vpcdj
Bagpuss im just surprised to see u in this thread period. coz arent u a strong christian or something like that?
i dont think a gig is a gig. i think even as far as a straight gig no gig is the same. there'r always surprises. ive never done a gay gig and i dont think theyr just a gig. like i said before (in the str8 world) a female dominated gig will be different from a male dominated. IOW a sorority party will be different from a fraternity.
i dont think a gig is a gig. i think even as far as a straight gig no gig is the same. there'r always surprises. ive never done a gay gig and i dont think theyr just a gig. like i said before (in the str8 world) a female dominated gig will be different from a male dominated. IOW a sorority party will be different from a fraternity.
Posted Wed 01 Mar 06 @ 8:52 pm
A Man and His Music
"no its not a science, its an art! :)"
As a scientist and a dj I can tell you it is both, as in the Art of Science. I will elaborate later.
As a scientist and a dj I can tell you it is both, as in the Art of Science. I will elaborate later.
Posted Wed 01 Mar 06 @ 9:19 pm
bagpuss
No I'm not really religious, but I used to study religion and posted on a few threads of that nature to shed a different 'light' on things.
I'm not saying all gigs are the same, I'm saying the opposite, that was my point, every gig, every night is different, presuming you do use a computer you probably carry your entire music collection to each gig?, if this is the case, I see no reason why you could not turn up and play according to how the night goes.
Like I said, there is no 'gay' genre, I'm no expert on the gay world, and to be honest I wouldn't be happy in a 'gay' environment, but is somones sexuality a cult?, does someones sexuality determine their musical preference?, do men and women generally have different musical taste?.., Generally I'd say the answer is No to all three, from my lifes experience, I find each and every individual to have their taste, despite other (perhaps) influential factors. Feel free to remind me of my age again.
I'm not saying all gigs are the same, I'm saying the opposite, that was my point, every gig, every night is different, presuming you do use a computer you probably carry your entire music collection to each gig?, if this is the case, I see no reason why you could not turn up and play according to how the night goes.
Like I said, there is no 'gay' genre, I'm no expert on the gay world, and to be honest I wouldn't be happy in a 'gay' environment, but is somones sexuality a cult?, does someones sexuality determine their musical preference?, do men and women generally have different musical taste?.., Generally I'd say the answer is No to all three, from my lifes experience, I find each and every individual to have their taste, despite other (perhaps) influential factors. Feel free to remind me of my age again.
Posted Wed 01 Mar 06 @ 9:20 pm
WasabiTech
just been quick reading this topic..so u guys and divas can slaughter me for free if I´m wrong...dj´s are dj´s,dosen´t matter if u´r gay or not...or at least it dosen´t matter to me..anyways :) just got back home from a gig I had, anyone that has some nice groovy tunes :)
logging of :P have to go to work tomorrow...
logging of :P have to go to work tomorrow...
Posted Thu 02 Mar 06 @ 2:36 am
Raw-Bear
After reading this entire thread I just have to add my 2 cents worth to the pot. Some of the things I will say will have already been said, but I hope to put a better spin on them. (so to speak)
1st of all there is no doubt in my mind that a lot of todays dance tunes are yesterdays gay club tunes. Does this make it gay music. Nope. All that it means is that the gay community is on the cutting edge of the type of music straight people will like.
2nd: To a good DJ/VJ/CJ there is no such thing as gay or straight people. Just people who like to dance.
3rd: A gig is a gig. No two ways about it. If you feel uncomfortable watching men dance with men or women dance with women, don't do the gig. A good DJ/VJ/CJ has only one thing on his mind. Get the dance floor moving.
The first time I saw 2 men dancing to my beats I thought "AWESOME"...not because it was my first time seeing this but because they were actually comfortable enough with me and the crowd to dance together.
As PCGUMSHOE said " This isn't suppose to be a place we come to express our political, social and other views, it can, however, be a place to overcome obstacles associated with our profession even when those political, social and other views get in the way. " WELL SAID.
I guess the botom like here is comfort level. A person has to be secure in their own sexuality to be able to play a gay gig. If you are straight tell them this. You will be surprised at how quick they back off. You will find the gay community far more accepting of the "straight" lifestyle than what we are of the "gay" lifestyle. Life is life. Some of us have style and some don't. Whether you are cute or not should have no impact on being hired. You should get the gig because of your qualifications, period.
Anyways, I have played a few gay gigs and I have gay friends. If you want to learn how to play/mix/dance go to a gay club with a gay friend and watch and listen. You will come away with a whole new point of view that will be more wholesome.
1st of all there is no doubt in my mind that a lot of todays dance tunes are yesterdays gay club tunes. Does this make it gay music. Nope. All that it means is that the gay community is on the cutting edge of the type of music straight people will like.
2nd: To a good DJ/VJ/CJ there is no such thing as gay or straight people. Just people who like to dance.
3rd: A gig is a gig. No two ways about it. If you feel uncomfortable watching men dance with men or women dance with women, don't do the gig. A good DJ/VJ/CJ has only one thing on his mind. Get the dance floor moving.
The first time I saw 2 men dancing to my beats I thought "AWESOME"...not because it was my first time seeing this but because they were actually comfortable enough with me and the crowd to dance together.
As PCGUMSHOE said " This isn't suppose to be a place we come to express our political, social and other views, it can, however, be a place to overcome obstacles associated with our profession even when those political, social and other views get in the way. " WELL SAID.
I guess the botom like here is comfort level. A person has to be secure in their own sexuality to be able to play a gay gig. If you are straight tell them this. You will be surprised at how quick they back off. You will find the gay community far more accepting of the "straight" lifestyle than what we are of the "gay" lifestyle. Life is life. Some of us have style and some don't. Whether you are cute or not should have no impact on being hired. You should get the gig because of your qualifications, period.
Anyways, I have played a few gay gigs and I have gay friends. If you want to learn how to play/mix/dance go to a gay club with a gay friend and watch and listen. You will come away with a whole new point of view that will be more wholesome.
Posted Thu 02 Mar 06 @ 10:39 am
krazyk
Well, I dj'ed at a gay club like a few times. Mostly it was 80s, trance, and dance. One night when I was scouting clubs for part-time gigs or residencies and they were playing that 80s song "Hercules" and they had these 3 guys dressed up in greek tunics lip syncing and dancing. It was funny as hell.
I'm not gay but, I did get some 'offers', I took em up on the free shots and drinks though! ;)
I'm not gay but, I did get some 'offers', I took em up on the free shots and drinks though! ;)
Posted Wed 08 Mar 06 @ 4:44 am
asymptote
It's definitely not true that DJing only came about because of gay culture.
Djing came about because a band is expensive, it only usually plays one genre and it's hard to know what you're gonna get with a band. Also, in a lot of cases you can't get a band to come along and play music you want which comes from another country.
For example, in the early 60s UK DJs were playing music from Jamaica or from the USA. In a lot of cases it was brought over by people working on boats, so Bristol, Liverpool, and others had early DJs playing overseas music like reggae, bluebeat, ska (W Indies) or early soul (USA). In the UK people like Jimmy Savile popularised DJing in the late 50s and early 60s, but there were others doing it at the same time and even before him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Savile
He takes credit for the first use of twin turntables and microphone. I don't think he is Gay, it's irrelevant - whether he is or not he played to a straight audience.
There are straight DJs, gay DJs, black DJs, white DJs all sorts of DJs. All sorts of people started DJing just because they found themselves with some vinyl, a deck or two and a place to play them. it's just as simple as that. It was people who started DJing.
I've found, though that quite a lot of audiences like high NRG music when they've been taken there by the DJ.
I've got to confess, one of the reasons I started was because I realised that DJs always had plenty of girls interested in them. I don't know if that is still the case, (I've got a neon married sign over my head so don't find out now) but it probably is.
How's about this for a bold statement. The first DJ was definitely English. I know you US DJs won't agree, and will cite people like Alan Freed, but check it out on Wikipedia.
Asymptote
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 4:41 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
The true origins of the DJing are not completely certain, but they trace way back to a man in Otley, West Yorkshire, England as early as 1943 by the name of Jimmy Savile. There are rumors that he was the first man to play vinyl live charging one shilling for admission. Humble beginnings, but the start of something much much bigger.
Jimmy Savile might be considered the first DJ, but the first MODERN DJ and the one who created club DJing is widely accepted as DJ Francis Grasso. The term "modern" DJ meaning the DJ as we know the djing today.
Francis Grasso was born in Brooklyn, New York
He started djing in 1968, before even the first hint of modern Disco based music.
He played at Hell's Kitchen that used to be a German Baptist Church and was probably the very first gay night club or at least the most notorious one. He played there until its closure in 1972.
He eventually quit working as a DJ in 1981 after losing ambition
He died on March 20 in 2001 at the young age of 52.
Jimmy Savile might be considered the first DJ, but the first MODERN DJ and the one who created club DJing is widely accepted as DJ Francis Grasso. The term "modern" DJ meaning the DJ as we know the djing today.
Francis Grasso was born in Brooklyn, New York
He started djing in 1968, before even the first hint of modern Disco based music.
He played at Hell's Kitchen that used to be a German Baptist Church and was probably the very first gay night club or at least the most notorious one. He played there until its closure in 1972.
He eventually quit working as a DJ in 1981 after losing ambition
He died on March 20 in 2001 at the young age of 52.
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 6:03 pm
vpcdj
i read wiki a lot but i wouldnt trust it when it comes to music and stuff like that. i think history of early djing is one of those things that just wasnt record right. and of course 'some ppl' will snatch up all that credit. lol
there must be a real big difference btwn modern day djing and what that ^ homie did in the 50s.
history is flawed. majority writes history. so f history.
yup! ;) i couldnt hold it in.
there must be a real big difference btwn modern day djing and what that ^ homie did in the 50s.
history is flawed. majority writes history. so f history.
yup! ;) i couldnt hold it in.
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 6:14 pm
asymptote
Hi
@dj-in-norway, You know I'm a fan of yours (even in your posts on other forums always fair) I think if you read my post (the one before yours) that I mention Jimmy Savile there. >;)
But he wasn't the first DJ ever, just the first to use twin turntables.
He was actually born in Leeds (which is about 10 miles from Otley) and for many years still owned the small house he lived in with his Mother. I used to live just round the corner from him. He was well known in Leeds for a long time but later on more as a customer because he was a TV personality. People used to say that Jimmy never bought a drink for himself. (or anybody else) It's true to say that he contributed a lot to charity and helped a lot of people too. He's still alive and still lives in Leeds the City he loves (and so do I) but in a luxury Penthouse now.
We should give respect to guys like him because they kicked it off.
He was a true personality DJ and I am sure he wouldn't be too bothered about mixing - I don't think he'll have done it ever in his life, but he sure as eggs are eggs he knew how to please an audience.
@vpcdj
In fact there is very little difference between DJing in the old days (I started in 1973) and now. Music comes out of loudspeakers and people dance to it. You need to play what your audience want and usually they don't give a s**t whether you're using vinyl, CD, Serato, VDJ or a steam iron to create the gig. they just want to get the buzz from the music. And most people on a dancefloor don't listen to the mix and don't care how it's done.. But you're right, it's the winners who write history and Wiki is not an accurate source of research. The Net is full of bad info. Believe it or not some people put bad things about VDJ on there. Such sad people.
Asymptote
@dj-in-norway, You know I'm a fan of yours (even in your posts on other forums always fair) I think if you read my post (the one before yours) that I mention Jimmy Savile there. >;)
But he wasn't the first DJ ever, just the first to use twin turntables.
He was actually born in Leeds (which is about 10 miles from Otley) and for many years still owned the small house he lived in with his Mother. I used to live just round the corner from him. He was well known in Leeds for a long time but later on more as a customer because he was a TV personality. People used to say that Jimmy never bought a drink for himself. (or anybody else) It's true to say that he contributed a lot to charity and helped a lot of people too. He's still alive and still lives in Leeds the City he loves (and so do I) but in a luxury Penthouse now.
We should give respect to guys like him because they kicked it off.
He was a true personality DJ and I am sure he wouldn't be too bothered about mixing - I don't think he'll have done it ever in his life, but he sure as eggs are eggs he knew how to please an audience.
@vpcdj
In fact there is very little difference between DJing in the old days (I started in 1973) and now. Music comes out of loudspeakers and people dance to it. You need to play what your audience want and usually they don't give a s**t whether you're using vinyl, CD, Serato, VDJ or a steam iron to create the gig. they just want to get the buzz from the music. And most people on a dancefloor don't listen to the mix and don't care how it's done.. But you're right, it's the winners who write history and Wiki is not an accurate source of research. The Net is full of bad info. Believe it or not some people put bad things about VDJ on there. Such sad people.
Asymptote
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 8:39 pm
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
"You need to play what your audience want and usually they don't give a s**t whether you're using vinyl, CD, Serato, VDJ or a steam iron to create the gig. they just want to get the buzz from the music. And most people on a dancefloor don't listen to the mix and don't care how it's done.. "
WELL SAID! ;) and so true.. unfortunately way to many djs are focused all on technical parts of djing, where as that is really not the most important part.. :)
Most important part is setting a mood, playing great tunes, create a good atmosphere, and please the crowd ;) A dj is there to entertain, not to show is skills primarily :) But sure, keeping the beat going, and on beat, helps the atmosphere, and easier to make them move.. ;)
WELL SAID! ;) and so true.. unfortunately way to many djs are focused all on technical parts of djing, where as that is really not the most important part.. :)
Most important part is setting a mood, playing great tunes, create a good atmosphere, and please the crowd ;) A dj is there to entertain, not to show is skills primarily :) But sure, keeping the beat going, and on beat, helps the atmosphere, and easier to make them move.. ;)
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 9:43 pm
asymptote
Hi dj-in-norway
You speak with the voice of experience and knowledge. You're right, but I still love the technical stuff, but that's for me so I can do a better job. Now I'll have another glass of wine. I'm not working tonight.
Andy
You speak with the voice of experience and knowledge. You're right, but I still love the technical stuff, but that's for me so I can do a better job. Now I'll have another glass of wine. I'm not working tonight.
Andy
Posted Thu 11 May 06 @ 10:55 pm
PCGumshoe
"Most important part is setting a mood, playing great tunes, create a good atmosphere, and please the crowd ;) A dj is there to entertain, not to show is skills primarily :) But sure, keeping the beat going, and on beat, helps the atmosphere, and easier to make them move.. ;)"
It takes a "Skilled" DJ to "Entertain" some crowds, hence, this topic... which is so off topic.
What skill level would it take to entertain 30 somethings vs 40 somethings vs twinkies vs 20 somethings? Personally, I play to the 30 and 40 something and sing to the 40-70 somethings... All those blue haired ladies love showtunes.... and stereotypically, I sing them.
Did we forget, OP wanted "HELP WITH GAY GIGS"
Hats off to the DJ in England, Hats off to the DJs in the 70s, Hats off to the DJs of the future, but most importantly, Hats off to those who do this, do it well, learn from there mistakes and try to make things better.
It takes a "Skilled" DJ to "Entertain" some crowds, hence, this topic... which is so off topic.
What skill level would it take to entertain 30 somethings vs 40 somethings vs twinkies vs 20 somethings? Personally, I play to the 30 and 40 something and sing to the 40-70 somethings... All those blue haired ladies love showtunes.... and stereotypically, I sing them.
Did we forget, OP wanted "HELP WITH GAY GIGS"
Hats off to the DJ in England, Hats off to the DJs in the 70s, Hats off to the DJs of the future, but most importantly, Hats off to those who do this, do it well, learn from there mistakes and try to make things better.
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 12:06 am
Rune (DJ-In-Norway)
right... back to topic;)
Gay music ? All cheesy disco pop you can think of.. Done a few.. Village People, Donna Summer, Culture Club, Abba, 80s New Wave etc etc
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000003EE6/102-1388933-3640950?v=glance&n=5174
Go from there, and go futher on the links provided on the page
Gay music ? All cheesy disco pop you can think of.. Done a few.. Village People, Donna Summer, Culture Club, Abba, 80s New Wave etc etc
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000003EE6/102-1388933-3640950?v=glance&n=5174
Go from there, and go futher on the links provided on the page
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 12:20 am
Dj Xeo
thats the music most people asociate with gay people but most of my gay friends would laugh if you thought it was a good choice at an upmarket gay crowd club. minouge and turner go down well usual as does venga boys (i fucking love the venga boys! so cheesy yet so clubby and danceable!)
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 1:24 am
asymptote
Yeah, sorry for drifting off topic. @:~) But I had to clarify the mistaken idea that Gay culture invented clubs, DJing and all that stuff.
I'd play these three new 2006 vocal house tracks and big them up all through the night.
No Man - Hardsoul Original Mix
Story of my life feat Andrea Martin (Original extended mix) - Disconfect
Milk and Suger - Has your man got soul
These are surefire winners - even up the tempo a bit if you want.
Some typical high NRG tracks might include (a bit cheesy I know)
Evelyn Thomas High Energy (High Energy Mix)
Dead or alive You spin me right round (Murder Mix)
Dead or alive Come home with me baby
Kristine W The wonder of it all
Abigail, let the joy rise
Donna Summers and B Streisand Enough is enough
madonna ray of light
Debra cooper - live you all over
Barry manilow copacabana 2005 mix from ralph rosario.
But my approach would be to be prepared for some cheese, but to not judge the gig beforehand because it can be soooooooo different when you get there and people can be quite offended if a DJ approaches a night from a preconceived maybe prejudiced viewpoint.
I'd play these three new 2006 vocal house tracks and big them up all through the night.
No Man - Hardsoul Original Mix
Story of my life feat Andrea Martin (Original extended mix) - Disconfect
Milk and Suger - Has your man got soul
These are surefire winners - even up the tempo a bit if you want.
Some typical high NRG tracks might include (a bit cheesy I know)
Evelyn Thomas High Energy (High Energy Mix)
Dead or alive You spin me right round (Murder Mix)
Dead or alive Come home with me baby
Kristine W The wonder of it all
Abigail, let the joy rise
Donna Summers and B Streisand Enough is enough
madonna ray of light
Debra cooper - live you all over
Barry manilow copacabana 2005 mix from ralph rosario.
But my approach would be to be prepared for some cheese, but to not judge the gig beforehand because it can be soooooooo different when you get there and people can be quite offended if a DJ approaches a night from a preconceived maybe prejudiced viewpoint.
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 10:33 am
bagpuss
Maybe "Christina Aguilera - Beautiful" because two men are kissing on the video?, C'mon this all seems a bit pretentious, gay or straight doesn't determine ones taste in music, gotta be an insult.
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 3:10 pm
asymptote
That's what I meant in my last sentences.
We shouldn't assume that certain people like certain music.
However, having visited a couple of gay venues in the past, they certainly had a particular playlist which was similar to the ones I'd mentioned. That could easily have been club specific and not gay specific. Or it might be that a culture begins in a particular bar and because it is so popular it spreads and takes hold.
Look at Heaven in London - Massive gay club, but a very eclectic playlist if you've ever been. An awful lot of vocal and funky house, but some cheesy disco too.
At the end of the day, audiences will usually tell us what they want pretty quickly.
I once played at a major Harley Davidson rally and went in there with all the heavy rock stuff. I put on Born to be Wild and they looked at me as if I was crazy. Mind you they were all 55 year old bank managers wearing leathers. Strange but true. They actually liked disco pretty much (Hmmmm)
By the way, i'm not gay, but I was once told by a gay guy not to knock it if I hadn't tried it. Sometime you don't need to try something to know.
I'm one of those guys who started DJing because of the girls, but then met the girl of my dreams and never strayed.
Asymptote
We shouldn't assume that certain people like certain music.
However, having visited a couple of gay venues in the past, they certainly had a particular playlist which was similar to the ones I'd mentioned. That could easily have been club specific and not gay specific. Or it might be that a culture begins in a particular bar and because it is so popular it spreads and takes hold.
Look at Heaven in London - Massive gay club, but a very eclectic playlist if you've ever been. An awful lot of vocal and funky house, but some cheesy disco too.
At the end of the day, audiences will usually tell us what they want pretty quickly.
I once played at a major Harley Davidson rally and went in there with all the heavy rock stuff. I put on Born to be Wild and they looked at me as if I was crazy. Mind you they were all 55 year old bank managers wearing leathers. Strange but true. They actually liked disco pretty much (Hmmmm)
By the way, i'm not gay, but I was once told by a gay guy not to knock it if I hadn't tried it. Sometime you don't need to try something to know.
I'm one of those guys who started DJing because of the girls, but then met the girl of my dreams and never strayed.
Asymptote
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 4:12 pm
PCGumshoe
"By the way, i'm not gay, but I was once told by a gay guy not to knock it if I hadn't tried it. Sometime you don't need to try something to know. "
Three thoughts on this:
1) I've never eaten human flesh, but I won't know if I like it or not until I do, should I ever need to, of course
2) According to the Kinsey Institute, sexual orientation is on a scale.... some people are closer to straight than gay, and vice versa.... some people fall in the middle....
3) According to Ron White, everybody's a little gay and he can prove it... "You like porno, right? Do you only watch porno with two girls in it? (No, I'll watch a man and a woman making love), Okay, do you like the many to have a small half flacid penis? (No, I like a big throbbing co......)" ;0)
Since we were off subject anyway.
Three thoughts on this:
1) I've never eaten human flesh, but I won't know if I like it or not until I do, should I ever need to, of course
2) According to the Kinsey Institute, sexual orientation is on a scale.... some people are closer to straight than gay, and vice versa.... some people fall in the middle....
3) According to Ron White, everybody's a little gay and he can prove it... "You like porno, right? Do you only watch porno with two girls in it? (No, I'll watch a man and a woman making love), Okay, do you like the many to have a small half flacid penis? (No, I like a big throbbing co......)" ;0)
Since we were off subject anyway.
Posted Fri 12 May 06 @ 5:49 pm