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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Want-to-Be, Newbie, Rookie DJ Feeling Like An Outkast! - Page: 1

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First let me say that this is a great forum and most of the people here are very helpful. Being a rookie and want-to-be DJ, I feel intimidated when I want to post a "stupid question," but that to me is very important. The reason I joined this forum and purchased Virtual DJ was to gain knowledge from those with the experience in the field. But the replies to some of my post (and to other newbie DJs) make me feel "stupid" or like I don't belong here. I usually state up front in my post that I'm a rookie or newbie DJ. Locally, I've asked several DJs for help, or to watch them work in their gigs so I can gain some knowledge by asking them questions. Man, they didn't want anything to do with me. I got the impression that they thought I was after their job or some of their gigs. So my impression of the DJ community has been very negative since I have undertaken this item on my "bucket list." I'm 55 years old and have 50 percent hearing loss. But I've always wanted to spin my music for other people to enjoy, so I decided that I wasn't going to let my hearing loss effect my decision to do so. Yes, it's more difficult for me, but I'm going to do the best I can. So, I've decided to try other forums and see want kind of reception I receive there. Thank you for hearing me out.
 
Posted Wed 21 Oct 09 @ 12:56 pm
Hey man, don't let people discourage you. As a DJ that is somewhere stuck between newbie and great DJ (yeah I know that is a wide gap), just remember that those DJs once asked for help too. If they are too high and mighty to help someone with legit questions, then you don't need THEIR help anyway. If there is ever anything I can help with, don't hesitate to contact me, or post, and if I can, I will help....

Happy spinning....:)
 
same here m8..I might not be very active on the forum,but if you do happen do have any kind of questions,I´ll try my best to answer them. Feel free to drop a mail or two if there´s anything you´re wondering about.
 
No problem man, old DJs are welcome here too! I'm no spring-chicken myself and have found some very helpful people here on this site. I was out of the game for a little over 10 years and got back into it late last year. It has all come back to me for the most part but I needed to learn the new technology that obviously wasn't available back in the late 90's.

Since then I have put together a bunch of YouTube videos to help old and new DJs. there are several Virtual DJ tutorials that you might find helpful..


go to: http://www.youtube.com/rudedog66


Hopefully you can pick up some knowledge here and there from my videos. There are also some other great DJs here that have done YouTube videos such as Tayla, DJ Advise and a few other guys I can't remember their names right now.


Good luck!!


DJ RuDe


Keep Spinnin'!!
 
mate none of us here is named paul van dyke or fatboy slim so just relax and enjoy the learning curve cause once you do learn the buzz is great.there is no such thing as a stupid question but i would use the search just in case the topic was already answered.welcome and enjoy.remember there is more than one forum so take a look at the rest of them and have a good look through
 
I'd say don't feel intimidated in any way about posting here. Can't say that I've noticed replies that would make people feel like they don't belong here or feel "stupid". I've seen some answers that may be considered a bit "shorter" than expected, simply because the answer is well documented in the manual, wiki or discussed many times in the forum, so people perhaps didn't try too hard to find the answer for themselves. Even then, I think people are gererally pointed in the right direction.

And good for you for sticking with dj'ing, despite your hearing difficulty.

Stick with it and keep on spinnin' (and posting!) ;-)
 
I'm sorry you feel that way - but never ever ever worry about posting up a question. I'll be willing to bet half the time the answers are more stupid than the question anyway!

If you want to be doubly sure then check the manual, the wiki and search the forum before you post because if the answer isn't there then it's not stupid at all :)
 
There is no such thing as a stupid question unless you start asking why the sky is blue or why water is wet. Now that I think of it...why IS the sky blue and why IS water wet. Anyone wanna take a crack at answering???

Seriously though. Never feel intimidated to ask a question. If you don't know, you don't know. Thats why we are here. Knowledge is to be shared.
 
Dragano, Feel free to ask anything, almost all the people on here will help if we can. Sometimes especially near the weekend you might not get alot of replies so it might go unnoticed. Most here know what it's like starting out, even with stuff like terminlogily. As far as getting help or suggestions from local dj's, for me I've found it's very regional here in Pa. One hour in one direction and dj's will be helpful, an hour in a different direction and forget it. From unhelpful to downright rude. Don't let that bother you, just try somewhere else. Good luck and we're here to help.
 
Dragono, let me first tell you that as a DJ with over 10yrs experience it's not that hard. But you have to learn the basic fundamentals. DeeJaying is an art form that's why you got the funny looks and bad reception. Not a problem, because I'll give you some basic tips so you can understand what you're doing.
First, you have to really have some sort of music appreciation, seriously. You have to know the type of music you're playing, whatever you like. Just sit back with a computer w/internet and do your homework. This is part of DITC training, all dj's go through this, trust me.

Next, know your tools! I can't stress this enough! These newbie dj's are killing me! We are musicans! You have to know the history of your equipment. It helps alot. Understand what turntables are and how they work. Digital age of DeeJaying is cheating alot of people. I'm not saying go and buy Technique 1200 MK IV but get a $400 battle pack they work just as well. Know what a mixer is and all its components, it comes with battle pack. Alot of DeeJays put alot time in training so they do get offended when newjacks cheat at our art. Not to worry, I got ya covered.

Just because you may play old music you have to understand your music is also a tool. Learning basic music composition helps like intro, outro, bridge, breaks, chorus, and verses.

Now ask yourself what kind of turntablist you want to be. Turntablism is broken down into 3 types: Spin Master, Mix Master, Scratch Master.
For the newbie trying to get work start with the Spin Master. Spin Masters play music for certain crowds and act as an Emcee. All you do is slap on a record and play, talk to the crowd, play another record, talk to the crowd and so fourth. Most Radio DJ's are spin masters. Just know the basic composition of your music and have fun with it. Just, Do you!! Write me back for your next lesson, peace. DJ KaNeck.
 
DJ KANECK wrote :

...
These newbie dj's are killing me! We are musicans! You have to know the history of your equipment. It helps alot. Understand what turntables are and how they work. Digital age of DeeJaying is cheating alot of people...


Don't think I read anything in Dragono's post about turntables! He may well be using turntables, I don't know! I can only assume from your reply that you think if you're not using turntables that you're somehow "cheating alot of people" ? Well, IMHO, whether your're using turntables or using twin reel-to-reel tape decks, it doesn't matter as long as you can rock your audience. The two most important factors (again, IMHO) are that you know your music and can read your audience, and adapt accordingly. Using any software application won't make a non-DJ a DJ. It might make life a little easier, but you need to have the basics to be able to perform in the first place.

Anyways, Dragono's issues have nothing to do with whether he can DJ or not, or what tools he's using. His issues are with the responses on this forum and the helpfulness (or lack of) from other DJs.

Just my €0.02 worth...

Martin.
 
OK on the other side of the coin, the experts on most forums can come across a bit know it all because they are often answering the same questions over and over. They dont get paid and arent part of support staff so the only remuneration they get is a smug feeling of superiority by lauding their untouchable brilliance over noobs. This is the same in all forums - actually theres a lot less goes on here from what I've seen.

Secondly, people are always turning up at public gigs and saying I'm dj such and such and expecting you to hold a conversation with them while simultaneously getting paid to concentrate on your job. I am polite as possible but never have much time to spare for chatting. For public gigs I am being paid to mix and work the crowd and sometimes to help sell piss over the bar. Different for private functions of course - happy to talk to whoever.

On the other hand a few weeks ago, a dj sent me an email who was starting out playing on videos. Arranged for him to meet me after setup one Saturday and showed him thru the equipment and how I have things mapped, etc. I have all the time in the world for helping out other djs, but theres a time and a place. Try arranging something during the week. You cant turn up at a gig and expect any help - not saying you do but thats just a general rule for everyone - haha ;)
 
djcity wrote :
There is no such thing as a stupid question unless you start asking why the sky is blue or why water is wet. Now that I think of it...why IS the sky blue and why IS water wet. Anyone wanna take a crack at answering???


the sky is blue so we know where to stop mowing.

i'll let someone else field the water question.

50 isnt that old, and as for the hearing loss... well. its gonna happen in this job. occupational hazard ya know?
i turned 41 this year and have been at this for 15 years now, 11 years of it in the same club and i will definitly say i am still learning!

music changes, customers tastes in music changes, and of course management (yeah even if you're self employed) sometimes has to pull its head out of its ass and realize it too.

i think you'll find people in this forum can help, just give us a chance.
 
musicalcheers wrote :
OK on the other side of the coin, the experts on most forums can come across a bit know it all because they are often answering the same questions over and over. They dont get paid and arent part of support staff so the only remuneration they get is a smug feeling of superiority by lauding their untouchable brilliance over noobs. This is the same in all forums - actually theres a lot less goes on here from what I've seen.


Thankfully I don't think any of that goes on here, if somebody tried that they'd be shot down straight away. Actually come to think of it, if I did manage to answer someones question correctly (when is the next blue moon) I think I would be feeling quite happy with myself.... lol

 
Dragono, this is exactly what you're talking about! Others cutting down others. I'm trying to help like you ask. To get work, you have to put in work. I thought I was a good until I met Grand Master Flash, Red Alert and Dj Scratch. They way I'm telling you is the way they educated me. Mind you they had all the top equipment. You have to learn and understand the basics first. So when you go to get work people (pro dj's) want to hear how much you know, that's all. I've won many championships with just a mouse and a laptop but by mastering the basics first. That BS about reading the crowd is not really true. You control the audience, music is universal. That's we got so many dj's, they play the same old songs the same old way. People want to hear variety within the genres, that's what makes you stick out as a pro. To do that you gotta know the basics. I guarantee you in a yrs time, you'll be giging like crazy. I'm the entertainment manager for 3 clubs, if a dj can't beat me...i don't hire them. I ask for simple stuff like creativity, presentation, and timing. Good luck man.
...
These newbie dj's are killing me! We are musicans! You have to know the history of your equipment. It helps alot. Understand what turntables are and how they work. Digital age of DeeJaying is cheating alot of people...[/quote]

Don't think I read anything in Dragono's post about turntables! He may well be using turntables, I don't know! I can only assume from your reply that you think if you're not using turntables that you're somehow "cheating alot of people" ? Well, IMHO, whether your're using turntables or using twin reel-to-reel tape decks, it doesn't matter as long as you can rock your audience. The two most important factors (again, IMHO) are that you know your music and can read your audience, and adapt accordingly. Using any software application won't make a non-DJ a DJ. It might make life a little easier, but you need to have the basics to be able to perform in the first place.

Anyways, Dragono's issues have nothing to do with whether he can DJ or not, or what tools he's using. His issues are with the responses on this forum and the helpfulness (or lack of) from other DJs.

Just my €0.02 worth...

Martin.

[/quote]
 
There are no stupid questions, every single one of us was a beginner at some point. Asking is always Ok, that's why we're here.

It's not the lack of knowledge that provokes the negative responses, it's the fact that sometimes the person asking did not bother do any thinking himself. One of the most common signs of this is neglecting the search function and posting the gazilliont thread asking the same questions over and over again.

I don't mind sharing knowledge whenever I can, but people who just check out their brain at the door and expect others to hold their hand at every turn bug me.

 
DJ KANECK wrote :
Dragono, this is exactly what you're talking about! Others cutting down others...


I wasn't trying to cut you down! Sorry you feel that way. I was simply trying to make a point about the importance of music knowledge and reading an audience versus the tools used, the latter being of lesser importance (again, in my humble opinion [IMHO]).
 
I've always believed it usually comes down to HOW the newbie asks the question..

Too many times I've seen a new guy come in (in other forums), ask a VERY general question and expect the experienced guys to write hours of material to help them out..

The more specific the questions are, the better answers you will get..

and just as important.. dont post and hide..
It drives me nuts when a newbie posts a question.. people spend time answering, and the newbie NEVER responds back..
 
yep that used to bug me as well, like water off a ducks back now though, still it doesn't take much to respond to someones reply whoever makes the post...
 
DJ KANECK wrote :
We are musicans!


Respectfully, no we are not musicians. We are just pressing play for some genuine artists music to be heard by the masses. There is always an odd dynamic when it comes to the DJ ego. I often think it is over compensating for not creating something unique ourselves. But, make no mistake about this. We are not artists, musicians, or producers (unless you are moving in that direction) we are people pressing play on something created by someone else.

I have heard so many DJs say "I'm carrying this place" or, "if I quit this place would close". In every single instance of hearing it the DJ in question was soon gone. The club/bar/pub/saloon kept in business for many months/years after. Be very careful not to allow the DJ ego to over estimate your own self worth. I promise you, the manager has talked to dozens of other DJs willing to take your job. No DJ is irreplaceable, and every bar/club manager knows that.

Let the flaming of this post begin......
 
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