An interesting topic, Helen. I can look at this from three perspectives 1. I’m a dancer and want to hear good tunes played that rock my boat (old and new, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as they’re good), 2. I’m a collector and love it if people dig my taste in music and actually show appreciation (clap, ask about the tune, dance etc) and 3. I’m a promoter and want to put on nights that please the majority of the punters I attract coz I want them coming back.Â
Three different perspectives but whichever one you fall into - you want a bloody good night.Â
I’ve been to half empty dos with excellent, excellent music and had a great time coz the tunes have been superb (I’ve run my fair share of these LOL). I’ve been to packed dos that play oldy, oldy oldies and had a great time coz the atmosphere was buzzing.Â
I’m in the camp that says a dj should be both a leader and a follower. My stock rule for djing is if you don’t clear the floor at least 3 times during your set you’re boring and playing it too safe BUT you’ve got to be able to bring ‘em back when you want to. A dj should F*** with people’s minds a bit and also massage their temples with some choice goodies. An empty floor for more than 20 mins is incompetence (IMHO) - someone unwilling or, even worse unable to control the crowd.Â
Intelligent djs (unfortunately not enough around) should play to the ears, mind, heart and feet. Good djs scan the room for what they should play, what goodies the punters need to hear and what they can get away with.Â
And before you ask, yes I’ll still be clearing floors with me Latin for quite a few years before I decide I’m flogging a dead horse. Actually some of the most popular spins at Boogaloo on Sat night were the Latin tunes. So there.Â