So Many Djs... Why?

[Winnie :-)]

One of the main claims on Soul Source is that every man and his dog wants to be a DJ, the general argument for this is that people are jumping on the bandwagon. I'd like to put forward a possible alternative theory, and then 'you lot' can shoot me down and pull it apart

 

So most of the reports of the music policies of venues is that they're stale, for want of a better word. But these reports are usually from an individual viewpoint. So if you take man/woman A, B, C sitting in a venue.

 

Person A would like to hear mostly modern

Person B would like to hear mostly rare

Person C would like to hear mostly oldies

 

Through the night some of the above is played, and the people get up to dance to their respective choices, but come away thinking what they wanted to hear hasn't truly been catered for. They're looking at it from an individual point of view. They go home, look at their record boxes, and put together a set THEY'D like to hear. Then they tout around to get a slot, because in their mind's eye, they're certain they can do a better job of getting people to enjoy themselves. Can't find a slot, hire a small hall, new venue starts up. What's forgotten is that persons A, B, and C all had different choices when it came to what they wanted to hear.

 

Instead of being happy that during the night they attended, they got up and danced 10/20 times, they want a venue where they'd get up all night. What they mistakenly think is that everybody in the room has the same taste as them and will appreciate their efforts. The argument is based on individuality, as are a lot of the comments on here, the collective viewpoint is forgotten, dismissed etc. So by my reasoning, the simple reasons that their are so many DJs these days is that we tend to look at things from an individual angle rather than a collective one, pleasing ourselves has become paramount. Factor in that most of us can't dance as much as we used too, so if we're having to sit down, we want to hear records WE like. Feel free to expand, (your own theories) or rip apart this theory, next time I go out I'll still enjoy myself

 

Winnie

[Tezza]

Nice Winnie !

give it 5 mins before you are lambasted

Not happy with what you here then do something about it.  If you build it they will come.

If its shit they won't come back.  Pretty straight forward as far as I can see. 

It isn't diluting the scene but giving more choice. Eventually we sort the Wheat from the Chaff ( at least that is what we hope would happen )

Went to an event run by a Friend in Rotherham this Friday.  Not the most salubrious of places but Music we wanted to hear out. Not packed but those there had a blast.

Went to an event on Saturday that was packed but played the stuff we here from venue to venue.

What is the bench mark - Packed venue or the Music therein ?

If it doesn't please you then show them how it should be done, as far as you are concerned.

[Davenpete]

Basically IMO if (and I'm talking proper DJs rather than the 'slap it on with no thought or respect' oldies crew) you are DJing for the right reasons - musical envangelism - 'if you like that one you know, then you'll LOVE this one you don't' - then inevitably if you are passionate about the music surely you'll want to spread the word about sounds you feel deserve playing at nighters/soul nights (obviously remembering that they HAVE to be danceable and that the crowd is one that will accept hearing them) - the best way to do this is by DJing yourself.

 

This will inevitably result in loads of DJs - that's not a bad thing in itself as long as they're doing something worthwhile, rather than doing it because they're on a dick swinging ego trip. Even though I buy little or no records nowadays (on pain of death) I, like most collectors, have sounds that are little known or seriously underplayed that I think should be played and I think would get a good reception if spun.

 

Dx

Edited September 23, 2013 by DaveNPete

[Bazza]

One of the main claims on Soul Source is that every man and his dog wants to be a DJ, the general argument for this is that people are jumping on the bandwagon. I'd like to put forward a possible alternative theory, and then 'you lot' can shoot me down and pull it apart

 

So most of the reports of the music policies of venues is that they're stale, for want of a better word. But these reports are usually from an individual viewpoint. So if you take man/woman A, B, C sitting in a venue.

 

Person A would like to hear mostly modern

Person B would like to hear mostly rare

Person C would like to hear mostly oldies

 

Through the night some of the above is played, and the people get up to dance to their respective choices, but come away thinking what they wanted to hear hasn't truly been catered for. They're looking at it from an individual point of view. They go home, look at their record boxes, and put together a set THEY'D like to hear. Then they tout around to get a slot, because in their mind's eye, they're certain they can do a better job of getting people to enjoy themselves. Can't find a slot, hire a small hall, new venue starts up. What's forgotten is that persons A, B, and C all had different choices when it came to what they wanted to hear.

 

Instead of being happy that during the night they attended, they got up and danced 10/20 times, they want a venue where they'd get up all night. What they mistakenly think is that everybody in the room has the same taste as them and will appreciate their efforts. The argument is based on individuality, as are a lot of the comments on here, the collective viewpoint is forgotten, dismissed etc. So by my reasoning, the simple reasons that their are so many DJs these days is that we tend to look at things from an individual angle rather than a collective one, pleasing ourselves has become paramount. Factor in that most of us can't dance as much as we used too, so if we're having to sit down, we want to hear records WE like. Feel free to expand, (your own theories) or rip apart this theory, next time I go out I'll still enjoy myself

 

Winnie

Good points and nicely put ,I think you're right Win  

 

Bazza  

[Mark S]

Basically IMO if (and I'm talking proper DJs rather than the 'slap it on with no thought or respect' oldies crew) you are DJing for the right reasons - musical envangelism - 'if you like that one you know, then you'll LOVE this one you don't' - then inevitably if you are passionate about the music surely you'll want to spread the word about sounds you feel deserve playing at nighters/soul nights (obviously remembering that they HAVE to be danceable and that the crowd is one that will accept hearing them) - the best way to do this is by DJing yourself.

 

This will inevitably result in loads of DJs - that's not a bad thing in itself as long as they're doing something worthwhile, rather than doing it because they're on a dick swinging ego trip. Even though I buy little or no records nowadays (on pain of death) I, like most collectors, have sounds that are little known or seriously underplayed that I think should be played and I think would get a good reception if spun.

 

Dx

 

Some good points well made there  but even better some great phrases coined Dick swinging ego trip and musical evangelism

[stokesoulboy]

I could name a few in the last 2 years, bought off ebay, all pressings, no knowledge, a ktf t shirt or two, and bingo, i'm a dj, Wayyyyy to many and not for the right reasons, not saying played out oldies here, i love oldies rare or not, its the amount of nights thrown together up n down the uk with zilch talent to program a set.

 

Quite simply it's a play em & hope for the best,these days it seems to be the lets do a charity do and hey presto, flyers galore for the venue next month, nothing against a good cause or fund raising but come on,was there charity at wigan ? the wheel ? the torch ? No so why now? wannabe dj's everywhere and the biggest joke is people actually support some of them. 

 

Don't wish to be negative here, but something gotta give for the good of the scene.

[Winnie :-)]

I could name a few in the last 2 years, bought off ebay, all pressings, no knowledge, a ktf t shirt or two, and bingo, i'm a dj, Wayyyyy to many and not for the right reasons, not saying played out oldies here, i love oldies rare or not, its the amount of nights thrown together up n down the uk with zilch talent to program a set.

 

Quite simply it's a play em & hope for the best,these days it seems to be the lets do a charity do and hey presto, flyers galore for the venue next month, nothing against a good cause or fund raising but come on,was there charity at wigan ? the wheel ? the torch ? No so why now? wannabe dj's everywhere and the biggest joke is people actually support some of them. 

 

Don't wish to be negative here, but something gotta give for the good of the scene.

But when do we come to terms with the absolute fact that that's the way the 'mainstream' of the scene is going? Is there a King Canute who can come forward and save it, and if so how 

[Tezza]

There's not - its all ideal world situation stuff.

This is how it is and we have to make the best of it and what is your Utopia is not necessarily mine.

[Steve G]

Nothing is gonna change fellas.....Some of the Limpets will get bored and drift away, but that's about it.

 

It's a bit like TV ownership, nearly everyone has one - same with NS nearly everyone is a DJ now, it won't change.

[Godzilla]

Clearly everyone does it for the adoration of nubile young women and huge pots of money.

 

 

Oh sorry - wrong forum.

[Tezza]

That's why I do it - one day, one day !!

[Len]

, and put together a set THEY'D like to hear.

 

rip apart this theory,

 

Winnie

 

Hi Win,

 

If most did just that, the music would be so much more interesting - That is the point, 'some' just buy the same records that are being played already.

 

I started D.Jing because I wasn't hearing the tunes I wanted to hear, and I'm more than happy as long as someone is playing them.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited September 23, 2013 by LEN

[Len]

Is there a King Canute who can come forward and save it 

 

I can't be bothered Win  

 

Len  

Edited September 23, 2013 by LEN

[macca]

I guess that with Ebay things have become much more democratic, so if you can lay your hands on the goods and your ego, diction and 6th sense are at least equal to those of the big name jock's, the sky's your limit. In the diction/clarity camp, there's much room for improvement, even among the upper echelons. I've always been astounded at the hectoring, monotone, psychobabble that comes out of some microphones.

[Steve S 60]

It’s like unlicensed mini cab drivers.  Given the choice, would you get into a cab where the driver is registered and operates a properly maintained and tested vehicle, or one that isn’t licensed or insured to carry passengers and may not be maintained in a roadworthy condition.

 

Town and city councils grant a limited number of taxi licenses, in order to regulate the industry.  Maybe not the best analogy, but how about a governing body for Northern Soul DJs?  Anybody wanting to become a certified DJ on the scene would have to pass both a written and practical exam, and would need to re-qualify every two years.  The practical exam would entail putting together and delivering a set at a soul night, the examiners looking for professionalism, music quality, dance floor reaction etc.  Their equipment would also have to be up to scratch.  DJs could go on to specialise in their chosen genre.  Numbers of DJ licenses granted would also be limited.

 

Punters would then be able to attend venues with licensed record spinners where hopefully a decent standard of DJ’ing will be provided.  Not very “underground”, I know, but it may solve some of the problems already discussed.

 

I’ll get my coat…..

[Len]

It’s like unlicensed mini cab drivers.  Given the choice, would you get into a cab where the driver is registered and operates a properly maintained and tested vehicle, or one that isn’t licensed or insured to carry passengers and may not be maintained in a roadworthy condition.

 

Town and city councils grant a limited number of taxi licenses, in order to regulate the industry.  Maybe not the best analogy, but how about a governing body for Northern Soul DJs?  Anybody wanting to become a certified DJ on the scene would have to pass both a written and practical exam, and would need to re-qualify every two years.  The practical exam would entail putting together and delivering a set at a soul night, the examiners looking for professionalism, music quality, dance floor reaction etc.  Their equipment would also have to be up to scratch.  DJs could go on to specialise in their chosen genre.  Numbers of DJ licenses granted would also be limited.

 

Punters would then be able to attend venues with licensed record spinners where hopefully a decent standard of DJ’ing will be provided.  Not very “underground”, I know, but it may solve some of the problems already discussed.

 

I’ll get my coat…..

 

Well done for a good try that man  

 

I just wish 'some' would realise that D.Jing ain't that easy, it takes years of experience and mistakes to be half decent (always exception to the rule I know).......But I'm afraid pleasing the masses don't take much talent.

 

I've always said that if 'to be a D.J' was still very 'Tony Blackburn', we wouldn't have a problem, but as soon as it was 'cool' to be a D.J in the mainstream, that spilled over. Chr*st in my early years of 'Soulin', I didn't know who the D.J was, or the Promoter for that matter - I think that is Cool.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited September 23, 2013 by LEN

[hullsoul]

One of the main claims on Soul Source is that every man and his dog wants to be a DJ, the general argument for this is that people are jumping on the bandwagon. I'd like to put forward a possible alternative theory, and then 'you lot' can shoot me down and pull it apart

 

So most of the reports of the music policies of venues is that they're stale, for want of a better word. But these reports are usually from an individual viewpoint. So if you take man/woman A, B, C sitting in a venue.

 

Person A would like to hear mostly modern

Person B would like to hear mostly rare

Person C would like to hear mostly oldies

 

Through the night some of the above is played, and the people get up to dance to their respective choices, but come away thinking what they wanted to hear hasn't truly been catered for. They're looking at it from an individual point of view. They go home, look at their record boxes, and put together a set THEY'D like to hear. Then they tout around to get a slot, because in their mind's eye, they're certain they can do a better job of getting people to enjoy themselves. Can't find a slot, hire a small hall, new venue starts up. What's forgotten is that persons A, B, and C all had different choices when it came to what they wanted to hear.

 

Instead of being happy that during the night they attended, they got up and danced 10/20 times, they want a venue where they'd get up all night. What they mistakenly think is that everybody in the room has the same taste as them and will appreciate their efforts. The argument is based on individuality, as are a lot of the comments on here, the collective viewpoint is forgotten, dismissed etc. So by my reasoning, the simple reasons that their are so many DJs these days is that we tend to look at things from an individual angle rather than a collective one, pleasing ourselves has become paramount. Factor in that most of us can't dance as much as we used too, so if we're having to sit down, we want to hear records WE like. Feel free to expand, (your own theories) or rip apart this theory, next time I go out I'll still enjoy myself

 

Winnie

Win

You are asking A,B & C to share there time with others who like something else during a night..........as we well know that won't/doesn't happen.

So all the things you have mentioned about new night's appearing will keep happening for the foreseeable future.

Yes this provides choice but it also quite often lowers the quality of the product on offer as they don't seem to understand that djing is a skill,they don't give credit to the likes of Arthur Fenn or Bob Hinsley who are masters of there art.They don't seem to get how magical a well put together set can sound & how it can bring the night to near fever pitch & have you buzzing for days afterwards.They just think slapping a few bits of plastic on in any random order is djing,how wrong could they be.

So have I a magic wand to change things..........do things need changing?I've no idea as I've been beaten into submission on how the scene should develop,all I do now is I find night's that still work for me & let the rest pass me by,it is what it is live with it.

Cheers

Martyn

[Guest Byrney]

Is the answer quite simply because a lot of people want to be somebody without putting the effort in?

[Guest northernsoul62]

The Northern/rare soul scene has so many sounds now  oldies,modern,soulful house,etc etc dj,s cannot please everyone.I dj,d when i was a mod for andy ruw at  orpington civic,la beatroute,ilford mod alldayer,saxon tavern.Djing on the  northern scene is a different ball game its who you know and not what records you have ....the only person who gave me a chance was Moldie who ran some excellent nights in Berks/Surrey...

[Len]

Is the answer quite simply because a lot of people want to be somebody without putting the effort in?

 

....and the people who are somebody, didn't go out to be anybody - They just 'do what they do', and to me it shines through.

 

Records even sound different played by different people - It's the way they play em  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[hullsoul]

....and the people who are somebody, didn't go out to be anybody - They just 'do what they do', and to me it shines through.

 

Records even sound different played by different people - It's the way they play em  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Len

Top records are all well & good but getting them in the right order is so important,a skill not many master & that includes some of the top dj's.

Cheers

Martyn

Edited September 23, 2013 by hullsoul

[Tezza]

But Martyn,

aren't you just perpetuating the myth that you know better than everyone else.  Isn't it down to personal preferences. 

Someone said on here, no too many minutes ago, that if they heard Moses bloody Smith one more time !! One of my Top 3 all time Fav toons and I love it whenever it is played. The Majestics however ...  Its all about the individual and that is what makes a good night. IMHO

Your good DJ could be someone elses Chris Moyles. 

Wouldn't travel 5 mins down the road to see certain DJ's where others would travel the Country following them around.

Each to their own.

Been out this weekend, a couple of times, and walked out half way through a DJ's set but feedback tells me they were Awesome !!!

[Winnie :-)]

But Martyn,

aren't you just perpetuating the myth that you know better than everyone else.  Isn't it down to personal preferences. 

Someone said on here, no too many minutes ago, that if they heard Moses bloody Smith one more time !! One of my Top 3 all time Fav toons and I love it whenever it is played. The Majestics however ...  Its all about the individual and that is what makes a good night. IMHO

Your good DJ could be someone elses Chris Moyles. 

Wouldn't travel 5 mins down the road to see certain DJ's where others would travel the Country following them around.

Each to their own.

Been out this weekend, a couple of times, and walked out half way through a DJ's set but feedback tells me they were Awesome !!!

That's what I was trying to get across really Tezza, people perpetually write there's too many DJs, and generally the reasons given are that they're not good enough, so they've started their own night etc etc, I'm just trying to explore another avenue. As for records I don't particularly want to dance to again, or for at least a year, Ruby Andrews springs to mind, as good a record as it is, it bores me now. 

[Len]

Len

Top records are all well & good but getting them in the right order is so important,a skill not many master & that includes some of the top dj's.

Cheers

Martyn

 

Yeh I know, the correct order / time / tempo / moment, etc, etc - 'The way they play em', and I mean any soul record that they choose to play.

 

Ahem, see my signature  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - The 'Top' D.J's that you refer to, aren't 'Top' as far as I'm concerned, but I know what you mean.

Edited September 23, 2013 by LEN

[Len]

But Martyn,

aren't you just perpetuating the myth that you know better than everyone else. 

 

No, that'll be me  

 

Len  

[hullsoul]

But Martyn,

aren't you just perpetuating the myth that you know better than everyone else.  Isn't it down to personal preferences. 

Someone said on here, no too many minutes ago, that if they heard Moses bloody Smith one more time !! One of my Top 3 all time Fav toons and I love it whenever it is played. The Majestics however ...  Its all about the individual and that is what makes a good night. IMHO

Your good DJ could be someone elses Chris Moyles. 

Wouldn't travel 5 mins down the road to see certain DJ's where others would travel the Country following them around.

Each to their own.

Been out this weekend, a couple of times, and walked out half way through a DJ's set but feedback tells me they were Awesome !!!

Tezza

Without a doubt it's down to peoples choice.I wasn't on about what type of music a dj plays or price of the records I was trying to get across the skill it takes to weave a set together to get the place buzzing.I used Arthur Fenn & Bob Hinsley as examples as for me they weave sets together seamlessly going between tempos & genres without it jerking all over the place,not everything they play is to my taste but how it's worked into a set is masterful.The point I was trying to make if some different dj's were given the same records to play which ones would get them in the right order to get the desired effect on the crowd,a skill I don't think all dj's have.

Cheers

Martyn

[Len]

That's what I was trying to get across really Tezza, people perpetually write there's too many DJs, and generally the reasons given are that they're not good enough, so they've started their own night etc etc,

 

Negative Win me ol' mate - These people just want to be somebody (A D.J will do) end of.

 

....I can't believe I just said 'end of', so not me

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[Winnie :-)]

Negative Win me ol' mate - These people just want to be somebody (A D.J will do) end of.

 

....I can't believe I just said 'end of', so not me

 

All the best,

 

Len  

But Len, to play devil's advocate for a moment, what if that's not actually the case, and they really do think they can do a better job of putting a set together. I'm just looking at alternatives to the incessant 'they're all in it for themselves' slant that normally invades these types of threads. 

 

To qualify what I'm saying a little further, you might be at a night, and as an established DJ/promoter be listening to a set being played and wonder what on earth is going on. As Martyn has said, the records to you, or to him might be all over the place. But the floor is still packed, would this not still come down to personal preference, but in effect, the unknown DJ has got it right? It's a bit garbled, I'm probably getting myself mixed up, but I know what I mean lol 

[Sooty]

Winnie sed at the end........"next time I go out I'll still enjoy myself  :)"

 

That's the 'A+' category Winnie...and u signed off proudly as one!x...! That's the folk I focused on.....packed a Soul Night for 5 years Monthly on them....9 sold out/rammed A/.Nighters too!...that was my promoter focus...and it worked....!x You'd have enjoyed our nights,....no probs....irrelevant!x

 

As a DJ of various genres for 25 years......I have never ever pre planned a tune or order!!! NEVER!!! For Northern...I take 100 records in a tool box made up of 60's/70's which include top 500...my favs from wherever.....current spins....and stuff forgotten that I found out and folk don;t play...or haven't for 30+ years!! That was the secret to my 'success' behind the decks...went with the flow....and the music flowed naturally! Take this Charity doo i'm DJing at in Knottingley on the 6th. First Northern gig since 1999 proper...only been to Kings Hall twice and popped into a gig up t'horth for half an hour and that is all in the past 14 years!! I don;t have a clue what is new...old...played to death or forgotten! I don't care either...! I didn't know back in the 90's as i'd missed the previous 20 years too! Innocence got me thru...and that is what I will rely on this time! Len has it bang on too...it's how they is presented that counts....and fortunately I can control that....most of the time...!x 

@@
~

LUV
SOOTY
X

 

Some comments about charity have been made. I don't know how the scene has faired over the years tbf. In the 90's we did some at our doo's....but trhe money wasn't there to be perfectly honest! Quite often I subsidised the doo's. We charged to break even....and I was happy with that. However....whilst Wigan wasn't perhaps known for its charity.....they were kids...ravers......out for the craic at the time and a whole life ahead of you all. So were the promoters. Today...as mature wise owls.....as a scene....surely it ain;t a bad thing to channel some of this experience and time served effort into worthwhile causes where possible? Take this 'Charity Soul' set up. The Professor leading stem research globally entertained warmly an approach from us Soulies in his busy Global schedule. He took it serious. Took time out to share his research and imapact on Colon Cancer and the possibilities with more funding. He flew off the next day to Italy to share his leading research with other Consultants who are leaving the research to him. He was next to tears when he was offered proceeds from a Northern Soul event which will be on going. He can plan on that....and yes....save some Soulies lives in future who weren't able to have been saved before. We've all lost them...and many before their time...init? It has not been done in an individuals name...or a soul 'clubs' name. Nope...under the 'Soul...and Charity' banner. Not all have our Soul in a plastic box or under a table in a money box at an entrance door......I reckon...X I'm proud to be associated with such folk who aren't of that ilk first and foremost.....end of...X

@@
~

Edited September 23, 2013 by SOOTY

[pikeys dog]

The proliferation of 'DJs' (in the loosest sense of the term) coincided with the easy availability of ''sounds of the golden era'', the open playing field that is eBay and a massive influx of returnees (and never weres).

 

All the returnees shot their bolts on eBay (maxing out their credit cards in the process) buying up the tunes they remembered from their youth, and ended up with a box of 'expensive' ornaments sat in the in the corner - so to get more VFM out of their purchases, they started up nights introducing themselves as DJs - and why not - they have the current biggies don't they?   

[davidwapples]

Then they become promoters who dj at their event and invite other promoters to dj for them in exchange for a spot at another event ,resulting in lots of events with the same djs playing the same records of the same bootlegs.

 

If they all dj at each others events then the money just gets passed around by them  , they dont give it to anyone else for djing and so make more if its a success

[Agentsmith]

ive always felt that the common denominator amongst djs was about putting yourself across, a voice that grabs attention...of course equipment helps,a good system & microphone,  then crystal clear clarity & pronunciation......some folk like to know about the ins and outs of the tunes being played e.g. writers, production, studio...but generally in the main, who the artist is, what the tunes called and is it up or down tempo, 60's 0r 70's. having an intuitive collection is important as well, plus, if you're lucky enough and have the money, a reasonable selection of unknowns or semi-knowns....and finally, you're not billy no mates, that the people at the function you intend to play at actually know you and have a modicum of  respect for you...and believe you are capable of playing a good set.. this is what has set the leaders apart, they started as attention seekers but happened to be in the right place at the right time....and they were, and still are very good at getting people's attention...and they still play records that work...because people have always trusted that they would. for the generations of hopefuls coming up behind them, its about buying into that mentality...and yes,...it isnt as easy as people think....and yes, its too easy to ignore that mantra and just chuck anything on a turntable, be it blatantly counterfeit and think youve made it and not even bother to announce the records. perhaps we, the first two generations have closeted ourselves, not wanting to let others in ( i refer to it as "white collar" ),,. but so many folk now see the northern soul scene as genuinely, inspirational, alternative and escapist ( much in the same way we did ), the next step from their introduction is their education and that means wanting to do it theirselves...dj and promote...thus the scene has expanded beyond anyone's horizon & belief.....so, shouldn't this debate be about weather thats a good thing or a bad?......or do we still want to keep the masses as just that...and still hold court as the djs to listen to......well, we are born, we live a span, then we die....and for the scene to endure, we have to embrace change....our scene evolves and changes, just like dynasties and empires...music, like time will last eternally...we don't.....too many djs?.....the cows will have come home long before there's ever answer.

Edited September 23, 2013 by AGENTSMITH

[Zed1]

"Why so many DJ's?"..... Easy!, you just need the following......

 

1: Ebay.

 

2: A disposable income.

 

3: One of the many unused function rooms at your local working mens club.

 

Add in an over inflated ego and Voila! - you've got an instant DJ.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Zed1

[Len]

But Len, to play devil's advocate for a moment, what if that's not actually the case,

 

....but it is the case......

 

Len  

[Len]

To qualify what I'm saying a little further, you might be at a night, and as an established DJ/promoter be listening to a set being played and wonder what on earth is going on.

 

....I do - often.......

 

Len  

[Len]

As Martyn has said, the records to you, or to him might be all over the place. But the floor is still packed, would this not still come down to personal preference, but in effect, the unknown DJ has got it right? It's a bit garbled, I'm probably getting myself mixed up, but I know what I mean lol 

 

That'll be the masses....have you not read Noel Coward?

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[Len]

Just a quick note ref the mentioning of Charity's.

 

Sooty, absolutely nothing wrong in doing an event for Charity mate, the point that is being made is that 'some' use the Charity angle as an excuse to put on 'yet another' event. Sounds harsh I know, but I am inclined to agree.

 

I used to give money to Charity from my Embankment Club events, there wasn't much left because I spent most of the money paying the D.J's good money to more than cover their long trips, but I never advertised that fact. I have many letters of thanks from the Cancer Charity that I supported - That was something I just did.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[Sooty]

Len

Top records are all well & good but getting them in the right order is so important,a skill not many master & that includes some of the top dj's.

Cheers

Martyn

 

That point you've made Hull Soul is astute and spot on!x That confidence in such and in my music ensured I have never been phased or intimadated by any DJ I may follow or what punters are in front of me to entertain......and will see me thru' until me vinyl disintegrates I reckon!x I never learnded it anywhere either...so can't exactly help another DJ suss it for him or herself! It's 'natural'....soz!x

LUV

BORN IN WELLY LANE HULL

SOOTY

X

 

@@

~

Edited September 23, 2013 by SOOTY

[Len]

ive always felt that the common denominator amongst djs was about putting yourself across, a voice that grabs attention...of course equipment helps,a good system & microphone,  

 

....and arms  

 

Len  

[Len]

ive always felt that the common denominator amongst djs was about putting yourself across, a voice that grabs attention...of course equipment helps,a good system & microphone,  then crystal clear clarity & pronunciation......some folk like to know about the ins and outs of the tunes being played e.g. writers, production, studio...but generally in the main, who the artist is, what the tunes called and is it up or down tempo, 60's 0r 70's. having an intuitive collection is important as well, plus, if you're lucky enough and have the money, a reasonable selection of unknowns or semi-knowns....and finally, you're not billy no mates, that the people at the function you intend to play at actually know you and have a modicum of  respect for you...and believe you are capable of playing a good set.. this is what has set the leaders apart, they started as attention seekers but happened to be in the right place at the right time....and they were, and still are very good at getting people's attention...and they still play records that work...because people have always trusted that they would. for the generations of hopefuls coming up behind them, its about buying into that mentality...and yes,...it isnt as easy as people think....and yes, its too easy to ignore that mantra and just chuck anything on a turntable, be it blatantly counterfeit and think youve made it and not even bother to announce the records. perhaps we, the first two generations have closeted ourselves, not wanting to let others in ( i refer to it as "white collar" ),,. but so many folk now see the northern soul scene as genuinely, inspirational, alternative and escapist ( much in the same way we did ), the next step from their introduction is their education and that means wanting to do it theirselves...dj and promote...thus the scene has expanded beyond anyone's horizon & belief.....so, shouldn't this debate be about weather thats a good thing or a bad?......or do we still want to keep the masses as just that...and still hold court as the djs to listen to......well, we are born, we live a span, then we die....and for the scene to endure, we have to embrace change....our scene evolves and changes, just like dynasties and empires...music, like time will last eternally...we don't.....too many djs?.....the cows will have come home long before there's ever answer.

 

Seriously though, good post.

 

The respect thing being a very good point - I enjoy D.J's that I respect, which goes hand in hand. These are 'D.J's, they make the people they are entertaining feel good, and win their trust - As I said, it ain't easy.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[hullsoul]

That point you've made Hull Soul is astute and spot on!x That confidence in such and in my music ensured I have never been phased or intimadated by any DJ I may follow or what punters are in front of me to entertain......and will see me thru' until me vinyl disintegrates I reckon!x I never learnded it anywhere either...so can't exactly help another DJ suss it for him or herself! It's 'natural'....soz!x

LUV

BORN IN WELLY LANE HULL

SOOTY

X

 

@@

~

Sooty

East Hull boy

Cheers

Martyn

Edited September 23, 2013 by hullsoul

[Tony A]

"Why so many DJ's?"..... Easy!, you just need the following......

 

1: Ebay.

 

2: A disposable income.

 

3: One of the many unused function rooms at your local working mens club.

 

Add in an over inflated ego and Voila! - you've got an instant DJ.

 

Not to make a good DJ though.

[Sooty]

Just a quick note ref the mentioning of Charity's.

 

Sooty, absolutely nothing wrong in doing an event for Charity mate, the point that is being made is that 'some' use the Charity angle as an excuse to put on 'yet another' event. Sounds harsh I know, but I am inclined to agree.

 

I used to give money to Charity from my Embankment Club events, there wasn't much left because I spent most of the money paying the D.J's good money to more than cover their long trips, but I never advertised that fact. I have many letters of thanks from the Cancer Charity that I supported - That was something I just did.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

I remember paying in to your 'Charity' doo's too Len...before u jetted off to Magaloooff...!!!hehe!x Disgraceful how 'Charity' is used and abused by any 'group' or individual for ulterior motives. It goes on...I know. Perhaps I felt the need to highlight that the particular concept i've mentioned is to promote the 'scene' in a good light for all who want to take part! A 'communal' way of channeling money and effort Nationally as opposed to individual SC's doing their bit 'alone'...which as we know can be hard work and indeed misconstrued quite easily. Clubs who want to take part....can....and collectively all clubs will benefit from the q dos and response it generates Nationally. I applied that ethos to our 9 Clubs all nighters Len if you recall!. We weren't 'individual' but a collective opening our joint potential to the masses. They came...we performed admirably....and all was good. Same approach here....it just needed liaising and a framework laid....like we did with the 9Clubs. Cred for it is easy....and media will lap it up....and 'Northern Soul' will be the 'word' put out there. I'm excited about that as are many others around the Country who see a bigger potential for the scene and Charity out there...!x

 

LUV

SOOTY

X

[Len]

Not to make a good DJ though.

 

I think he was being ironic mate - Pretty sure that's exactly what he meant.....damn this two dimensional thing we chat on aye?  

 

All the best,

 

Len  

[Garrison]

Just a quick note ref the mentioning of Charity's.

 

Sooty, absolutely nothing wrong in doing an event for Charity mate, the point that is being made is that 'some' use the Charity angle as an excuse to put on 'yet another' event. Sounds harsh I know, but I am inclined to agree.

 

I used to give money to Charity from my Embankment Club events, there wasn't much left because I spent most of the money paying the D.J's good money to more than cover their long trips, but I never advertised that fact. I have many letters of thanks from the Cancer Charity that I supported - That was something I just did.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

 

 

  whats the point having a  night like this ,  when after expenses are paid out  theres very iittle money going to the chosen charity

 

   if its advertised as a charity event ,     surely  most of the money taken on the night should go to charity 

 

[Steve S 60]

 

 

 

I may be wrong, but the way I read it, Len's events weren't advertised as Charity Events, and the charitable donations were off his own back.

[Len]

whats the point having a  night like this ,  when after expenses are paid out  theres very iittle money going to the chosen charity

 

 

if its advertised as a charity event ,     surely  most of the money taken on the night should go to charity 

 

 

It wasn't a Charity event - The point of having my nights was that they were were something I believed in. The point I was making, was that they were never advertised as Charity events. It just so happened that sometimes I made around £100.00 profit, so I 'then' chose to give it to Cancer research. The Charity in this case was an after thought, and something personal to me.

 

I was trying to explain the point put across in other posts about jumping on the Charity bandwagon.

 

All the best,

 

Len  

 

P.s - Sooty's Charity comment about my night was him being ironic....and I've never been to 'Magalooof'  

Edited September 23, 2013 by LEN

[Sooty]

Sooty

East Hull boy

Cheers

Martyn

 

...walking passed King Billy as a 5/6/7 year old eating chicken bones out of a bag from Hammonds as we went....just like yesterday!x Family live at Bransholme and around the town still!x Lived at Drainside....The Boulevard...and Welly Lane in the 60's and  visited me Sisters dad ritually until his death 6 years ago. Happy days for me Martyn.....X I had some lads who ran Soul Nights and worked together from Hull and Grimsby come to our giigs and DJ in the 90s....Gig was from Grimsby but can;t remember who else.....but always great folk and happy times...X Look forward to popping in mate...X

 

LUV

SOOTY

X

Edited September 23, 2013 by SOOTY

[Len]

I may be wrong, but the way I read it, Len's events weren't advertised as Charity Events, and the charitable donations were off his own back.

 

Correct  

 

Len  

[Agentsmith]

....and arms  

 

Len  

derek allen?   god rest his soul