I started my dj career at a rollerskating rink in the early 80’s. It was a time when music was simple. There was not a problem with content. Bad language & words were not an issue. The kinds of music were not as diversified. If someone said rock or pop it was easy to know what they wanted to hear. Working at a roller rink it was easy to be a dj as people would skate no matter what. Couples skates were easy as well as a slow song or semi slow song would always work. During this time I was on top of the world, I was 17 and already starting my career that would last for 33 years & still more to come. I was doing everything I could to hear the newest music I could find. Trying to stay a head of the charts was my mission from that point forward. As most dj’s of the time, what made you hirable was your collection of music & the sound system you had to work with. There was competition but only ones that would buy the music needed to make things happen. Your fan based would rely on you to have their music as they would not have it most of the time. I found that over time somethings change but other things have not. The big thing is how you take care of your fan base. Back when I was learning the ropes mixing was just starting to be why you would go see a dj. The early years of hip hop is where I began. Taboo styles of music were beginning to form & I was hip to play it all. I like to say I always play it they way it was ment to be heard. The only problem with that in todays world is now the music has gotten way out of hand. You have to think about your crowd & what they will accept.
I think the best way for myself to explain my eary years as it was a simpler time & the requests were easier. You had less to worry about & there was rated g music that was the demand of the public. I will continue my early years & stories in future blogs. If you have any questions or comments please add them below! May your music rock!