Dj Or Collector

[Stevie]

In my opinion there is a difference between the two...

The DJ......... is to me an entertainer.

Those who are good at their craft have a wide range of styles and tempos at their disposal and will work hard to keep the dance floor busy. This involves carrying a large number of records, maybe 200 - 400, and may include records that are not always to their own personal taste but are popular with the masses. They are good at assessing what is required prior to their spot and would feel confident DJing at a wide variety of venues.

The Collector.............wears his heart on his sleeve.

He wants to share records with you that reflect his own personal taste, and hopes you will like them. Happy to turn up with an 80 box. Usually chosen by a promoter who thinks their style will suit his particular venue.

As I approach old age, I am more selective as to which venues I attend. I like to hear new sounds in order to maintain my levels of interest, and I like to chat with folk more knowledgable than myself who share similar tastes.

At one time it would have been the DJ, but now, it has to be the Collector........

[Val (Chunky)]

Collector first for me, it's the music I like not the person playing it

[Guest Matt Male]

and may include records that are not always to their own personal taste but are popular with the masses.

I couldn't have any respect for anyone who owned records they played only to keep the floor busy and didn't like personally. Why would anyone buy records they don't like? That's just bizarre in my opinion.

Unfortunately there probably are people out there so desperate to DJ they will buy all the popular big sounds (usually on reissues) to do this. In my opinion a good DJ leads, they don't follow the masses.

I agree with everything else in your post Stevie.

At Move On we choose DJs/Collectors we know will give us what we want without being told what to play because we trust their taste. That's the key to a good music policy in my opinion.

Edited April 2, 2009 by Matt Male

[Guest SteveJohnston]

I would have thought that most DJ's are collectors in first place!

But saying that I enjoy a night more when there is a DJ that plays from the heart be it a collector of big name DJ, for me the collectors or least know DJ's play the more interesting sets most of the time, just IMO

Steve J

[Baz Atkinson]

Collector first for me, it's the music I like not the person playing it

cant agree more mate the dj [visions of helicopters landing in ibiza and numerous groupies jumping out] a good dj with 400 records wow he/she most really know waht the punter wants,visions of 20+plus copies of Joe Jama etc.

BAZ A

[Guest Beeks]

I couldn't have any respect for anyone who owned records they played only to keep the floor busy and didn't like personally. Why would anyone buy records they don't like? That's just bizarre in my opinion.

Completely agree Matt...what sort of DJ buys records they don't like?!?! Every record I play out I love...ok...sometimes you buy stuff and after a few listens decide it's not for you...but when you go out with a box of records to play then you have to practice what you preach!

[chrissie]

I buy what i like and can afford and if people want to hear it, thats a great bonus and gives me a great buzz, unfortunately it makes me dance like a demented chicken behind the decks, but hey, some people have a soft spot for demented chickens

QoFxx

[Guest dundeedavie]

In my opinion there is a difference between the two...

The DJ......... is to me an entertainer.

Those who are good at their craft have a wide range of styles and tempos at their disposal and will work hard to keep the dance floor busy. This involves carrying a large number of records, maybe 200 - 400, and may include records that are not always to their own personal taste but are popular with the masses. They are good at assessing what is required prior to their spot and would feel confident DJing at a wide variety of venues.

The Collector.............wears his heart on his sleeve.

He wants to share records with you that reflect his own personal taste, and hopes you will like them. Happy to turn up with an 80 box. Usually chosen by a promoter who thinks their style will suit his particular venue.

As I approach old age, I am more selective as to which venues I attend. I like to hear new sounds in order to maintain my levels of interest, and I like to chat with folk more knowledgable than myself who share similar tastes.

At one time it would have been the DJ, but now, it has to be the Collector........

i'd disagree with your evaluation of a Dj .... a DJ to me is the same as your description of a collector except he/she buys records that he/she can play out and doesn't buy for listening to at home .

for me it's the DJ because a lot of collectors i've met are like trainspotters only slightly less interesting

[barney]

I couldn't have any respect for anyone who owned records they played only to keep the floor busy and didn't like personally. Why would anyone buy records they don't like? That's just bizarre in my opinion.

Unfortunately there probably are people out there so desperate to DJ they will buy all the popular big sounds (usually on reissues) to do this. In my opinion a good DJ leads, they don't follow the masses.

I agree with everything else in your post Stevie.

At Move On we choose DJs/Collectors we know will give us what we want without being told what to play because we trust their taste. That's the key to a good music policy in my opinion.

kinnell matt find missen agreeing wi you on this, with just one more point a good dj should have a good idea of what the punters will accept

[Stevie]

Completely agree Matt...what sort of DJ buys records they don't like?!?! Every record I play out I love...ok...sometimes you buy stuff and after a few listens decide it's not for you...but when you go out with a box of records to play then you have to practice what you preach!

Ok - so are you a DJ or a collecter?

Do you own a good selection of 60's, 70's, RnB, Modern etc?

If not then you are restricted as to which venues you can play at and I think this was the point I was trying to make (badly perhaps ) that the DJ is a better allrounder. Personally I only collect early 60's/RnB and have been fortunate to guest at a number of venues that promote that style of music but I would never consider myself a DJ because my collection restricts my ability to play across the board.

Hope this makes more sense.

[Dave West]

Collector first, DJ second....

When I'm behind the decks I usually play a set consisting of 50% Motown & related and 50% Northern oldies. I have a passion for the Motown sound as people who have seen me DJ can confirm. Not the usual Motown ,mainly the rare and/or unreleased stuff along with alternative versions such as Dutch Motown, Dynamic Superiors -Dont Send Nobody Else, Aint too proud to beg Z.Z.Hill etc.... The bookings I get are from promoters who already know what I'm likely to play and all the reviews I get are good ones,so,my selection seems to please the paying punters.Also in the box are a number of what I'd call quality oldies which come in handy when receiving requests.

So to reiterate collector first or spend a fortune on records you dont really like.

Westy

[Roger Williams]

Completely agree Matt...what sort of DJ buys records they don't like?!

Generally DJ's who do it for the money only, so that would rule out 99% of DJ's on the soul scene.

I thought I'd give DJ'ing in bars a go, about 5 or 6 years ago, so I bought a load of commercial tunes, mainly the shitty MTV r&b type things, because I knew that's what would be required, but I HATED doing it, not just because of having to put up with the brainless pissed up dickheads and arrogant bouncers strutting around the place, but mainly because I couldn't hack playing music I didn't like, having only DJ'd on the soul scene playing music I loved to people who in the main felt the same way.

The majority are collectors first and DJ's second, anyone can stand behind a set of decks playing music, anyone, but it does take a degree of talent to be a GOOD DJ, rather than just having a good collection to draw on.

Imvho of course.

[Guest Beeks]

Ok - so are you a DJ or a collecter?

Do you own a good selection of 60's, 70's, RnB, Modern etc?

If not then you are restricted as to which venues you can play at and I think this was the point I was trying to make (badly perhaps ) that the DJ is a better allrounder. Personally I only collect early 60's/RnB and have been fortunate to guest at a number of venues that promote that style of music but I would never consider myself a DJ because my collection restricts my ability to play across the board.

Hope this makes more sense.

I think it's like Davie said...DJs tend to buy records that are dancefloor friendlier whereas collectors only will buy stuff that they can play in their living room or wherever...as for DJs having records across the board I think you are slightly off skew again...generally an R&B DJ is not really going to own much 70s or vice versa...like has been mentioned...you buy what you like not what you think people want to hear...and if you have a good ear for the dancefloor then you get it right...DJs ARE collectors...the difference being we like to share our music with the masses

[Little-stevie]

Collector djs for me..

You can put that 400 box where the sun don't shine

[chrissie]

Ok - so are you a DJ or a collecter?

Do you own a good selection of 60's, 70's, RnB, Modern etc?

If not then you are restricted as to which venues you can play at and I think this was the point I was trying to make (badly perhaps ) that the DJ is a better allrounder. Personally I only collect early 60's/RnB and have been fortunate to guest at a number of venues that promote that style of music but I would never consider myself a DJ because my collection restricts my ability to play across the board.

Hope this makes more sense.

I am restricted more, because of my very limited budget I had decided to specialise so mostly I collect 60s female, that may make me a novelty act, but most of all it makes me happy and even happier when people say that they enjoy the change in music I bring. I will honestly say I am not a DJ but love being the early doors warm up - cos thats suit me and my music and if I was a promoter thats the only set I would give me

QoFxx

[Stevie]

whereas collectors only will buy stuff that they can play in their living room or wherever

Are you sure about this?

[Guest Beeks]

Are you sure about this?

Read it properly now ...people who only collect records rather than DJ can buy across the board records...tempo wise I mean

[Guest]

Are you sure about this?

Hello matey

I could carry a box of 300 hundred but I will still only play the 20 or so records I think will go down well ( as you know very well ), so why lumber myself with a load of additional weight to lug around?

See ya soon

Steve

[Stevie]

Hello matey

I could carry a box of 300 hundred but I will still only play the 20 or so records I think will go down well ( as you know very well ), so why lumber myself with a load of additional weight to lug around?

See ya soon

Steve

Worked for you at the Hideaway Steve

Take care mate.

[Guest Eddies]

Collector,every time

Ed

[Pete Eccles]

Hello matey

I could carry a box of 300 hundred but I will still only play the 20 or so records I think will go down well ( as you know very well ), so why lumber myself with a load of additional weight to lug around?

See ya soon

Steve

As already been said depending on the event, but some ATB events can play tunes you have before you get chance if on late, then theres requests, sometimes to cover all bases a larger playbox is essential, IMO, the more upfront events then yea a different animal,

[mrs soul]

whether it be a collector or a DJ, both take quite some knowledge to put a set to-gether or a collection and both can work side by side, and I should know, I,m married to an anorak, most dj,s if they can afford will collect, if not, thats the price they are willing to pay, to stay at the top of their game.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Most deejays on this scene started off as collectors anyway didn't they?

There's a massive difference between 'serious' DJ's who nurture and break music and people who want to get behind the decks at any cost. If I I'm in a club, then gimme a DJ anyday - most serious DJ's I know are there for a good reason, namely, they know about tempos, working a crowd, building atmosphere and peaking the night at the right time.

Collectors are often of a different mentality which doesn't always translate to a club full of people who want an electric atmosphere. I've spent many a pleasant night at collector's houses listening to tunes which they may be passionate about but which probably won't electrify a club full of people and that's the main difference.

Maybe venues, should have a 'Collectors Room' whereby numerous collectors can try their tunes and do 30 minute sets before the next guy takes over - this would give collectors an opportunity to spread their tastes to a wider audience and maybe make the jump to the bigger rooms eventually?

Ian D

[Guest Beeks]

Worked for you at the Hideaway Steve

seconded

[Guest gordon russell]

It's passion that makes a good dj.You can stand up there playing all the rare tunes you like,you can be a dj and make people think you have it.........it's people who've been collecting for years people who've had the crac for years WHO HAVE IT ........there are plenty of wanna-be's at whatever level you care to mention.........THOSE with the love of soul music ....who will really SHINE through.......FRED KROLL at the last Burnley was a prime example.He's a quiet unpretentious fella who because he loves the music,can play such uplifting sets, sets to warm ya heart.............no passion ,no nothing in my book...tezza

[Cunnie]

Don't think there are ANY DJ's at all on the Northern scene & very very few either on the Modern scene.

Just collectors who are passionate about playing the music they love to a wider audience.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Don't think there are ANY DJ's at all on the Northern scene & very very few either on the Modern scene.

Just collectors who are passionate about playing the music they love to a wider audience.

Well, if you put it like that what's the point of the thread then LOL?

Good point though Cunnie. Is there any Northern or Modern 'DJ' who started off as a DJ and then started collecting......? The only one I can think of is John Vincent.....

Ian D

[Cunnie]

Well, if you put it like that what's the point of the thread then LOL?

Good point though Cunnie. Is there any Northern or Modern 'DJ' who started off as a DJ and then started collecting......? The only one I can think of is John Vincent.....

Ian D

Oops, forgot about JV & I used to go to Sammy's until I got banned (another story!).

Think Sam would class himself as a DJ too really. Ask him about his Abba collection

[burt weedon]

PROPPA DJ 1hr spot equalls 20 records 3mins per recorcd so R N b 5 soul 5 jaz funk 5 oldies 5 then your a dj.simple.Burt x

Collector first, DJ second....

When I'm behind the decks I usually play a set consisting of 50% Motown & related and 50% Northern oldies. I have a passion for the Motown sound as people who have seen me DJ can confirm. Not the usual Motown ,mainly the rare and/or unreleased stuff along with alternative versions such as Dutch Motown, Dynamic Superiors -Dont Send Nobody Else, Aint too proud to beg Z.Z.Hill etc.... The bookings I get are from promoters who already know what I'm likely to play and all the reviews I get are good ones,so,my selection seems to please the paying punters.Also in the box are a number of what I'd call quality oldies which come in handy when receiving requests.

So to reiterate collector first or spend a fortune on records you dont really like.

Westy

[burt weedon]

Collector first, DJ second....

When I'm behind the decks I usually play a set consisting of 50% Motown & related and 50% Northern oldies. I have a passion for the Motown sound as people who have seen me DJ can confirm. Not the usual Motown ,mainly the rare and/or unreleased stuff along with alternative versions such as Dutch Motown, Dynamic Superiors -Dont Send Nobody Else, Aint too proud to beg Z.Z.Hill etc.... The bookings I get are from promoters who already know what I'm likely to play and all the reviews I get are good ones,so,my selection seems to please the paying punters.Also in the box are a number of what I'd call quality oldies which come in handy when receiving requests.

So to reiterate collector first or spend a fortune on records you dont really like.

Westy

wot was the name ov bobby taylor and the vancouvers?

[Barry]

I'll give you my view, I've only scanned this thread as it goes but anyway:

One thing that needs to be addressed here is the fact that DJ's are solely there to keep a floor full, put people through the doors and the like.

I am not a fan of that 'hot-box' shit, one out as it is not in vogue and one in, cos it is...and all that malarky.

But at the end of the day you simply have to refer to the fact that dj's are there to do a job.

Now, I'm quite sure that anyone who attains the stature to be a regular circuit DJ, no matter what he does whence playing a set at an all nighter, when at home has all the credentials that allow him that mantle.

The dancefloor, the punters, the scene itself has dictated the need for a 'hot-box' - not the DJ - so having a pop at this state of affairs should go no further than yourself.

For me, collectors (in the true sense of the word, and not just us that buy records), tend not to have been dancers - and dancers are all.

Not that I am knocking your run of the mill anally retentive vinyl storer (See: 'collector')....but it's kinda like writing porn when you haven't lost your cherry - know what I mean?

Real DJ's were punters and dancers at one time but Collectors simply rue the fact that were neither.

[Guest realsoulfan]

Give me a good DJ any day of the week it's a skill to work the dance floor and to keep it buzzing throughout a set creating a atmosphere within whichever venue he/she playing at.

Some records may be rare and very collectable but aren't dance friendly but some people insists on playing them in a trophy type manner in a way to say look what i've got.

Point i'm trying to make it is a dance scene so you need to have 2 vital ingredients

1st being a DJ 2nd being a dance floor or am i totaly missing the point ?

[Barry]

Give me a good DJ any day of the week it's a skill to work the dance floor and to keep it buzzing throughout a set creating a atmosphere within whichever venue he/she playing at.

Some records may be rare and very collectable but aren't dance friendly but some people insists on playing them in a trophy type manner in a way to say look what i've got.

Point i'm trying to make it is a dance scene so you need to have 2 vital ingredients

1st being a DJ 2nd being a dance floor or am i totaly missing the point ?

Good shout mate but you can't drive without first learning to drive.

To work a floor you first have to have been worked.

To understand what is required, you simply need to know what is required - and that comes from the floor - not the collection.

Mate, I know what you are aiming at and am in no way having a pop, your response was bang on.

[Barry]

Don't think there are ANY DJ's at all on the Northern scene & very very few either on the Modern scene.

Just collectors who are passionate about playing the music they love to a wider audience.

Cunnie, firstly I do love you...but!

DJ-ing is an art, a science almost.

Their are 'collectors' and there are 'collectors' (said in a knowing yet hushed, serious monotone)[1].

DJ's don't wear elasticated waist-bands and need to nip to the toilet every three records - 'collectors' do.

[1] Oooooh!!!

[Guest Dante]

For me, a good DJ. But GOOD DJs are harder to find than any record you can think of.

Call me crazy, but I think Leon Trotsky gives the perfect definition of a DJ (without meaning to, of course). In his Transition Programme (I don't know if that's the name in english) he says that there shouldn't be a difference between inmediate demands and long term ones; is the ability of the activists and parties to take those little demands and make them go further. I'm really summing this up, but if you translate it to music terms:

There shouldn't be a difference between a collector and a DJ. If a person wants to spin ata a club, he or she should have the skill to take the in-demand-floor-filling-drunk-punter-requesting tunes, and then, take the crowd to a next level and introducing little-known-anorak-wet-dream records. The DJ/collector then plays only what he/she wants and the dancers have what they want and go further discovering new sounds.

I've been able to prove this in parties down here in Mexico. I sometimes play at 100 people parties, starting with indie, rock & electro stuff, and then playing Gloria Jones or The Mylestones. You'd be surprised at the dancefloor reaction. Amazing!

Just some thoughts...

[Dave Rimmer]

indie, rock & electro stuff,

If you played those types of music then some uptempo Soul I wouldn't be amazed at the dancefloor reaction at all

[Windlesoul]

Agree difficult to tease out the collector / DJ thing. Gets a bit complex and people have been mithering about this for years. Depends on the venue also, if it has a selective rather than (hate the phrase!) across the board policy, etc. the collector really comes into his (or her) own. People need to remember collectors (alongside a few inspirational DJs, no names required) essentially saved the scene throughout the 80s and kept it going when it almost disappeared up its own anal passage, through the whole newies and lesser played thing. Think collectors were pivotal to reinventing the scene then. The Scottish scene was a shining example of this. Yey to anoraks I say.

Mark

[Val (Chunky)]

Should DJ's only play records for the dancers?

A lot of people I know go to events and never or rarely dance but will often comment on having had a great night where great music was played and get this, they pay thier money too. Just a thought!

[Spacehopper]

I buy what i like and can afford and if people want to hear it, thats a great bonus and gives me a great buzz, unfortunately it makes me dance like a demented chicken behind the decks, but hey, some people have a soft spot for demented chickens

QoFxx

Should DJ's only play records for the dancers?

A lot of people I know go to events and never or rarely dance but will often comment on having had a great night where great music was played and get this, they pay thier money too. Just a thought!

you go demented funky chicken !...i cant be still when behind the decks and cant understand how some djs can just stand there twiddling there thumbs for 2 mins before the next tune....especially as i normally think a couple of tunes ahead so im not desperately flikcking thru tunes before the player finishes...

as for should djs play for the dancers f*** yes !...ok if you wanna sit down or stand there all night chatting listening to the music thats upto you but just think if EVERYONE did that...i dont think there would be much of an atmosphere however good the music and anyway in my opinion a good crowd who wants to dance with passion and have a good time also helps to make a good dj set...we 'feed' off each other....

back to the original question...ive been a vinyl collector since i was about 6....which is why i started djing , i had a passion bordering on obsession with music...i tried playing guitar,bass and drums and could do it (not all at once obviously) but it wasnt for me....i wanted to play other peoples music...not any music i have to love what i play....ive djed all sub genres of reggae for 20 years and can get the same buzz off certain reggae tunes as northern,rnb,two tone punk and indie...

aswell as my 60s soul/rnb residency at go go if i guest at a soul night there are a few 70s tunes i love and may play...i also do an indie residency and may sing out to the stone roses or the smiths but many a student asks for something that 'sorry mate havnt got it with me' which means f*** off i think thats shit to be honest !....but ive always got something they will like....and without sounding like an arrogant wanker (i hope) always get complimented on my set(reggae ,soul or indie)...because as both a collector AND a dj i have a passion and do it cos i luv it....which in my opinion is the ONLY reason for doin it....

sorry to waffle on...did i answer the question ?....great thread !

although ....even though i class myself as both a dj and collector i agree with the idea some ARE just djs and will play across the board to suit the crowd and some ARE collectors with great tunes but shouldnt be let within a mile of a pair of dex....

[Guest dundeedavie]

I personally don't think anyone should be allowed behind the decks unless they know how to work the equipment ..... maybe thats the difference

Edited April 3, 2009 by dundeedavie

[Liamgp]

I personally don't think anyone should be allowed behind the decks unless they know how to work the equipment ..... maybe thats the difference

But, Davie - what if they've got a degree from:

https://www.musiceverything.com/djskills_crash.html

[Guest dundeedavie]

But, Davie - what if they've got a degree from:

https://www.musiceverything.com/djskills_crash.html

I think they would still be sadly lacking in the application of the 45 RPM and therefore their degree would be ripped up in front of them whilst i laugh and point at their modern clothes and DJ moniker

[Dave West]

wot was the name ov bobby taylor and the vancouvers?

Bobby taylor and the vancouvers started life as...Four Niggers and a Chink. (unless I'm mistaken)

Dont think they'd get away with it nowadays.

Had a Northern hit with Oh Ive been bless'd / Blackmail on VIP and I'm truly yours got some plays too.

Westy

[Guest vinylvixen]

Bobby taylor and the vancouvers started life as...Four Niggers and a Chink. (unless I'm mistaken)

Dont think they'd get away with it nowadays.

Had a Northern hit with Oh Ive been bless'd / Blackmail on VIP and I'm truly yours got some plays too.

Westy

And two went on to become Cheech and Chong.... unless I'm mistaken. x

[Ian Dewhirst]

And two went on to become Cheech and Chong.... unless I'm mistaken. x

Actually I think Tommy Chong was one of the Vancouvers and Cheech Marin came along later. Either way, I guess you could say political correctness wasn't at the forefront of either Four Niggers & A Chink or Cheech & Chong.......

Ian D

[Guest WPaulVanDyk]

I would say collector does come first but also i like fact of DJ cause i don't actually DJ for Northern soul but i have done mobile disco's and many times that includes having music i am not always a big fan of and like a little so i keep them in the box when needed.

and to be honest i would like to have a good collection of Northern soul meaning if i did DJ and was asked for a record i would have it until you get too many and can't take them all with you

[Guest sandi]

Don't think there are ANY DJ's at all on the Northern scene & very very few either on the Modern scene.

Just collectors who are passionate about playing the music they love to a wider audience.

Are we twins ? ,and were we separated at birth ?

1st l heard the music, danced to the music,became passionate about the music,

then l started to collect the music.

l've never or never would buy a record l did'nt like .

l was invited to dj because of my love and passion for what l like,

all l can say is "l know what l like and like what l know".

l also think it adds to a "dj's" ability that when playing to the crowd if they are a dancer, because l tend to play what l'd love to dance to.

l am a progressive soul lover, and have records from all era's, even "Modern"

Cunnie you always say the right things, .....in my most humble opinion.

Sandi

[Guest]

Don't think there are ANY DJ's at all on the Northern scene & very very few either on the Modern scene.

Just collectors who are passionate about playing the music they love to a wider audience.

Cunnie....Cunnie, Cunnie, Cunnie!

[Denbo]

...DJs ARE collectors...the difference being we like to share our music with the masses

Not entirely sure about that.

Many DJs turn over their 'collections' in order to afford their latest 'finds' / 'discoveries'.

You can't blame them for that 'cos it's too expensive otherwise to keep everything they've ever bought plus pay the price for those new discoveries.

Now, 'collectors' tend to hoard records, never selling anything unless they find a better condition copy or a spare. They too go to great lengths to discover newies for their scene but only get the occasional chance to air them whenever they are asked to Guest DJ.

Now there's another breed. These are the guys that can introduce some interesting stuff, given the chance.

[Steve G]

Always looked at it this way - a collector buys records they want and like, a DJ buys records they need.