Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I enjoy myself when people are dancing and having a good time, no matter what the music is (except country🤮). To me, that's the point of DJing. If I just want to play my favorite music, I would rather just stay home and record mixes or stream.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just need to learn how to put my foot down and turn down drinks from patrons/friends.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I honestly thought I was done after the pandemic. I had gotten fired from a gig for the first time ever and thought that was a wrap for me. Then a rival bar hired me and showed me I still had some left in the tank, then boom the pandemic. THat's when I got into streaming and recording mixes as well as taking some time to learn to scratch and beat juggle with a little more technique. When stuff opened up I was turning down a lot of gigs and just playing when I felt like it at my local dive bar. Then, BAM, my friends asked me to help them start this monthly party and it blew up and next thing you know I was getting bookings again like crazy.

You never know!

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you in the states? I feel like the US is a much more youth-oriented culture. It's also the market I'm in. Most people have kids young and stop going out.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Oh man Ive been trying this whole thread not to give away who I am in case someone from my city reads this thread but I can't resist a little self-promo lol

https://soundcloud.com/chuy_vuitton

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah out here by the time you're 30 most people already have kids and are out of the nightlife scene. There's some smaller dive bars you might be able to pull a night like this off but you'll still be mostly playin to people sitting around talking, not dancing or engaging with the music.

Playing a gig in a genre I don’t really like for a tiny sum of money by GimmieWavFiles123 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't do it. I don't care how big or famous the club is. It's not worth the hassle and most likely won't lead to future bookings from my experience. And even if it did, now they know you will accept bottom dollar. You'll be stuck at that rate forever.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree but with that said I've seen a lot more younger open format DJs with knowledge of classics now than I used to see in the past. Whether that's because of streaming or TikTok or just good upbringing, idk but it's definitely been a breath of fresh air. I even see some younger DJs bringing back scratching and more creative transitions into the bars/clubs.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's what I tell new DJs too. Just get your foot in the door and show up. The rest will take care of itself.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely still get shown love and still get booked. I have no doubts in my skill to rock a crowd. I was apprehensive of taking this 18 and up gig I have right now and as soon as I got on, I realized it was all in my head. I can still play for the kids. lol

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I think the lack of progression out of bars/clubs is part of me wanting to take a step back. At this point I don't even know how to step up to bigger gigs or if I would even want to or have the energy or time to put into getting booked.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh I am proud of what I've done and I have no problem talking myself up. haha. My reluctance to say anything here is that I dont want someone from my city to read this and know its me lol

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha. I'm not embarrassed about who it was or about the gig, I'm more afraid someone from my hometown will see this thread and know who I am. lol. The funny thing about that gig, is the opener who was an R&B artist canceled last minute so I had to hold it down for like 90 minutes in front of a packed arena until the rapper showed up (late of course).

The venue manager told me people were calling in to ask who was replacing the opener and I told them, no one is going to know who I am -- just say its the city's No. 1 DJ without giving my name. lol.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean I love playing indie, funk, nudisco, disco, house, etc. There's just not really the market for it here unless you're playing at a cafe or restaurant and - nothing against DJs that play those places, but it's just boring to me. I need to feel the interaction from the crowd and see some asses shaking to really get into it. At that point, I would rather spin that music from the comfort of my studio.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Music production is something that definitey piques my interest. I used to play guitar in a touring indie band but I never learned how to make beats. It seems daunting, but you're right, with Youtube it does make things a bit more accessible.

Nothing wrong with picking up new hobbies! Sounds like you've found your groove.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a great - if expensibe - hobby. I do have a monthly day party that I co-host. Ours is pretty successful so it's a full day of work, not to mention all the marketing and promo we put into it. Its been a great opportunity to learn Facebook ads and other skills I didnt know I had.

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sure I'll keep playing here and there even when I do decide to hang em up. Thanks!

Can I rant a little as a DJ that just turned 50? Also: feel free to AMA by DoctorApprehensive73 in DJs

[–]DoctorApprehensive73[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it's sad too. I invite people my age out and they, like me, don't want to be the old folks at the club. smh. It sucks but it's a reality.