So I was recently talking to one of the guys I know that promote for some of the clubs here in Dallas, and I casually brought up the fact that I don’t use CDJ’s or Vinyl at all, and he flipped shit! He went on this rant that the clubs he promotes, only like this or that, blah blah blah, saying that my craft was immature and nonprofessional. I lol-ed on the inside, but as much of a jerk I am, I couldn’t come back with a witty comeback - other than my gear takes 5 minutes to set up and works just as effectively if not better than DVS or burned CD’s.
What are some of y’alls replies in this situation, just for kicks I think its interesting, there’s always the CDJ vs vinyl debate going on, but controllers seem to slip through most of the time.
that is the problem with the guys with this obsession about their gear. You did not need to tell him that and maybe that will cost you a gig. Just show up at the venue and plug the controller really nobody cares but if you tell the that you are not using, what in his eyes is, professional equipment you just shoot you in your feet. In the other hand does not hurt you use cdj´s or turntables, will make you a more complete dj.
Before I answer, just a quick question, when most DJs at a club use Vinyl they are using DVS right? Just making sure my argument would hold up as I have never really looked into vinyl. However I did use this response a little while ago, but I am not sure how accurate it is.
My answer (If they do use DVS and not run around with a crate full of vinyl):
“Hey, you’re laughing at me for using a controller but you do know most DJs who use vinyl aren’t really using vinyl right? They’re using DVS which is just like me using a controller but they’re pretending they’re playing on vinyl. They’re using a laptop just like me, but with my setup I can actually activate and use more features off my laptop than a vinyl / CDJ DJ. Not to mention the coolest (imo) techniques to use can all be done with much more ease and precision than on ‘vinyl’.”
I always make sure I speak with convection so even if it’s not entirely true what I stated above it seems like it is, and people won’t really argue with you - especially promoters (as long as they have no idea what you’re talking about).
I had an argument like that with a local promoter a few days ago (met the dude at my college) and he was promoting for Shark Club (A local 18+ on weekdays, 21+ on weekends) place and after I said that he stopped arguing and was actually intrigued by the S4 since I said thats what I use.
If what I stated above is false - then excuse the noobness please.
Coldfuzion: You are right but believe me most of the promoters do not want to be left like they do not know the game and they will perceive as a problematic guy. Again get the gig and believe me if you are doing a good show he will not ask and not even care. Promoters do not like noobs tell them how the bussines are.
Villinus: With that attitude , a noob will find hard to play in good venues, because you will be amazed of the guys with the same skills who take the job, deliver and not trying to be smartass. In my opinion is useless going that way
The promoter is 19 years old - it’s not like what he thinks about my gear matters. I just think it’s funny how people think what the DJ uses is important, I mean it is to an extent, but if they can do what they do well using what they have, it shouldn’t matter to anyone.
But in regard to me apparently having a obsession with my gear? How is having pride about my gear anyone’s concern? Never did I bash one medium vs another, because that’s all it is, a different medium for the same substance (music). I’m not trying to start an argument, just stating that having pride has nothing to do with skill or preference.
Nothing to do with your “pride”. It is a suggestion take or leave it, believe nobody will care, and if your goal is taking gigs just be polite and make him realize he is wrong with your performance, not arguments. I use cd´s, turntables, serato, traktor whatever they got, always carry a vci100 with an audio 4dj as a backup if their equipment does not work good. So never had to refuse a gig or getting in pointless discussions and if their gear does not work properly they love you because you save the night. Then more and more gigs, simply like that.
Good for you tito, you’re just a master of all. But it doesn’t justify anything. Sorry. I have no issue getting gigs and that’s all that matters. This isn’t my primary source of income, if it is for you, more power to you. But again, this whole thread wasn’t about anyone getting denied a gig. It was about what a funny response would have been. If you love music, you love music. You just added your two cents about getting gigs and not getting gigs. No where was getting a gig brought up, he just said the clubs he promotes for like CDJ and vinyl. Just cause they prefer that, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to turn you down. This has turned more into a flaming war than anything - from something that was meant to be funny and taken lightly. Obviously a cord was struck.
in dallas here, haven’t come up to this. i’ve actually seen the opposite in my clubs but we don’t work too much with independent promoters. when a few dvs guys did events with us, all of the residents (including me) felt left behind, and now we’re all on traktor or serato (50/50).
as for a response, i’d just say ‘my job is to rock parties and my gear hasn’t been a problem’
Ohhh americans… i am posting with an opinion and you take personally, i am giving a recommendation and you fell atacked. “flaming war” hu. Do not bother i will leave with your PUBLIC discussion alone in that case maybe you will hear or read what you want to.
Cheers
theres a guy that owns a club in my town, he won’t let DJ’s use DVS or laptops at all because ‘it looks like your checking ur email all night’…i just laughed and walked away, now ive a residency in the place next door which is larger and now packed every friday night
This is probably one of the most important suggestions in this thread.
I cannot stress this enough: DIVERSIFY YOUR DJ RESUME.
It cannot possibly hurt to know how to use CDJs, Vinyl, etc (same for software).
I use a VCI and Traktor Pro live, but I have Scratch Live installed and if the opportunity is presented that I can only use something like a Serato box and CDJs (that the club has for example), I would be able to do so with no problem.
All DJs have absolutely nothing to loose and so much to gain by learning how to use standard DJ gear that you may not own.
i mention that i have used all 3, and find controllers to be most effective method of delivering a high quality performance and more convenient than lugging a vinyl bag around
I think people are misinterpreting the thread as the comments pile on.
All he was asking is what you would say in response to what the club promoter told him, he is NOT starting a discussion or comparing different hardware mediums that you can DJ with.
I think its interesting, there’s always the CDJ vs vinyl debate going on, but controllers seem to slip through most of the time.
