Right guys 'n' gals...
Opinions and views on this one.
A new DJ comes onto a forum and asks for advice on playlists and what music to play.
If a DJ needs to ask - have thy got what it takes to do the job? Should they be doing gigs?
OR.....
Do you think that everyone has to learn - it's ok to gig even if you're not sure of what to play etc.....
Disclaimer: This thread is not directed at anyone. It is a general discussion only.
Ian.
Full Version: Asking for playlists....
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Everybody needs to get established and we all started from gig no1.
However, what does amaze me are the number of posts where the gig is hours or days away and people are only just asking the question
I was lucky in that during my teens I had help from a long established DJ, who didn't let me near a gig alone until I had at least a years training under my belt. This is the sort of attitude that I personally promote, a sort of DJ'ing apprenticeship, with the experienced helping the inexperienced and there is a thread dedicated to DJ's willing to offer this level of help and those searching for the same. .
Occasionally we may need help with playlists, maybe we have a specialised gig where we need some general pointers on an entire playlist made up of a genre which we have, but are not overally familiar with, but the more general "What music do I play at a Wedding" questions are okay and welcome, provided its in an effort to build and gain experience and not because they have an actual Wedding in the next few hours!.
Personally I think all of those new to the business should perhaps help an experienced DJ for however long it takes get the gist of the role, music and what is required BEFORE taking on bookings for themselves. There does seem to be an element of a minority of new DJ's taking on work which they are not familiar with and out of their depth and then worrying about it right at the last minute.
However, what does amaze me are the number of posts where the gig is hours or days away and people are only just asking the question
I was lucky in that during my teens I had help from a long established DJ, who didn't let me near a gig alone until I had at least a years training under my belt. This is the sort of attitude that I personally promote, a sort of DJ'ing apprenticeship, with the experienced helping the inexperienced and there is a thread dedicated to DJ's willing to offer this level of help and those searching for the same.
.Occasionally we may need help with playlists, maybe we have a specialised gig where we need some general pointers on an entire playlist made up of a genre which we have, but are not overally familiar with, but the more general "What music do I play at a Wedding" questions are okay and welcome, provided its in an effort to build and gain experience and not because they have an actual Wedding in the next few hours!.
Personally I think all of those new to the business should perhaps help an experienced DJ for however long it takes get the gist of the role, music and what is required BEFORE taking on bookings for themselves. There does seem to be an element of a minority of new DJ's taking on work which they are not familiar with and out of their depth and then worrying about it right at the last minute.
One wonders if a plumbers forum gets this sort of question. 
I echo CP's sentiments, but do feel some want to run marathons before learning to put one foot infront of the other.
I echo CP's sentiments, but do feel some want to run marathons before learning to put one foot infront of the other.
This, for me is an unanswerable one.
My reasons are that it's impossible to say who is behind a forum name and what their experience is. Take me for example, I'm a tender 55, so you would naturally think I've a wealth of experience over the years. However I used to dj in the clubs in Bournemouth in my late 20's, left the industry and came back to the fold about 5 years ago (long story)
So, my knowledge of 70's, soul, funk, disco and early 80's is probably as good as the next persons. My knowledge of 90's is poor, of hip hop r 'n' b as it's known today (not what I'd call r 'n' b, that's another thread )Is just about ZERO.
So I need help on some aspects of the job and there appears no place better to get it than on a forum like this.
Some people will come on here and abuse the system, take, take, take with NO input. I posted an idea about mixing I don't feel like dancin' with December '69, now I accept I probably wasn't the first to think of this but I took the time and effort to post it. I then came back a couple of weeks later and asked if anybody had tried it, yeh and you can see what's coming, not one post to say - yeh thanks. I appreciate maybe nobody did try it but I find that hard to believe. I don't expect an industry award but it does put you off posting ideas thinking people are using and abusing you, sorry if this is a tad
I just feel that it's the me me syndrome, how to stop it - you can't. People need help genuinely and there are many good hearted people here that will offer sound, professional and well researched advice to one and all.
I think you just have to take it on the chin, carry on and
There I'm a happy bunnynow! 
My reasons are that it's impossible to say who is behind a forum name and what their experience is. Take me for example, I'm a tender 55, so you would naturally think I've a wealth of experience over the years. However I used to dj in the clubs in Bournemouth in my late 20's, left the industry and came back to the fold about 5 years ago (long story)
So, my knowledge of 70's, soul, funk, disco and early 80's is probably as good as the next persons. My knowledge of 90's is poor, of hip hop r 'n' b as it's known today (not what I'd call r 'n' b, that's another thread
)Is just about ZERO.So I need help on some aspects of the job and there appears no place better to get it than on a forum like this.
Some people will come on here and abuse the system, take, take, take with NO input. I posted an idea about mixing I don't feel like dancin' with December '69, now I accept I probably wasn't the first to think of this but I took the time and effort to post it. I then came back a couple of weeks later and asked if anybody had tried it, yeh and you can see what's coming, not one post to say - yeh thanks. I appreciate maybe nobody did try it but I find that hard to believe. I don't expect an industry award but it does put you off posting ideas thinking people are using and abusing you, sorry if this is a tad
I just feel that it's the me me syndrome, how to stop it - you can't. People need help genuinely and there are many good hearted people here that will offer sound, professional and well researched advice to one and all.
I think you just have to take it on the chin, carry on and
There I'm a happy bunnynow!
While everyone needs to learn and to start somewhere, is it really fair to use someone's "special day" as your practice. Much better to attend a few weddings with an experienced DJ and then perhaps to do a couple with an experienced DJ at your side, for advice, 
moral support, 
someone to buy the drinks, someone to help carry the gear 
moral support, someone to buy the drinks, someone to help carry the gear
| QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Oct 2 2006, 09:56 AM) |
| Everybody needs to get established and we all started from gig no1. Occasionally we may need help with playlists, maybe we have a specialised gig where we need some general pointers on an entire playlist made up of a genre which we have, but are not overally familiar with, but the more general "What music do I play at a Wedding" questions are okay and welcome, provided its in an effort to build and gain experience and not because they have an actual Wedding in the next few hours!. |
I agree wholeheartedly with this.
For instance, in the area where I live (and therefore work) is the highest % of jewish people.
If I have any chance of tapping in to that market (a very good one), then I know that at some point, I will be asked for some traditional Israeli dance music. Now this is not an area of expertise for more, and I am sure that having 'Hava Nagila' just won't cut it!
I think suggested playlists have an important use.
Obviously we would expect a DJ to have some idea of what to play, and it would therefore seem a bit odd that someone should request such advice.
However......
DJs tend to fall into a comfortable rut songwise (I'm no exception) and play generally safe music they've used many times before. Suddenly being presented with someone else's list can jog the memory about long-forgotten tracks you just don't play - not because they are crap, but because they simply didn't cross your mind as you'd forgotten about them.
I've benefitted from such lists being posted here, so as long as the enquirer does a forum search to check that the information has not already been posted, I think it should continue and be welcomed.
There is the issue of divulging one's secrets, but that's down to the individual and in any case, the DJs here represent only a tiny fraction of DJs in the UK as a whole.
Obviously we would expect a DJ to have some idea of what to play, and it would therefore seem a bit odd that someone should request such advice.
However......
DJs tend to fall into a comfortable rut songwise (I'm no exception) and play generally safe music they've used many times before. Suddenly being presented with someone else's list can jog the memory about long-forgotten tracks you just don't play - not because they are crap, but because they simply didn't cross your mind as you'd forgotten about them.
I've benefitted from such lists being posted here, so as long as the enquirer does a forum search to check that the information has not already been posted, I think it should continue and be welcomed.
There is the issue of divulging one's secrets, but that's down to the individual and in any case, the DJs here represent only a tiny fraction of DJs in the UK as a whole.
| QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Oct 2 2006, 01:49 PM) |
| There is the issue of divulging one's secrets, but that's down to the individual and in any case, the DJs here represent only a tiny fraction of DJs in the UK as a whole. |
A tiny, but highly intellligent, professional, good looking, honest and reasonbly priced fraction
| QUOTE |
| Some people will come on here and abuse the system, take, take, take with NO input. I posted an idea about mixing I don't feel like dancin' with December '69, now I accept I probably wasn't the first to think of this but I took the time and effort to post it. I then came back a couple of weeks later and asked if anybody had tried it, yeh and you can see what's coming, not one post to say - yeh thanks |
@ DJ Silver - don't be in it for the thanks alone, otherwise you'll be disappointed. I was.
Like everything else, people are vocal to complain about negative things, but rarely vocalise their appreciation on positive things, and that goes for any service industry in general, put it down to human nature, I do
If your advice helps one person, at some time, then its worthwhile even if they can't be bothered to give feedback.
| QUOTE (iany @ Oct 2 2006, 09:40 AM) |
| If a DJ needs to ask - have thy got what it takes to do the job? Should they be doing gigs? OR..... Do you think that everyone has to learn - it's ok to gig even if you're not sure of what to play etc..... |
Or
they're just human and don't know everything.
I know that I myself am not very confident doing an eighties set as I know I tend to choose the tracks I know and like, I find the 80's a very confusing decade as it's one of those where there are so many genre's to choose from.
does that make sense?
Agree with CP on this but to add I do ask for request before the event so that I have an idea of what the clients wants on the night.
ok some times I get a list 3 miles long etc but at least I have tried is my answer.
What upsets me sometimes is watching dj's play a list of tunes that dont follow into each other, or out of contrast to each other.
Any one can put tunes on blending or mixing them corectly is another matter.
ok some times I get a list 3 miles long etc but at least I have tried is my answer.
What upsets me sometimes is watching dj's play a list of tunes that dont follow into each other, or out of contrast to each other.
Any one can put tunes on blending or mixing them corectly is another matter.
| QUOTE (music box @ Oct 2 2006, 03:42 PM) |
| Any one can put tunes on blending or mixing them corectly is another matter. |
I suppose it's a bit like a recipe. 100 people can follow the recipe, but how many would actually produce something edible, Hell's Kitchen USA being a prime example, or perhap's my wife. I think she uses the smoke detector to tell when it's ready
I've no objection to people asking for suggestions for playlists. But to mind they are suggestions, nothing more, and certainly shouldn't be used as a playlist.
When someone asks for one on here, unless they want to type 5 paragraphs of history, we'll never know what their level of experience is, so why not give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, this is a DJ forum to help other DJ's.
If you think that someone is taking the P by asking too late, or the wrong question, just don't reply to the thread.
When someone asks for one on here, unless they want to type 5 paragraphs of history, we'll never know what their level of experience is, so why not give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, this is a DJ forum to help other DJ's.
If you think that someone is taking the P by asking too late, or the wrong question, just don't reply to the thread.
| QUOTE |
| I posted an idea about mixing I don't feel like dancin' with December '69, now I accept I probably wasn't the first to think of this but I took the time and effort to post it. I then came back a couple of weeks later and asked if anybody had tried it, yeh and you can see what's coming, not one post to say - yeh thanks. |
Not your particular suggestion, but I have used someones suggestion (Hung Up into Paris To Berlin). They didn't post asking if anybody had tried it, but if they had, I would have replied.
Yes, it is nice to be thanked, but as ChrisP says, don't expect it, then you can't be dissapointed.
ok, dj. silver has a break for 50 years, but is an experienced DJ from years gone by...
Mr. Newbie wannabe DJ comes on, after just blagging a birthday party at a local pub in a few weeks and says 'what do I play?'
dj. silver - welcomed back to the brotherhood with open arms, but what about the other one?
Giving away trade secrets is a good way of looking at it....
Mr. Newbie wannabe DJ comes on, after just blagging a birthday party at a local pub in a few weeks and says 'what do I play?'
dj. silver - welcomed back to the brotherhood with open arms, but what about the other one?
Giving away trade secrets is a good way of looking at it....
Playlists are a nice idea but I'm sure I could post some of mine up and you would all ask: "what the heck?!?"! They do not explain that moment when you kust know that different crowd is going to react to something a little more unorthodox. I totally agree that the best way to learn this is to go out with someone else and see how they react over time, in different locations, with different people. Looking at a list on screen is, in my opinion, useless.
Maybe a little different in terms of mixing ideas (Stayin' Alive goes perfectly into Scissor Sisters BTW) but at the end of the day it's all about learning about your dancefloor. I was a bit different from most DJs in that I had been gigging for 11 months before I even went out with another DJ, and even then it was only the once. Best advice: listen to what people want, make mistakes, but don't make them again. Yes best way to learn is to watch another but I have learned well by trial and error. And before anyone has a go at me - I have NEVER had a dissatisfied client. I'm probably just lucky though............
Maybe a little different in terms of mixing ideas (Stayin' Alive goes perfectly into Scissor Sisters BTW) but at the end of the day it's all about learning about your dancefloor. I was a bit different from most DJs in that I had been gigging for 11 months before I even went out with another DJ, and even then it was only the once. Best advice: listen to what people want, make mistakes, but don't make them again. Yes best way to learn is to watch another but I have learned well by trial and error. And before anyone has a go at me - I have NEVER had a dissatisfied client. I'm probably just lucky though............
Well, looks like everything I was thinking has been said!! I'm too an oldish geezer and used to rock away the night in the Old Drill Hall or Flea Pit in the 70's/80's. Coo Ca Choo, Tiger Feet, Shang A Lang, Hi Ho Silver Lining - ah those were the days when my 50W a side mono complete DJ kit bought from an ad. in the Daily Mail was screeching out a pretty distorted sound.
I'm pretty comfortable with the older and middle of the road newer stuff but when my Niece asked me to do her 16th Birthday, my mind was totally blank but as mentioned above, we sat down 4 weeks before hand (ie in plenty of time) and done a play list to give me an idea of what she (and her friends liked). Having plenty of time gave me a chance to listen to the tracks and get used to them as well. All went down a storm and got 3 bookings from it.
Thought for the next one, have the list that works but ask just in case. Totally changed it. Had everything from Bon Jovi & Guns N' Roses to Dolly Parton, Proclaimers and Frank Sinatra (weird kid ) but I had long enough to put something together that worked well and all had a jolly good time.
Moral I 'spose is only use the playlist as a guide and get it well in advance. What works for one group may not work for another group of the same type and age.
I love my family parties though, playlist consists of a couple of Chaz and Dave CD's left on autoplay and then go and join the party
Other than that, I'm not giving away my secrets
I'm pretty comfortable with the older and middle of the road newer stuff but when my Niece asked me to do her 16th Birthday, my mind was totally blank but as mentioned above, we sat down 4 weeks before hand (ie in plenty of time) and done a play list to give me an idea of what she (and her friends liked). Having plenty of time gave me a chance to listen to the tracks and get used to them as well. All went down a storm and got 3 bookings from it.
Thought for the next one, have the list that works but ask just in case. Totally changed it. Had everything from Bon Jovi & Guns N' Roses to Dolly Parton, Proclaimers and Frank Sinatra (weird kid
) but I had long enough to put something together that worked well and all had a jolly good time.Moral I 'spose is only use the playlist as a guide and get it well in advance. What works for one group may not work for another group of the same type and age.
I love my family parties though, playlist consists of a couple of Chaz and Dave CD's left on autoplay and then go and join the party
Other than that, I'm not giving away my secrets
Me thinks a few folks are missin' the point.
The question isn't about playlists given to you by say a bride and groom.
It's about people who come onto a forum such as this and ask 'what should I be playing'.
Should they?
Shouldn't they?
Do we help - yes/no....
etc etc etc (as the King of Siam once said).
The question isn't about playlists given to you by say a bride and groom.
It's about people who come onto a forum such as this and ask 'what should I be playing'.
Should they?
Shouldn't they?
Do we help - yes/no....
etc etc etc (as the King of Siam once said).
I'd like to think that the regular forum contributors are still happy to share and exchange advice and experience on the forum with the DJ newbies, likewise with the 'forum newbies' who may be experienced DJs and are willing to exchange advice and experience on the forum with the regular forum DJ members and acknowledge that you can never be too long in the tooth to learn!
Pheww! Apologies if that made no sense at all!!!
If somebody needs or wishes to pass on advice, they usually post. I welcome it and am happy to learn as well as contribute when I can.
Pheww! Apologies if that made no sense at all!!!
If somebody needs or wishes to pass on advice, they usually post. I welcome it and am happy to learn as well as contribute when I can.
I don't think that any of us here are against suggesting say three or 4 tracks that go well at particular functions - indeed the DJU interviews have a question which asks for 3 tracks that are well received by audiences.
I'm also sure that if there was a more unusual genre or theme then DJU members in the know, would probably be happy to offer (and have previously offered) a slightly longer selection of tracks - eg: For a Rock'n'Roll theme ask RobbieDJ....for specialist country and western info - ask Brian Mole....
Yeee ha (ha ha - sorry Brian...couldnt resist...I just know that you cant stand C&W)
Where I get a little concerned, is where someone asks for more or less an entire nights playlist to be posted publically - a request made alarmingly easy to produce by some Windows type programs - ready for that list to be played out verbatim.
I'm also sure that if there was a more unusual genre or theme then DJU members in the know, would probably be happy to offer (and have previously offered) a slightly longer selection of tracks - eg: For a Rock'n'Roll theme ask RobbieDJ....for specialist country and western info - ask Brian Mole....
Yeee ha (ha ha - sorry Brian...couldnt resist...I just know that you cant stand C&W)Where I get a little concerned, is where someone asks for more or less an entire nights playlist to be posted publically - a request made alarmingly easy to produce by some Windows type programs - ready for that list to be played out verbatim.
Here's my thoughts: A post appears along the lines of
1. 'I am just starting out & I've arranged to go out with a local DJ to roadie for free until I feel confident (& buy him drinks as well). What 'must have songs' should I be looking to build up in my collection in the meantime (for family type events)?'
2. 'I have my first wedding on Saturday - can someone give me a list of songs to play?'
3. 'The bride for a forthcoming wedding has asked me to play a short set of Latin/American Salsa music for some of her guests - what do you suggest?'
I don't have a problem with 1 & 3 but I'm afraid that number 2
1. 'I am just starting out & I've arranged to go out with a local DJ to roadie for free until I feel confident (& buy him drinks as well). What 'must have songs' should I be looking to build up in my collection in the meantime (for family type events)?'
2. 'I have my first wedding on Saturday - can someone give me a list of songs to play?'
3. 'The bride for a forthcoming wedding has asked me to play a short set of Latin/American Salsa music for some of her guests - what do you suggest?'
I don't have a problem with 1 & 3 but I'm afraid that number 2
One of the problems that I've got is that the area that I'm from does'nt really have that many quality djs for me to shadow for the night. Dont get me wrong I've been out with a few and watched them do their stuff and invited them to watch me as well - some of the most helpful ones have BTW. So when i ask for suggestions for play lists or what do you think I could play is more of a way for me to obtain some reassurance that what I had in mind ( and in my cd case! ) would be appropriate.
Take one of my latest posts regarding a 50th anv. like I said I thought I'd just check with you all if what I had in mind would be ok, and to be honest on the whole the advice given was but some song suggestions did tend to crash and burn.
And what i have learnt that music can be fairly regional, what works in my neck of the woods may not work somehwere else.
So yes I agree that giving away trade secrets and things that we've all had to learn the hard way is very anoying and some may feel why should I , and to request a full 2 -3 hour set list for a 70s or 80s gig and then download it all, do a gig for £50 beer money rips us all off and is a major p%*s off. But to give ideas and suggestions has been and will be very usefull to the person writting the post and to be honest quite a few others reading the post as well (although they may not admit it)
Thanks
Just my thoughts anyway on this topic
Take one of my latest posts regarding a 50th anv. like I said I thought I'd just check with you all if what I had in mind would be ok, and to be honest on the whole the advice given was but some song suggestions did tend to crash and burn.
And what i have learnt that music can be fairly regional, what works in my neck of the woods may not work somehwere else.
So yes I agree that giving away trade secrets and things that we've all had to learn the hard way is very anoying and some may feel why should I , and to request a full 2 -3 hour set list for a 70s or 80s gig and then download it all, do a gig for £50 beer money rips us all off and is a major p%*s off. But to give ideas and suggestions has been and will be very usefull to the person writting the post and to be honest quite a few others reading the post as well (although they may not admit it)
Thanks
Just my thoughts anyway on this topic
Quote from Dod:
"I was a bit different from most DJs in that I had been gigging for 11 months before I even went out with another DJ"
So was I than!
I gigged intermittently for 26 years before I had a chance to go out with another DJ - only earlier this year. I had little idea what others did as I rarely attended other DJs shows simply because family and friends were using me....
Song suggestions are therefore quite helpful to me, especially concerning eras when I wasn't around, or old enough to be buying music. 50s and 60s comes to mind here.
Song suggestions (rather than playlists) are a good thing.
"I was a bit different from most DJs in that I had been gigging for 11 months before I even went out with another DJ"
So was I than!
I gigged intermittently for 26 years before I had a chance to go out with another DJ - only earlier this year. I had little idea what others did as I rarely attended other DJs shows simply because family and friends were using me....
Song suggestions are therefore quite helpful to me, especially concerning eras when I wasn't around, or old enough to be buying music. 50s and 60s comes to mind here.
Song suggestions (rather than playlists) are a good thing.
Just been reading this old thread and wanted to a my 2p worth.
I love reading other people's playlists (I think I'm an anorak!). Why? To give me ideas, to stop me getting i a rut, and because I'm nosey...lol
I always look forward to seeing other people's playlists, and to my mind there can never be enough.
Now I'll shut up!
I love reading other people's playlists (I think I'm an anorak!). Why? To give me ideas, to stop me getting i a rut, and because I'm nosey...lol
I always look forward to seeing other people's playlists, and to my mind there can never be enough.
Now I'll shut up!
QUOTE(jamesmurphy @ Dec 31 2007, 10:01 AM) 
Just been reading this old thread and wanted to a my 2p worth.
I love reading other people's playlists (I think I'm an anorak!). Why? To give me ideas, to stop me getting i a rut, and because I'm nosey...lol
I always look forward to seeing other people's playlists, and to my mind there can never be enough.
Now I'll shut up!
gotta say i enjoyreading them too ( got a nice new anorak for xmas lol )
and would have to say no matter how long you've been dj'ing or how good your set may be theres always something more to learn or that old classic that has sliped your mind
Well we all have to take what we read on here at face value... From the DJ who gets two gigs minimum from every gig he performs at (Exponentialy will not work but hey ho) to the guy who says he is a new DJ and needs a playlist (But really wants a download list)
There are many untruths told on many forums but we are all here because we care, We want knowledge so we read the threads and we want to pass on our knowledge because you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside when you do (Or just feel superior).
If some one asks for help and I think I can give it I will.
Nik
There are many untruths told on many forums but we are all here because we care, We want knowledge so we read the threads and we want to pass on our knowledge because you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside when you do (Or just feel superior).
If some one asks for help and I think I can give it I will.
Nik
i don't think putting playlist's up can do any harm,a new dj might try and copy it song for song but i doubt it will work,you can have 2 parties following each other for exatly the same age groups and both parties will be diferent
I love seeing playlists. Many times I've seen a forgotten gem which keeps my sets fresh.
Hi all.
I haven't posted on here before but ran across this thread and thought I'd offer my perspective on the situation. I am a resident DJ and PA announcer at a local football club and have been DJing for about 5 years now. First off I don't think it hurts anyone to offer an insight into what they play, after all set playlists are far too rigid to stick to and can be immediately thrown out of the window as soon as the requests start pouring in BUT admittedly it does make interesting reading, especially when there is one of those disco classics in there that has been long forgotten by other DJs.
Secondly, and I'll be a little controversial here, this business about giving away "trade secrets" smacks of a closed-shop attitude. Anyone can DJ - all it takes is about £500 for a decent second-hand set-up and a few decent CDs and you're away....and let's face it, it's not the most taxing job in the world, is it?. DJing WELL, however, is an artform and surely it is in all of our best interest to educate the cowboys out there into adopting a more professonal approach in order to force up the standards of our industry.
Finally, I like so many others, have areas of Music history where my knowledge is a little grey. Eighties, Nineties and mainstream Naughties are my what I am comfortable with and ROCK (The music of the gods!) is what I am VERY comfortable with. However, when it comes to 50s, 60s and 70s my knowledge is not quite so expansive and aside from a handful of "usual suspects" I tend to steer clear of them. Where my knowledge REALLY falls down is with some of the modern specialised genres of music that are occasionally quite popular. I was recently asked to play an extended set of Speed Garade and quite frankly, apart from a couple of popular recent chart tracks (T2 being one of them) I was stumped.
This is where I feel the exchange of knowledge within the DJ industry is not only perfectly acceptable BUT is ESSENTIAL to it's progression.
I haven't posted on here before but ran across this thread and thought I'd offer my perspective on the situation. I am a resident DJ and PA announcer at a local football club and have been DJing for about 5 years now. First off I don't think it hurts anyone to offer an insight into what they play, after all set playlists are far too rigid to stick to and can be immediately thrown out of the window as soon as the requests start pouring in BUT admittedly it does make interesting reading, especially when there is one of those disco classics in there that has been long forgotten by other DJs.
Secondly, and I'll be a little controversial here, this business about giving away "trade secrets" smacks of a closed-shop attitude. Anyone can DJ - all it takes is about £500 for a decent second-hand set-up and a few decent CDs and you're away....and let's face it, it's not the most taxing job in the world, is it?. DJing WELL, however, is an artform and surely it is in all of our best interest to educate the cowboys out there into adopting a more professonal approach in order to force up the standards of our industry.
Finally, I like so many others, have areas of Music history where my knowledge is a little grey. Eighties, Nineties and mainstream Naughties are my what I am comfortable with and ROCK (The music of the gods!) is what I am VERY comfortable with. However, when it comes to 50s, 60s and 70s my knowledge is not quite so expansive and aside from a handful of "usual suspects" I tend to steer clear of them. Where my knowledge REALLY falls down is with some of the modern specialised genres of music that are occasionally quite popular. I was recently asked to play an extended set of Speed Garade and quite frankly, apart from a couple of popular recent chart tracks (T2 being one of them) I was stumped.
This is where I feel the exchange of knowledge within the DJ industry is not only perfectly acceptable BUT is ESSENTIAL to it's progression.
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