Now that deejaying has finally caught on in Grahamstown, nearly every Tom, Dick and Mary thinks they have what it takes to make it big on the decks. But is it actually as easy as it sounds?
Now that deejaying has finally caught on in Grahamstown, nearly every Tom, Dick and Mary thinks they have what it takes to make it big on the decks. But is it actually as easy as it sounds?
So, you've gathered together a collection of music and got hooked up with the right software. When can you throw the term “DJ” before or after your name and say, “Yeah, I’ve made it!”?
With so many upcoming DJs on the market, those who actually DJ for a living are slowly being thrown off track. The perks that come with new, unknowns are convenient for club-owners. They can now pay next to nothing for a young, inexperienced “DJ” to entertain their crowds, instead of having to cough up hard cash for the professionals.
Time was when going out on the weekends meant appreciating good. Now, it's mostly simply getting drunk and seeing where the night may lead. As long as there’s something to bob your head and move around to on the dance floor, the intoxicated crowd is happy.
This had led to the decline of first-class entertainment and the showcasing of original talent in Grahamstown.
Well-known DJs used to come to Grahamstown, because they were able to satisfy a highly critical audience, said RS, resident DJ of nightclub Equilibrium (EQ).
"The less critical people are, the more everyone wants to be a DJ.” Becoming a DJ was no longer only for the love of music, R.S said, there were status, fame and money.
R.S earned his title as a resident DJ through a number of battles and is adamant that the only way you’ll gain credibility as a DJ is by going beyond pleasing the crowd.
He cites upcoming DJs Athension and Sarcasm as two of the few who still DJ for the right reasons. "They started deejaying because they actually don’t care about the status and recognition that comes with being a DJ," R.S said.
DJs are expected to build not only a network of fans, but a genuine relationship with the crowd. “You’ve got to read your crowd and know what they want to hear,” says Willy–D.
Asked how he felt about well known DJs such as 5fm’s Fresh, and Euphonik, coming to Grahamstown and stepping on their turf, R.S replied, “It is necessary in an industry perspective. It’s necessary to keep things fresh and alive and it’s good for upcoming DJs to be exposed to the “big cars”.
Some exciting DJs who graced Grahamstown during Fest 2011 include Euphonik, Tira and Cleo, who performed at EQ on the last weekend of festival.
So you wanna be a DJ? Advice from the best is: "Stop Deejaying for other DJs. Play for the girls, because where they are, the guys are." Be humble and don't rush.
