Djing - Clear The Floor - Question

[Peter99]

I consider that a compliment Peter.

Sean

Of course it was Sean.

I would have liked your post ..............but I've used up todays quota!

Peter

Edited October 17, 2012 by Peter99

[jocko]

Ah where is the much underrated Mr Trouble when you need him.

In a similar thread many moons ago, he said that as big a problem as the number of incomptetent DJ's, were the growing number of incompetent "punters", and the dumbing down of the average punter being far more to do with the poor music than the dumbing down of DJ's, as rapid as that was happening,

Who would have thought Mr trouble was actually a prophet, seeing the future of Northern Soul. The future has arrived......

[Guest Byrney]

Again fits the profile of the type I mentioned earlier.

Interesting this wise old soul is from Ilson (I'm originally from Eastwood), can't remember anyone from Ilkeston on the scene other than sisters Skip and Shirly in the 80s so guessing fits the profile I mentioned before, 2 years ish on the casino scene, decades off and then back as an expert. C'mon Al Williams, Gwen Ownes Modern. I'm off, I'm getting wound up.

hi there for starters don't take a record off half way through , i'm afraid djing is one of those situations in life that you can spend all week working out what your going to play and then on the night sure fire 45's bomb like lead.I've had all sorts for instance a well known guy from the Ilkeston area once venomously repremanded me and called me arogant for not playing oldies and records that he knew , I'll quote "when are you going to play records we know ? we're sick of hearing all your modern shit" The records were Gwen Owens ,Delight's ,Danny Monday ,Vivian Carol,Lester Tipton , Al Williams ,Silohettes,Judy Huges ,ect. MODERN ? well what do we know ? regards Simon.

[Len]

In a lot of cases a record doesn't even have to be that rare.............it just needs to be one that folk hear week in and week out at local nights.

I know people that go to the same 2 or 3 local nights in a month, sit in the same seats, get up and dance once they've had a few bevvies (usually around 9.30 to 10 pm)............and yes, to the same records time after time!!!!

Usually the ones that go up to the DJ and say "CAN YOU PLAY SOMETHING I KNOW!!!"

Yes, the '9.30 Water Shed' I call that - I always used to start a fresh D.J on that very time as I knew his first record would 'Trigger' the dance floor into action - It worked a treat everytime! lol

All the best,

Len

[Ceejay]

Yes, the '9.30 Water Shed' I call that - I always used to start a fresh D.J on that very time as I knew his first record would 'Trigger' the dance floor into action - It worked a treat everytime! lol

All the best,

Len

Nice one ...........'HOUSE FOR SALE' WILL DO IT EVERY TIME!!!!!

Edited October 17, 2012 by Carol J

[Naughty Boy]

DELETED MOBILE POSTING

Edited October 17, 2012 by Naughty Boy

[Len]

Nice one ...........'HOUSE FOR SALE' WILL DO IT EVERY TIME!!!!!

Wasn't allowed! lol - Back then 'HOUSE FOR SALE' was part of my '3 BEFORE 8' (along side The Bottle and The O'Jays - I Love The Music)

At least everyone went home smiling rather than growling! lol

Len

Edited October 17, 2012 by LEN

[tosspot]

Hi Rob more impotantly how are you mate ? saw you breifly last sat and need a talk to you but you'd gone.Do you remember the night I was talking about at Hugglescote ?Jesus talk about W***er eh ? He gives w***kers a bad name !!!! see you soon not Ibstock this week as we're in Southport but need to have a chat about something else regards Hillery Clinton.

i'm on the road to health thanks Si. i had to rush off downstairs cos i was on in the R&B room, Steve Brown kindly gave me 2 x early spots cos of my health worries, we split @ half hr after i'd finished, have a great time in Southport

[Guest nubes]

So, this is the 'offending' playlist, albeit not in the order you actually played them, as you stated on the other thread.

I find it hard to believe that these would kill a dancefloor.

Follow Your Heart - Bunny Sigler - Parkway

I Need You - Shane Martin - Epic

This Man - Wally Cox - Scepter (Argentina)

You've Been A Long Time Coming - Mitchell Braithwaite - ABC Probe (DJ)

Somebody, Somewhere Needs You - Ike and Tina Turner - Warner Brothers (DJ)

He Broke Your Game Wide Open - Frank Dell - Valise Records

Fool To Fool - Shep - TNT (DJ)

I Watched You Slowly Slip Away - Lou Courtney - Phillips (3rd Take)

Way Over There - Edwin Star - Tamla Motown

I Can't Seem To Get You Out of My Mind - Four Tops - Tamla Motown

Running Back And Forth - Edwin Star - Tamla Motown

People That's Why - Idle Few - Blue Book

I Only Get This Feeling - Chuck Jackson - ABC

In The Long Run - Curtis Blandon - Wand (DJ)

Let's Spend Some Time Together - Larry Houston - HFMP

Somebody I Know - Wales Wallace - BRC

I'll Be Around - Doug Parkinson - Southern Star

Like Her - Gentlemen and Their Lady - Roulette (DJ)

Captain of My Ship - Seventh Wonder - WG

I Surrender - Eddie Holman - ABC

Sensitive Mind General Assembly - Desiree (DJ)

My Heart Needs A Break - Linda Jones - Loma.

Me too Delxxxx

[Naughty Boy]

Oooh dear not you too Simon . Im afraid its where we are at some do.s . { oi get some oldies on .. Hello is 40years old enough ffs }

[Chalky]

So, this is the 'offending' playlist, albeit not in the order you actually played them, as you stated on the other thread.

I find it hard to believe that these would kill a dancefloor.

Me too, pretty much a set if oldies you would hear up and down the country on any given week!

[Steve L]

Would the person who suggested the taking off of the said record care to step up and put their case forward?

[Guest sharmo 1]

Again fits the profile of the type I mentioned earlier.

Interesting this wise old soul is from Ilson (I'm originally from Eastwood), can't remember anyone from Ilkeston on the scene other than sisters Skip and Shirly in the 80s so guessing fits the profile I mentioned before, 2 years ish on the casino scene, decades off and then back as an expert. C'mon Al Williams, Gwen Ownes Modern. I'm off, I'm getting wound up.

Can't tell you the guy's name for obvious reasons however can confirm he's short fat and ugly and spends a lot of time outside venues smoking and bad mouthing the event I've personly encounted "gollum" at various night's smoking outside telling people not to come in as it was all modern shit east midlands events have been very badly damaged by this individual who is now in the process of bad mouthing Willington,

[Guest sharmo 1]

Again fits the profile of the type I mentioned earlier.

Interesting this wise old soul is from Ilson (I'm originally from Eastwood), can't remember anyone from Ilkeston on the scene other than sisters Skip and Shirly in the 80s so guessing fits the profile I mentioned before, 2 years ish on the casino scene, decades off and then back as an expert. C'mon Al Williams, Gwen Ownes Modern. I'm off, I'm getting wound up.

He never went to the casino or anywhere else but met someone on the scene and now think's he's an expert.

[KevH]

Nothing wrong with clearing the floor.

All the best,the Phantom Janitor.

Edited October 17, 2012 by KevH

[jimmyw]

That kind of set should work in a lot of places (Nothing wrong with it) 'In general' the scene has gone backwards 20 years due to 'The blind leading the blind' so sometimes you really don't know what to expect (Not aimed at this particular event as you explained that you have the upmost respect for the said promoters)

In answer to your question, no I don't think you need to fade out a record half way through mate - D.Jing is a 'funny' ol' business ain't it?

All the best,

Len

It certainly is a funny business Len, thanks for the feedback.

[Guest Byrney]

He never went to the casino or anywhere else but met someone on the scene and now think's he's an expert.

Sharmo, pm me mucker with a name, you can't leave it at that

[Kev Cane]

Aah yes, the "I don't want to hear it if I don't know it " brigade, what makes me laugh about these "experts" is, did they come out of their mothers wombs whistling or singing for say the Tamango,s, Salvadors, Terrible Tom, Kenny Smith, Sandra Phillips, Van Dykes, Soul Twins, Morris Chestnut and on and on, you get my drift, there must have been a time when they heard those records for the 1st time, so why not now.

Kev

[Len]

Nothing wrong with clearing the floor.

All the best,the Phantom Janitor.

I nearly actually did that once, was going to take a mop and bucket with me, step down from the stage after 'clearing' the floor, 'clear' the floor with the mop and say on the mike "Now that's what I call clearing the floor!".....Nina put a stop to it because she feared I may be stoned to death....she had a point....

Len

[Len]

Here’s a positive story for ya (I think!)

During the 90’s and even up to around 2007 ish, I know you’ll all agree that musically the scene was pretty healthy, people welcoming fresh sounds and during that time (especially the 90’s) there wasn’t many ‘returnee’s’ influencing things. After that in my opinion, things started to go downhill.

Bringing you up to today, locally we have an event ‘Soul in The Bowl’ at Rushden where we recognised the ‘change in the market’ because that is exactly what it is, so basically we ‘gave them what they want’ and ‘segregated’ anything ‘different’ into the second room, which they kindly named ‘Len’s Den’ (Probably much to my critics irritation — Great!)

Anyway, we finish ‘The Den’ at 12.30, then we all go and join the main room to do some ‘northern soul dancing’ for the last half hour, which is brill. But last time, three different people came up to me and said something I thought interesting, the best being “Len, we need you back in here, it’s too Cheesy even for us!”….I replied - “Be careful what you wish for” and carried on dancing my socks off to ‘Spring Rain’ with a huge smile on my face!...We get the best of both worlds don’t we? — Have to say these people had seen the funny side of the situation

All the best,

Len

Edited October 17, 2012 by LEN

[davidwapples]

if people just want to listen to a set of things they know then they should just stay at home with a cd player or goto an oldies top 500 type thing , id sooner listen to 4 hours of unknown bobbins and hear one or two new tunes than the same old stuff.

mix it up r&b , crossover, funky/ 70s modern motown 60's etc

there must have been 100,000 records at least released from the mid 50s onwards in these genres but people still want to listen to the same few that were played at a nightclub that shut down 30 years ago because they dare not venture out of their safezone or they are just sheep and follow the others

[tosspot]

Here’s a positive story for ya (I think!)

During the 90’s and even up to around 2007 ish, I know you’ll all agree that musically the scene was pretty healthy, people welcoming fresh sounds and during that time (especially the 90’s) there wasn’t many ‘returnee’s’ influencing things. After that in my opinion, things started to go downhill.

Bringing you up to today, locally we have an event ‘Soul in The Bowl’ at Rushden where we recognised the ‘change in the market’ because that is exactly what it is, so basically we ‘gave them what they want’ and ‘segregated’ anything ‘different’ into the second room, which they kindly named ‘Len’s Den’ (Probably much to my critics irritation — Great!)

Anyway, we finish ‘The Den’ at 12.30, then we all go and join the main room to do some ‘northern soul dancing’ for the last half hour, which is brill. But last time, three different people came up to me and said something I thought interesting, the best being “Len, we need you back in here, it’s too Cheesy even for us!”….I replied - “Be careful what you wish for” and carried on dancing my socks off to ‘Spring Rain’ with a huge smile on my face!...We get the best of both worlds don’t we? — Have to say these people had seen the funny side of the situation

All the best,

Len

The 90s were brill, Bretby, the holy cross(Leics)etc etc. with the likes of Fortnum & spenner, Steve smith + others bringing new tunes week by week...happy days, then came the re-born soulies who didn't give a rats ass to us that had stuck with & moved on with the scene, bugger us, lets get back to the good old days of flogged to death oldies....This is why we run a club playing underplayed tunes, we do what it says on the tin, NO OVERPLAYED 45s

[Guest Krissii]

Not aimed at topic starter but reading some comments here i think djs (especially at rarer events) should maybe come down of their pedestals a bit re their customers . In fact some comments seem to have an air of contempt for the dance floor. Get to know the dancers (not just your mates) , ask them what they think might work , what didnt work and why , play them stuff down the phone . Ask THEM. Most dancers are not collectors/ particulally knowledgable but they know what works . And ,unlike other collectors /djs, they certainly DONT care how expensive , rare , trendy or right on a tune is . . . . . To answer topic question , No. . Re playlist posted , some great classics there but some of those are also quite hard to dance eg the chuck jackson , even to old timers . Also think it depends if the dancers used t to a certain type of soul (rare or classic) . . If the crowd are young you might be playing great classics (that older crowds are used to ) but they might be hard to dance to so they might love the tune but think blimey thats hard work and im a bit shy . And also sometimes dancers wil hear a tune they are not sure of so not dance but then think 3/4 way through "wish id danced to that" (done it myself a few times and my mates say it ) . So its worth a few tries again , its not personal because even though dancers are not dancing they are still always listening and thinking about dancing

[Guest Krissii]

but the people " just back on the scene " are who you should be mixing with MORE and making an effort with . Because they are your bread and butter . Like it or not . Dont bite the hand who feeds you

[Kev Cane]

Remember DJing at a local do years ago when a guy I know came up to the decks and said "Kev, can we have a break from this rare stuff and could you stick The Salvadors or The Tomango,s on", I just burst out laughing at the irony of it all and nearly got a fat lip for it, the records I was playing weren't particularly rare, just he didn't know them, and the records he asked for were actually very rare, dear dear

Kev

[Guest dundeedavie]

As a promoter we have a 'no fear ' policy for the Dj's and when they are booked they have to have the balls to play whatever they feel is right so if one of them cuts a tune mid play they would never dj for me again because that shows a lack of faith in your tunes. If you don't believe in the tunes no one else is.

So as everyone else has said, clear the floor, give the people a hear of the new stuff then come back stormin with something they'll love

[Chalky]

What is a rarer event? There are some mighty rare classics you seem to hear every week. Is this what you mean or are you referring to venues that play records not so well known?

[Guest Polyvelts]

I love to start my sets with this one; people look at you like you're out of your mind for the first minute or so of the record with its gospel-tinged languid blues, but then BAM! it hits with heavy funky northern power and everyone comes running back to the floor as quickly as they left. that, or most do

I don't bother with the intro - cue it up to the drumbeat ...BAM ! We're off !!! Hardcore tune !!

[Chalky]

I've been booked to play a particular set, I'm sure others have, I've double checked are you sure? When you get there, totally unsuitable for the crowd that attends. Whose fault is that, it's not the DJ's although he is the one who gets the blame and the bad name. Maybe some promoters should wise up a little.

[Guest Krissii]

kev he probably meant "rare" as in rarely played but i suspect you knew that didnt you ?. . . . Its all very well the rare side sneering from on high at the plebs but then wondering why people dont attend those events ? . Has it ever occured to some of you that it isnt the music that is the reason . .

[Guest sharmo 1]

I've been booked to play a particular set, I'm sure others have, I've double checked are you sure? When you get there, totally unsuitable for the crowd that attends. Whose fault is that, it's not the DJ's although he is the one who gets the blame and the bad name. Maybe some promoters should wise up a little.

very good point chalky.

[Chalky]

kev he probably meant "rare" as in rarely played but i suspect you knew that didnt you ?. . . . Its all very well the rare side sneering from on high at the plebs but then wondering why people dont attend those events ? . Has it ever occured to some of you that it isnt the music that is the reason . .

Who are these that sneer from on high as I don't see this. Nor do I see DJ's on a pedestal. I keep reading crap like this but no one is prepared to name anyone or any venue.

I see DJ's asked to play the records they are best known for, sometimes that isn't suitable for the crowd but that isn't the fault of the DJ, again it is the promoter who I have no doubt had good intentions and probably wants to hear something different but his crowd don't want it, they want what they hear every week.

[Peter99]

Again fits the profile of the type I mentioned earlier.

Interesting this wise old soul is from Ilson (I'm originally from Eastwood), can't remember anyone from Ilkeston on the scene other than sisters Skip and Shirly in the 80s so guessing fits the profile I mentioned before, 2 years ish on the casino scene, decades off and then back as an expert. C'mon Al Williams, Gwen Ownes Modern. I'm off, I'm getting wound up.

Hi Byrney

Didn't Curly used to live in Ilson - many moons ago like? Not seen him for ages - last saw him in town I think.

Peter

[Kev Cane]

kev he probably meant "rare" as in rarely played but i suspect you knew that didnt you ?. . . . Its all very well the rare side sneering from on high at the plebs but then wondering why people dont attend those events ? . Has it ever occured to some of you that it isnt the music that is the reason . .

No Krissi, I knew exactly what he meant cos I knew the perception that the "Older Johnny come latelys" had on us lads who had never left the scene and had embraced the more soulfull and diverse aspect the scene had evolved to, we were all tarred with the "rare and obscure shite" label we,d ignorantly been given

Kev

[Guest Krissii]

but some of the comments on here are putting people down for not being receptive to rarer events/tunes or for being new or just back , am i right ?

[Len]

kev he probably meant "rare" as in rarely played but i suspect you knew that didnt you ?. . . . Its all very well the rare side sneering from on high at the plebs but then wondering why people dont attend those events ? . Has it ever occured to some of you that it isnt the music that is the reason . .

My last line on the following must have been for you -

I feel I should say that we have made great progress in Northants, some of my biggest critics have now changed their attitude towards me and are now ‘listening’. In fact, some have gone completely the other way and are full of compliments, a bit like an ex-con that helps his victims! — It’s embarrassing sometimes, when they say stuff like “You educated us!”. All p*ssed up and ‘slurry’ (Still slightly aggressive, I have to say!J) but at least they mean well - I do wish they would stop ‘ruffling’ my hair though — I’m blo*dy 42 and a half!

I know the whole thing is ridiculous (in a nice way) as compared to the ‘Top Jocks’, I’ll always be ‘The new guy’ not ‘The New Guy - ‘Hennigan’ but I suppose everyone like me, on a local level are doing exactly what people like Guy did in the 80’s, because breaking a brand new discovery is just the same as breaking stuff people don’t know, in fact maybe harder when they don’t ‘want’ you to be breaking new stuff.

It’s all about trying to win them over and not patronise them, which I think we have done to some extent in Northants.

All the best,

Len

Edited October 17, 2012 by LEN

[Guest Krissii]

. . you lot are the ground breakers , the trail blazers , stop critising and start showing some leadership . . get out there WITH the plebs and among them and then lead the way be nice

[Len]

but some of the comments on here are putting people down for not being receptive to rarer events/tunes or for being new or just back , am i right ?

No, the general feeling is when they 'attack' these unknown tunes or the people trying to share them. It's the intollerance that I can't stand which usually comes with aggresion and rudeness - This is from my personal experiences.

All the best,

Len.

Edited October 17, 2012 by LEN

[Guest sharmo 1]

My last line on the following must have been for you -

I feel I should say that we have made great progress in Northants, some of my biggest critics have now changed their attitude towards me and are now ‘listening’. In fact, some have gone completely the other way and are full of compliments, a bit like an ex-con that helps his victims! — It’s embarrassing sometimes, when they say stuff like “You educated us!”. All p*ssed up and ‘slurry’ (Still slightly aggressive, I have to say!J) but at least they mean well - I do wish they would stop ‘ruffling’ my hair though — I’m blo*dy 42 and a half!

I know the whole thing is ridiculous (in a nice way) as compared to the ‘Top Jocks’, I’ll always be ‘The new guy’ not ‘The New Guy - ‘Hennigan’ but I suppose everyone like me, on a local level are doing exactly what people like Guy did in the 80’s, because breaking a brand new discovery is just the same as breaking stuff people don’t know, in fact maybe harder when they don’t ‘want’ you to be breaking new stuff.

It’s all about trying to win them over and not patronise them, which I think we have done to some extent in Northants.

All the best,

Len

Hi Len keep up the good work young man regards Terry Thomas.

[Kev Cane]

but some of the comments on here are putting people down for not being receptive to rarer events/tunes or for being new or just back , am i right ?

Krissi, what is it about this word or term "rare" there are plenty of do,s that play underplayed quality soul music that is cheap aswell as a few rare tunes, but hey, rare records have always been played, as far back as anyone on here goes, the hang up seems to me to be still "I don,t know it and these lot are playing it so it must be rare" which I emphasised in a previous post, the intolerance isn,t on the so called "rarer" brigade which you refer to, the hang up is with the nostalgic crew who are coming out again and sticking labels on things they know nothing about, thats where the ignorance lies IMHO

Kev

[Chalky]

they are all rare in the grand scheme of things although I don't think they play rare records at not so rare events

[Ernie Andrews]

Krissi, what is it about this word or term "rare" there are plenty of do,s that play underplayed quality soul music that is cheap aswell as a few rare tunes, but hey, rare records have always been played, as far back as anyone on here goes, the hang up seems to me to be still "I don,t know it and these lot are playing it so it must be rare" which I emphasised in a previous post, the intolerance isn,t on the so called "rarer" brigade which you refer to, the hang up is with the nostalgic crew who are coming out again and sticking labels on things they know nothing about, thats where the ignorance lies IMHO

Kev

I keep coming back to this " What is Rare?" and wheres the evidence for it to be so rare! Every record is just a second away from being found in quantity unless paperwork proves otherwise!

Edited October 17, 2012 by Ernie Andrews

[Peter99]

they are all rare in the grand scheme of things although I don't think they play rare records at not so rare events

[Len]

Once, I wrote on one of my ‘SILKS’ event flyers — “Empty Dance Floors Rule Ok” complete with a picture of a bloke doing a ‘thumbs up’ gesture sporting a cheeky smile, because at that time I’d given up. I thought that extremely funny in itself and (as predicted) it upset a few that didn’t get my ‘Irony’…….But (I’m gonna be all grown up now) I have to admit, in hindsight that was actually quite patronising which I honestly didn’t see at the time.

All the best,

Len

P.s — Still think it’s funny though J

Edited October 17, 2012 by LEN

[Guest Krissii]

But i think its a misconception that the nostalgia crowd are like that , that they dont want to hear new ,to them, sounds . I go to rarer (as in rarely played , dont care about price or format)and i go to classics events . I ask people at classics events why they dont go to other rare events and its for different reasons but they dont say its because they like the music. Might be travel or money in or venue (good dancefloors ARE a consideration) or drinks/bar or maybe they feel a bit shy or intimidated even . . . Allsorts of reasons .

[Guest Krissii]

sorry edit to my last post *but they dont say its because they dislike the music*

[Chalky]

sorry edit to my last post *but they dont say its because they dislike the music*

No one has ever said it is because they dislike the music, it is usually because they don't know the music on offer and therefore can't dance.

[Guest jkidd]

i,d never turn a record off half way through,just because no ones dancing does,nt mean no one likes it, to be honest jimmy i think yer played the best spot,ones you dont hear a lot rather than all the same ones played out every time,i,ve nowt against old tracks,but some people wont listen to underplayed tunes,regarding them as crap !

[Guest Krissii]

yes i agree with that to some extent chalky , its finding an underplayed/rare that please all but to be fair SOME of the rare stuff that gets played is not easy to dance to . Mind you a lot of classics arnt either hahaha. Iv been at rare events were everyone is raving over a tune yet no one dances to it . And then been at a classics event , huge dancefloor, and me and a mate were only ones dancing when a great left field cleared the floor , wich was easy to dance to actually (african sounding instramental thingy about 4 years ago) ... Wish the two sides of scene would just give a little each way

[Scotters]

What was the question again?

I wouldn't deliberately cut a record half way through if no one's dancing but I think fading 2/3rds in with some good mike use is okay and works.

I'm only a couple of years into this complex but great hobby of playing records outside the house (not just soul nights) and I've been taking a LOT in at various events literally up and down the country and have had some LONG conversations with different people in the process, as we all do.

I think there's so much that influences whether a record clears the floor, aside from the record obviously.....time of night, alcohol intake, lighting (far too many places I've been too just too light I think), room lay-out, crowd on the night, time of year even! etc etc...But I think Microphone use is also key to engage with dancers (and listeners) and when used well certainly keeps me on the floor and trusting the DJ that I hopefully won't be the only one that starts to dance to the next record, or the one scampering off to the side.

I'm still learning what works and doesn't and hopefully always will be, but good microphone work and "sign posting" of certain records (particularly new stuff) is something that makes a difference I think.

Don't shoot!