Old guys...

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Tyrone Blue

Tyrone Blue

DMX professional & Retired Police Officer
Oct 31, 2006
250
266
Central - Northern MN
I am amongst the group of really old guys here. Just about anything you can talk about regarding DJing, I've "been there and done that". I am beginning the "wind down" portion of my DJ career (where I can see the end), and think that this thing is an honorable career, but there are far too many newbies who think they know it all. One of the reasons I went to start my own board years ago was to combat that philosophy in new members who all want to know how to do that or do this, and never return to the boards once they have the answer. You know the guys who never "give back". I call it the "micro wave" mentality. Fast quick and get er done, without any forethought of what the hell they are doing to this business. Tell me how to set up a sound system (or whatever), "thanks I don't need you any more... see ya". We've all read the thread, where someone asks for suggestions, then everyone else gives him/her well thought out suggestions. Then, the person comes back to say they did what they were thinking of doing in the first place (which was wrong in the first place), and it leaves the pros who wasted their time, banging their heads. That's where I was when I left.

So, for those new folks who give a rip, pay attention to those who have gone before you and don't piss off your elders (that works with every facet of life). I once had a guy talk about my DMX instructions, telling members to go get the same information from YouTube. He didn't endear himself to me for that. Then, I had a guy give me a promise about "a deal" and backed out, and shafted me in the meantime. He's still around, but I'll never do business with him again. I'm of the philosophy that you get back what you give.

Some of you may remember that I'm a semi-professional magician. I have folks ask me all the time "how did you do that" and really expect me to give them the answer for free. I paid for, practiced it, perfected it, and YOU want to know how it's done for free? We have the same mentality here... too bad the profession is filled with craigslist amateurs who give us all a black eye.

Thanks... I'm off the soapbox for now. Guess I'm back!
 
Ty, older = wiser.
Let it go, the young'ns are gonna do what they are gonna do. The only time they will follow your advice is if they pay for it then and only then will they follow advice to the letter and it's only to prove you (or whoever they paid) wrong.
Give your free advice but expect nothing as you will be let down everytime! After all these are "dj" forums we are talking about here.

Paul
 
Y'all forget to add that one gets scorned and labelled as a "Know it all!" by those who may not know the answer. Its so easy for a debate to turn into an argument. Every day can be a learning experience if one opens their minds and listens before jumping to judgement.
 
Canute you speak from your books and tech forums and think you know the only answer to the theory of relativity. So far I dont see a big waft of grey hairs and a jewish last name behind Canute.
 
Jon Tuck said:
Canute you speak from your books and tech forums and think you know the only answer to the theory of relativity. So far I dont see a big waft of grey hairs and a jewish last name behind Canute.
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What is that supposed to mean? Translation please!
 
I am doing a seminar at MBLV 2012 called "DJing After 50".. the panel is geared more towards the guys who are in their 30's wondering if it is a good way to go. A bit motivational and a bit of learning.... I like what you are saying about the youngins.... but lets hope they come around,, we were all young and cocky once...
 
Jon Tuck said:
Canute you speak from your books and tech forums and think you know the only answer to the theory of relativity. So far I dont see a big waft of grey hairs and a jewish last name behind Canute.
Click to expand...

Alabama theory of relativity: 3rd cousin, poke it freely. 1st cousin, use a rubber. :tritongue:
 
Blue...at least you've got hair...now or is that an "old" picture when you did have hair? LOL

Absolutely right on about those who ask for help but then ignore it. However, not all fit that mold.

I'm one of those guys who is still "lugging and tugging" equipment being over the 60-year mark. Heck! I'm even older than Canute! LOL Can't say that I have the tech knowledge that djhouston has at his young age. :) I'm still learning and enjoying "pleasing" the younger crowd and all those "baby boomers" out there. Young ones crack me up (Sweet 16 parties). In the beginning they're so skeptical. In the end, they're filing out past the DJ table giving "high 5's" and quipping "not bad for an old guy." I smile and enjoy the respect.

Chuck is right about the "young and cocky." However, I started to DJ much later in life than most. Young at heart but "achy breaky back" after the night is done. LOL One thing for certain us "old guys" have a very broad music frame of reference that the "young ones" will take many years to acquire. Technical expertise...that's another story. Yeah, they can run circles around us non-beat mixing birds.

Enjoy it while you still can! I am!!!!
 
Tyrone Blue said:
I've had more than a few brides doubletake when they see me at their wedding. I'm sure they're saying "who's that old guy"? Then I kick some butt with my music and lights... problem solved. My last wedding video of the season...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrpKkRe05U
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I believe you... I'll be 50 in August, and my wife has said to me many times that I am too old to DJ weddings.
 
I know that I'm one of the "young pups" but age is just a number and is not a significant barrier to being a DJ.
 
I'm 55. I get "the look" every time I do a Grad party. LOL you'd be surprised how quick it vanishes when I hit "Play" and get my game on.

Best,

Paul
 
DJ J Mac said:
I know that I'm one of the "young pups" but age is just a number and is not a significant barrier to being a DJ.
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True, for sure, but perception is a funny thing. I know for a fact that in the last 4 years that I wasn't booked because of my age. Two times grooms have told me that their fiances have said they wanted a younger DJ. Wait til you get over 40, heck, even over 35, and you will probably see the reactions.
 
Strange...age and perceptions. Just had a prospective client comment about the photo of me on my website. I said to her..."yeah, I'm the 'old guy' in the picture." She commented that they were looking for an "older" DJ, one that would be sure not to play all the "young stuff." To which I replied, "I can play the 'young stuff'...if you like." :) She laughed. Hired me, too, by the way.

So you see age discrimination is a two-way street. :)

One notable difference between the "young pup" and the "old guy" is the time it takes to setup and teardown. The older one gets it done but it seems the older I get the longer it takes on each end of the event. LOL

Guess it's time to gain a "young pup" to mentor...do ya think he/she would listen? LOL
 
Papa I have yet to be turned aside due to the age but of course Im a Toys R Us Kid and lucked out with the youthful look throughout my aging process. Im sure I have been under sceptical eyes via prospective or booked clients but once talking to them and allowing them to see my youthful mindset they never mention age. I will ride it as long as possible and then expect to be passed over on occasion. That wont likely happen anytime soon. Fortunately not much (knock wood) in the form of a wisp of grey and got my grandpas full head of hair. I just got to the point where I can shave a full beards territory on this mug. Thats likely due to my native bloodlines.
 
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