Who Are The Dj's On Here, And What Styles They Play

[mischief]

I will play kak crap and pop i also play shite but i tend to leave me modern box at home

Many a true word spoken in jest

[John Elias]

Yes your right i just thought it would be easy to book a dj if we had easy contacts, were they live and what style they play ect, im sure it would make it easy for the promoter to book different djs new and old..

Right im off out, c ya about 1 tonight to check the thread

Pete Griff

Yes Pete,and you were expecting to get somewhere here

[ChrisOD1964]

PICTURE THE SCENE???

CHRIS

[Guest vinylvixen]

PICTURE THE SCENE???

CHRIS

nice kit Top Rank anyone?

[Jellybean]

be honest how many people would really add thier details..

People that are new to DJ,in like me JB xxx

[Guest minnie mouse]

ah the modern room of the future

Edited January 17, 2008 by minnie mouse

[Guest posstot]

Hello ! a great idea i think..should talk with the Moderaters and get a post up especially for that...

1. Type of music played. ( i.e; 70's to present day soulful garage....or anything 6t's rare, underplayed, rnb.)

2. A listing of 20 tunes(an idea of an hours set) with small descript for each. showing ability to flow discs not just throw discs.

3. What area you are in and would travel too, we can't all be budding explorers

4. Honest appraisal(sorry for the spelling)of ability on equipment.

5. Points of contact through PM.

As an example her's one i prepared earlier for myself. For your good selves;

1. 60's soul, rare, northern, oldies, not so oldies, underplayed, unheard, rnb,some late 50's soulful rnb, Popcorn? soul.

2. 1.Shirley Gunter Stuck up Tangerine (classy "northern" style dancer upbeat mid to up tempo)

2.Phil Terrell I'm just a young boy Carnival (Another upbeat classy northern dancer)

3.John Roberts To be my girl Duke (mid tempo magic,soulful finger snapper)

4.Freddy Butler You better get hip girl Kapp album track. ( smooth floaty 60's soul, pied piper midas touch)

5.Baby Washington This old world veep album.(Henry glover produced northern,uptown 1968 dancer.class)

6.Vi Velasco The benefit of the doubt VJ album (more uptown upbeat dancin,headin to the big city)

7.Jack Montgomery My dearly beloved scepter (All time classic Detroit/new york atmospheric dancer)

8.Harry Starr Another time another place end (keeping the tempo and quality with popularity, class again)

9.V.I.P's My girl cried Congress (big production group soul "northern" at a good pace,best in class)

10.Diane Pane What side your bread is buttered on Logo (a massive tune, and still popular)

11.Sharon Soul how can i get to you Wild deuce (big production again on a slab of soul written by shazzoh)

12.Sandra Phillips You succeeded Broadway (keeping the feel with a classy up beat dancer)

13.Wanderers Somebody elses sweetheart Cub (Ray Pollard driven vocal masterpiece,not fast put potent)

14.Earl Grant Fever Decca (i know another "fever", this just has an aura about it. good dancer)

15.Chuck Jackson Angel of Angels Wand (hugely overlooked rnb/soulful hand clapper, with usual moi vocal)

16.Arthur Prysock A house by the side of the road Old town (slow starter which builds and builds..ouch!)

17.Johnny Hunter If the things in my room could talk Liberty (big city heartbreaker with a dance beat)***

18.Chris Morgan Who am i bell (a memory for many from years before 'my time'. Fantastic dancer)

19.Darrow Fletcher My young misery groovy ( groovy by label groovy by nature,what a tune,and dancer)

20.Ralphie D You're so good to me 20th cent/fox (this cant fail to get attention with plays, it is quality)

3. I live in Lowton, And around a 100 mile radius is not a problem. Can travel further but would require notice to organise, with family commitments.

4. My actual DJ ing experience is about zero. I did an hour at Prestwich 8 til 9.(wow). However have decks and use them almost every day, so know my way around a mixer confidently.

5. Contact me through PM for info on booking, if required.( Can't do 1st friday of the month. Resident and Co-promoter with Ste Longworth at Soulful Shack in "Culcheth" Royal British Legion Wigshaw lane Warrington WA3 4LY.)

1st Feb is our first do....8 til 1. Try and make it, especially if you like the look of the 'taster' set above.

Mike

[Guest john-h]

I'LL DO IT AS LONG HAS I CAN BRING MY SMOKE AND BUBBLE MACHINE TO KEEP AEROBIC INSTRUCTORS FROM GETTING TO THE DECKS AND CAUSING ALL THAT F***iN CRAP

[Guest minnie mouse]

just in case he tries to down load them onto his mp3!!!!!

[Crumb]

Anyone's interested into an old Oi music spot...? Cockney Rejects, 4 Skins, Business, Cock Sparrer, Angelic Upstarts, etc. etc...?

Original vinyl only.

4 Skins - one law for them

[Guest minnie mouse]

i saw the business at isle of white scooter rally, loved them, "out in the cold", great track

[Guest rachel]

Can we stick to the topic in question please, if you want to discuss other stuff then can start a new thread in relevant section Also ask new members to do us an intro, let us know a little bit about who we're talking to Intros section here - https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showforum=44

Edited January 17, 2008 by rachel

[Guest]

AND SO DOES SOULFUL KINDA MUSIC DJ/LISTINGS/PLAYLISTS/BOOKINGS

CHRIS

I bet if you got a load of promotors to put together their 'home grown' lists it would be quicker..

It'd take all the fun out of it, just picking from a list.. imagine not travelling those miles to hear a DJ

cos you've heard he'd be great at 'your' night.. and I'm sure promotors are always partially drawn to

booking dj's who already make the effort to support their venue's and know the music policy etc. It's well

risky booking someone who's never even been to your venue!.

imagine DJ's coming up to promotors to indulge in a bit of self promotion and "when are you gonna get me on"... as a promotor you're not gonna get to know half as many people with the standard " are you on the list"..

Each promotor could set up their own procurement dept to vet DJ's and get them 'on the list'...

oh dear I need to stop thinking about this...

Jayne.x.

[Philb]

Anyone's interested into an old Oi music spot...? Cockney Rejects, 4 Skins, Business, Cock Sparrer, Angelic Upstarts, etc. etc...?

Original vinyl only.

Only if you play Willie Whitelaw's Willie.

Phil.

[Biggordy]

DJ Greedy G

Been DJing for over 15 years playing Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae (with a few regular soul tunes thrown in that the reggae crowd like). Played at Roots On Wax, Stalawatt At Fusion, One Love in Newcastle. Step Into Lovers in Leeds with CC&DC Sound System, Mash It Up! in Islington in London and hundreds of private birthday parties/christenings/blues dances etc

Gordy

[Guest Soultown andy]

Theres only one way to book djs thats get of your arse and go and listen to em,av a bit of a chat and make your mind up that way.If your booking djs to get favours ur venue is doomed been running niters for 6 yrs made lots of mistakes and no doubt will make some more,lots of folks out there spinning vinyl but not many of em djs imvho.

[mischief]

Theres only one way to book djs thats get of your arse and go and listen to em,av a bit of a chat and make your mind up that way.If your booking djs to get favours ur venue is doomed been running niters for 6 yrs made lots of mistakes and no doubt will make some more,lots of folks out there spinning vinyl but not many of em djs imvho.

This is bang on...

How do you really know what a dj is like unless you have heard them.

Bit like buying records blind.. all exciting till it turns up is it good is it bad.. you book a dj and it turns out they sold thier self well on the internet and in real life they can't even que a record as a promter your in trouble, you got them there for an hour .

[Guest posstot]

This is bang on...

How do you really know what a dj is like unless you have heard them.

Bit like buying records blind.. all exciting till it turns up is it good is it bad.. you book a dj and it turns out they sold thier self well on the internet and in real life they can't even que a record as a promter your in trouble, you got them there for an hour .

if you dont book a dj because you havent heard them, how are you gonna hear them in the first place....to book em.

i think the original poser posted is a crackin idea. Some people could be crackin dj's but dont get a look in cause of the fact no-one is willing to give them that initial chance..or they may be out done!!???

a simple post with a discript, as i have done earlier, as an example(and an advert) only seems common sense to me.

As a lot of "DJ's are chancers who get in the way of true fans of the music...(let me just brush the chip off my shoulder!)

if they cant cue records teach um....there music may be worth a ten minute run through, it isn't rocket science!!

I hear plenty of dj's cueing records in and out talking proffessionally on the mike and they play absolute S.H.I.T.E!!

I for one wouldn't mind a couple of "hiccups" for a breath of fresh air...musically..Mike.

[Guest dundeedavie]

if you dont book a dj because you havent heard them, how are you gonna hear them in the first place....to book em.

you go out to venues as a punter

[Guest]

if you dont book a dj because you havent heard them, how are you gonna hear them in the first place....to book em.

i think the original poser posted is a crackin idea. Some people could be crackin dj's but dont get a look in cause of the fact no-one is willing to give them that initial chance..or they may be out done!!???

a simple post with a discript, as i have done earlier, as an example(and an advert) only seems common sense to me.

As a lot of "DJ's are chancers who get in the way of true fans of the music...(let me just brush the chip off my shoulder!)

if they cant cue records teach um....there music may be worth a ten minute run through, it isn't rocket science!!

I hear plenty of dj's cueing records in and out talking proffessionally on the mike and they play absolute S.H.I.T.E!!

I for one wouldn't mind a couple of "hiccups" for a breath of fresh air...musically..Mike.

HI Mike,

How do you hear them in the first place?, ask 'em where they're on and go listen, I see your point about getting started, dont most dj's send out tapes (or cd's now I suppose) between Neil and I , I can't remember how many people have handed us tapes to listen to their stuff, I guess from that start some promotors like what they hear and are prepared to give them a chance. We've always offered our first hour of the night for exactly that. Most people who collect vinyl have decks at home, a perfect place to get your head around cueing up tunes,etc...

Jayne.x.

[Guest posstot]

you go out to venues as a punter

lol's, I mean initially though...there are people out there that dont get the chance to be seen by punters, because they can't get that initial chance.

[Guest dundeedavie]

lol's, I mean initially though...there are people out there that dont get the chance to be seen by punters, because they can't get that initial chance.

i think if someone goes to venues then they get known for having a collection ...if they ask for a spot they usually get one in the end

at their local do , which is the place for that sort of thing .

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's even having a newcomers night when we had (i think) 6 dj's with half hour spots to get them into it , and it worked well .

[Guest posstot]

HI Mike,

How do you hear them in the first place?, ask 'em where they're on and go listen, I see your point about getting started, dont most dj's send out tapes (or cd's now I suppose) between Neil and I , I can't remember how many people have handed us tapes to listen to their stuff, I guess from that start some promotors like what they hear and are prepared to give them a chance. We've always offered our first hour of the night for exactly that. Most people who collect vinyl have decks at home, a perfect place to get your head around cueing up tunes,etc...

Jayne.x.

hey Jayne...hope you and yours are well..You have answered my point exactly in your first sentence...if they can't get on anywhere, you cant go and here them anywhere!!...thats my point..some people aren't pushy to keep on asking..Like me and Neil..i was one of those people who passed a tape over and didn't push for a spot afterwards. Maybe i should have done?..Maybe Neil didn't rate it..I do know he loved Come on and stop off that tape...he told me that,If i remember right, "He had to stop the car and make a call to find out who it was, and shortly after got one from the states for 20 or 40 dollars"...Don't quote me, but something like that is what he told me..was that the only track he liked on the whole tape?... i wont push people into decisions, i asked got no answer... i left it at that. I do know that i have made tapes for people and they say they loved them...and that they dont know a lot of them,and or that why dont you here them out anywhere??? always good feedback.....At the end of the day you cant expect people to do it for you, you have to do it for yourself...this is part of the reason myself and my mate Ste are Starting a small night in Culcheth. But going back to the original post, thats why i feel its a god idea to do something where you can show in the light of day.. what you like, what you are geared up to play...even give an example of what you can play...and give an honest appraisal of your Deck skills.

As you pointed out with Neil and yourself. You could end up with sssooo many tapes/c.d's to listen to, and put up with a lot of pushy people mythering you to put them on...when it ain't your responsability to forward someones hopes as a dj.Put yourself in a shop window as it were??

[Ficklefingers]

i think if someone goes to venues then they get known for having a collection ...if they ask for a spot they usually get one in the end

at their local do , which is the place for that sort of thing .

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's even having a newcomers night when we had (i think) 6 dj's with half hour spots to get them into it , and it worked well .

Giz a spot then Davie!!

I'm currently working my way thru all the postings before sticking my twopennyworth in... but can never resist asking whenever the opportune moment arrives - check out my posting shortly!!!!

After all.. you wouldn't want to be the one to miss out now, would you! Posstot was very quick off the mark... best to get in early before dates become a problem!

Fingers

[Hitsville Chalky]

i think if someone goes to venues then they get known for having a collection ...if they ask for a spot they usually get one in the end

at their local do , which is the place for that sort of thing .

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's even having a newcomers night when we had (i think) 6 dj's with half hour spots to get them into it , and it worked well .

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's

Well that's not the case around The West Mids especailly With the well known and older promoters , They always think its all about them or maybe is it a bit of Jealousy ? or yet again CLICKY CLICKY MATES.

[Guest posstot]

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's

Well that's not the case around The West Mids especailly With the well known and older promoters , They always think its all about them or maybe is it a bit of Jealousy ? or yet again CLICKY CLICKY MATES.

Thats what i wanted to say, but was scared to say...which is why i gave up asking!!!

[Ficklefingers]

Theres only one way to book djs thats get of your arse and go and listen to em,av a bit of a chat and make your mind up that way.If your booking djs to get favours ur venue is doomed been running niters for 6 yrs made lots of mistakes and no doubt will make some more,lots of folks out there spinning vinyl but not many of em djs imvho.

But Andy, if no-one has booked 'em in the first place how can people get off therir arse's to go check 'em out? Surely not everyone's deejaing aspirations lay just with soul 'nites. Me for one... them 'nites will probably only ever be the only places I could 'regularly' get behind a set of decks - but the 'niters is where I aim at! My main posting, following shortly, will tell more.

A very frustrated Fingers

[mischief]

Thats what i wanted to say, but was scared to say...which is why i gave up asking!!!

You should say what you feel mate

Good luck with your new do by the way..

Any chance of a spot

[Guest posstot]

You should say what you feel mate

Good luck with your new do by the way..

Any chance of a spot

seriously!!! where are you on ? i'll come and have a listen

" some things are better left unsaid...but i do try and feel what i say!!

thanks for wishing us luck...are you coming( ooh pardon)

Edited January 17, 2008 by posstot

[Guest]

hey Jayne...hope you and yours are well..You have answered my point exactly in your first sentence...if they can't get on anywhere, you cant go and here them anywhere!!...thats my point..some people aren't pushy to keep on asking..Like me and Neil..i was one of those people who passed a tape over and didn't push for a spot afterwards. Maybe i should have done?..Maybe Neil didn't rate it..I do know he loved Come on and stop off that tape...he told me that,If i remember right, "He had to stop the car and make a call to find out who it was, and shortly after got one from the states for 20 or 40 dollars"...Don't quote me, but something like that is what he told me..was that the only track he liked on the whole tape?... i wont push people into decisions, i asked got no answer... i left it at that. I do know that i have made tapes for people and they say they loved them...and that they dont know a lot of them,and or that why dont you here them out anywhere??? always good feedback.....At the end of the day you cant expect people to do it for you, you have to do it for yourself...this is part of the reason myself and my mate Ste are Starting a small night in Culcheth. But going back to the original post, thats why i feel its a god idea to do something where you can show in the light of day.. what you like, what you are geared up to play...even give an example of what you can play...and give an honest appraisal of your Deck skills.

As you pointed out with Neil and yourself. You could end up with sssooo many tapes/c.d's to listen to, and put up with a lot of pushy people mythering you to put them on...when it ain't your responsability to forward someones hopes as a dj.Put yourself in a shop window as it were??

Interesting point Mike... I guess the answer is to follow up after you've given a tape but you're right some people dont like being pushy and its really annoying when people do push too much. It is hard to break through, I've had this conversation with a young DJ when he was a kid, dead keen, loved his soul and had already got a good collection that is OVO in order, watching the promotor he was a resident for getting all the bookings. The standard answer he got was, start your own night (which is what many 'top' DJ's did I guess) as you're doing, I think it's deffo the right way to do it.

It is true, selling yourself is essential to making it on the bigger stage or you'll just get forgotten about when so many want to be DJ's, which is bollox if you think about it, as it should just be about the quality of your tuneage..

Another annoying thing, (not that I'm saying you've been guilty of this) is that loads of people will put a tape in your hand when you're mad busy and not put their details with it. I've heard a few excellent tapes and have no idea where they came from. In your case, you f'kd up by giving it to Neil and not me! LOL . (dont mean it! ) I honestly dont know if he liked that tape or not, I'd always tell people if it's not the right thing for our venue though.

Jayne.x.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Miss BurySoul

[Hitsville Chalky]

Interesting point Mike... I guess the answer is to follow up after you've given a tape but you're right some people dont like being pushy and its really annoying when people do push too much. It is hard to break through, I've had this conversation with a young DJ when he was a kid, dead keen, loved his soul and had already got a good collection that is OVO in order, watching the promotor he was a resident for getting all the bookings. The standard answer he got was, start your own night (which is what many 'top' DJ's did I guess) as you're doing, I think it's deffo the right way to do it.

It is true, selling yourself is essential to making it on the bigger stage or you'll just get forgotten about when so many want to be DJ's, which is bollox if you think about it, as it should just be about the quality of your tuneage..

Another annoying thing, (not that I'm saying you've been guilty of this) is that loads of people will put a tape in your hand when you're mad busy and not put their details with it. I've heard a few excellent tapes and have no idea where they came from. In your case, you f'kd up by giving it to Neil and not me! LOL . (dont mean it! ) I honestly dont know if he liked that tape or not, I'd always tell people if it's not the right thing for our venue though.

Jayne.x.

Well said Jane ,( I will send you a tape and they love me at St Bernadette's)

[Guest posstot]

Interesting point Mike... I guess the answer is to follow up after you've given a tape but you're right some people dont like being pushy and its really annoying when people do push too much. It is hard to break through, I've had this conversation with a young DJ when he was a kid, dead keen, loved his soul and had already got a good collection that is OVO in order, watching the promotor he was a resident for getting all the bookings. The standard answer he got was, start your own night (which is what many 'top' DJ's did I guess) as you're doing, I think it's deffo the right way to do it.

It is true, selling yourself is essential to making it on the bigger stage or you'll just get forgotten about when so many want to be DJ's, which is bollox if you think about it, as it should just be about the quality of your tuneage..

Another annoying thing, (not that I'm saying you've been guilty of this) is that loads of people will put a tape in your hand when you're mad busy and not put their details with it. I've heard a few excellent tapes and have no idea where they came from. In your case, you f'kd up by giving it to Neil and not me! LOL . (dont mean it! ) I honestly dont know if he liked that tape or not, I'd always tell people if it's not the right thing for our venue though.

Jayne.x.

which adds more weight to the initial idea, and my addage to that idea of more info...???? then you can see if the correct tunage will be played for the promoters requirements.

[Guest]

Well said Jane ,( I will send you a tape and they love me at St Bernadette's)

.. it'd be very welcome - please put your name and mobile number on it though! lol.

Are you at Harry's do this sat?..

Jayne.x.

[Guest posstot]

which adds more weight to the initial idea, and my addage to that idea of more info...???? then you can see if the correct tunage will be played for the promoters requirements.

would anyone here enjoy the tunes i posted??? would that give you an idea of what to expect, better than being given a tape/cd at a venue?? this was the point to the initial post in the first place i think......a place to source dj's rather than gettin pestered or as Jayne mentioned having a tape/cd without relevant info attached.

again seems to make sense to me!!

Agree or Disagree?

[Hitsville Chalky]

.. it'd be very welcome - please put your name and mobile number on it though! lol.

Are you at Harry's do this sat?..

Jayne.x.

No Jayne just done the xmas one there and their Anniversary a few months Earlier , most than likely be back up soon , great great people love them to Bits .

Chalky x

[Guest]

which adds more weight to the initial idea, and my addage to that idea of more info...???? then you can see if the correct tunage will be played for the promoters requirements.

in theory I guess, but promotors just wouldn't trust it. They'd use the tried and tested ways to find DJ's..

(Maybe all promotors are just control freaks who need to witness everything for themselves!!.. )

more info like a playlist yes, but from experience I still wouldn't trust that.

tough one - cool.. given me something to think about..

Jayne.x

[Guest]

No Jayne just done the xmas one there and their Anniversary a few months Earlier , most than likely be back up soon , great great people love them to Bits .

Chalky x

cool, well I'll be there, they are great people at St Bernadettes.

y'see that's another thing, bookings lead to more bookings.. as an example, I'd listen to a tape and if the person had DJ'd for someone else local, I'd go and ask that promotor for a recommendation I suppose..

Jayne.x.

[Hitsville Chalky]

cool, well I'll be there, they are great people at St Bernadettes.

y'see that's another thing, bookings lead to more bookings.. as an example, I'd listen to a tape and if the person had DJ'd for someone else local, I'd go and ask that promotor for a recommendation I suppose..

Jayne.x.

Please ask Harry & Diana

[Guest]

Please ask Harry & Diana

will do - dont forget my tape!.. I'm curious now.. LOL.

Jayne.x.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Miss BurySoul

[Hitsville Chalky]

will do - dont forget my tape!.. I'm curious now.. LOL.

Jayne.x.

Ok Jayne , Tell them I will see them The Following week with The Fabulous Peps and Tell them Joe Harris Can not wait to meet them.

[Guest Trevski]

Theres only one way to book djs thats get of your arse and go and listen to em,av a bit of a chat and make your mind up that way.If your booking djs to get favours ur venue is doomed been running niters for 6 yrs made lots of mistakes and no doubt will make some more,lots of folks out there spinning vinyl but not many of em djs imvho.

Quite right Andy. There is more to it than having a box of records, however good. Sending a list of tunes or a tape, doesn't show what they are like as a DJ. Offering a playlist up might seem fine, but what if they don't dance to the first couple of tunes? Stick to the list or adapt to what the punters want? Most dJ's have an idea of what they want to play, but good DJ's can 'wing it' to suit the crowd, and still get in some stuff they want to spin. Not talking about someone banging out top 500 faves that are safe floorfillers, but about being a bit more creative.

Edited January 17, 2008 by Trevski

[Guest]

Ok Jayne , Tell them I will see them The Following week with The Fabulous Peps and Tell them Joe Harris Can not wait to meet them.

.... will do..

Jayne.x

[Guest]

Quite right Andy. There is more to it than having a box of records, however good. Sending a list of tunes or a tape, doesn't show what they are like as a DJ. Offering a playlist up might seem fine, but what if they don't dance to the first couple of tunes? Stick to the list or adapt to what the punters want? Most dJ's have an idea of what they want to play, but good DJ's can 'wing it' to suit the crowd, and still get in some stuff they want to spin. Not talking about someone banging out top 500 faves that are safe floorfillers, but about being a bit more creative.

Totally agree, but I guess I'm now asking myself that although I suppose it all comes with experience, how do those DJs who can 'wing it' learn to do so... if they dont get the experience ...

Jayne.x.

[Ficklefingers]

Okay, here goes...

Been around on the scene since the 70's (same as alot of others probably) with a couple of breaks in between for whatever. Pretty much always resided in Cambs. Resident DJ for Ken Cox's East Anglian 'niters in addition to jocking in and around the region as a whole. In more recent years resident at Plinston Hall soul 'nites, Letchworth. Also had forays to Blackburn, Wilton plus various soul nights over the interim period. Then a break (explanations not necessary).

On my recent return (essentially, last October) I had pre-determined that I would prostitute myself as a DJ with an aim to do, mainly, 'niters across the land(s?). What a mammoth task I've set myself it turns out! How do you get spots at venues you obviously hav'nt attended for at least the three years off 'the circuit'...

I feel I have experience, ability with regard using the mike (yes, I f**k up occassionally with a queing error or some same thing - we are all human! BUT, I'm also capable of carrying off any mistakes as well! 'The show must go on'), a fair mixture of discs I feel are good for the benefit of others in a venue scenario, an avid collector and anorak (but what I know is, after all, only a p**s in the proverbial ocean - will be learning for an eternity!) Confidence but without (IMHO anyway...) any egotistical issues - just a passion for the music and, at best, maybe could only consider myself a 'disciple'.

Dillema: you hav'nt got any spots to demonstrate your ability and it seems there is a general reluctance to award a 'mainstream' spot to someone that A) you perhap's quite likely don't know from Adam and shit! do I take the risk! - A Double Whammy!!

I decided that, other than asking directly to pomoters who advertise 'open decks' (obviously the first hour or two of a function, but at least it's a chance to get up there) I should compile CD's of stuff in my boxes to hand to promoters (& any one else that would be interested - surely it could only help the cause?) to give them, at least, a chance to hear what I could play... but it still don't solve the problem of proving deck capabilities!!!! Bit of a chicken & egg type situation I fear.

While I am getting to different venues I can't hit them all each and every weekend, instead select one's that have the 'appeal' to me and off I jolly well go - cd's in hand. Obviously the ones that tick the right boxes will, ultimately, see me as a 'regular'. But it all takes time don't it!

Here's a couple of questions for the promoter's: 'If you are approached in this manner (as a handful have been recently - Andy, you are one of them) you play the CD, you enjoy it, agree that it's likely the majority of punters would be happy with set of similar content... then what do you do? What is it that get's you to say... yep - I'm gonna give this person a spot, even though it may only be an early one?'

And one for the punters: 'If you heard someone that is 'unknown' as a DJ at your soul 'nite and enjoyed their spot.. does anyone ever think 'this person really should be spotting at so & so a/n, I'm gonna mention them to the promoter the next time I'm there!'?

For any one that's interested, I'd travel anywhere for the right sort of venue. I don't look for or ask for any payment or contribution to costs (though purely 'cos I'm fortunate enough to have them covered by other means). It's purely the love for the music and our truly wonderous scene that drives my boat!

I include track listings, below, for the aforementioned CD's I use for 'promotional' purpouses as I would love some feedback!!

I did have the pleasure to do 2 hours of 'open mike' at last Nov's Marrs Bar A/N in Worcester - gracious thanx to Pete! Top Geezer!! Whereby I've been promised a return at some future date so I feel I can do it 'right'! Also managed to secure spots for April at the new Soulful Shack 'nites mentioned above, plus Stafford Rangers FC but the calendar is still full of blanks!

I appreciate it don't happen overnight, but would appreciate some input to the questions posed as I feel getting it 'straight from the horses mouth' can only serve to either point me in the right direction... or p**s on my flames of aspiration.

Thanx for your time and, please, feel free to pm me to DJ at your venue

Fingers

Edited January 18, 2008 by FickleFingers

[Guest Trevski]

Totally agree, but I guess I'm now asking myself that although I suppose it all comes with experience, how do those DJs who can 'wing it' learn to do so... if they dont get the experience ...

Jayne.x.

I know it's all a bit 'Chicken and egg' Some just have the ability to read a floor, and have an ear for a tune that will go. It can be learned, probably at smaller soul nite do's initialy, again probably doing the early spot and working up. I find a lot of do's will give someone a chance, especialy if they turn up and support the venue on a regular basis. (I see you do that, so it does work)

Edited January 18, 2008 by Trevski

[Guest posstot]

What i must add is that, I dont exactly thrive on the "wanting to be a top dj" what i want to do, as my mate does, is provide something better than what seems to be the norm for a lot of venues..the same old same old. We want to provide soul music lovers, of the sixties, more variety and depth across the genre...That's what we feel our collections comprise of...some of the same old same olds are in there, but a lot of the forgotten stuff too. At the same time, we want to give the punters the dj's that can be classed as top dj's because they have earned that accolaid properly through the love of the music. If the people who come enjoy the spinners we have on, or indeed ourselves as residents then great stuff. What we want to achieve at our venue is ,more importantly than anything,quality of music....atmosphere..where people clap the record out in time at the end, showing there appreciation of the record..not the one who's playing it. I think at the end of the day as a collector of soul music, i'm dissapointed in a lot of what so called dj's are playing as the desire to be just that ,shows in there sets, as they only desire accolaid rather than the desire to provide depth and quality.

Thats why you get the same old same olds,they're thrashing the same records that have already been recycled too many times to actually create the atmosphere they did the first time round. To an extent thats what this scene is about, yet there are many more out there long since forgotten or never heard..to this day...this scene was about hereing something you hadn't before in the beginning, and we can still ,try,to do that, less often as our predeccessors from the golden era, yet it is still possible. rabbit, rabbit, rabbit,rabbit, rabbit, rabbit.

I'm off....tired and i want to go to bed.. Sorry for my rant..please understand my desire is to bring quality of music, not to be a "dj"...

[Ficklefingers]

Totally agree, but I guess I'm now asking myself that although I suppose it all comes with experience, how do those DJs who can 'wing it' learn to do so... if they dont get the experience ...

Jayne.x.

Exactly!!

[steve]

and the other 33 memebers don't count cause they play boots

[Craig W]

as promoters we've always championed newcomer dj's

Well that's not the case around The West Mids especailly With the well known and older promoters , They always think its all about them or maybe is it a bit of Jealousy ? or yet again CLICKY CLICKY MATES.

Yes Chalky absolutely spot on , some of the guest Dj's at the bigger local events leave a lot to be desired to say the least , musically and behind the decks and certain local allnighters where the prime spots are taken up with non local Dj's who's music can only be described as dire in my opinion.

I fully sympathise with your feelings and can understand your frustrations because you are such a great entertainer and have a superb record collection and lesser Dj's are getting regular bookings locally.

My feelings as you know are I'm not bothered about bookings elsewhere locally, I'm honestly not that interested, I wont ask for a spot anywhere but totally enjoy the 2 venues I am involved in and put everything I can into these but these points are taken on board when booking future guests.

But hang on in there because in 10 years or so into the future most of these are so old they will of popped their clogs or be in old peoples homes so us younger generation can conquer the soul world or what is left of it.

Edited January 18, 2008 by craig W

[Guest]

I feel I have experience, ability with regard using the mike (yes, I f**k up occassionally with a queing error or some same thing - we are all human! BUT, I'm also capable of carrying off any mistakes as well! 'The show must go on'), a fair mixture of discs I feel are good for the benefit of others in a venue scenario, an avid collector and anorak (but what I know is, after all, only a p**s in the proverbial ocean - will be learning for an eternity!) Confidence but without (IMHO anyway...) any egotistical issues - just a passion for the music and, at best, maybe could only consider myself a 'disciple'.

Dillema: you hav'nt got any spots to demonstrate your ability and it seems there is a general reluctance to award a 'mainstream' spot to someone that A) you perhap's quite likely don't know from Adam and shit! do I take the risk! - A Double Whammy!!

I decided that, other than asking directly to pomoters who advertise 'open decks' (obviously the first hour or two of a function, but at least it's a chance to get up there) I should compile CD's of stuff in my boxes to hand to promoters (& any one else that would be interested - surely it could only help the cause?) to give them, at least, a chance to hear what I could play... but it still don't solve the problem of proving deck capabilities!!!! Bit of a chicken & egg type situation I fear.

While I am getting to different venues I can't hit them all each and every weekend, instead select one's that have the 'appeal' to me and off I jolly well go - cd's in hand. Obviously the ones that tick the right boxes will, ultimately, see me as a 'regular'. But it all takes time don't it!

Here's a couple of questions for the promoter's: 'If you are approached in this manner (as a handful have been recently - Andy, you are one of them) you play the CD, you enjoy it, agree that it's likely the majority of punters would be happy with set of similar content... then what do you do? What is it that get's you to say... yep - I'm gonna give this person a spot, even though it may only be an early one?'

And one for the punters: 'If you heard someone that is 'unknown' as a DJ at your soul 'nite and enjoyed their spot.. does anyone ever think 'this person really should be spotting at so & so a/n, I'm gonna mention them to the promoter the next time I'm there!'?

Hi,

I might be wrong, but the problem you have is that there are more people in your boat than there are spots at venues. I think for inexperienced DJ's to expect a middle of the night spot is unrealistic. moaning about opening spots sounds impatient to me.

In answer to your above question, people who make it clear they just wanna dj at your venue for their own benefits or to stick on their 'dj'ing cv' would never be first in line for a spot. Surely promotors will always lean towards people who 'claim' to want to support and help their venue (unless its a big name DJ who will pull a crowd) if it's someone who'll come, dj and disappear, never to be seen again, there's not much for the promotor to gain..

I'm lucky I guess that people do reguarly come up to us and tell us of DJ's they've heard locally who we should put on and I wish they'd do it more..

Jayne.x.

Edited January 18, 2008 by Miss BurySoul