Djmadman73
Well at least it seems that way to me? Is it because software like VDJ makes it easier for even grandma to spin a set? It seems every time I look or hear some one say "Yeah I know that person!" "They DJ right!" WTF I can see to some degree why some of the old turntablest grip about software like VDJ Serato and what not?? .....I guess its time to start seperating the wanna be's from the REAL DJ's ,,,lol sorry to vent!!
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 1:23 pm
vjtre
I’ve thought about that too. VDJ and other programs (I assume, though not familiar with any of the rest) do make it easier for anyone to spin – however, I truly believe that unless you have a love for it, unless it is your calling, the other DJ’s won’t last or will eventually get tired of doing it. I only spin part time (every Saturday) and next month will mark my 8th year at the club. Since I’ve been there, other DJs / VJs have come and gone. Some played only because they thought it was cool to be a DJ but then got tired of giving up their weekend. Others simply didn’t have a knack for it. If playing music is your passion, your calling, it will come through in your performance.
VJ Tre
VJ Tre
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 1:45 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
To quote the legendary Grandmaster Flash, who uses Traktor
I think its a huge hype that digital djing makes more djs, or easier to be a dj...
When most of the great good djs also use the advantages of digital djing, the easier it is to spot lack of talent from a wanna-be's
In my local area there is not more djs, and even though most djs here have gone digital, it has only lead to better track selection, and somewhat better creativity...
The best got better, and the crap djs are still crap ;)
One has to know about song structure, timing, harmonics and selecting the right track... Thats all human skills, and no software can do that for you ;)
Grandmaster Flash wrote :
On the minus, DJs old and new that were not able to DJ in analog are still going to be horrible in digital. The technique is the same: You still have to move the needle in concert with the fader and mixer. But digital can't mask a lack of talent.
On the minus, DJs old and new that were not able to DJ in analog are still going to be horrible in digital. The technique is the same: You still have to move the needle in concert with the fader and mixer. But digital can't mask a lack of talent.
I think its a huge hype that digital djing makes more djs, or easier to be a dj...
When most of the great good djs also use the advantages of digital djing, the easier it is to spot lack of talent from a wanna-be's
In my local area there is not more djs, and even though most djs here have gone digital, it has only lead to better track selection, and somewhat better creativity...
The best got better, and the crap djs are still crap ;)
One has to know about song structure, timing, harmonics and selecting the right track... Thats all human skills, and no software can do that for you ;)
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 1:59 pm
natedawg24
personaly I believe it's because of digital being easier to access and possibly learn that has opened much more doors for everyone who couldnt afford turntables, vinyl, etc. People like myself have never had the chance before to get into it but becasue of digital I was able to. I couldnt afford to buy turntables and a mixer to figure out if I could mix or even learn to mix. But the trial of VDJ open so much possiblites since you could easily start puting songs together and figuring out what works, and after expermienting you lear to unleash the real power od digital with cue points, samples, effects, radio, loops, and so so much more.
I can honestly say I grew up dreaming of being a dj but never thought the day would come, now I am a resident on VDJ Radio and have been working on starting my own DJ company DJPEI.
wow never expected all that to come out :s
lol anyways Thank you Virtual DJ for helping me make my dream come true.
I can honestly say I grew up dreaming of being a dj but never thought the day would come, now I am a resident on VDJ Radio and have been working on starting my own DJ company DJPEI.
wow never expected all that to come out :s
lol anyways Thank you Virtual DJ for helping me make my dream come true.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 2:11 pm
jimspinnin
dj-in-norway wrote :
To quote the legendary Grandmaster Flash, who uses Traktor
I think its a huge hype that digital djing makes more djs, or easier to be a dj...
When most of the great good djs also use the advantages of digital djing, the easier it is to spot lack of talent from a wanna-be's
In my local area there is not more djs, and even though most djs here have gone digital, it has only lead to better track selection, and somewhat better creativity...
The best got better, and the crap djs are still crap ;)
One has to know about song structure, timing, harmonics and selecting the right track... Thats all human skills, and no software can do that for you ;)
Grandmaster Flash wrote :
On the minus, DJs old and new that were not able to DJ in analog are still going to be horrible in digital. The technique is the same: You still have to move the needle in concert with the fader and mixer. But digital can't mask a lack of talent.
On the minus, DJs old and new that were not able to DJ in analog are still going to be horrible in digital. The technique is the same: You still have to move the needle in concert with the fader and mixer. But digital can't mask a lack of talent.
I think its a huge hype that digital djing makes more djs, or easier to be a dj...
When most of the great good djs also use the advantages of digital djing, the easier it is to spot lack of talent from a wanna-be's
In my local area there is not more djs, and even though most djs here have gone digital, it has only lead to better track selection, and somewhat better creativity...
The best got better, and the crap djs are still crap ;)
One has to know about song structure, timing, harmonics and selecting the right track... Thats all human skills, and no software can do that for you ;)
I totally agree. With the use of programs, everyone and their grandmother in my area now thinks they are a DJ. But at the same time now that the season is about to kick in, all the bars and clubs are calling me to DJ because they know I have the people, mic and song selection skills. All others try to undercut, but there are still people who know what skills to look for.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 2:14 pm
Djmadman73
I know what your all saying and I remember when GMF said that!!! I agree. I remember when the the SL1300 first dropped!! everyone that did DJ did not like them because as it was stated "you cannot mask your non talent!!" and a lot fadded away!!
I am sorry if I worded that BECAUSE of VDJ that people want to DJ? No No No.... I am old school and I see all the advantages of VDJ or similar software. Its just reminds me of the old days say 89-92 that it was cool to be a DJ and that everyone and grandma was doing it?
Oh well
I am sorry if I worded that BECAUSE of VDJ that people want to DJ? No No No.... I am old school and I see all the advantages of VDJ or similar software. Its just reminds me of the old days say 89-92 that it was cool to be a DJ and that everyone and grandma was doing it?
Oh well
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 2:22 pm
sonido1902
you will find out the djs that do it because they like it from the djs that do it because its much easier when you see them mix live..no doubt ive seen it here in florida...
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 2:30 pm
DJ Cyder
You have to remember also VDJ is a tool just like a turntables mixers and other dj goodies. Just like a good carpender knows how to use his hammer to build something the same hammer in other hands can be used to destroy something. Point is the tools help us do our jobs even the good tools in the wrong hands can be a disaster.
It could also be because you are looking. Ever buy a car only to find out there are 7 other people on your street with the same car maybe even the same color?
It could also be because you are looking. Ever buy a car only to find out there are 7 other people on your street with the same car maybe even the same color?
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 3:59 pm
SilentOneLove
pay your dues
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 4:02 pm
Charlie Wilson
The digital age seem's to of brought a lot of geek's into the business unfortunatly.
Supply and demand is really needed to keep the price right so that those thatg DJ for a living can keep doing it, the other big thing is Limewire and other such programs that let anyone have a massive music collection.
Supply and demand is really needed to keep the price right so that those thatg DJ for a living can keep doing it, the other big thing is Limewire and other such programs that let anyone have a massive music collection.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 6:36 pm
syberman
Lots of people think if they use a dj software that they will be like Tiesto or other big name dj's out there. They are oblivious to the fact that the software does nothing to enhance your skill. A friend of mine just bought a dj software program and the first thing he told me that it's going to be easy to dj. I wanted to choke him but I refrained. I calmly told him there is no software that will make you a better dj. You need to practice, practice and practice!!!! Some people just don't get it.
Syberman
Syberman
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 6:44 pm
just be sound
@ syberman.
thats not entirely true, although i agree with your statement, i think the "sync" function is what makes software easier to mix and in a way...makes a better dj, i'm sure your friend will sound much better cause he can blend with a push of a button as supposed to take the 2 to 3 years to learn how to sync by ear,blending 2 tracks still sounds much better then the old fade in fade out... sure it has nothing to with a good set or someone that realy uses the interface properly.... like scratching/cutting/tweaking.....still agree because there's just so much more to it then that... but it does make a dj better...my 2 cents... but if you mix shitty tracks back and forth, then what i just said doesn't apply.... but i think if you like dj'ing, most likely you have good taste in music...deffinitely a general statement though.
i think the "sync" is the main difference between a shitty dj before and a shitty dj now.......but i think it doesn't take away from the art, it add's realy... for me,ive alwaysed been scratching and tweaking mostly cause i learnt playing with musicians ....so i was never mixing and when i was ...it wasn't anything fancy, but the software made it easy for me to "sync" lets say 2 breaks together and go off on them where before technology i would of just stayed with one record....to avoid a shit mix.... so it's made it easier for me and gives me more time to think of creative ways to tweak things....
also...the more people dabble with dj'ing, the more great dj's and idea's will get to see and hear.... i think tech makes it easier for people to get hooked on it then before...before it was hard and it toke lots of money, now its cheap and it's easier to learn.... nothing wrong with that.
thats not entirely true, although i agree with your statement, i think the "sync" function is what makes software easier to mix and in a way...makes a better dj, i'm sure your friend will sound much better cause he can blend with a push of a button as supposed to take the 2 to 3 years to learn how to sync by ear,blending 2 tracks still sounds much better then the old fade in fade out... sure it has nothing to with a good set or someone that realy uses the interface properly.... like scratching/cutting/tweaking.....still agree because there's just so much more to it then that... but it does make a dj better...my 2 cents... but if you mix shitty tracks back and forth, then what i just said doesn't apply.... but i think if you like dj'ing, most likely you have good taste in music...deffinitely a general statement though.
i think the "sync" is the main difference between a shitty dj before and a shitty dj now.......but i think it doesn't take away from the art, it add's realy... for me,ive alwaysed been scratching and tweaking mostly cause i learnt playing with musicians ....so i was never mixing and when i was ...it wasn't anything fancy, but the software made it easy for me to "sync" lets say 2 breaks together and go off on them where before technology i would of just stayed with one record....to avoid a shit mix.... so it's made it easier for me and gives me more time to think of creative ways to tweak things....
also...the more people dabble with dj'ing, the more great dj's and idea's will get to see and hear.... i think tech makes it easier for people to get hooked on it then before...before it was hard and it toke lots of money, now its cheap and it's easier to learn.... nothing wrong with that.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 7:48 pm
thatmexicandj
just to be sound said it bfore me
the fact that there are many people startin to get in it sure has its cons but it also has its cons, i think and agree with the statement above, lots of people will come n will go but only the truly great ones will stay, its a matter of stay on top of things if you really really like plus if people never pick it up how is this [dj ing] going to survive?
and hopefully managers and customers will learn to make a difference of what a good dj is and eventually theyll start pickin out the weeds so to speak
the fact that there are many people startin to get in it sure has its cons but it also has its cons, i think and agree with the statement above, lots of people will come n will go but only the truly great ones will stay, its a matter of stay on top of things if you really really like plus if people never pick it up how is this [dj ing] going to survive?
and hopefully managers and customers will learn to make a difference of what a good dj is and eventually theyll start pickin out the weeds so to speak
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 8:04 pm
Caliente123
I feel that You can't learn if you don't do it yourself. Learning something hands on will give you greater skills. I wouldn't use a sync feature because you are tricking the crowd.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 8:31 pm
syberman
just be sound wrote :
@ syberman.
thats not entirely true, although i agree with your statement, i think the "sync" function is what makes software easier to mix and in a way...makes a better dj, i'm sure your friend will sound much better cause he can blend with a push of a button as supposed to take the 2 to 3 years to learn how to sync by ear,blending 2 tracks still sounds much better then the old fade in fade out... sure it has nothing to with a good set or someone that realy uses the interface properly.... like scratching/cutting/tweaking.....still agree because there's just so much more to it then that... but it does make a dj better...my 2 cents... but if you mix shitty tracks back and forth, then what i just said doesn't apply.... but i think if you like dj'ing, most likely you have good taste in music...deffinitely a general statement though.
i think the "sync" is the main difference between a shitty dj before and a shitty dj now.......but i think it doesn't take away from the art, it add's realy... for me,ive alwaysed been scratching and tweaking mostly cause i learnt playing with musicians ....so i was never mixing and when i was ...it wasn't anything fancy, but the software made it easy for me to "sync" lets say 2 breaks together and go off on them where before technology i would of just stayed with one record....to avoid a shit mix.... so it's made it easier for me and gives me more time to think of creative ways to tweak things....
also...the more people dabble with dj'ing, the more great dj's and idea's will get to see and hear.... i think tech makes it easier for people to get hooked on it then before...before it was hard and it toke lots of money, now its cheap and it's easier to learn.... nothing wrong with that.
thats not entirely true, although i agree with your statement, i think the "sync" function is what makes software easier to mix and in a way...makes a better dj, i'm sure your friend will sound much better cause he can blend with a push of a button as supposed to take the 2 to 3 years to learn how to sync by ear,blending 2 tracks still sounds much better then the old fade in fade out... sure it has nothing to with a good set or someone that realy uses the interface properly.... like scratching/cutting/tweaking.....still agree because there's just so much more to it then that... but it does make a dj better...my 2 cents... but if you mix shitty tracks back and forth, then what i just said doesn't apply.... but i think if you like dj'ing, most likely you have good taste in music...deffinitely a general statement though.
i think the "sync" is the main difference between a shitty dj before and a shitty dj now.......but i think it doesn't take away from the art, it add's realy... for me,ive alwaysed been scratching and tweaking mostly cause i learnt playing with musicians ....so i was never mixing and when i was ...it wasn't anything fancy, but the software made it easy for me to "sync" lets say 2 breaks together and go off on them where before technology i would of just stayed with one record....to avoid a shit mix.... so it's made it easier for me and gives me more time to think of creative ways to tweak things....
also...the more people dabble with dj'ing, the more great dj's and idea's will get to see and hear.... i think tech makes it easier for people to get hooked on it then before...before it was hard and it toke lots of money, now its cheap and it's easier to learn.... nothing wrong with that.
I do not use the "sync" button and I don't want to beat a dead horse on this issue. I just want to say, the "sync" button is like training wheels on a toddler's bike. When you know how to ride a bike without falling, you can take the training wheels off. Just like the sync button. When you know how to spin, you will never need it.
Syberman
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 9:15 pm
Djmadman73
syberman wrote :
I do not use the "sync" button and I don't want to beat a dead horse on this issue. I just want to say, the "sync" button is like training wheels on a toddler's bike. When you know how to ride a bike without falling, you can take the training wheels off. Just like the sync button. When you know how to spin, you will never need it.
Syberman
I do not use the "sync" button and I don't want to beat a dead horse on this issue. I just want to say, the "sync" button is like training wheels on a toddler's bike. When you know how to ride a bike without falling, you can take the training wheels off. Just like the sync button. When you know how to spin, you will never need it.
Syberman
Agreed!!!
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 10:20 pm
fatkatzdj
I agree with the DJs are popping up everywhere but I also agree with none of them have a clue how to use the software. The problem is that managers don't care so much about the skill it take to entertain. At my last place I worked on opposite nights with djs that used software or should I say only software. All they did was push the auto mix button and let the trainreck happen. People noticed big time but not enough to stop coming. People just wanted to hear their favorite song and drink. So unless your in a larger club the managers are not going to take account of the experienced DJ vs the novelty. I will say the DJs that can actually mix by technique as Rune describes will be remembered more but does that pay the bills is the question.
Hell, last weak I went to this club on thursday and friday. Now this club has 2x pioneers 1000 and 2x DVD players matched with 2 video monitors. I was very dissapointed in there performance. Between the radio mixing and bad song selection I was sick but the people didn't know the difference. However, when a dance floor almost completely empties then takes about 20 seconds for people recognized that they want to dance to the next track. So once again, owners and managers don't realize that they are missing out on full bottom line.
The best thing to do is step up your game and work harder to get in the door of the places that are housing the want-a-bees.
Hell, last weak I went to this club on thursday and friday. Now this club has 2x pioneers 1000 and 2x DVD players matched with 2 video monitors. I was very dissapointed in there performance. Between the radio mixing and bad song selection I was sick but the people didn't know the difference. However, when a dance floor almost completely empties then takes about 20 seconds for people recognized that they want to dance to the next track. So once again, owners and managers don't realize that they are missing out on full bottom line.
The best thing to do is step up your game and work harder to get in the door of the places that are housing the want-a-bees.
Inviato Tue 21 Apr 09 @ 11:50 pm
damyxz
Most club managers nowadays just look at profits by cutting talent cost. A good manager/owner should see that to keep selling drinks, people need to dance. It is up to the DJ to keep the floor filled. I started from an era that Djing is a thing for a select few that has enough talent and drive to learn and perfect the craft. Beat matching is not the only DJ skill. Heck anybody nowadays can beat match with any DJ software out there, but the quality and art of the transition(segue) is what it is all about. I still enjoy going to clubs and waiting for the transition of songs to happen and have a laugh. What most people don't know is that there is a very complicated art to the segue. I respect Q-bert and company as a colleague and friends but by publicizing DJing and naming techniques, The art of DJing became a cookbook hobby. Then comes the software based DJ systems with the auto loops and sync. Great features but makes you lazy. I only use virtual vinyl so I do not have to lug around several crates of vinyls. Also the art of "digging' is lost from the newer DJ's because of lime wire and such....I miss digging though.
Inviato Wed 22 Apr 09 @ 1:53 am
dj-e-lectric
This seems to have become another "good vs bad" Djs thread. The initial point was also WHY the huge explosion in the NUMBER of Djs not only whether they were good or not.
I agree the main factors are the proliferation of "free" music that no longer required physical strength and space to carry around and store and of course the sofware that allows the learning curve of the physical techniques to be much shorter, but that is what techonology is supposed to do...make the mundane, the repetitive and the difficult tasks much easier for everyone.
In any industry as technology makes it easier for the "do it yourselfer" to THINK they actually can "do it themselves" and get paid in the process there is an explosion of people claiming to be and masquerading as "professionals" in any given field. When Time Life put out their step by step home repair series of books a lot of plumbers, electricians, tile layers, carpet layers, etc. were losing work. Look how many "web designers" there are and that huge explosion started when template based and graphical interface web making software came out like Dreamweaver. Photo shop created billions of wanna be graphic designers, artists and sign makers as well as the afformentioned web designers. Quicken created a whole industry of "work at home" book keepers, home decorating software did the same with interior decorators and e-trade gave rise to a bunch of couch potato day traders......Djing is no different than any other industry.
The cream will always rise to the top if there is enough churning to seperate it from the milk.
It is a vicious circle...Good Dj gets gig, bad Dj undercuts and takes gig, Good Dj gets better gig when pissed off owner needs someone to fix what bad undercutting Dj messed up!
If a Dj is good, persistent and stays motivated there will always be another gig coming along....sometimes you just need to work harder to find them.
If it were not for digital Dj software (and before that affordable Dj cd players) I would have been long gone form the Dj game. I am way to old, lazy and back injured to be carrying around "2 turntatbles and a microphone...." not to mention the mixer, the coffin they go in, an amp rack, huge speakers, AND 10 to 15 crated of records!
I agree the main factors are the proliferation of "free" music that no longer required physical strength and space to carry around and store and of course the sofware that allows the learning curve of the physical techniques to be much shorter, but that is what techonology is supposed to do...make the mundane, the repetitive and the difficult tasks much easier for everyone.
In any industry as technology makes it easier for the "do it yourselfer" to THINK they actually can "do it themselves" and get paid in the process there is an explosion of people claiming to be and masquerading as "professionals" in any given field. When Time Life put out their step by step home repair series of books a lot of plumbers, electricians, tile layers, carpet layers, etc. were losing work. Look how many "web designers" there are and that huge explosion started when template based and graphical interface web making software came out like Dreamweaver. Photo shop created billions of wanna be graphic designers, artists and sign makers as well as the afformentioned web designers. Quicken created a whole industry of "work at home" book keepers, home decorating software did the same with interior decorators and e-trade gave rise to a bunch of couch potato day traders......Djing is no different than any other industry.
The cream will always rise to the top if there is enough churning to seperate it from the milk.
It is a vicious circle...Good Dj gets gig, bad Dj undercuts and takes gig, Good Dj gets better gig when pissed off owner needs someone to fix what bad undercutting Dj messed up!
If a Dj is good, persistent and stays motivated there will always be another gig coming along....sometimes you just need to work harder to find them.
If it were not for digital Dj software (and before that affordable Dj cd players) I would have been long gone form the Dj game. I am way to old, lazy and back injured to be carrying around "2 turntatbles and a microphone...." not to mention the mixer, the coffin they go in, an amp rack, huge speakers, AND 10 to 15 crated of records!
Inviato Wed 22 Apr 09 @ 3:36 am
chriso710
dj-e-lectric, agree totally with you. I started out in the last recession turning venues around and the name stuck obviously folk are happy with what i do as i am still working regular gigs and in fact got more since the doom and gloom of this recession with out lifting a finger to advertise. I never like to classify myself as a DJ as the real DJS are the ones that can mix, scatch on the fly and create with there discs " Artist " they are and have my respect totally. Saw an advertisement for a venue I work at, The best DJ'S in the South, I was a tad embarrassed or may be as folk say underestimate myself, bringing folk through the door and keeping them there when other venues in the area are empty . Any how they pay the beans I do my job, hopefully I can reflect on this post in another four years and come back and say the same as long as the creme has'nt soured.
Inviato Wed 22 Apr 09 @ 9:58 am
