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There is a distinction between different types of DJ. First, you have the so-called radio DJ. Traditionally this refered to the host of a radio show. In the past these show hosts were responsible for setting up music on turntables or carts (like tapes) and pressing “GO” at the right time. But this type of radio DJ’ing is a thing of the past. The role of a radio show host is more that of announcing songs and promos. The music is generally automated, and run from a computer. The playlist is generated by an algorithm that takes into account the target audience, who’s paying for commercials, and a bunch of other factors. In most cases the show host has little input in the music.
Having stated this, radio DJs still exist. But they are not radio announcers. Many stations offer mixed shows, which are run by DJs who select and mix records club style. These DJs are essentially “Club DJs” who are playing mixed sets on radio.
Club style DJs are what I want to talk about here. I say “club style” because they may be DJ’ing for radio or for the Internet, but the style of DJ’ing is in the tradition of the club DJ. Now, what is a club DJ? What do they do?
The skill and art of DJ’ing is far more intricate than many people appreciate. The DJ has to play a selection of music that runs nicely together and creates and experience, or journey, for his/her audience. In order to do this, the DJ has to do a lot of work behind the scenes. The DJ has to build a record collection that suits his or her chosen genre. Now, this is not an easy task. Consider how many house records are released every year. Hundreds! The DJ can’t simply collect them all. The DJ needs to find a style of music that fits well with his or her musical taste and collect music that fits into that style. To do this the DJ has to sift through all the releases, and scrutinize their sounds. The DJ has to be discerning and choose only those records that fit within his/her musical sensibilities. In this way the DJ develops his/her own distinct sound, which will be different than other DJs.
This is important because the DJ’s audience need to know what type of sound the DJ has to offer. People want to go out and listen to a DJ who they trust. People enjoy going out to a show knowing that they will like all of the songs the DJ plays. People know that the DJ has collected songs that they think are worthy. People enjoy getting to know a DJ’s style and feel safe in the knowledge that the music will be good. DJs become popular because of their musical tastes.
I believe this is the DJ’s goal. When people listen to one of my sets, I want them to think “yes, that’s Brent’s type of music. That’s Brent’s sound”. This is what a DJ does. The DJ sorts through available music and integrates the songs they like best into their collection. In this way, the DJ creates their own distinct sound.
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Brent Silby (2006)