What Seasoned and New DJs Can Learn From Each Other
November 5, 2024
The internet is full of conversations regarding rifts between old school and new school DJs. If it’s not differing philosophies about sharing libraries, it’s a debate about using the sync button. Technology, trends and time have contributed to divisive thoughts. However, the things that seasoned and new DJs can learn from each other rarely gets discussed. Here are a few ideas older and new DJs can come together and mutually benefit from.
Music Appreciation
Music styles change, sometimes drastically, from generation to generation. DJs’ libraries should change with them, but that doesn’t always happen. For relevancy and historical crowd appreciation, seasoned and new DJs should trade ideas about music across the years.
We all know Aretha Franklin sounds nothing like Janet Jackson. Neither does Rob Base sound like Drake, Madonna like Taylor Swift or Fatboy Slim like Avicii. But what do they have in common? They are all hitmakers in their respective times, and they all had hits that resonate with people at a party. Instead of debating if “old school music” sounds better than music today, conversations about what makes music “good music period” is a much more productive conversation.
Likewise, today’s dance and urban music, while sounding very different than the music of the past, is extremely relevant to today’s youth. A wealth of “classics” may not mean much to younger crowds. Legacy DJs can learn from newer DJs what today’s music looks and sounds like when mixed well. Remember that a leader isn’t a leader if he doesn’t have followers. The same goes for DJs. No matter how many years you’ve been doing your thing, if you’re not catering to crowds with musical tastes that differ from your generation, you’re not doing your job. Just ask Questlove.
Industry Efficiency
As with any business, time is money. Most DJs welcome ideas about saving time or being more efficient in their craft. Again, time and experience can help both older and new DJs on the entertainment spectrum.
Seasoned DJs, very generally speaking, have an advantage when it comes to business interactions in the industry. As such, younger DJs have an opportunity to learn from them in many ways. When it comes to things like contracts and properly getting paid, longevity provides much-needed wisdom. Newer DJs can have access to that wisdom by forging relationships with legacy DJs. Hearing stories of the pitfalls and ditches to avoid can help younger entertainers navigate their businesses more carefully. This is extremely beneficial. Also seasoned DJs learned to mix before technology gave so many helping tools. Mastering the art of Mixing with your ears alone, is faster, more natural & allows you freedom from any handicap. New DJs can can definitely learn a thing or two about the art of mixing from seasoned veterans, and they should take advantage of that.
When it comes to technology, new DJs most times have the advantage, again generally speaking. Technology changes much more rapidly today versus the days of simple hardware options. As products of the Digital applications, vast options of controllers and event expansions like JammText provide a host of enhancements for DJs today. Navigating the arena could be difficult, especially if you’re not used to all of the bells and whistles in the latest technology. Guidance from new DJs who are more familiar can be beneficial (and perhaps more profitable) in the long run. Also, new DJs tend to be younger in age and often times stay more in tune to the latest trends. The fact is they are surrounded by it more because they tend to have more associations in that age group. Seasoned Djs can benefit from keeping a relationship with 1 or 2 younger DJs.
Regardless of age or experience, we’re all in this industry together. And in various ways, we all have respect for the art and business involved in what we do as DJs and entertainers. It would serve us all to find similarities and support for each other. Not only will it ultimately help us perfect our craft, but it will also help us strengthen the DJ community as a whole.