Many people believe that being a DJ simply involves pressing the play button and letting the music run. It’s often assumed that anyone with a laptop who can play music anywhere qualifies as a DJ. To the general public, a Disc Jockey can be someone who has an aux cord and can play popular songs at gatherings because they’ve created a high-energy playlist. Allow me to explain what being a DJ truly means and how common perceptions can be somewhat vague.
Introduction
Allow me to introduce myself briefly: I’m DJ Cruze from the NYC metropolitan area, and I’ve played at various events. In my 15+ years as a DJ, I’ve performed at a wide range of venues, each with its own unique atmosphere, which has pushed me to excel. One common theme I’ve discovered at every event is “UNITY.” Unity is when the collective mind works in unison and everyone is enjoying the soundtracks.
Through my career, I’ve learned no matter how skilled or experienced a person can be, there’s always be obstacles to overcome. For example: song requests, technical difficulties, or simply nerves getting the best of someone. As a firm believer I believe, it’s our mission to become a student to every genre while continuing to be a student of the craft. A person sees the name “DeeJay” in front of their name and classifies them as a “Person that plays music.” I’m here to mention, I would classify a DJ to be a technician.
Let me briefly define what a technician is, in the Merriam Webster, technician is defined by two items:
- A specialist in the technical details of a subject or occupation.
- One who has acquired the technique of an art or other area of a specialization
Under these terms, it’s clear to categorize these people technicians. A disc jockey specializes in the art of blending music live and develops skills not only as an entertainer but also in creating an effective playlist. There can be times when this technician needs to address issues like faulty wires or a crowd that isn’t responding to the music. This situation requires an ‘outside-the-box’ mindset, where the technician must assess whether the risk is worth the potential reward on the next soundtrack. Given these conditions, it’s evident that a DJ is a specialist in the technical aspects of their role or someone who has honed their skills through the art of their craft.
This principle is called T.I.M.E.
The process of understanding the demand of the business can result in leaving loved ones on weekends. Insecurities and uncertainties developing due to the pressure of other DJs and distrusting in one-self. Maturity is gained through consistent efforts and dedication, building confidence through repetitions. Experience comes from performing in front of an audience, challenging themselves and understanding one’s limitations.
It’s always amusing to me when I attend gatherings. I enjoy everyone’s song selections when they DJ, but one common issue I often witness is burnout. Burnout occurs when the person in charge of the music runs out of songs to play. Typically because they’ve used up all the popular tracks too quickly. An experienced DJ would avoid this by pacing the playlist and creating a balance of high and low-energy songs. By doing this, it will keep everyone engaged and set the right tone for the event. As we love may Spotify and Apple Music, these digital streaming platforms often fall short at gatherings that require a DJ to manage the music effectively.
The general audience often perceives being a DJ as simple. People think that controlling the aux cord and playing music qualifies someone as a DJ, without considering the additional factors involved. DJs are technicians who use a wide range of tools compared to someone simply playing music from their phone. Furthermore, a DJ applies the T.I.M.E. Principle to master the art of crafting a playlist that everyone can enjoy. So, next time you’re at a gathering, ask yourself: Will my playlist hold up at this party?
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