bear it when they go on and on. But spinning discs one after tother without saying owt is no good. A fine balance what's needed imo.

[Guest Stuart T]

Not too little and not too much chat I think is what's needed. Can't bear it when they go on and on. But spinning discs one after tother without saying owt is no good. A fine balance what's needed imo.

For reference, what do you want them to say? I've been to clubs for various other styles of music and generally nobody ever uses the microphone, or feels the need to. "Mumble mumble mumble that was mumble mumble".

And why have you suddenly started writing in Emmerdale dialect? Owt? Tother?

[Simsy]

For reference, what do you want them to say? I've been to clubs for various other styles of music and generally nobody ever uses the microphone, or feels the need to. "Mumble mumble mumble that was mumble mumble".

And why have you suddenly started writing in Emmerdale dialect? Owt? Tother?

I'd like them just to announce the artist of each track, no real need to say much else. Maybe the odd dedication and that's about it.

Emmerdale dialect shorter to type - owt/anything tother/the other.

[jonbuck]

Someone who can use a mic to good effect can turn an empty floor around,These people are D.J.s the rest are just record players

How Very True, My thoughts exactly....

Jon Buck

[hipshaker 05]

perhaps we could have a full intro to the record ..... artist, title, label, year, session musicians involved, price etc .... a bit of meat raffle .... and something no-one understands to finish it off .... just about enough time to actually play a few tracks too ............. maybe people can learn dances to the announcements if they get to the stage where they're longer than the actual record. i'm only joking of course.

actually, i apologise for bringing it up again here ... it was discussed a while ago and most people seemed to want "sensible" use of the mic.

[Guest espo]

Seems to me that people who mumble their way through a spot arent confident enough in either themselves or the records theyre playing

The ones who claim that a mic isnt needed generally cant use one

Someone can play 20+ records in an hour----all brilliant tunes,but they fall short of being a "D.J."without a mic

And no the d.j. isnt better than the records---a good one just makes the spot better

Nice quote on here from M. Bicknell---Believe in yourself,believe in your records and go for it(with a mic)

[Guest Stuart T]

Seems to me that people who mumble their way through a spot arent confident enough in either themselves or the records theyre playing

The ones who claim that a mic isnt needed generally cant use one

Someone can play 20+ records in an hour----all brilliant tunes,but they fall short of being a "D.J."without a mic

20 brilliant tunes with no DJ banter suits me, where can I hear this perfect set?

[Guest dundeedavie]

Seems to me that people who mumble their way through a spot arent confident enough in either themselves or the records theyre playing

The ones who claim that a mic isnt needed generally cant use one

Someone can play 20+ records in an hour----all brilliant tunes,but they fall short of being a "D.J."without a mic

And no the d.j. isnt better than the records---a good one just makes the spot better

Nice quote on here from M. Bicknell---Believe in yourself,believe in your records and go for it(with a mic)

listen if my punters want a mic they will let me know ...they don't, being of the younger type persuasion they wanna dance and if they want to know anything i am very approachable ....

i'm devastated that because of my non use of the mic at a night i co-promote ( ie OUR RULES) that you won't ever attend ...well actually no i'm not .

Davie

ps i'm doin a live 2 hour shoutcast with a mic so we'll find out whether i can find the on button or not

[steve z]

Yes but how many times do you see just the DJ on the stage behind the decks, without a gang next to him in deep discussion.

Hi Carolyn,You joined SS on my Birthday Please clarify what you mean.ATB Stevie z

[Guest dundeedavie]

Yes but how many times do you see just the DJ on the stage behind the decks, without a gang next to him in deep discussion.

you've been to stoke haven't you

[steve z]

you've been to stoke haven't you

Its not still happening is it

[steve z]

I, unlike many regular contributors to this site, still have lots to learn. So if the DJ is playing something new (or something old I haven't heard before) I'd like a clue or two as to who / what it is. There is no need to tell me that Denise LaSalle sings Love Reputation or that it is from Chicago or whether it is Chess or Tarpon, issue or demo but intellegent use of the mic is better for me at least than none at all. Just my opinion and I know I am as guilty as anyone else of the pointless introduction but I am trying to get better.

Ged ,stop it.......just tell me the latest .I should be chasing

[Guest]

Enough people on this thread that i consider mates ( but we can disagree), but if i ever dj i don't like the mic, feel the record should do the work...but having said that i enjoy Paul H with his ironic humour. Agree with the fellow earlier ..can't usually understand a word...bit like the old Railway announcer......

[steve z]

Enough people on this thread that i consider mates ( but we can disagree), but if i ever dj i don't like the mic, feel the record should do the work...but having said that i enjoy Paul H with his ironic humour. Agree with the fellow earlier ..can't usually understand a word...bit like the old Railway announcer......

Hi Brett cannot imagine you missing a Station

[Guest Rowly]

I hate to hear dj's that waffle on the mic. If I wanna know about a tune I'll go over the the decks & ask 'em what it is.... as people are more than welcome to do to me in the extremely unlikely event that I'm playing something THEY don't know!

[steve z]

I hate to hear dj's that waffle on the mic. If I wanna know about a tune I'll go over the the decks & ask 'em what it is.... as people are more than welcome to do to me in the extremely unlikely event that I'm playing something THEY don't know!

BANG ON FOR ME.........but we are approachable..........what about Stoke

[Guest dundeedavie]

BANG ON FOR ME.........but we are approachable..........what about Stoke

the comment about a dj on stage with a group huddled round next to him

[Guest espo]

listen if my punters want a mic they will let me know ...they don't, being of the younger type persuasion they wanna dance and if they want to know anything i am very approachable ....

i'm devastated that because of my non use of the mic at a night i co-promote ( ie OUR RULES) that you won't ever attend ...well actually no i'm not .

Davie

ps i'm doin a live 2 hour shoutcast with a mic so we'll find out whether i can find the on button or not

[Guest espo]

"Dundee Davie "is it----im in Dundee regularly ----What night do you promote?---Im more than willing to come along.

Do you want to show me where ,on here,i said i wont attend a venue because they dont use a mic

Ive promoted plenty of soul nights over the years---- Ive seen people play an excellent hour without saying a word---and ive enjoyed it as much as anyone-----but turn your back on them and it could be anyone with the same records up there

[Guest Stuart T]

Ive seen people play an excellent hour without saying a word---and ive enjoyed it as much as anyone-----but turn your back on them and it could be anyone with the same records up there

Is that an issue? Doesn't matter whose playing them if they're good records surely?

[Guest espo]

Yes your right ------good records will always be good ----imo a good d.j. who can use a mic adds something thats all

[Steve G]

How on earth can a DJ hope to break new tunes without the assistance of a mic to tell the audience what it is (even if it is covered )?....It's hard enough to break something these days even when sharing the title with the audeince....Oh I almost forgot, not too many DJs breaking new tunes these days .

Also how does a DJ dedicate requests?.....garner enthusiasm "Letsbee Avenue" ala Delia / Russ Vickers...."Taxi for Sharon"..."Please leave by the nearest exit, do not collect your record boxes", "the next DJ is"... etc....there are enough no mic venues on the club scene without this essential piece of kit being abandoned in soul clubs. I say keep the microphone plugged in - if people don't want to use it, or can't then they don't have to.

[Guest Stuart T]

....Oh I almost forgot, not too many DJs breaking new tunes these days .

Clearly mics are for progressive clubs. Sold, I love 'em

[hipshaker 05]

"this one's for george and sheila ....... celebrating their golden wedding anniversary today ....... the sssssssssnakeahh!"

[Guest Roccia]

Well, I often use the mike during my spots, but in Italy hearing a dj speaking in english add a bit of atmosphere to the whole thing. I don't talk to much, just a handful of words between the tunes, and even if I'm sounding like "an old pissed cockney man, with a whole jacked potato in his mouth" (that's what a mate of mine from London once said about my mike work), I think telling title, artist, label, in which venue the tune was played first, or who's the first dj to discovered it, can help the italian punters to grow in knowledge (as you can imagine the italian rare soul scene is a lot smaller and younger than the british one, and the lack of knowledge is big...).

Anyway, I'm always smiling and enthusiast behind the decks, sometimes I dance a bit, and try to be friendly with the audience... I think this is the right way to dj, 'cos at the end of my spots I've got a lot of hands to shake, and get many pats on my back. I guess that's not for my poor record collection, but mostly for the atmosphere I can create...

Ciao

Roccia

[Guest marco i]

I think telling title, artist, label, in which venue the tune was played first, or who's the first dj to discovered it, can help the italian punters to grow in knowledge (as you can imagine the italian rare soul scene is a lot smaller and younger than the british one, and the lack of knowledge is big...).

Ciao

Roccia

Roccia... no one in Italy understands a f***ing word when you speak on the mike

Marco

[Guest the dukester]

Roccia... no one in Italy understands a f***ing word when you speak on the mike

Marco

You can bet I will be using the mike in Feb mate,

Will you be going??

Dukesy

[Guest]

You can bet I will be using the mike in Feb mate,

Dear Roccia and Dukesy,

will you forgive me if I won't use the mike? You know, I'm a little shy...

...But I promise you that I will do my best to make a good set!

See you in Pisa!

Barbara

[Soulie78]

Well, I often use the mike during my spots, but in Italy hearing a dj speaking in english add a bit of atmosphere to the whole thing. I don't talk to much, just a handful of words between the tunes, and even if I'm sounding like "an old pissed cockney man, with a whole jacked potato in his mouth" (that's what a mate of mine from London once said about my mike work), I think telling title, artist, label, in which venue the tune was played first, or who's the first dj to discovered it, can help the italian punters to grow in knowledge (as you can imagine the italian rare soul scene is a lot smaller and younger than the british one, and the lack of knowledge is big...).

Anyway, I'm always smiling and enthusiast behind the decks, sometimes I dance a bit, and try to be friendly with the audience... I think this is the right way to dj, 'cos at the end of my spots I've got a lot of hands to shake, and get many pats on my back. I guess that's not for my poor record collection, but mostly for the atmosphere I can create...

Ciao

Roccia

I also use the mic from time to time, when I'm dj-ing here in Germany. But I speak on german, not english. I don't quite get, why it should help to create an atmosphere. When I say something,which doesn't happen too often, I want the audience to understand it, so it's probably easier in our own languages.

By the way, for me king on the mic is Dave Rimmer, I never understand anything, but he gets the floor buisy, when he shouts into it.

best, Martin

[Guest Roccia]

I also use the mic from time to time, when I'm dj-ing here in Germany. But I speak on german, not english. I don't quite get, why it should help to create an atmosphere. When I say something,which doesn't happen too often, I want the audience to understand it, so it's probably easier in our own languages.

By the way, for me king on the mic is Dave Rimmer, I never understand anything, but he gets the floor buisy, when he shouts into it.

best, Martin

Martin, you're probably right, but italian isn't the best sounding language for dj-ing, believe me...

Roccia

[Guest dundeedavie]

"Dundee Davie "is it----im in Dundee regularly ----What night do you promote?---Im more than willing to come along.

sorry missed this ...i don;t promote in dundee i promote in edinburgh ,,,, next night feb 11th . it's in the events or click on my signature

[Guest]

Martin, you're probably right, but italian isn't the best sounding language for dj-ing, believe me...

Roccia

Roccia,

I agree with you... in our country hearing a dj speaking in english add a bit of atmosphere.... particularly when he talks like "an old pissed cockney man, with a whole jacked potato in his mouth", as you do!

...But also hearing an english dj speaking italian is not so bad..... do you remember Steve at the Christmas Party?

ciao,

Barbara

[Guest]

I will possibly be hated for this. I have ripped all my vinyl into my pc as mp3's so when i gig i can be into my club and out in 10 mins and do not have a back ache the next day from 2 tonnes of record boxes. I know some people plan thier sets but i have never been one to have more than just a vague idea of where i am going, so need most of my stuff. Also despite the fact i have a residency, we only play at weekends but the bar is open all week, so i would not leave any records out as they will go walk about. So now i use PCDJ FX which despite being digital still required the knowlege of where the cues are, what tracks mix with others etc. And for those who like the crackles and pops of vinyl i leave as many in as i can and yet still hear the track, becasue i like them too. The other advantage is that my records can be kept in ideal conditions and do not run the risk of a drunk muppet knocking the decks and putting a big scratch through them.

As for mic use and dj behavior, in 20 years plus of djing, i have never stood still looking bored as i actually enjoy what i am playing unless it is a night where a hiphop crowd is expcected then i feel i have a right to look bored at the crap i am playing. I use the mic as little as i can, but yes sometimes we have to get some interface with the punters either by name that track for a shot thing or shout outs, but it should always be at a minimumm, after all i am a dj not an mc.

So in summery technology and mics should be used as tools not as crutches