Top DJ's for 2009

[ambernector]

Would like to form a list of everyone's favourite DJ's for 2009. States what genre they perform.

I am undecided on this at present as most of what I have got is not 2009.

[manicminer]

I was recommended to get Goodgreef Xtra Hard (Mixed by Lisa Lashes, Showtek & Kutski). An excellent set, and Lisa Lashes is my recommended female DJ for 2009.

[Music Head]

Not sure I even know what this term means anymore.
A DJ used to be someone who played records. You know, those round flat pieces of vinyl with grooves in them.
What is the current definition?

I do like Zane Lowe, if he'd just get off that Dizzy Rascal kick.

[ambernector]

Not sure I even know what this term means anymore.
A DJ used to be someone who played records. You know, those round flat pieces of vinyl with grooves in them.
What is the current definition?

I do like Zane Lowe, if he'd just get off that Dizzy Rascal kick.

Exactly that. But these days a DJ has to be talented at mixing from one track to another and knowing what to play to please the crowd. A popular DJ can earn some serious money in one gig.

[Music Head]

Exactly that. But these days a DJ has to be talented at mixing from one track to another and knowing what to play to please the crowd. A popular DJ can earn some serious money in one gig.

Sorry, I should have been more detailed.
I know this is not how it's defined today. To me a DJ is someone who is employed by a radio station to play music for that audience. Therefore a "gig" in that arena would be that persons regular job. Not a specific event. But I do understand what you are saying.

[ambernector]

Sorry, I should have been more detailed.
I know this is not how it's defined today. To me a DJ is someone who is employed by a radio station to play music for that audience. Therefore a "gig" in that arena would be that persons regular job. Not a specific event. But I do understand what you are saying.

If I am understanding your perception of a DJ, then consider the decks as a musical instrument. A top DJ is good at his/her instrument?

There are well known DJ's who people will make an effort to go and see.

[Music Head]

This is what I don't get.
Obviously a DJ is not what it used to be.
You would not make an effort to go see somebody play records and a record player would not be an instrument.

well, at least I wouldn't make that effort

[JonG]

Let me attempt to explain what this thread means by the term "DJ".

First, a club DJ is not the same thing as a radio DJ. We are discussing club DJ's.

A club DJ is hired to provide the music for a club night. Sometimes it is the entire night, sometimes for three to four hours. Sometimes less time. They do so by playing a set of songs that they mix live over the club's PA system so there is no break in the music. People come to these clubs to dance and a break in-between songs is an awkward interruption. This is where some of the skill of the DJ comes in. The two songs must flow seamlessly from one to the next. This is accomplished by using two songs with matching or near matching tempo and beats per minute (bpm). The DJ can fine tune this slightly by altering the pitch on the turntable. Some modern turntables allow DJs to alter the tempo without changing the pitch. And some DJs don't use turntables at all, but CD-Js (CD players that mimic turntables) and/or laptops.

The other main element in the art of DJing (and to me this part is the art) is the selection. A good DJ may not need to mix much at all if they have a good ear for what songs work together in terms of mood and melody. They also need to be able to read the crowd so they know how their audience is reacting. A good DJ's set is often described as taking its audience on a "journey" with a slow build-up, a peak, and a come down.

I hope this helps. I hope I'm not being too long winded. I can ramble on even more if need be!

[ambernector]

Let me attempt to explain what this thread means by the term "DJ".

First, a club DJ is not the same thing as a radio DJ. We are discussing club DJ's.

A club DJ is hired to provide the music for a club night. Sometimes it is the entire night, sometimes for three to four hours. Sometimes less time. They do so by playing a set of songs that they mix live over the club's PA system so there is no break in the music. People come to these clubs to dance and a break in-between songs is an awkward interruption. This is where some of the skill of the DJ comes in. The two songs must flow seamlessly from one to the next. This is accomplished by using two songs with matching or near matching tempo and beats per minute (bpm). The DJ can fine tune this slightly by altering the pitch on the turntable. Some modern turntables allow DJs to alter the tempo without changing the pitch. And some DJs don't use turntables at all, but CD-Js (CD players that mimic turntables) and/or laptops.

The other main element in the art of DJing (and to me this part is the art) is the selection. A good DJ may not need to mix much at all if they have a good ear for what songs work together in terms of mood and melody. They also need to be able to read the crowd so they know how their audience is reacting. A good DJ's set is often described as taking its audience on a "journey" with a slow build-up, a peak, and a come down.

I hope this helps. I hope I'm not being too long winded. I can ramble on even more if need be!

Explained perfectly. Nice one! :wink:

[Music Head]

thanks Jon