Dj's......Important or not?

[Friday]

Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc.... Now as a buyer of vinyl atleast for the last 1 1/2, I find I still don't care and just buy what I like. People will be like, have you heard so and so and I will look at them and say, "Don't know, how does it go?" Of course NOW, I have a lot more knowledge of the producers and labels that are out there because I am buying, but to be honest I am not on top of every new release that is coming out. Here are my questions, should I be making a more consistent effort in remembering all this info or not? Will this make me a better DJ or not? Now with most of my records at home, I know most of them but sometimes I forget who did what and I just remember how it sounded and go by that.

I know a lot of music but to remember all the titles, producers, year it came out, just seems so tedious but I know a lot of Dj's who do know this stuff and I respect them for that because I have a good library in them except for the ones who won't hum the tune out....yeah you know who you are. :D

Now I don't feel limited by not knowing everything, because if I want a song I'll pursue it. But is it important?

Peace
gf smile.gif

[imported_Chr_stopher]

do you remember lyrics well ??

[D J 1 3 8]

only if it's important to you.

You just need to know your own records like the back of your hand. This definitely makes for a better DJ becuz it directly influences how well you mix them.

As for being up on all the new shit, that's just personal taste. If you aren't felling it, it doesn't really matter unless you are playing to a crowd that demands all the newest latest.

[Friday]

Originally posted by Christopher L. Aquilo:
do you remember lyrics well ?? Yes,...... sing the song, hum it, I'll know it espeacially alot of the older stuff, But song names and shit like that just go over my head unless it has been pounded into my head over & over again.

[Austin/Dallas]

"I know a lot of music but to remember all the titles, producers, year it came out, just seems so tedious"

Sounds Lazy to me!!!!

[Friday]

Originally posted by Austin/Dallas:
"I know a lot of music but to remember all the titles, producers, year it came out, just seems so tedious"

Sounds Lazy to me!!!! How so? Not saying that I just might be ;) Perhaps after a few more years I'll know a lot more, but most of the time it does not stick that is why I am not sure if a more consistent effort will make me better, espeacially with selection. Programming is everything. :D

[richierich]

Personally I don't care to know all that other stuff.. I like the record or I don't I have it or I don't. Being knowledgeable of the artist and who made it and what label and when it came out..has nothing to do with if you like the song or not which is what this is about ..the music that moves you..not all that other stuff..that's DJ elitist stuff. When you are on the dancefloor do you care when it came out or what label it's on?? You just know you like the song. This is only needed when you are trying to find a song . Once you have it that's it. Just my opinion. I can't even name the stuff I bought last week and don't care..I got it.

[Friday]

Originally posted by DJ 138:
You just need to know your own records like the back of your hand. This definitely makes for a better DJ becuz it directly influences how well you mix them.Yes, I work hard on this, I have mixed two records that would just sound awful together, but as I get used to my records and the way they sound the same two records become easier to mix because I know when & where they should be mixed. smile.gif

[Friday]

Originally posted by richierich:
Personally I don't care to know all that other stuff.. I like the record or I don't I have it or I don't. Being knowledgeable of the artist and who made it and what label and when it came out..has nothing to do with if you like the song or not which is what this is about ..the music that moves you..not all that other stuff..that's DJ elitist stuff. When you are on the dancefloor do you care when it came out or what label it's on?? You just know you like the song. This is only needed when you are trying to find a song . Once you have it that's it. Just my opinion. I can't even name the stuff I bought last week and don't care..I got it. I am more apt to agree with what you have just said Richie smile.gif

[JMJ]

Originally posted by gf:
Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc.... Now as a buyer of vinyl atleast for the last 1 1/2, I find I still don't care and just buy what I like. People will be like, have you heard so and so and I will look at them and say, "Don't know, how does it go?" Of course NOW, I have a lot more knowledge of the producers and labels that are out there because I am buying, but to be honest I am not on top of every new release that is coming out. Here are my questions, should I be making a more consistent effort in remembering all this info or not? Will this make me a better DJ or not? Now with most of my records at home, I know most of them but sometimes I forget who did what and I just remember how it sounded and go by that.

I know a lot of music but to remember all the titles, producers, year it came out, just seems so tedious but I know a lot of Dj's who do know this stuff and I respect them for that because I have a good library in them except for the ones who won't hum the tune out....yeah you know who you are. :D

Now I don't feel limited by not knowing everything, because if I want a song I'll pursue it. But is it important?

Peace
gf smile.gif None of that stuff is really important. Buy and play what you like and don't sweat the details. Just continue to enjoy the music.....JMJ smile.gif

[DLow]

Originally posted by gf:
Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc.... Now as a buyer of vinyl atleast for the last 1 1/2, I find I still don't care and just buy what I like. People will be like, have you heard so and so and I will look at them and say, "Don't know, how does it go?" Of course NOW, I have a lot more knowledge of the producers and labels that are out there because I am buying, but to be honest I am not on top of every new release that is coming out. Here are my questions, should I be making a more consistent effort in remembering all this info or not? Will this make me a better DJ or not? Now with most of my records at home, I know most of them but sometimes I forget who did what and I just remember how it sounded and go by that.

I know a lot of music but to remember all the titles, producers, year it came out, just seems so tedious but I know a lot of Dj's who do know this stuff and I respect them for that because I have a good library in them except for the ones who won't hum the tune out....yeah you know who you are. :D

Now I don't feel limited by not knowing everything, because if I want a song I'll pursue it. But is it important?

Peace
gf smile.gif Yo, GF...I think it comes naturally, especially for a cut that you are really feeling. Have you listened a track, purchased it, then once you get it home and really play it loud and it sounds so good it makes you read the credits again, as if to say 'damn, where da f**k this come from and who did it'?
http://deephousepage.com/smilies/eusa_dance.gif

[rob brito]

it's an extremely powerful tool when searching for the music you love through all the means we have today.

reading the credits and knowing as much as you can possibly know about an artist, his background, labels, etc will many times help direct you to where you can make an educated guess as to where you can find it.

example, alicia myers's "i want to thank you" has some other song on the flipside i can't remember and nobody else for that matter...the bidding for this record was incredibly low as people obviously never knew what was on the flipside.

i think the record sold for usd$3.00...knowledge is def power!

[rob brito]

Have you listened a track, purchased it, then once you get it home and really play it loud and it sounds so good it makes you read the credits again, as if to say 'damn, where da f**k this come from and who did it'?
http://deephousepage.com/smilies/eusa_dance.gif [/QB]that's me too!

smile.gif

[John Hall]

I think it's important to know who did what so that
the FANS,
you know, the regular folks and DJs who
BUY MUSIC
can go out there and actually
BUY THE DAMN RECORDS and/or CDs to
SUPPORT the
MUSICIANS
who are making the damn music to begin with.

I hate the elitist, snobby, secretive approach
to DJ culture.

When I have my massive 50th birthday party,
I'm gonna have a few monitors around so that anyone
can SEE THE TITLE AND ARTIST of what's playing,
PLUS I'll provide a printed playlist with the
approximate time that the song was played,
and an indication of whether or not the song is
in print, so you can know whether you gotta go
SEARCHING for it or if it's available at your
favorite stores or what.

Back in 1980-81 Hurrah on w.62nd street had
a video cam aimed at a display of the record
sleeve of whatever was playing, so people could
take notes and BUY THE RECORD IF THEY LIKED IT!

I've never seen that since, though there must
be _some_ clubs somewhere that do something similar.

Why the f*ck to people want to keep
GREAT MUSIC
a personal secret so that no one can buy the
damn songs and support the artists/producers/DJs
who are trying to make a living?

If you don't want to share the music you're not
a real DJ, IMHO, and sharing the music means
not witholding the artist/label/title info from
YOUR CUSTOMERS in the club or party you're at!

Sorry for getting agitated about this topic, but
it reminded me about why I never go out anymore.

[TAD]

of course it's important. if you want to evolve and move onto other areas of the business for example retail/distribution. keeping tabs on the value of yuor collection through various resources is very important. identifying with the artists, producers, remixers etc is another form of intamacy with the music. you connect the dots. it's also important when doing historical research.

[DeesKo]

IMHO

Know what emotion each record invokes within you, know what emotion each record invokes in other people and know when to bring that emotion to the surface (ie putting the needle to the groove).

All the rest of the details will come naturally with time and exposure, but without THAT connection with the songs, all the knowledge in the world is useless.


Peace

Rob

[Friday]

[QB]Originally posted by John Hall:
Back in 1980-81 Hurrah on w.62nd street had
a video cam aimed at a display of the record
sleeve of whatever was playing, so people could
take notes and BUY THE RECORD IF THEY LIKED IT!This so interesting, I don't think they do this at all anymore. They should. I don not play out and have been progressing as a bedroom dj for about a year now, but there will come the time when I will start handing out the cd's and perhaps with luck play out. At that point I would like to have my shit together, so that is why I ask. I liked what you said, elitist I am not more rebel than anything else hence my reluctance to becoming a "browner". But as I get deeper into the art of Djing, I have so many questions and some maybe stupid, but oh well.

Thanks Cosmic for you words, yours are always the loudest and most consistant ;) 11 years and some......

[Koffy Brown]

I can't remember jack...

but I remember what I need to...I would not be able to remember half of the stuff some of you all can...

if I have it I know I have it because I bought it which then I'd know a little history on it...

[Mack-Williams]

I am not a DJ, but I stay up on stuff through listening to mixes on-line. That's why I feel playlist are very important. Also from reading this board. You all will say something is hot they I wait to hear it on someones mix.

[PSEUDO HEAT]

Well i have been playing for 18 years and the disco shit i really remember but the new music I buy i remember what it looks like or the jacket it came or what what color it is or what logo is on it and I know what it is. People come and ask me what is the name of the record and I just show them the cover. I think it depends on the dj. I remeber my records by what label they are on more than who produced it.

[The Real Dragonfly Jones]

Originally posted by AshakiMzuri:
I can't remember jack...In the beginning there was Jack.....

[Nege]

knowing or rembering the credits of a record by heart is something that comes with time.
I'm willing to bet in a years time you'll be able to tell poeple info without looking at the record,
simply
the more records you come across ,the more knowledge you will get and it happens naturally .
at your stage of the game it's not important
YET!!!! ;)
getting to know the structure of the record is more important now(for mixing purposes,breaks intros,bpm, etc.....).


Now the downside is ,
when you have too many records you'll start to forget the information on them or even mix them up................ icon_rofl.gif

[Koffy Brown]

Originally posted by XL:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by AshakiMzuri:
I can't remember jack...In the beginning there was Jack..... </font>[/QUOTE]he didn't leave a good impression...

[jurren]

i don't know if it's important.
i do think that it can come in handy when shopping for new records:
you can quickly determine what releases might be off interest, and what releases might not be what you're looking for, especially when buying from more than one genre, and you don't want to spent all day in the recordstore.
on the other hand you might miss a couple of new releases this way, because the artist is new, new label etc.

jurren

[mdpm99]

Originally posted by XL:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by AshakiMzuri:
I can't remember jack...In the beginning there was Jack..... </font>[/QUOTE]& Jill went up the hill
to fetch a pail of pills.

d

[Friday]

Originally posted by AshakiMzuri:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by XL:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by AshakiMzuri:
I can't remember jack...In the beginning there was Jack..... </font>[/QUOTE]he didn't leave a good impression... </font>[/QUOTE]Bwahahahaha! icon_rofl.gif

[Jolyon]

John Hall graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Music is for sharing...

[mdpm99]

Originally posted by Jolyon:
John Hall graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Music is for sharing... If I may, I would like to second that emotion

graemlins/beerchug.gif

d

[Friday]

Originally posted by david mancuso:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Jolyon:
John Hall graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Music is for sharing... If I may, I would like to second that emotion

graemlins/beerchug.gif

d </font>[/QUOTE]Three times a lady......... ;) Most agreed. graemlins/cheering.gif

[Friday]

Thank you guys for the replies. I am a lot more conscious now as I step a little more further into the forum. You guys gave me a lot of food for thought and much to chew on...very fruity I must add. graemlins/grinyes.gif

[BigPoppa]

The BIGGEST difference I see between DJs from the old days and from today....the senior crew had no problems sharing the information about music. But we have all seen some who would prefer to slap a white label over a record just to hide its identity. Sad. Much graemlins/respekt.gif to those who share.

[Querck]

what's up gf!

Don't force yourself to do anything that comes unnaturally--so if you don't feel like memorizing titles and names, don't do it, cause the only important part is the music. However, when you really catch the fever of shopping for records, this kind of knowledge will save you immense amounts of time.

When I look for records, I always look for labels and producers that I trust--those that fit into my taste, and if I have some extra time I will dive into uncharted territory--a very good thing to do from time to time.

peace.

[Kenrick _]

i am the same way as you gf, as i am not knowlegeable about the "who's ans whens." however, the more and more i read this board the more and more i make a concious choice to read labels and such. this is kind of funny though, cause i will read the credits on an older release and be like "damn he worked on that too? he's been around for a while," or something silly like that.

all in all i don't force myself to delve into reading credits all the time but i am developing the habit.

i would also like to add that the more and more you play out the more and more you will start remembering the details and almost naturally start memorizing the credits.

good luck to you...

me

[Soleful]

Great post, GF. When I first started reading some the posts here, I felt as if I didn't know ISH. When heads would start droppin their knowledge not only about versions, artist, producers, but also about catalog numbers :eek: Yeah I realized how deep heads really are in here. And a previously said, with time all that will become a part of your lingo also. Patience and dedication as you've always displayed in here will pay off in good time. Good luck!!!

[AD]

gf,

I never remember titles either, but when an artist/dj has at least two or three quality tunes then I definitely keep them in mind. However, there are some that are just one hit wonders and the rest of their productions IMO are just so-so. Just buy what you feel and if you like it then that's really all that matters. If you feel it and you play it with passion then you'll shine. But no, I don't think it makes anyone a better DJ because they can remember names. Just my too sense. graemlins/cool_shades.gif

[Friday]

I am on point with all you guys points of view, I am glad I posted this graemlins/respekt.gif to each and all of you.

THANKS hail.gif

[AK]

gf, I tend to remember details, but as others have said it's really not that important. I would look at it two ways--as a "DJ" and as a purchaser/consumer of music.

As a DJ, you need to know your records well and be able to remember them, find them, etc. But that could be based on the label, the color of the sleeve, the way you index them at home, or the way you pack your bag to play out (and you will!). Just find a means of recognition/identification that works for you. It sure doesn't have to be remembering the names of all the artists and titles.

As a consumer, however, it helps to learn the details of at least the stuff you really like. After a while (as you probably have already), you start to get a feel for certain artists, producers, remixers, labels, etc. that make the kinda stuff you like. It helps you become a better, more efficient shopper...which I suppose in turn helps make you a better DJ.

On a personal note, it's so exciting to see anyone new--especially a lady--beginning to climb that DJ mountain with interest, passion, dedication and the innocence to ask such appropriate and relevant questions in a forum such as this. You do yo thang, girl. We're all behind you. smile.gif

[dennis f]

Originally posted by gf:
Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc....GF this is not at all geared towards you so please don't feel insulted. In actuality i'm just using your statement to enforce a thought.

I don't know I may be crazy but can any of you guys see what's wrong with our genre from this one statement? Mind you this is the general consensus from average joe/jill. Any thoughts?


laters

[Friday]

Originally posted by dennis f:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by gf:
Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc....GF this is not at all geared towards you so please don't feel insulted. In actuality i'm just using your statement to enforce a thought.

I don't know I may be crazy but can any of you guys see what's wrong with our genre from this one statement? Mind you this is the general consensus from average joe/jill. Any thoughts?


laters </font>[/QUOTE]Dennis, no offence taken at all smile.gif because I too can see the implications with that one statement as it is geared to this genre of music which maybe the reason of it's decline. To my defence back in the late 80's I was drunk as sin, but that is a whole other story biggrinangel.gif ;)

I think for myself it has become a bad habit, due to the fact that I never bothered to find out many of the song titles and names of producers. I was on the dance floor having a good time and did not see the point because I had a lot of Dj's as friends and they took that stuff serious.

After reading many of the posts here and especialy John Hall's post, it has made me think a lot.

Now, becoming more inclusive with the average joe/jill's.......YES! this is thier thoughts. The lack of radio, video, magazine & DJ support has created an almost vacumn for this genre of music. There needs to be more support in getting this music out there!!!

It sounds so simplistic to put such a statement up there, but it was the truth, however, there is so much importance in that one statement which was why I was questioning myself and then brought it to the board.

My tune has changed, but what about the average joe/jill's out there? :( Something more to chew on.

[Friday]

Originally posted by AK:
On a personal note, it's so exciting to see anyone new--especially a lady--beginning to climb that DJ mountain with interest, passion, dedication and the innocence to ask such appropriate and relevant questions in a forum such as this. You do yo thang, girl. We're all behind you. smile.gif [/QB]Thank you AK so much, that just made my day.
graemlins/cheering.gif

[%seRge%]

I have found that organizing records alphabetically helps keep the info fresh in my mind. Some very important points have been raised. I agree with what Dysko said about remembering the emotion that each record invokes is what is really important.

just my 2 cents

peace gf

[ August 30, 2003, 05:02 PM: Message edited by: %seRge% ]

[AK]

Originally posted by gf:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by AK:
On a personal note, it's so exciting to see anyone new--especially a lady--beginning to climb that DJ mountain with interest, passion, dedication and the innocence to ask such appropriate and relevant questions in a forum such as this. You do yo thang, girl. We're all behind you. smile.gif Thank you AK so much, that just made my day.
graemlins/cheering.gif [/QB]</font>[/QUOTE]http://deephousepage.com/smilies/thumb.gif

[BigPoppa]

Originally posted by %seRge%:
I have found that organizing records alphabetically helps keep the info fresh in my mind. Some very important points have been raised. I agree with what Dysko said about remembering the emotion that each record invokes is what is really important.

just my 2 cents

peace gf HEAR HEAR!!!! I have always arraigned my library this way too, mainly so I don't fall into a BPM trap.

[JMNYC]

Another great DHP thread!

I agree with Mr. John Hall as well, that it is very important because as DJs our job is very much about selling music, whether we like it or not. If the record doesn't sell, the artist might not be able to make another, and then who's screwed? The people on our dancefloor, the label, us, the entire club community.

GF, I also agree with %Serge% as far as organization is concerned- it helps a lot if you start cataloging your records early on.

Also, if you ALWAYS record your sets and ALWAYS write a playlist ... the old rule of using multiple senses - seeing, writing, saying, hearing - really helps you remember which record is whom and what label, etc. etc. etc.

[Hk]

Not really important if you plan on
blistering your own road. Retaining
information is critical, but mostly
for conversation sakes (information).

What's important is your musical
platform, the quality of your music.
I guess it depends on what you want
to achieve.

Loads of work for me to do and considering
the ways things have been going, I am
taking a minimal approach to the matter.
Playing what sounds good and working
on establishing a sounder platform where
my other no so known pieces can be digested.
Working on the technical end too....

[Nege]

Originally posted by dennis f:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by gf:
Been listening to "house music" for the last 16 years, never cared who made the song, sung it, produced etc etc....GF this is not at all geared towards you so please don't feel insulted. In actuality i'm just using your statement to enforce a thought.

I don't know I may be crazy but can any of you guys see what's wrong with our genre from this one statement? Mind you this is the general consensus from average joe/jill. Any thoughts?


laters </font>[/QUOTE]The average Jill/Joe that does not care about who the artist,producer or label is a problem .
means that in most peoples eyes(outside of our genre),the music has no identity,
hence our low level in the industry's chain.
DJ's playing songs and discarding them in a week or two as well as keeping them a secret from those who want to know what they are playing is also a problem .
this promotes our genres slow death.
death of an artist that won't get exposed and death of a producer that won't get exposed in order to find more work.
and death of a stlye of music that future generation won't care about because to them it doesn't exist.
I sound like broken record but I'll keep saying it no matter how many times it annoys people that can't handle the truth.

My 2 cents canadian.

[blackwax]

Originally posted by gf:
I am on point with all you guys points of view, I am glad I posted this graemlins/respekt.gif to each and all of you.

THANKS hail.gif I think you will be suprised at just how much knowledge you have stored in your mind without knowing it!!
Sometimes it just a recall problem you will have knowledge just from buying/playing tunes for so long it will just take something to help you recall it.
I have a friend into soul and he can recall an imense amount of info on a record instantly some can some can't but it dom't mean you don't know just can't remmember

I hope this makes sense