Real-talk with Grandpa Drokz #3 – What makes a good DJ?

This might be an interesting talk that can spark some discussion, which is good in my opinion.

Let’s talk about ‘the DJ.’ What makes a good DJ? That’s a question I constantly ask myself. Does the DJ need to know how to mix with vinyl? Does it matter if the DJ is good looking or wears a mask? And is the sync button nothing more than a cheat-mode…?

Let me now talk about a situation we all know…You are walking around at a festival; just wandering around, not paying attention to the endshow, filming, or making selfies (sorry I am bit sarcastic here hehe) and then you walk pass a tent… BAM! You hear music that you really like! You walk towards the huge tent and notice you’re having a great time – standing or dancing, whatever. In the far distance you see a tiny thing moving which you assume is the DJ. The next moments are spent losing yourself in the music and atmosphere. Now, at this point, it’s not even an issue if the DJ is male/female, a veteran or a rookie or a highly technical skilled DJ (as long as they don’t make any fuck ups).

The DJ is the one who plays the right music at the right time.

And from this point on, I go to the core of being a DJ. Playing the right music at the right time. For me, that is the core. You can play with vinyl, have a pretty face, whatever! If one thing’s for sure, it’s this: If you can’t play the right music at the right time, then the crowd will think that you suck! So that’s said. Pre-programmed DJ sets are for fake-asses! You are not a DJ, goodbye.

Now back to the festival. I’m having a good time with my friends, drinking some beers and enjoying the great set performed by this DJ. The DJ plays a track or two that I know, so that is a bonus (but not a necessity). Plus, the DJ also plays stuff I’ve never heard before; this surprise is rocking!

So I move forward towards the stage, because I’m curious who is playing. Now we are getting into phase two. What people often tend to forget is that the DJ’s are working in the entertainment industry. You don’t have to be a fucking clown or whatever, but if I see you work, I still don’t give a fuck how you look. Some DJ’s are more enthusiastic than others, that´s fine, but if I see you work and have a good time, then you will get that applause afterwards from me – no rubber boats or co2 cannons needed.

It’s in this day and age, where being a gun at social media is sometimes more important than being a solid DJ.

I love watching turntablists like the amazing Q-bert, but he doesn’t make me dance. So DJ’s and turntablist are separate to me. You are 24 and you can’t play with vinyl? Well I’m surprised that you know what that ancient product is, hehe. So that said, all those discussions on the net, don’t interest me.

It’s in this day and age, where being a gun at social media is sometimes more important than being a solid DJ.

I urge you all to please not forget about what’s truly important. That rookie in your local club can be a very good DJ, if he understands the art of being a DJ. The same for that cute little girl or that old ugly motherfucker like me. Hands down, every set I make a mistake. Sometimes I want to push things (the tempo or atmosphere) to see how far can I get.

I do sometimes have an off day, but I try not to show it. I love mixing a 220BPM track with a 220BPM track so I can focus more on the mix than actually beat matching (no sync button needed haha). Sometimes I have to adjust (to some extent, I’m not a jukebox) to the party I’m playing at. I sweat, scream and need beer during my set. AND I LOVE IT!

I can talk for hours about this, but in the end it’s still the same when I started – sharing my taste of music and having a good time with the crowd. My secret… It’s that little voice in my head that says: “and now you play that one with an evil smile”.

Grtz, keep it real. Grandpa.