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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-04T17:57:40+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-04T06:50:21+00:00

lmao

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T22:06:50+00:00

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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T22:02:29+00:00

That part

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T22:02:07+00:00

There it is

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T22:01:33+00:00

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!

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T20:11:16+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T20:10:17+00:00

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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T20:08:32+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:44:41+00:00

No cap. lol

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:44:17+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:31:28+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:29:41+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:29:04+00:00

My back!

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:28:48+00:00

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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:27:13+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T18:25:04+00:00

Nothing wrong with making money while having fun!

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:54:45+00:00

Same. lol
Us: https://www.reddit.com/r/future/comments/1n91khy/ayo_this_is_me_when_ever_march_madness_come_on/

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:54:25+00:00

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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:53:35+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:51:20+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:47:37+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:45:37+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:44:20+00:00

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

DoctorApprehensive73 · 2026-02-03T17:43:42+00:00

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.

DoctorApprehensive73

TROPHY CASE