When I started djing I thought I knew best about what folks wanted to hear. I fell pray to the idea that I knew what good music was. I felt that I knew best & If I liked it they should too. Boy was I wrong about that. Music is here today & gone tomorrow. The big hit of the summer will soon be replaced by the hits of the winter & the cycle goes on. This goes for all formats of music. people talk about Pop music as being “Sell outs” meaning the artist gave in to the demands of the public. I don’t think this is the case as what I believe the artist just puts so much music out there and sooner or later people begin to hear it. I like to think of this as the “Build up effect”. They get this huge hit & people discover the rest of the work they have done. Music will always change & so will the ears that hear it. As a dj you need to put your ideas of what is good & bad a side. I say this is because I always start the night fishing for that song that will rock the dance floor. The funny part about this is it is always the song I least expect. Also the songs I don’t like at times tend to be the ones I get stuck playing the most. It never fails when it comes to pleasing the crowd on any given night.
I find it is easier to go with a style than it is to go with just playing the hits. If you are a request dj like I am then this should be common place for you. The night should be set up in sets of music with the idea that you are going to get some crazy requests that will up set the apple cart at times. If you get a big party of dancer requesting music & your format lets you do requests then cater to them. Also if you have conditioned your crowd to your style make sure you stick with it. People will let you know by their actions on what they will & will not do when it comes to the dance floor. The big thing is to remember who you are there for! If your are an entertainer then entertain. The work of any given dj is very hard from time to time. They have one time to get it right & that is an every night idea.
Music will change & as long as you are in the business you will have to play music you don’t like. Take your time & leave your pride behind. Get to know your club & the customers you are there for. Keep track of the regulars & what they like. Sooner or later you will have a strong on going crowd. If you are getting to the point of not wanting to give in to the music culture. It might be time to get out. How ever you look at this remember the industry will always be changing & if you don’t stay up with the times you will be left behind.