What is a "crappy" DJ?

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Papa Deuce

DJ Extraordinaire
Aug 8, 2006
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Inspired by Johnny.

Is it someone who can't beatmix? ( I can't w/o a computer )... Is it a guy / gal who can't read a crowd? Can't make a decent announcement? Doesn't plan well?....

I guess what I am getting at, is how much needs to be wrong before you would think someone to be "crappy"?......

I think we classify too many people as "crappy / bad" DJs.

BTW, I don't even usually beatmix at all... I just play what I think will work.
 
Not reading (understanding) the different crowds.
Bringing a knife to a gun fight (Regarding the equipment).
Not working with the client or not paying attention to what the client wants.
Playing only the music they like.
 
A Crappy DJ has nothing to do with equiptment, I know no one brought this up, but I will. I believe that it has to do with Giving People what they want. It's that simple.
 
Does not pay attention to the needs of the hosts.
Does not pay attention to the needs of the crowd.
Does not pay attention to the sound of the equipment (cheap or expensive can all sound bad)
Does not realize its time to give it up.
Usually talks a ton of crap on competitors.
 
This falls under what is a DJ.

We are working for a customer, so really the only person we must answer to is our clients.

A good DJ is detail oriented, knows how to read a crowd, knows how to properly run sound, and can mix as needed. Not everthing in the world needs to be beat mixed so proper fading is more than acceptable.

So a crappy dj must be anything a good DJ is not.
 
a good DJ has empathy for his or her customer. they listen, plan, and excute a show that the customer, and their guests really like.

I had a guy that did some work for me. He had a long resume, really knew the equipment, sounded great on the mic and really knew the music. After a complaint, I joined him at a show. People would request songs, he would say, that song sucks, or its cheesy. So he sometimes reluctantly played a "cheesy" song, then went back to music he knew was "cool".
After talking with him, it seemed he was almost a "snob" about music. This music was great, this music was aweful.
After trying to explain to him that i would play "awful" songs all night if i felt thats what the customer and their guests wanted, he still didn't seem to get it. So we parted ways. While he could beatmix and use the equipment very well, i felt he was not a good DJ.
 
Scott Hanna said:
a good DJ has empathy for his or her customer. they listen, plan, and excute a show that the customer, and their guests really like.

I had a guy that did some work for me. He had a long resume, really knew the equipment, sounded great on the mic and really knew the music. After a complaint, I joined him at a show. People would request songs, he would say, that song sucks, or its cheesy. So he sometimes reluctantly played a "cheesy" song, then went back to music he knew was "cool".
After talking with him, it seemed he was almost a "snob" about music. This music was great, this music was aweful.
After trying to explain to him that i would play "awful" songs all night if i felt thats what the customer and their guests wanted, he still didn't seem to get it. So we parted ways. While he could beatmix and use the equipment very well, i felt he was not a good DJ.
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Sounds reasonable to me.
 
At times every single person posting on this board is a crappy DJ, myself included. Crappy is a matter of perception at a given time. To ten people you may be the greatest thing since sliced bread but to one or two you may be crappy.

Expensive equipment doesn't make a great DJ knowing how to use what you have helps but that doen't make you great either.

So to answer the question "What is a crappy DJ?" the answer is simple we are!
 
Everyone is right in this thread, before me....

If you dont please your client, you SUCK! However, in the vein of the original post, I will add to the list...as a dj myself...

Good and Bad DJ stuff:

1. Talk too much, too fast, or never. In a bar/club, you need to get out the announcements clearly, concisely and between sets.
2. Play sets, and have proper flow. Even at a wedding, I put sets together and really think about what goes with what. I try to tie sets together, with songs that are "in between"...for example country and rock...might put Skynrd between them, or maybe Big and Rich, or Travis Tritt.
3. Run the equipment properly and have it installed/hooked up right. I worked at a local nightclub that had poor equipment for what they were trying to do with it, and it was wired up with no organization, markings, or logic. Totally haphazard, and poorly done in my mind....I redid it, as the previous dj was not really knowledgeable about any of the equipment, but could push buttons all night!
4. Handle emergencies, or unforseen problems during an event. This could be a medical emergency, announcements, upset bride/mob, etc. A good dj can smooth this over, get the necessary job/things accomplished without much delay.
5. Good dj will have appropriate music for the occasion. Modern, up to date for teen dance, etc....

Just my $.02

Jeff
 
Ya

eklondon said:
I think I see your face in that thread! :sqwink:
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So, you want a prize? Here's your prize: :duckie:

The reasons for "sucking" are different in every scenario. I agree with all the posts about giving the people what they want--there are always at least a few fundamental things across the board, but you also have to be able to adapt in every situation; if you can't, then you have a good chance of "sucking".
 
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