Do Djs Really Really Know

[Guest]

Personally I think if you haven't enjoyed a night for whatever reason you should tell the promoter.

Much better than ' voting with your feet ' as that gives the promoter the chance to listen to and answer any concerns/critisisms.

You will never please everyone, this is true but I think you would want to please the majority as you want your night to continue.

I also agree with Billy in that an empty dance floor at 4am is very much a downer, if what the DJ is playing isn't hitting the spot then it needs to change as come 5am people will have left and those that haven't have maybe lost their enthusiasm.

But I also think that it isn't maybe the DJ's fault if this happens, it could be that he/she has been booked for the wrong sort of crowd.

[Chalky]

Personally I think if you haven't enjoyed a night for whatever reason you should tell the promoter.

But if the promoter has delivered exactly what he said he (or she) would, do you think you still have the right to complain just cause some of the records weren't to your taste but enjoyed by others? I agree with the sentiment that if you aren't getting what you were promised then yeah you have every right to complain

Edited June 5, 2006 by chalky

[Winsford Soul]

i know what your saying grant,so maybe the answer is dont support these kind of venues to many venues out there being badly run with piss poor djs,who will dj for free just to get a spot with dodgy promoters only to happy to water down the dj lineup to make a profit.It is possible to keep hundreds of people on the floor all nite if you have the right djs,as simon says djs who put the work in.Its no good trying to force feed new sounds down people who have been into the soul scene 20 odd years throats but it is possible to re activate forgotten sounds and slip in a few new bits if done correctly,you only have to listen to andy dyson soul sam carl fortnum these guys play a perfect mixture of old and new without boreing the arse of you or trying to educate you,thats why they are top of the tree imho of course.

Well said that man

Steve

[Guest]

But if the promoter has delivered exactly what he said he (or she) would, do you think you still have the right to complain just cause some of the records weren't to your taste but enjoyed by others? I agree with the sentiment that if you aren't getting what you were promised then yeah you have every right to complain

No, if the promoter has provided exactly what they said on the flyer then I wouldn't complain, mind you, I think complain isn't the right word anyway, I would just voice my opinion in a decent way I hope.

I would never be bothered just because 'some' records weren't to my taste but I would if lots were.

I have yet to go to a night where I can say I enjoyed ever single record played and I doubt I ever will.

If a night was advertised as mainly 70's for example I wouldn't be there in the first place as it's not my cup of tea, but I appreciate that many people enjoy lots of 70's.

Some flyers can be somewhat ambiguous IMO.

[Dave]

I just spoke to Billy, and what he meant in his original post is if a DJ is playing to an emptyish floor, he should try his best to recover the floor, not carry on regardless playing what he is.

Can you ask him if this extends to playing oldies to try to fill the floor at an "Upfront" event, enen though punters have paid to hear stuff they barely know?

[Guest]

Can you ask him if this extends to playing oldies to try to fill the floor at an "Upfront" event, enen though punters have paid to hear stuff they barely know?

I think Billy was talking about general across the board nights Dave, not upfront nights

[Dave]

Certainly not, grasp vol au vent firmly with all fingers otherwise the little blighters tend to escape and fall into a crumbly mess and you end up with mushroom/prawn/chicken sauce all down your clean shirt

I do find vol au vents a bit toooo 70s chic for my liking a bit like quiche

QoFxx

Thank you.

At last an answer to the important issue!

BTW, this "quiche" of which you speak... is that what was known as flan "back in the day"?

[chrissie]

Thank you.

At last an answer to the important issue!

BTW, this "quiche" of which you speak... is that what was known as flan "back in the day"?

The very same quiche, it was originally released as Bacon and Egg Flan then some french bird called lorraine booted it and tried airing it as Quiche, but she didn't catch me out, I knew it was just a cover up of the original Flan

QoFxx

Edited June 5, 2006 by chrissieo

[Guest vinylvixen]

Big problem is PEOPLE who don't know f*** all.

Play some oldies - gives a clue?

Play Something from Wigan - like what?

I hate this 70's shit - then you see them dancing to the Carstairs etc?

Not going there again X played a shit spot, so what about the other 5/6/7or 8 hours?

Play some Motown - Baby Love then!

Is there any DJ that hasn't had some shit of someone about what they played, if there is then he's the BEST IN THE WORLD, and MR PERFECT as well.

or Miss Perfect Let them eat cake.... Jo

Thank you.

At last an answer to the important issue!

BTW, this "quiche" of which you speak... is that what was known as flan "back in the day"?

OMG...flan - now i'm having retro food trauma........ like Heinz tinned potato salad.....dreadful....Jo

[Guest dundeedavie]

i like that breakfast in a can , but that might just be me

[chrissie]

i like that breakfast in a can , but that might just be me

Probably just you Davie

QoFxx

[Simsy]

Shane, I agree with Baz... its just that I found the food angle more interesting than the thread.

I'm waiting for somebody to start about etiquette now... should one extend one's little finger Wigan stylee whilst eating a vol au vent or is it unimportant?

Sorry I neglected the vegetarian aspect. Do you think we should add other options to the menu, such as kosher?

Halal?

Same goes for Jackie Wilson - Because Of You, 1973 but considered Northern. Constellations, again Northern....

Does anybody really know

And then of course there's crossover ...

[Winnie :-)]

Can you ask him if this extends to playing oldies to try to fill the floor at an "Upfront" event, enen though punters have paid to hear stuff they barely know?

=============

Presumably the one's who prefer 'upfront' would be ok with an empty dance-floor, as their priority is listening to new/underplayed sounds?

Personally I think the DJ has a responsibility to get the floor moving, as the playlist is usually his/her choice, perhaps they have to get over themselves if its not appreciated by the masses. It's part of the entertainment industry, so what do you do? Cater to those who want rare, at a normal night - emphasis on normal - I would think they're in the minority, or cater for the majority?

If the night is advertised as rare/obscure or R&B, modern only, then the punter wouldn't have much reason for complaint IMO.

Winnie:-)

[Guest Baz]

Personally I think the DJ has a responsibility to get the floor moving, as the playlist is usually his/her choice, perhaps they have to get over themselves if its not appreciated by the masses. It's part of the entertainment industry, so what do you do? Cater to those who want rare, at a normal night - emphasis on normal - I would think they're in the minority, or cater for the majority?

Totally agree with you Win ( that must be a first ) but there is no harm in filling the floor and droping in a few 'lesser knowns' in between, OK you might empty the floor (its how tunes start to get appreciated), but a good DJ can bring it back again within a couple of records

[Winnie :-)]

Totally agree with you Win ( that must be a first ) but there is no harm in filling the floor and droping in a few 'lesser knowns' in between, OK you might empty the floor (its how tunes start to get appreciated), but a good DJ can bring it back again within a couple of records

===========

Very much a first Baz Also agree with you, throw in a few unknowns, if you've got the dance-floor people will carry on dancing. But the problem could be, yes the DJ has the floor, yes he/she's thrown in a few unknowns, yes the people have danced, and he/she thinks, I'll throw in a few more, all of a sudden you've got a dis-satisfied crowd.

Then IMO, no matter how good the DJ is, he/she may have problems getting the crowd back into a dancing mood.

Winnie:-)

[Dave]

=============

Presumably the one's who prefer 'upfront' would be ok with an empty dance-floor, as their priority is listening to new/underplayed sounds?

More or less the point I was trying to make in answer to one or two generalisations

Personally I think the DJ has a responsibility to get the floor moving, as the playlist is usually his/her choice, perhaps they have to get over themselves if its not appreciated by the masses. It's part of the entertainment industry, so what do you do? Cater to those who want rare, at a normal night - emphasis on normal -

There's another one! What constitutes normal?

I would think they're in the minority, or cater for the majority?

If the night is advertised as rare/obscure or R&B, modern only, then the punter wouldn't have much reason for complaint IMO.

Winnie:-)

[Winnie :-)]

Personally I think the DJ has a responsibility to get the floor moving, as the playlist is usually his/her choice, perhaps they have to get over themselves if its not appreciated by the masses. It's part of the entertainment industry, so what do you do? Cater to those who want rare, at a normal night - emphasis on normal -

There's another one! What constitutes normal?

=================

Normal to me, is an night that doesn't have any pretentions, an across the board northern night, with an across the board northern crowd, which I think probably makes up the vast majority of our scene.

Winnie:-)

[Guest Baz]

===========

Very much a first Baz Also agree with you, throw in a few unknowns, if you've got the dance-floor people will carry on dancing. But the problem could be, yes the DJ has the floor, yes he/she's thrown in a few unknowns, yes the people have danced, and he/she thinks, I'll throw in a few more, all of a sudden you've got a dis-satisfied crowd.

Then IMO, no matter how good the DJ is, he/she may have problems getting the crowd back into a dancing mood.

Winnie:-)

Yes that can be a tricky one, again its down to knowing what you can get away with at certain venues, some places generly accept a few, but if your at a predomently oldies venue, then you have to either go with the crowd or not take the booking, catch 22 i suppose, and would hope the promter has booked Dj X because they have herd or herd about them and thinks they would 'fit in' with they're crowd.

[Paulb]

Do all dj's care if the floor is busy or not?????

[Winnie :-)]

Yes that can be a tricky one, again its down to knowing what you can get away with at certain venues, some places generly accept a few, but if your at a predomently oldies venue, then you have to either go with the crowd or not take the booking, catch 22 i suppose, and would hope the promter has booked Dj X because they have herd or herd about them and thinks they would 'fit in' with they're crowd.

================

Could not taking a booking be seen as a lack of self belief? We all know certain tracks work for us on a personal level, but not for others. You accept Chalky doesn't like Oxford nights, and you do.

If you take that to the extreme any DJ should also be able to accept the same principal, a record isn't good just because (for example) Butch is currently playing it. It may be good to him, but equally others may hate it.

DJ's who like to play underplayed/newies are really promoting their own preferences and as such IMO have to take critisism along with the adulation. Any other outlook is blinkered, and egotistical.

Winnie:-)

Do all dj's care if the floor is busy or not?????

============

You'd hope so?

[Guest Baz]

Do all dj's care if the floor is busy or not?????

Lets hope they do paul

================

Could not taking a booking be seen as a lack of self belief? We all know certain tracks work for us on a personal level, but not for others. You accept Chalky doesn't like Oxford nights, and you do.

I would say its being sensible

If you take that to the extreme any DJ should also be able to accept the same principal, a record isn't good just because (for example) Butch is currently playing it. It may be good to him, but equally others may hate it.

I'll say it, im not keen on everything Butch plays, he has got great taste yes and too many people hold on to the believe that so and so is playing it it must be good ect,(i mean fair play to the guy he's certainly earnt that respect and following) and dare i say it the last few times i've herd Butch outside of the 100 club i found not to be as good as he is in the 100, where IMO he really takes off, and comes to his own

[Dave]

Personally I think the DJ has a responsibility to get the floor moving, as the playlist is usually his/her choice, perhaps they have to get over themselves if its not appreciated by the masses. It's part of the entertainment industry, so what do you do? Cater to those who want rare, at a normal night - emphasis on normal -

There's another one! What constitutes normal?

=================

Normal to me, is an night that doesn't have any pretentions, an across the board northern night, with an across the board northern crowd, which I think probably makes up the vast majority of our scene.

Winnie:-)

Can't agree that the majority of soul nights have an across the board policy.

The majority play worn out oldies with a few worn out gentle, easy to dance to 70s records like Jackie Wilson and Ace Spectrum.

Do all dj's care if the floor is busy or not?????

I think at some events thats not necessarily the priority.

[Dunc]

I think that what everyone is missing here is that thirty three years ago Wigan opened and we were listening to new sounds every week and did not complain. DJs nowadays tend to play their rare stuff or popular stuff depending on the croud or what they advertise. There are thousands of quality records out there and it's good to hear them, even after all these years. I think DJ's should play lesser knowns more to create interest again as that is how it started in the first place. Here's a low priced tune that's worth a punt:

https://www.raresoulman.co.uk/sounds/exists...I_M_CRACKING_UP

[Dunc]

Here's another:

https://www.soulclub.org/stream/Cindy_Malon...t_Over_Baby.ram

[Winnie :-)]

Can't agree that the majority of soul nights have an across the board policy.

The majority play worn out oldies with a few worn out gentle, easy to dance to 70s records like Jackie Wilson and Ace Spectrum.

=============

Most events these days advertise themselves as across the board....... I take that to be a bit of everything, modern, oldies, R&B, newies. The quantity of each genre played is up to the DJ performing at the time. I would guess if he/she decides they've got an up for it crowd on say, an R&B front, he/she would balance their set accordingly. If on the other hand the crowd are predominately oldies lovers, then the same principle would apply.

Maybe I've over simplified 'across the board', how do you define it Dave?

Winnie:-)

[Dunc]

And another, better known as played late Wigan and Stafford.

https://www.soulclub.org/stream/Carl_Burnet...k_Baby_Jerk.ram

[Guest Bearsy]

Can't agree that the majority of soul nights have an across the board policy.

The majority play worn out oldies with a few worn out gentle, easy to dance to 70s records like Jackie Wilson and Ace Spectrum.

I think at some events thats not necessarily the priority.

If a dj does play a few worn out oldies and a few rare ones and a bit of r&b disco crossover 60s 70s 80s modern in his set shouldnt that mean he would of made everyone happy at some stage, i imho dont think that all dj`s have the same records in there box and the paying punter dont all have the same taste in music, so like me i go to hear and appreciate whatever the dj plays if i like it or not, how else do we get to hear new things and also a chance to hear the ones we all at some stage have danced to in our time, i dont really care whats played as long as the venue is buzzing and the nights never stop keeping us from coming back for more, to many snobs and know it alls is whats the problem imho, chill out and enjoy what life has given us all -

northern soul !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Winnie :-)]

I think that what everyone is missing here is that thirty three years ago Wigan opened and we were listening to new sounds every week and did not complain. DJs nowadays tend to play their rare stuff or popular stuff depending on the croud or what they advertise. There are thousands of quality records out there and it's good to hear them, even after all these years. I think DJ's should play lesser knowns more to create interest again as that is how it started in the first place. Here's a low priced tune that's worth a punt:

https://www.raresoulman.co.uk/sounds/exists...I_M_CRACKING_UP

============

I don't disagree about playing lesser knowns, I do disagree that it would create more interest amongst the majority going to soul nights. For most it's a nostalgia kick and IMO whilst they are in the majority they dictate music policy. If they want rarer stuff, there are venues that cater for that particular taste, but personally I think that creates a two tier system. If you really want to inject more enthusiasm into the scene, I think it has to be done in main arenas in front of big crowds as opposed to small venues, with small crowds as that could and has lead to claims of one-upmanship. An 'our taste is better than yours' mentality, which I don't think the scene should be about.

Winnie:-)

If a dj does play a few worn out oldies and a few rare ones and a bit of r&b disco crossover 60s 70s 80s modern in his set shouldnt that mean he would of made everyone happy at some stage, i imho dont think that all dj`s have the same records in there box and the paying punter dont all have the same taste in music, so like me i go to hear and appreciate whatever the dj plays if i like it or not, how else do we get to hear new things and also a chance to hear the ones we all at some stage have danced to in our time, i dont really care whats played as long as the venue is buzzing and the nights never stop keeping us from coming back for more, to many snobs and know it alls is whats the problem imho, chill out and enjoy what life has given us all -

northern soul !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

==============

[Dunc]

The Casino WAS A BIG ARENA and they played NEW STUFFevery week. I think people in general are looking for a good night out and I agree with you about that and they like their oldies. That's the problem. I would like to know what the cure is as there are thousands of quality records out there and still affordable that sound good and are right for today's market, but people are not interested and still want to listen to the same sounds. Look's like I'm going to The Kestrel Suite.

[Dave]

=============

Most events these days advertise themselves as across the board....... I take that to be a bit of everything, modern, oldies, R&B, newies. The quantity of each genre played is up to the DJ performing at the time. I would guess if he/she decides they've got an up for it crowd on say, an R&B front, he/she would balance their set accordingly. If on the other hand the crowd are predominately oldies lovers, then the same principle would apply.

Maybe I've over simplified 'across the board', how do you define it Dave?

Winnie:-)

I can think of one or two local ns nights where "across the board" means mixing a bit of chart motown in with the well known oldies.

I think a lot would agree with your definition of across the board but at the average soul night how much real modern, R&B, or newies (unless they're played off a boot/dub) do you hear? Or even under-played oldies? Not much.

As for your comment about a DJ moving between genres to suit the crowd, a lot of DJ'S would not have enough records of every type to be able to do that, and why should they?

IMO the big problem with the current scene is too many nights with four or five DJs who all have similar records, often pressings. This is what has put some rare records into the overplayed category.

BTW, I've nothing against nights for "oldies lovers"... as long as they are advertised as such.

[Dave]

If a dj does play a few worn out oldies and a few rare ones and a bit of r&b disco crossover 60s 70s 80s modern in his set shouldnt that mean he would of made everyone happy at some stage, i imho dont think that all dj`s have the same records in there box and the paying punter dont all have the same taste in music, so like me i go to hear and appreciate whatever the dj plays if i like it or not, how else do we get to hear new things and also a chance to hear the ones we all at some stage have danced to in our time, i dont really care whats played as long as the venue is buzzing and the nights never stop keeping us from coming back for more, to many snobs and know it alls is whats the problem imho, chill out and enjoy what life has given us all -

northern soul !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If thats addressed to me, I'm not a snob. I just have an attention span a bit longer than a goldfish and I don't want to listen to the same 100 records every week.

[Guest Bearsy]

If thats addressed to me, I'm not a snob. I just have an attention span a bit longer than a goldfish and I don't want to listen to the same 100 records every week.

Hi Dave, it wasnt addressed to you i just replied onto your post thats all so no offence meant, just joining in on the debate and airing an honest opinion. like i said in my post i dont care whats played as long as its a dj playing what he enjoys himself and if the crowd dont like his taste in music thats unfortunate for all. there is snobbery and plenty of know it alls in our scene but i for one just enjoy whats got to be the greatest music of all time. how very dare me of ever thinking you was one when i dont even know you.

[Winnie :-)]

I can think of one or two local ns nights where "across the board" means mixing a bit of chart motown in with the well known oldies.

I think a lot would agree with your definition of across the board but at the average soul night how much real modern, R&B, or newies (unless they're played off a boot/dub) do you hear? Or even under-played oldies? Not much.

As for your comment about a DJ moving between genres to suit the crowd, a lot of DJ'S would not have enough records of every type to be able to do that, and why should they?

IMO the big problem with the current scene is too many nights with four or five DJs who all have similar records, often pressings. This is what has put some rare records into the overplayed category.

BTW, I've nothing against nights for "oldies lovers"... as long as they are advertised as such.

==========

I don't think what they're played off is the issue, in particular not to the point Billy was initially making. I was just giving my definition of 'across the board'. Think someone said as long as every ones been catered for at some point in the night, then there's no room for complaint. That's why I mentioned the quantity of a specific genre, or DJ's recoginising a venues leanings, and playing accordingly.

I'm still not sure what you'd expect from an across the board night, would it be each genre being played in equal quantities?

As I said before it's all subjective, you probably have more knowledge than me about records, so what's an played out oldie to you may be quite fresh to me. That's IMO why, unless it's a "Specialist" venue the majority rule

[Guest]

Forget about the top Djs,forget about x1000 pound record boxes what i've been hearing about the last few months i am fed up about people moaning about venues not playing the right stuff,What is the right stuff anyway?To me mid tempo and up tempos and a few floaters makes a good night in my opinion i do get in heated arguements with some soulies you can't keep everyone happy their answer is i don't go again and thats where low crowds at venues starting to appear i think if a dj plays to an empty floor and makes no atempt to resolve it and you should be showing them the door in my opinion if its soulful i dance to it im just pasting the vibes on promoted should stated on the flyers whats been played i was at an allnighter lastnight and they all had it to a tee back up boxes and they were playing to the crowd the worst thing is to see an empty floor at 4:00 in the morning.

Cheers Billy

Ps.i hope to get one reply from this if anyone has got any thing on there mind just say it.

You like your midtempos because you do.. others like their uptempos because they do.

More importantly.. where has the raresoulforum gone?

[Ged Parker]

I can remember Gaz Kellet being asked by a promoter to play some oldies that they will know. Saying "F**K em they're all morons" Priceless

[Dave]

==========

I don't think what they're played off is the issue, in particular not to the point Billy was initially making. I was just giving my definition of 'across the board'. Think someone said as long as every ones been catered for at some point in the night, then there's no room for complaint. That's why I mentioned the quantity of a specific genre, or DJ's recoginising a venues leanings, and playing accordingly.

I'm still not sure what you'd expect from an across the board night, would it be each genre being played in equal quantities?

As I said before it's all subjective, you probably have more knowledge than me about records, so what's an played out oldie to you may be quite fresh to me. That's IMO why, unless it's a "Specialist" venue the majority rule

Ok, I would say the medium they are played off is a very important issue, for reasons I have already explained... so I won't go over it again.

Yes, someone did make the point about "everyone being catered for at some stage"... but having read a few of his posts, I find it difficult to set much store by what he says. Besides, one or two token records during an evening is not really catering for enthusiasts of a particular genre, is it?

I tried to put across what I would expect from an across the board night... a reasonable representation of each genre... not just a couple of records.

Regarding your last para., I don't think its really to do with who has the most knowledge of records, but what you say about "the majority rules" concurrs with what I said in an earlier post: The majority want to hear the top 200 oldies plus a few lightweight 70's tunes! That's a pity...IMO.

[Jumpinjoan]

I can remember Gaz Kellet being asked by a promoter to play some oldies that they will know. Saying "F**K em they're all morons" Priceless

That was me .... i was that moron

Seriously though ..... EVERY RECORD IS A NEW RECORD THE FIRST TIME YOU HEAR IT .... EVERY SINGLE ONE.... so what's the problem?

Perhaps those who object to hearing new stuff know all the records that they want to know .... which goes against everything i thought the soul scene stood for.

A wise man called Pete Lawson once said to me ... that if you truly love soul music you won't be satisfied until you've heard every single soul record that was ever made.

Now realistically.... that will never happen ... but you're going to die trying ... because that's what the soul scene is all about..... isn't it?

Anybody not pushing to hear new records at venues ... imo.... can't really love it ... and certainly doesn't understand it .... they can't do ... else they'd be like the rest of us morons ..... trying to hear them all....

[Quinvy]

The Casino WAS A BIG ARENA and they played NEW STUFFevery week. I think people in general are looking for a good night out and I agree with you about that and they like their oldies. That's the problem. I would like to know what the cure is as there are thousands of quality records out there and still affordable that sound good and are right for today's market, but people are not interested and still want to listen to the same sounds. Look's like I'm going to The Kestrel Suite.

Duc, you would be welcomed with open arms mate, you've hit the nail on the head there. We all want that buzz of hearing something awesome for the first time. Mind you I was off the scene for twenty years so it happens to me quite often. If you make it to the Kestral Suite, please introduce yourself, I'd like to buy you a drink.

Phil.

[paultp]

I don't know if anyone else has noticed but one of the Google Ads that comes up at the bottom of this thread is titled "Tired Of Cheesy DJ's?"

[Winnie :-)]

Ok, I would say the medium they are played off is a very important issue, for reasons I have already explained... so I won't go over it again.

Yes, someone did make the point about "everyone being catered for at some stage"... but having read a few of his posts, I find it difficult to set much store by what he says. Besides, one or two token records during an evening is not really catering for enthusiasts of a particular genre, is it?

I tried to put across what I would expect from an across the board night... a reasonable representation of each genre... not just a couple of records.

Regarding your last para., I don't think its really to do with who has the most knowledge of records, but what you say about "the majority rules" concurrs with what I said in an earlier post: The majority want to hear the top 200 oldies plus a few lightweight 70's tunes! That's a pity...IMO.

==============

I was only saying the medium used was not the issue cos it wasn't mentioned in the initital post. Billy seemed more worried about DJ's not recognising an empty floor as a problem?

Don't disagree with you about what constitutes across the board in an ideal world, but also feel that the majority view outweighs any individual one.

If I go to an night that favours R&B for example, would it be fair for me to say can you play an hours worth of oldies, then an hours worth of modern etc.

I'll dance to most genres as long as its good (ie: I like it) but I won't dance because a DJ says this is good dance, which is sort of imposing his personal choice on me. By all means play what you like, but accept that it may not be liked, and if that is the case, I think it's the DJ's responsibility to change tack to suit the crowd.

Over the last few months there's been loads of posts saying how do we get new blood into the scene, and how do we get them to dance. IMO a starting point would be to understand if you're looking at an empty dancefloor, somethings wrong with your music policy.

Winnie:-)

[Guest vinylvixen]

I don't know if anyone else has noticed but one of the Google Ads that comes up at the bottom of this thread is titled "Tired Of Cheesy DJ's?"

I'll get my coat IMVHO, it's all a matter of balancing........a bit like plate juggling and keeping the plates spinning on those bendy bits of bamboo.......(although you're not getting me in the cat suit ) A bit of 7Ts, a bit of fresh but familiar, a few anthems, a few RnB thingys, a few midtempos and hopefully, no empty spaces on the dancefloor.......and not being self indulgent - a dj is paid (in most cases) to do a job - that is to play music and entertain people. If it was down to my personal choice, I'd happily play Detroit ALL NIGHT - but that's not everyone's bag, so it's all of the above and a bit of and hopefully, leave people with a big smile on their face at the end of the night thinking 'that was a smashing do'....FUN, SOUL and HAPPINESS......Jo

[Guest Bearsoul]

I'll get my coat IMVHO, it's all a matter of balancing........a bit like plate juggling and keeping the plates spinning on those bendy bits of bamboo.......(although you're not getting me in the cat suit ) A bit of 7Ts, a bit of fresh but familiar, a few anthems, a few RnB thingys, a few midtempos and hopefully, no empty spaces on the dancefloor.......and not being self indulgent - a dj is paid (in most cases) to do a job - that is to play music and entertain people. If it was down to my personal choice, I'd happily play Detroit ALL NIGHT - but that's not everyone's bag, so it's all of the above and a bit of and hopefully, leave people with a big smile on their face at the end of the night thinking 'that was a smashing do'....FUN, SOUL and HAPPINESS......Jo

any particular type of cheese Jo...I like a bit of gorgonzola myself good points , see you real soon CnCxxxx

[Russ Vickers]

70's (and new releases) have always been played at Northern Soul events right from the early days. I've never really thought of Northern Soul as 60's only.

Many events advertise their policy as "across the board" and "something for everyone".

Absoutely spot on......give the Chalkster a round of applause for most sensible comment of the thread.................thank f*** some one still gets it. .

Russ

[Guest Simon]

Absoutely spot on......give the Chalkster a round of applause for most sensible comment of the thread.................thank f*** some one still gets it. .

Russ

That's fair enough but are there really that many new releases that fit in with the Northern Soul vibe?

Simon

[soulfulsaint]

Do all dj's care if the floor is busy or not?????

Paul asks a really important question here. Right back to the Mecca days there has been a strand of thinking that if you 'clear the floor' your are somehow avant-garde and ahead of the crowd. You are pioneering records which the cognoscenti of collectors get but the mass of dancers don't. Its an elitist idea. I remember the Producer of 'Panorama' saying that she didn't care if only ten people watched her programme as long as it was the right ten people. That strikes me as a snobbish and exclusive attitude the political equivelant of deliberately 'clearing the floor'. I think DJs should feel pressure to be popular and pioneering. Those that only play the established and the predicatble are not being pioneering, however much people may like oldies. Those that only want to play the unheard and the unknown are not always being popular and should adapt their sets accordingly. I like DJs that can surprise and satisfy their audience.

Edited June 7, 2006 by soulfulsaint

[Guest Dr Pickles]

I'm sure some people are not clearing the floor because it's a new record rather than an oldie to show their disgust at the DJ but more because they don't know it and feel a bit uncomfortable dancing to it. For some, if they are dancing into unknown territory it's easier to sit that one out until they feel more comfortable with it.

This has a knock effect for the rest of the floor, especially if the next record played has the same effect.

It's a brave, drunk or confident dancer who gets on a floor that a lot of people have just walked off.

Surely the answer is to introduce new or lesser played sounds between well known tunes that give a comfort factor. The alternative is to introduce them towards the end of the night when most have their dancing legs, have had their fix of oldies and are a bit more open to something new.

Not everyone wants to be educated or the next dance comp winner, they just want to go out have a great time dancing to tunes they feel comfortable with.

Doc

Edited June 7, 2006 by Dr Pickles

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

Well being young. I enjoy nighters i go to but the question for me is if i DJ or whoever it would be nice to see it Northern soul all night and let the DJ decide what he will pick from his box and play.

Your gonna get moaners but so what we can't please all people. To me i would enjoy at times i go to a Northern soul night and here say This Old Heart of Mine by Isley Brothers but then loads are gonna say but that's too popular and i can hear that on my local radio so don't want it on here.

The worst feeling ever is if you ever start DJing for the first time at Northern soul nights which i have wondered about doing asking my friends who already do it about a spot before them.

It's if i did it and i am playing so much music like say Jay Traynor - Up and Over, Gloria Jones - Come Go WIth me or Junior Walker - Roadrunner as examples and everyone moans or don't like the fact a new DJ has started. I would try and please people but you can't please them all

[Guest ShaneH]

Well being young. I enjoy nighters i go to but the question for me is if i DJ or whoever it would be nice to see it Northern soul all night and let the DJ decide what he will pick from his box and play.

Your gonna get moaners but so what we can't please all people. To me i would enjoy at times i go to a Northern soul night and here say This Old Heart of Mine by Isley Brothers but then loads are gonna say but that's too popular and i can hear that on my local radio so don't want it on here.

The worst feeling ever is if you ever start DJing for the first time at Northern soul nights which i have wondered about doing asking my friends who already do it about a spot before them.

It's if i did it and i am playing so much music like say Jay Traynor - Up and Over, Gloria Jones - Come Go WIth me or Junior Walker - Roadrunner as examples and everyone moans or don't like the fact a new DJ has started. I would try and please people but you can't please them all

lost me there again Paul

Shane

[Val (Chunky)]

That was me .... i was that moron

Seriously though ..... EVERY RECORD IS A NEW RECORD THE FIRST TIME YOU HEAR IT .... EVERY SINGLE ONE.... so what's the problem?

Perhaps those who object to hearing new stuff know all the records that they want to know .... which goes against everything i thought the soul scene stood for.

A wise man called Pete Lawson once said to me ... that if you truly love soul music you won't be satisfied until you've heard every single soul record that was ever made.

Now realistically.... that will never happen ... but you're going to die trying ... because that's what the soul scene is all about..... isn't it?

Anybody not pushing to hear new records at venues ... imo.... can't really love it ... and certainly doesn't understand it .... they can't do ... else they'd be like the rest of us morons ..... trying to hear them all....

You don't half talk some sense sometimes Joan

[Russ Vickers]

That's fair enough but are there really that many new releases that fit in with the Northern Soul vibe?

Simon

Have there ever been ??? We pick & choose whats suitable for the scene.

Russ