Adding To The Clutter

St. Augustine and the DJing dilemma (Part 2)

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:16:00 -0800

Quite some time ago, I posted about the local scene here in Saint Augustine (and no, this was not the post about the venue I had a nightmare of an experience with)... and with the events that have transpired over the past few months, I'm thinking maybe its time to amend my post, and/or update my view of the local landscape (so to speak).

First and foremost, the fellas from Classic Blends have taken me in, and for that, I'm definitely greatful. Both Hu and Natural are great guys, good DJs, and stand-up businessmen. They've invited me to play multiple parties, given me carte blanche in regards to music selection, and generally been very supportive of me as a DJ, as well as supporting my radio show. For the first time in a long time, I'm attaching Subliminal Messages' name to an event, in collaboration with them, so I imagine that should put into perspective how our working relationship has developed.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to shout out DJ Josh Frazetta and Mardi Gras Mike for their support and friendship as well... and of course, Raggamuffin still holds me down, and gets my sincere and deep respect.

Now, on to the heart of why I felt inclined to write...

I'm not going to be inflating my ego here, but I have gotten close to a breaking point with the localized drama. These "DJs" around town, shooting their mouth off about being the "real" DJs in town in regards to their music, and "mixing" has brought out a seriously disturbing side of my personality. Honestly, I'm not an angry person by most definitions of the word... and I really do dislike BS like this, but I just can't help but to say something - even if it is strictly on a blog post that most people won't read. Even still, in keeping with my own rule of not "naming names," I'll briefly explain my gripes.

First and foremost: Keep my name out of your mouth unless you've got something worthwhile to say. Its the age old "if you don't have anything nice to say" rule.
You want to critique my mixing? Fine. You want to critique my radio show? No problem. You want to critique the events I throw? All good. You want to talk s*** about me to people I may or may not know, just to make yourself feel better about your lack of skill and talent? Now we have a problem. Oh, and when you call yourself the "only local source for electronic music," we've got some serious issues.

Now, I'm one of those people who believe that if you don't have haters, you're not doing something right. So, based on my own mantra, and the immense amount of 'hate' coming from these "DJs," I guess we're really making some waves. (And yes, I keep placing "DJs" in quotes because I feel like referring to these guys as actual DJs cheapens the term for those of us who didn't just give ourselves the title.)

Hu, Natural and I did an interview for a local publication last night. I'd like to re-iterate one of the main points of conversation: DJing is an art. Its work. It takes years of practice and paying dues. Its more than just grabbing some music and playing random tunes for people in a room. "Real" DJs spent years of their lives in bedrooms, living rooms, garages and basements, playing music for no one, perfecting their craft, tightening their skills, and learning their music. They've gone through thousands of dollars of equipment, and even more in records (read: actual records... you know, those things no one buys anymore), simply because they enjoy DJing... and not for people, but for themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've played a 3 hour set to an empty room. I'm sure my dog enjoyed it (actually, he probably hated it), but the only reason I was doing it was because it made me happy... Not because I expected to get a gig. Not because I wanted to get paid. Not because I wanted to be a star. I did it because it was something that I could lose myself in, and really feel one with the music.

These "DJs" expect to be top-billed and center stage. They want prime timeslots, and no one to tell them what to play or how to play it. Well, I'm sorry fellas, but there are still some of us out here who remember what its like to be a real DJ: to show up to a venue week in and week out, begging the owner or promoter for a chance to get just 15 minutes to show what you could do. I remember working for free for weeks or months, playing and promoting three to four gigs a week, hoping your time and effort would eventually land you something as simple as an invitation to come back or maybe - if you were lucky - a free drink.

Even more, I've yet to be impressed by these jokers. Seriously, you can that "mixing?" When you literally fade in one tune over a breakdown, you're not mixing, simple as that. Try a little something we like to call "beatmatching," then come talk to me. Let your mix roll for 8, 16, 32 or even 64 measures (if you even know what that means), and maybe we'll have some equal footing to stand on. And while we're at it, your software automatically syncing your tunes to the same speed definitely does not make you a DJ. Re-dubbing your tunes to the same BPM? That's cheating too... just in case you were wondering.

Do this: take two turntables (those are record players, by the way - quit calling your CDJs "turntables"), two tunes and a mixer, beatmatch them, create a quality mix, and while you're doing that, read your crowd and pay attention to the vibe. If you can't do that, please refrain from referring to yourself as a DJ. You're making the rest of us look like chumps. And while you're at it, you may want to reconsider that name, homie... a little tongue-in-cheek is fine, but you're actually serious, and that's just depressing. (And I'm not hating on CDJs at all... we're all happy we don't have to lug around 100+ lbs. of records, but the looping effect to cover your off-beat mixes just makes it more painful to listen to. Its called a "trainwreck," and you just did it.)

Yes, I am speaking to specific folks out there. There are literally hundreds of thousands of DJs in this world - and I'd say 80% or more are better at it than I am, without question... but you guys? You're not even in the same sport, let alone in my league, so go enjoy your pseudo-status as a "DJ," and I'll keep my head low, keep on my grind, and keep doing what I do... like it or not.

Come see us some time... We'll even give you a free lesson.

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St. Augustine and the DJing dilemma (Part 2)

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