Last time you learnt something from watching a DJ?

[Citizen]

Its funny, I don't ever really 'watch' DJs when I go out, kinda just think its really geekish. :meh: I'm usually heads down and stomping if its really good!

However, on the odd occasion I have actually stopped to observe someone, I've usually picked up something - even if its something really small. Just as equally, I've definately seen what not to do on a number of occasions. :P

Anyone else?

[ferretrock]

I used to all the time... haven't been going to enough gigs of late 'cos my ears have been giving me grief. :(
That said, I haven't found myself learning as much as I'd like at recent gigs... Lack of talent out there, or am I just that good? :P

Last time I remember seeing something and thinking 'woahh, got to do that more when DJing' was probably over a year ago - seeing Simon Caldwell staring down at the crowd like a hawk. He literally stared for about thirty seconds while deciding what tune was right for the vibe. Ever since I make (even more) sure that I'm watching the crowd.

Actually, I lie a little. I saw Ando play and he did some quick mixes (and all mixes, in general) on the crossfader. It sounded good! That said, I haven't really actioned it/gotten x-fader work into my syllabus.

[pEAkeR_hAT]

Since i'm still a nub I pick up heaps of little EQ tips from DJs.


I'm not telling though hahahah

[Sideshow Rod]

I recently learnt that my CDJ should never be taken to gigs because some idiots don't really care and spill drinks :meh:

[Derelict]

I learned how to properly correct vinyl from watching Mark N.

[slackas]

I learn stuff all the time from other dj's... usually something small...

But i honestly don't think ill ever stop learning something from watching other dj's...

Rant: In a Carl Cox interview after being asked if he looks up to any other djs "no not really, *explains*" he did go on to explain a few older dj's he used to admire... But this has got to be one of the only people i have heard who wouldn't learn from other djs :D

But then again, when i go out im usually more focused on having fun than watching the DJ.

[Random_Kiwi]

Derrick May - if you're this damn good, you don't need to pre-cue jack shit! :lol:

Been freaking ages since I've even been in a situation where the booth is located in such a way that you can see what's going on, bar Brown Alley and watching from the mezzanine level...I learn James Zabiela is a fucking God, but fuck knows how he does what he does! haha

[SlicyDicer]

When I watch his tutorials on youtube I get confused and he explains shit in a way a 4 year old should understand.

[Jaakko]

Boy George - I learned you could have longevity, simultaneous fame and noteriety, and be filthy rich, all by being - literally - a cocksucker.

[Citizen]

Derrick May - if you're this damn good, you don't need to pre-cue jack shit! :lol:


For real?

:what:

All those wack, excessive cuts and EQ kills don't drive you nuts?! Listen to the latest RA podcast - I reckon its a masterclass in what not to do.

[Random_Kiwi]

More just talking about how he doesn't pre-cue, he fucks around with EQ and effects till the cows come home, then it's like "Oh, right, new track" drop...IN

Yeah, his over EQ'ing can get annoying...live it's one thing, he creates amazing tension, but on a recorded mix, it can just sound stupid

[Citizen]

Yeah, his over EQ'ing can get annoying...live it's one thing, he creates amazing tension, but on a recorded mix, it can just sound stupid

Fair play, I'm not hte biggest tech fan - but on that RA mix it sounds rubbish, no, amatuerish.

(and yes, I know who he is, and why he's important blah, blah, blah)

I am just amazed that someone of his experience would cut over sustained melodies, like a sweeping pad, or strings or something :rainman:

I mean, there are no rules, of course, but trial and error has taught me this simply sounds wack and unnatural - I find it always sounds better to cut pure rhythms, basslines, and less overtly melodic parts.

[audiointerspace]

Agreed about the latest RA podcast.

Some parts were really not cool IMO.

[Funkedub]

Its funny, I don't ever really 'watch' DJs when I go out, kinda just think its really geekish. :meh:


are you trying to distance yourself from geekdom Citizen? :lol:

If the DJ is getting tricky on the mix i'll get to the front of the dancefloor to keep my eyes on what's going on.

Of course i don't reserve such activities for clubs ... i'll observe folks on the decks at house parties too

[spinliketheworld]

I learnt a bit from seeing Kalus at wah wah

[Random_Kiwi]

Learnt a valuable lesson from Oakenfold back in the day when he played in Auckland...if someone is giving your a big phat rail before your set, find out what the fuck you're hoovering up so as not to end up in the fucking K-Hole in front ot 2000 people and have to have Tiesto save your ass when you can't stand up let alone fucking play!

[wheelo007]

Actually learned from a local set in Arthouse 2 valuable lessons watching a mate play;

1. Even at low levels, don't let people take the piss and push you too far off your set time just because somebody got their set cut short. If people expect to hear you at 1am and instead hear the last guy running 15 minutes over playing Crooklyn Clan shit, they'll assume it's you.
2. Don't let people into the box/booth, (beyond perhaps 1 hot chick...) Nothing worse than people literally cramping your style just so they can dance beside the dj.

[jarrardscott]

used to learn fx/mixing tips from internationals and good locals all the time, now i use completely different gear and most djs use different gear too so generally dont learn anything, besides, they'd be learning off me now :P haha

[BeniC]

Its funny, I don't ever really 'watch' DJs when I go out, kinda just think its really geekish. :meh: I'm usually heads down and stomping if its really good!


Im the dead oposite man, I love grabbing a great vantage point as seeing what the dj is up to and yes i have picked up the odd trick or to by listening and watching.

[ferretrock]

Of course i don't reserve such activities for clubs ... i'll observe folks on the decks at house parties tooHad a dude watching me for about half an hour (from 30cm away) at a houseparty this week... Was a tad weird.

[plan-b]

^^ It's very unnerving...

I've learnt from watching others that I probably look pretty friggin stupid when I play (I get pretty jiggy with it when I play)

[seanious]

Had a dude watching me for about half an hour (from 30cm away) at a houseparty this week... Was a tad weird.

lol 30cm shit, did you feel him against you?

[macc4]

^^ It's very unnerving...

I've learnt from watching others that I probably look pretty friggin stupid when I play (I get pretty jiggy with it when I play)

:lol: that video of you jumping up and down at the front of stage cracks me up

[plan-b]

Pffft that one's old. Check out the ones of me at Global Gathering and Family on Facebook :meh:

[ferretrock]

lol 30cm shit, did you feel him against you?
Well, it's a houseparty. He was supposed to be playing as well, but in his own words, "Do you have CDJs? I don't know how to play vinyl".

[Zooshu]

"Do you have CDJs? I don't know how to play vinyl".


:lol:

[ferretrock]

Just you know... if he'd wanted CDJs there he should've brought them. I brought my own mixer, decks, records, speakers and wouldn't have minded if someone else played... just gotta prepare appropriately.