Anyone Who Has Ever DJed Will Appreciate This Article on Clueless Booth Guests
From Digital DJ Tips, courtesy of Chris Mihas. Any of this sound familiar?
Having DJed for nearly 17 years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how the industry has evolved, and I must say this is an exciting time to be a DJ. One thing that I don’t find exciting, though, is the lack of knowledge people have about music nowadays.
Indeed, to be honest I find it very disappointing. I don’t ever recall a time when people were so unsure about song titles and artists, and nowhere is it clearer than when people try to give DJs song requests. If you’re a working DJ and you’re reading this, then I’m sure you can relate to my point.
I’ll bet you’ve had someone come to the booth and say something along these lines: “Um, do you have that song; it’s really popular right now?” or, “Do you have the song with that guy in it? I forget the name.”
I’ve often wondered to myself, why the heck is this happening? Has the general public always been this clueless about music and I’m just noticing this now?
Dialed across to station X this morning, slightly before 8 a.m. DJ ended with announcing an upcoming 40 year old song, and a second tidbit about a separate U2 song. Went to commercials. Returned with an announcement of an 80s Yes (band) song. Held for the traffic and weather updates, then played the Yes song. A major station, big smoke Toronto, morning show hours – therefore part of Canada's top radio DJ marketplace…
Er, you mean that 40 year-old U2 song? No wonder then.
Shazam is your friend!
Brings back great memories from my "on-air" days Alan.
Caller: "Hey can you play that song"
Me: "and which song is that"
Caller: "you know the one with the guy singing about love"
Me: "oh the one with the guitar in it?"
and this would go on for a while because sometimes I just needed to be entertained as well.
Musical intelligence can be proportionate to the venue level you are dj’ing. As a general rule, the deeper the level, the better the music and educated listeners. Skim along the commercial surface and you’ll remain with the musically-challenged folk (eg. OMG…have you like got that song that goes na nana nanannaa?). Just a sweeping analogy as there is always exceptions to the rule.