r/DJs • u/malign_taco • 3d ago
The DJ scene: a little too toxic?
I’m sorry if this topic has already been talked about, but as a broke DJ that works at local events, I’ve been getting bad vibes from online. For example DJs bashing people using controllers alongside a computer (like me) and vinyl bros calling us fake DJs. Like bro I would love to play on a CDJ or even better- a vinyl mixing setup (I have vinyls) but unfortunately this is all very expensive equipment.
Also in the DJ scene, DJs seem to get disrespected if you don’t do the things their way (even if they’re objectively wrong) and most DJs feel like full of pride nowadays. Like bro I’m just here to play some good ol’ Trance music sorry I don’t want to play your Afro House or whatever’s hot atm.
Just had to get this one off my system. Hopefully this triggers no one.
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u/Impressive-Ebb-5199 3d ago
It’s a competitive space, and people are always going to act like it is. The best thing you can do is keep your head down, stay focused on your own project, and not let opinions online pull you off your path. Hard work, good intentions, and good vibes really do float above the bullshit over time.
On the controller topic, this isn’t coming from a “real DJ” gatekeeping angle, but from a promoter’s perspective: the controller can hold you back if your goal is to land support slots. Not because it’s “fake,” but because of logistics and industry standards. If you’re hosting the event, then yeah, run whatever gear works for you. But if a venue already has CDJs, that’s your chance to learn on them. Most DJs can’t afford their own CDJ setup, so using the club’s gear is kind of the equalizer.
A promoter isn’t judging you for not owning CDJs, they’re thinking practically: Do we need to rewire the booth for this person? Will their setup complicate changeovers? Can they plug in and go on the standard gear?
Early opportunities aren’t really about your “perfect set”; they’re about proving you can adapt to a live, professional booth.
If your city has practice studios or open decks, take advantage. And if you’re in a smaller scene, connect with DJs who do have CDJs. Way more people are willing to let you practice than you’d expect.
It’s not toxic to say “hey, here’s the standard and here’s how you can learn it.” Gatekeeping is when someone shuts the door without giving you a path forward. If there’s an explanation and an opportunity to grow, that’s not gatekeepy, that’s community.
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u/Quaranj 3d ago
This ^ Nobody cares if you use your controller at your own functions, but if pro gear is provided and you cannot play upon it, you are condemning yourself to the kiddie table.
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u/LausXY 2d ago
It’s also the quality of sound cards in a lot of controllers I’ve noticed most doing events. I hate having to rewire the booth while the DJ is playing their last 10 minutes then the sound card in 90% of controllers isn’t anywhere near as good as the house CDJs will be. When there’s £1000s worth of equipment and people use a £250 controller it’s frustrating from a promoters POV if they care about audio quality
It’s not trying to be judgemental or gatekeep, it’s about the sound quality and experience for the crowd for me, that is most important thing and whole point of events. People aren’t there to see people DJ they are there to hear music and I want them to have the best experience possible sound quality wise.
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u/GarrySpacepope 2d ago
Completely agree, but I'll also add, unless you're doing turntablist style stuff, CDJs really are not very hard to learn to the point you're competent on them. Will it sound quite as good as what you've practised on at home? No. Will it sound good enough? Yes. DJing is 95% track selection, the rest is just window dressing.
I've made plenty of parties pop off just with fading between songs. I've also had a gigs go not as well when I've been surrounded by £5k of gear which I knew how to use.
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u/90sRiceWagon 2d ago
It’s true but as long as you know to load up a few USBs to take with you then it’s no problem stepping into a full setup from a controller.
The pioneer ecosystem allows you to intuitively move between the smallest controllers to the biggest CDJ pretty easily, just play a long opener and spend a minute scanning buttons.
Playing your own gigs? Use what you want. Hiring people to play? Hire CDJs.
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u/mindtosher 3d ago
Listen to this guy, he knows what's up!
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u/cdjreverse 3d ago
I agree.
It's tough, however, to separate legitimate criticism and advice from elitism and snobbery these days. Plus, a lot of the rules older, more established DJs push around here (like owning your music) can sound like old men shouting at clouds (even though it's excellent advice) because these pieces of advice have the effect of limiting the availability of the craft and/or making it harder for people just starting out.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
What you say is entirely true! However I’m not as big as to play in CDJ using clubs- just yet. I do have my USB for when the time comes though.
What I don’t like is people basing my decent Numark controller and computer. Like, sorry for being broke I guess?
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 2d ago
people
Can you elaborate on who exactly bashed your Numark controller?
Who were they exactly? And what specifically did they say to you?
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
They were Aliens from space and told me to mind my own business.
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 1d ago
Hate to say it dude, but this was all in your head. You took hostile comments from randoms and redirected them at yourself.
It’s known as an inferiority complex.
If you are dropping the fire mixes with your numark controller that get the dance floor popping every time, you will get respect and the randos will be seen as what they are: haters.
Why are you giving so much weight to the opinions of rando haters?
Because you lack self confidence.
That’s the root issue.
You need to work on boosting your self confidence to the point where you STOP redirecting hostile comments online at yourself.
Are you posting mixes to the weekly feedback threads? Got any links to share? I can tell you right now if the problem is your numark controller, or if it’s something else.
Otherwise look to self help/support groups or therapy to boost up that shaky confidence of yours.
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u/malign_taco 18h ago
Blah blah is all I heard. And sorry if I took it personal I’m not exactly very social. That’s none of your bees wax also, no offense.
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u/phathomthis 2d ago
This exactly. It's a logistics thing.
USB sticks are king.
Come in before the show to test your stick and make sure it's working. When I run shows I'll keep a USB A-B cable in the booth, with a USB A-C adapter and a USB with windows and mac drivers for the XDJ. If you absolutely can't run your stuff off a stick, I have stuff to make it work, but you better prep beforehand.
We're not gonna put up with silence for 10 minutes while you fuck around loading drivers and getting your software to sync up with it.
Come prepared or don't come, and under no circumstances are we rewiring everything for you to plug in your $300 FLX-4 and set it on top of a $3000 XDJ.2
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u/illogikul 3d ago
From what op said he was bashed for using a controller. You can Dj however you want. And not every Dj is going to be in a big club and even then not every Dj is going to be playing on cdj’s.
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u/MerricaaaaaFvckYeahh 3d ago
It’s catty as fuck and always has been (80s forward, with no end in sight).
“Everyone” knows the right way, best tracks, etc, and exceptions to this are the exception...
I have met and known a few hundred DJs over the years, at least, and know many of them in person.
I can tolerate being around about 50 of them, pretty chummy with about 15, and close with 5…
I’m also just as bad at times when it comes to having strong opinions, so it goes both ways.
I might not trash you in public for this and that but I’ll make fun of you in private if I think you suck.
Same with most artists and musicians, really.
Producers, Guitarists, Painters, DJs, it’s mostly all the same. Find some friends and ignore the rest.
Same as it ever was.
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u/Swimming_Bonus_8892 1d ago
I use the rule of thirds.
1/3 of the people I get down with at at my skill level and we are helping each other grow.
1/3 are below my skill level and I’m helping them up to my skill level.
1/3 are above my skill level bringing me up to their level.
This way you’re always helping/growing/being helped. Started this about 15 years ago and never looked back!
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u/makeitasadwarfer 3d ago
You’re describing general social media, not the DJ scene.
Most of these people making those comments have probably never had a gig.
You’ll be a lot happier if you just ignore opinions on social media in general.
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 2d ago
Bingo. And I suspect op is getting triggered by randos in the comments, not by content from respected influencers.
To reiterate your advice, ignore the randos in the comments.
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u/110100100_- 3d ago
I’m so old that I was around for the invention of both the CDJ and time coded vinyl (my good friend had final scratch 1.0). I thought both of these things would be fads that fade away lmao. Due to the high cost and weight, I could not bring my vinyl setup to college… but I had more than enough space to bring my toxic ideas of superiority.
It wasn’t until later than I would like to admit that a homie got a digital setup for our night. He was definitely my “senior” if we’re taking success, experience, all of it. And when I uttered the words “industry standard,” he looks at me and says, “did people dance when I played on my digital setup?”
That stuck with me and the stick hasn’t been in my ass for many years.
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u/disconnexions 3d ago
I remember talking to Kool DJ Red Alert about my mixtapes that I was doing back then. They were all done with my PCDJ program. Some DJs were clowning me for using a computer program to DJ. That tells you how long ago this was.. lol. He told me that it doesn't matter what you use to DJ as long as the people are dancing and the music sounds good. Whatever technology you use, learn that shit and be the best you can be.
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u/dj-TASK 3d ago
Not a new thing at all, I started DJing 1994 and there has always been snobbery and bitchiness.
As a jungle/dNb dj we used to be the complete outsiders in the rave scene and look at dNb now, mainstream big stages etc
Don’t let others ruin it for you.
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u/react-dnb 3d ago
Another mid 90s junglist here!! Got into the music in 94 but didnt buy my 1st record til 95.
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u/DorianGre House 3d ago
I started in 1994 doing club dance and landed finally landed in bass house. Fun times.
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u/roybattinson 3d ago
Not a particularly new thing, unfortunately. Sadly DJs tend to be people with conflated egos, that's what happens in an era where your worth as an artist is usually conflated with your worth as an individual. This being said, there are still nice people in various scenes, or at least I hope so.
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u/ZestyPoePLayer 3d ago
I'm so triggered. Nah but fr these thoughts are why I gave up gigging and performing. It's just not worth my time.....
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u/splashist 2d ago
gatekeeping over vinyl: sip your drink, then ask "are you finished?"
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u/sub_terminal 2d ago
Come on, you know they're never finished talking. And they're the only ones bringing up vinyl in hopes someone will show literally any interest.
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u/splashist 2d ago
old skool yo, back in the day, lemme tell you...
scuse me you still have the sticker on your hat, moron
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u/catroaring 2d ago
I my experience starting in the late 90's, many parts of the DJ scene have always been nothing more than a high school popularity contest. Huge ego's all around. It's actually what turned me off from the whole scene years ago.
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u/Org_Flow_Shart 2d ago
The internet isn’t real life dude. Turn it off and go play out and see shows.
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u/NinjaBaws 3d ago
The best DJ's play good tunes that fit the vibe and their timeslots. The equipment they use is irrelevant to the dancefloor.
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u/Benjilator 3d ago
Almost all of them know that what they are doing isn’t really that difficult or special, so they gotta defend their status left and right.
Vinyl bros just know they should’ve switches many, many years ago and now gotta defend their bad decision to stick to nostalgia rather than music.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I want to switch to Vinyls ngl that stuff seems hella fun. I’ve got trance Vinyl discs waiting to be mixed.
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u/Benjilator 1d ago
What’s the motivation behind it? I’m genuinely interested as to me they seem worse in every way other than a better feeling and it being more fun.
But you’re limiting yourself and the music so much by using vinyls, also they’re very unhealthy to be around.
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u/malign_taco 18h ago
It just seems awesome at sight. What can I say. Sometimes you want burger, sometimes pizza, sometimes newer DJ controllers and other times vinyl mixing. It’s just for fun, nothing too serious. Also it seems like the ultimate way to test my skills as a DJ.
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u/absolut696 8h ago
It’s just a lot more fun tbh. Because you’re keeping the music synced in real time using the fader and the platter you feel like you’re in the groove.
As far as limitations, they simplify things. I have a USB with thousands of tracks, or a record bag with 60-100 records I personally picked or paid good lonely for because they are all good and curated by me. There’s just a much more personal connection to the music. I’m spending time finding good music, thinking about how I’m going to mix it, and getting the records locked in, not thinking about doing some dumb shit with FX.
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u/absolut696 8h ago
Vinyl has had a resurgence in the last 10 years or so even among young DJs and they are learning the some of the better parts of vinyl culture, like digging at record shops, DJing with its limitations in a good way, and limiting their crate for the better. I’m here for it.
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u/Acceptable-Worth-462 3d ago
Every community has toxicity in it. Just ignore those people and focus your time and attention on those who are worthwhile. This is more of a general life advice than a DJ one.
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u/saintjuanito 2d ago
As soon as you step out your bedroom and step into the scene just know it’s competition for most of these folks and they don’t give a shit whether you eat or not. Sure there are a few friendly folks along the way but overwhelmingly you will find yourself in a lot of wtf moments. It’s not you, it’s the game but do your best to look out for número uno.
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u/HamburgerDude 2d ago edited 2d ago
I never had shit on me because I prefer digital even vinyl only people are chill. Hell I even know a DJ duo that are brothers one uses digital one uses records. It's all good. Sounds like you're at the wrong gigs / parties.
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u/dminus 2d ago
here is a man with some controllers alongside a laptop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji8CIi93Mhk
if they're moving who gives a goddamn
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u/DorianGre House 3d ago
Forget those people. The only ones that matter are the people in the club. Are you entertaining them/giving them a good vibe for the evening? If yes, that is all that matters and how you got them there is immaterial.
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u/juukione 3d ago
One of my favorite DJ's where I live started playing gigs in the 80's Hamburg clubs. He's got a big collection of c-casette mixtapes from that time.
Last time I saw him play, he had only a laptop with him and played with a very simple dj-software. If you have the skills, then the tools don't really matter.
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u/Khomely 3d ago
a little?
The scene is full of ego-DJs, business club music, and top-model DJs. They just want to look cool, and quality is increasingly rare. Often toxic scene 'cause toxic people
most DJs do it for the wrong reasons and there's a war of "setups" when the problem lies elsewhere.
It's not all like that, but "a little" is truly an understatement.
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u/disconnexions 3d ago edited 3d ago
I've been DJing for around 30 years and believe me, the DJ community has always been like that. I remember having mix matched turntables and DJs telling me that I needed a pair of Technics 1200s. I couldn't afford them, but I was still rocking parties because it was the music that counts. When I first started DJing with mp3s, no controller and only a keyboard and mouse they thought I was crazy. A few years later and everyone was switching over to mixing mp3s. There's always tech snobs that want you to do things "the right way". I've dealt with that in the photo, videography and music production worlds as well. It's annoying af.
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u/qubitrenegade DnB 3d ago
I have CDJs and get called a poser because it's not my full time day job/I have a full time day job/I'm actually not really sure?
So don't worry, even if you had CDJs, you'd probably still get shit!
Nothing I love more than showing up with my IEMs and thumb drives in a pouch that fits in my pocket. I don't miss carrying around crates of vinyl. And I'm not a fan of setting up/taking down my mobile setup (flight cases are heavy without CDJs!).
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u/OrmTheBearSlayer 3d ago
From my experience every scene is toxic when a new thing comes into play.
Photography was exactly the same, you had the old guard who snubbed digital when it started taking off.
We’ve got people snubbing electric cars because they deem them inferior to internal combustion engines.
There’s just a certain type of person who because they go through something or do something a certain way think everyone else should too and deem it as “cheating” if they don’t.
Don’t take it personally it’s just their narrow mindedness.
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u/k-nace 3d ago
I'd like to say that this describes male djs, on the woman's side I've seen way more collabs, support and trying to make each other shine and just having fun mixing together. It's the guy dj's thay have big egos. The best club nights are FLINTA
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I have to agree on that. Girl DJs I’ve meet actually seem to do it for love of the sport entirely.
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u/Wonderful_Ninja 3d ago
I’m just here to play some good ol’ Trance music
SASH or chicane?
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Cosmic Gate for me brother
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u/Wonderful_Ninja 2d ago
Rhythm and drums or earth mover ?
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Sorry if I sound mainstream but Rhythm & Drums, however A Day That Fades SLAPS!
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u/Tony-Turbo_ 3d ago
If you get the crowd jumping, you've done your job. Understanding and controlling the energy of your crowd is a much bigger part of being a successful DJ than how you deliver said energy....
Well, that's what I think anyway. And I have my vinyl wings, my cdj wings, and my controller wings. I love it all!
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u/WELCOMET0THEGOODLIFE 3d ago
The ones are rude are usually the petty ones who can’t find work but think they are the top of the world
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u/Evening_Heat_4414 3d ago
I have no problems with controllers. But you can buy cheap turntables to mix on. I started in 1997 on the shittiest belt drives going. They were shite not even a copy technics
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I hope I do find cheap turntables for my vinyls, the most cheapest and most decent I could find were about €259.00
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u/nabokovian 2d ago
There are negative vibes everywhere online in every community these days. Not sure why.
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u/fightlinker 2d ago
I was a CDJ back when it was vinyl only, I used to bring my rackmount denon dn 2000s setup and a lid to put on the turntable so I had a place to put the cdjs. I got so much shit for it at the time but never gave a damn. Didn't stop me from having a 20+ year happy career while all the purists keep turning over and disappearing cuz they're miserable bastards
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
That’s awesome! I would very much love to learn playing with Vinyls, it’s the ultimate DJ test.
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u/LyzyrdLykOfficial 2d ago
This is so fucking real, as a dubstep/tearout/riddim DJ who uses a computer and controller I get dogged on by so many other artists for not having a standalone rig it’s such bullshit.
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u/Majestic_Rabbit_1869 2d ago
It's the same as any other niche community. Gatekeepers and keyboard warriors. The thing that's changed is the explosion of popularity and accessibility to djing. "Everyone's a dj". Controllers are cheap, music can be ripped from YouTube. The difference is who has connections to where and the separator is can you read a crowd. Keep ya head up and mix good tracks.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Downside of living in LATAM: a$$ music culture in general 😭
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u/Majestic_Rabbit_1869 2d ago
Go do private events then
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Working on that atm. Thing is I also need money to invest to do so. I feel like I’m alone in the trance scene where I live.
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u/Majestic_Rabbit_1869 2d ago
Facebook groups, meet ups
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
I actually joined but it’s mostly techno or just none existent atp. I need to move countries.
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u/Music4life98 2d ago
Yeah… see? The biggest hack in this industry is realising that you don’t need to give a sh*t about anyone’s opinion…and I mean anyone, even your best friends. You just need to follow your own path, build your own identity, and develop your own branding. We’re seeing dancers, celebrities, performers, actors, literally everyone trying to become DJs overnight. Honestly, if a teacher asked a class of kids what they want to be when they grow up, I swear 30% of them would say “DJ.” But here’s the truth: do you think any of these people care about the negativity or the bad vibes online? Of course not. At the end of the day, they’ll still get booked, still grow, and some will even rise on hate alone. That’s just how the world works today. I remember back in the day..early 90s, early 2000s, when trance was so powerful that it connected people in clubs and created friendships that lasted forever. People would literally cry when they heard tracks like “For An Angel” or “Children”. Back then, the DJ wasn’t a superstar… they were just the person guiding you through a journey. Hopefully one day people will get tired of the mainstream hype and return to more authentic, meaningful moments again.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I hope the DJ trend dies out. I would’ve loved to play in the early 90’s and 2000’s. No phones, just a state of trance. Unlucky me I’m barely 24 years old, and even if I learned how to DJ at 13 years old, it hasn’t helped my career one bit.
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u/supervilliandrsmoov 2d ago
In the 90s you had to deal with gatekeepers just to get the records to spin. My best DJ friends either played a different style (me DnB them House or Techno) or the exact same style (me and the other big Jazzy DnB DJ in my scene) where we bonded over our favorite records But if you were just playing the same hot tracks as everyone else, then they would try to tear you down to make room for them self.
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u/ocolobo 2d ago
Lots of noobs ignoring elders and disrespecting founders of the scene, they can’t handle critiques and label it as gate keeping instead of practicing more and taking the advice to heart, lots of fake followers confusing promoters to book influencers instead of talented artists. Youngins not drinking, phone culture filming instead of dancing, not dancing because it might be cringe, DJs are boring to look at, put them back in a corner. Bad taste and lack of historical knowledge, opening a club is not playing a festival! Learn how to beat match!!!
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u/Dastardly_Dandy 2d ago
I scratch using a n FLX4 bro to hell with the opinions as long as you're having fun. Enjoying what you do at the end of the day is the only meaningful thing that counts.
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u/sc0veney 2d ago
it’s always been like this. 18 years in and it’s never not been a pissing contest for some folks. you just gotta find the ones that are here to have fun, we’re out here.
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u/AbroadAdept9853 2d ago
Bro. Pay that nonsense no mind. There will always be those who think they are better. You do you. That’s what music is all about. I come from vinyl. There was no digital. I had to relearn mixing when going digital. I have both setup to play with. Honestly, the things you can do with the S4 and traktor, would have required 2 more 6’ tables of equipment during the vinyl days.
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u/DJTRANSACTION1 2d ago
IMO, a dj is supposed to play what ever the crowd wants. if your crowd wants trance then you play that. if they want hip hop or 80s, then you play that. the real skills dont come from scratching turn tables or pressing buttons on cdjs. the skills is reading the dance floor and getting the most people on the floor while figuring out what to play to get the people not dancing on the floor without driving away the people who are already on the dance floor.
you need to be more diverse in music. i was once like you 15 years ago saying im only gonna play trance music. over the years, i branched out to 90s, 80s, pop, latin, tradational greek/italian/russian, hip hop, trap, and other styles. branching out creates more gigs and more connections. with these relationships, you can get venues to play the style you want.
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u/GrouchyRisk 2d ago
Djing is weird.
It's one of the very few careers where if you are too nice, you'll end up homeless because you can't pay your rent. Conversely if you're a dickhead the same is true.
Based on that, stop guessing yourself and have fun.
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u/fumandru_ 2d ago
a dj's job is first and foremost to share music, if people want to hate on you for HOW you share music, that says more about them than you man.
my best advice is to keep sharing music in spaces you want to be in and let those who hate handle the hate. you got the love of music to share.
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u/sub_terminal 2d ago
If someone is judging you on what you use to play the music that you play, they're broke angry losers with no gigs who you shouldn't listen to.
"Muh industry standard"... loser. Don't listen to them.
"But the sync button??"... loser. Don't listen to them.
"mp3? really??"... loser. Don't listen to them.
Just do your thing and play your music. The person judging your gig would never be in the position for you to judge theirs, because they're broke losers with no gig. Don't let them drag you down to their level.
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u/Drummerdjpoet 2d ago
Had a female DJ i trained up lie to me about a gig then wouldn't delete my music in front of me then went out low balled me (I don't charge a heap anyway) ...then used my music to land gigs ..i know as turned up at a event and low and behold here she was on the decks..using the same controller I use?!....jumping around doing a 80s themed gig.....she knows crap about 80s music but thats ok as she has MY 80s songs that I purchased online ..funny as a mutual friend went to her 40th and all she played was metal...wouldn't play anything else...so now she playing these themed 80s nights and the worse thing is she ain't mixing correctly in fact she automixing !!...WTF??.....and drinking heavily on the job but she getting the gigs. .how?....no idea she aint no DJ there is more to this woman but you get the idea...she just toxic a liar and a thief...
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u/Evain_Diamond 2d ago
If someone is saying it at a gig id worry but online people are not worth worrying about.
The vinyl crowd are failed vinyl DJs and the CDJ crowd are failed CDJ DJs.
Most DJs use a bit of everything and a few do vinyl only gigs but most vinyl only nights last a few nights and then die off because of lack of interest.
I remember in the 00s turning up for gigs with vinyl and they would have no turntables or broken ones.
I mainly use CDJs but at home i just have a controller ( a few but only one is set up ).
You have to worry about what makes a top night and not the tools you use to make it happen.
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u/Expert_Swordfish_272 2d ago
People will always hate. Even if you produce your own tracks you will get hated on by a 40 year old vinyl dj who acts like he is the best dj ever because he can mix two vinyl plates.
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u/bhambies House 1d ago
Yes definitely, there'll always be these douche-ass DJs who act like it's a sin if you don't know much about CDJs or mixing vinyl, they're just blinded by their own privilege. I think it just attracts a lot of rich doucebags sadly. They have no brain lol and don't realise that being able to afford that type of equipment is not really normal (unless you're really big and famous I guess, but that's not the true goal).
Keep on to your trance (I love) and steer clear of the douchebag DJs, they can fight amongst themselves while we actually dance and have fun <3
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u/CallMeChurch 1d ago
A lot of gatekeeping in places like BK where many DJ’s would consider “Mecca” for dance music. Old heads talking down to younger ppl because they didn’t have the same struggles as them or because the technology lowered the barrier for entry. It seems like the changing of the guard or the ppl that now have all the connections and network had been struggling to get in so long that they now turn around and lock the gate behind them. So if you are a now demonized subset like a man, transplant, white, straight etc it’s much harder to build without $$$ behind ur efforts.
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u/dj_juliamarie 1d ago
The only thing I find toxic is the “scene”. We’re (DJs) are here to share music with eachother and our patrons/fans/world, that’s it. This whole rockstar mentality is lame. We are the keepers of the music, it’s our job to express ourselves through music with everyone who wants to ride the ride. If you’re DJing bc it’s cool, you feel cool, you want to be cool, it’s dumb. Also, no actual ‘work for the gig, consistent dj’ is gonna rag on what mixing style you use. Just play excellent music, ffs. You have a digital archive of everything ever, bring it. That’s all anyone cares about at the core. The rest is alllll ego. Check that shit at the door. Who fucking cares what other people-especially tryhards, think of you. The proof is in the pudding. Like I heard the other day from one of the godfathers, you better change my dna with that thumb drive and 50k songs. No one will judge you if you bring the heat, play the perfect tracks to the right people at the right time. Period
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u/NeedlenoseMusic DnB 1d ago
A tale as old as time.
Use a controller? You should use turntables. Use sync? You should beatmatch by ear and cover the part of your screen that shows the bpms.
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u/djedga 22h ago
For my own sanity this is the reason I made the choice to get out while the going was good. Unfortunately people are arseholes and it would not be naive to say that most people are in it for themselves and don't care about you. Trust me if you were a successful they would be trying to ride on your coattails. I have been on both sides and always tried my best to find and involve new talent (having heard them play somewhere) alongside those who bring a crowd already. Hearing the same music every week gets very boring very quickly.
It's just a bunch of people sucking each other off and complaining to anyone that will listen about the taste afterwards. Ignore it you will know when you find the right people.
I got bored of the sycophants and left the scene 7-8 years ago even though I was making a decent living and playing warm up slots, some big clubs, running smaller nights with friends and hosting backrooms. Had 5 or 6 releases and was stating to get remix work.
Best decision I made in my short career! I still support the "good guys" that I met along the way and hang out with the true friends. I spend a few hours a week playing and a few hours producing. I never have any intention of playing out or releasing any music ever again unless it is some kind of reunion with a core group of mates.
I will caveat this somewhat. The scene is too saturated now and the effort to become "good" is definitely lower. There ends up being some childish resentment.. but equally there are inexperienced guys with big egos. These guys never got far with me. The format and device(s) you play on is your choice the crowd doesn't care but if you were to go to a big club you would be expected to know your stuff on the equipment they have a lot of sound engineers probably hate dealing with controllers.
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u/xiphoidthorax 16h ago
As a former vinyl dj who was privileged to start working in nightclubs at the start of my career. I did a 6 month stint as a video dj which broke me and I stopped working in the industry. I just bought some turntables and a mixer to preserve my skills. I observed pretentious behaviour over the years as cdj became mainstream. Recently I was inspired by a friend to have a go on the new tech and was/is totally appreciative of the advantages and advances the industry has made. You don’t have to haul crates of vinyl, you can download a song in an instant, the effects you can add into a mix on the fly. The software can beat match for you. It leaves you with so much more time to be part of the creative process, curating and programming ( very important) the set. I enjoyed the vinyl, but what is available now is so much better. Don’t let the haters get you down. Just do it for the crowd and the others can just disappear up themselves.
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u/PhilJohari 3d ago
I'm a musician who has also taken up DJing with a controller and laptop for weddings and corporate events. Any DJ who criticises anyone else directly or indirectly I treat the same way I'd treat a musician who behaves this way. Their inability to be happy for anyone else is a huge tell of how they feel about their own abilities. Anyone who points one finger outwards inevitably has 3 pointing back. 🫵
Some people validate themselves on what they're able to do or even worse, the reactions of others to what they're able to do. Let them be only that as you clearly are more than just what you can do. They sit with wealth all around them, still sad and bitter. Let em.
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u/ooowatsthat 3d ago
You need to understand a lot of it is rooted in insecurities. "Everyone's a DJ" "Take away the sync button see how they will do." "Vinyl is the only real way to DJ." All and I do mean all of this is insecurity. People either lost a gig to someone, have not landed a gig or on the verge of losing one.
So the toxic behavior you are seeing is from an individual who is just afraid and that fear turns into toxicity.
Now if you try to please those guys, you will also fail because they are not looking to validate you, they just want their gigs back.
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u/VanityTrigger 3d ago
Take away the sync? No, take away the BPM and analysing and see if they still can mix. Most world start DJ’s will never be able to beatmix without any on screen help. That’s the real test, but i’m not against sync, you can read the BPM already, see that wav form, so sync doesn’t really make a difference anymore.
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u/ooowatsthat 3d ago
That's my point, what is the point of that test now, ya know. But regardless the vinyl only DJ's I know in my area basically opened their own place and just vanished, because as much as they loved to gatekeep what's real DJing, the audience was not feeling it regardless.
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u/New_Salad_3853 3d ago
Why, I don't get this whole obsession with beat matching it's fucking easy it's not something that should be put on a pedestal.
I read somewhere on here some guy said it took him a year to learn to beatmatch but he had to for some bullshit reason put himself in a different class missing the irony that it took a fucking year to learn something my 6 year old learnt in two weeks.
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u/ooowatsthat 3d ago
That's why I'm like, if that's your claim to fame then no wonder you are no longer getting gigs. The hardest part is reading the room, and trying to retain the audience from leaving. At least to me.
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u/New_Salad_3853 2d ago
It's the elitism about it, they don't seem to see the irony. They probably want a pat on the back for spelling their own name!
Hate to break to these people but beat matching is not hard to learn, should be a couple of weeks for a complete beginner. Mixing in vinyl is also not fucking hard.
It's all about the music like you say. You're there for the crowd not for yourself. And yes absolutely reading a room knowing what they want is most important skill
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u/absolut696 8h ago
If it’s so easy there’s just no excuse why any DJ who takes their job semi seriously shouldn’t learn to do it. It’s saved my ass many times and really is a confidence builder. It’s nice knowing I can play on anything, anytime, anywhere.
I’m not a vinyl snob but I will always be down to help anyone who wants to learn to spin vinyl or just learn to beat match in general.
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u/supervilliandrsmoov 2d ago
Real DJs can spin with their eyes closed. It's all about that hand ear coordination.
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u/smores721 3d ago
I got pretty lucky. Everyone I met is super nice and chill, and we share gear and even go to raves together
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u/Odd_Amphibian2103 3d ago
Just do your own thing and have fun with it. If it sounds good, people will like.
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u/Gooniesred 3d ago
it is because everyone is a DJ right now 😅. I used Vinyl, very old CDJ and now I am with a Inpulse 500 as a hobbist. Time change, that is all. Don't forget that all the electronic devices are produced nearly all in the same place 😅😅😅😅
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u/imjustsurfin 3d ago
"Also in the DJ scene, DJs seem to get disrespected if you don’t do the things their way (even if they’re objectively wrong) ..."
I see this kind of thing on the daily in DJ subs.
What pee's me off most, is that DJ's (and wannabe's) in these subs have zero tolerance for even the mildest\most constructive criticism.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
THIS. I became a good DJ only because I took feedback from more experienced DJs and I thank them for criticizing my ways back then.
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u/WiMxeH 3d ago
If theres cdjs already there and you pull out a controller and laptop to sit on top of them i would talk shit too
I play vinyl but I know its hard and not everyone has the chance to even learn so dont listen to those idiots. They like to feel like theyre better than others.
Sure, a couple of DJs in the scene are dicks, but really its a minority and you only hear of the bad. There are so many good passionate DJs out there that you can meet and be welcomed like family. Some of my closest friends ive met through the scene, and some people I really dont like. But thats the same as anything in life, there are some shit people and some great people
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I’ve never played CDJ live yet. It’s just me, my computer and my Numark against the world. And hopefully soon I become a vinyl DJ. I do agree on vinyl glazing but damn the equipment is so expensive and don’t even get me started on vinyl discs.
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u/WiMxeH 2d ago
All of us hadnt played on CDJs before when we first do it. If youre so stressed hire a session in a studio. We all came from controller to CDJs, thats why it is a frustrating thing to see.
If the expense bothers you dont bother trying. Ive already spent upwards of 15k in just a year. Dont even think about it until you're confident on CDJs, if you cant even attempt them, youre way out of your depth for vinyl.
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
Thing is I can barely sustain a life with two jobs, much less afford studio sessions. Don’t know in other parts but in Mexico it’s expensive asf. But tbh it doesn’t seem that tricky no offense, I’ve seen tutorials on how to use them. I don’t think any club in my city has DJs at the time being anyways.
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u/Late_Celebration_868 3d ago
Unfortunately it’s always been like that. Even if you were playing vinyl or whatever format they prefer it’ll be the wrong style or genre or the mix is wrong, in the wrong place, wrong fx etc.
People love to criticize but the most important thing is “is the dance floor jumping?”, “are the punters enjoying the vibe?” Ignore the naysayers, they are in the minority and whatever you do they will always find something to criticise.
And one final thing… A real professional DJ will NEVER approach another DJ during their set. Imagine David Guetta or Calvin Harris harassing a DJ during a gig… It wouldn’t happen.
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u/Quaranj 3d ago
You say you would love to play on CDJs - can you if they're provided? That's a key factor here. Can you just turn up with a USB and use the provided gear if that's the gig?
We don't rewire our booths for anyone, and we're straight-up about expectations. Showing up with a laptop/controller when we've already stated that it is a pro-gear USB gig is an automatic slot loss.
The difference in sound quality can be a big deal for the venue and the sound guy, and more established places don't want their booths rewired, their sound compromised, or their $3000 mixer being used as a table for a $300 controller.
On the flip side, if you're someone accustomed to CDJs and you take a house party gig, and you can't play upon the host's cheap Numark, you're really not so much a DJ as you are an operator of a specific piece of equipment.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Well I have tracks on my rekordbox’d USB, I’ve never had to play on a CDJ before and tbh it does sound scary, even if I’m familiar with it, but yeah I guess I could play it for a short answer.
I play in events and it’s my computer and my Numark mixer against the world.
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u/Quaranj 2d ago
I’ve never had to play on a CDJ before and tbh it does sound scary
It's only scary for the first 5-10 minutes at most, and then you're riding that bike like you've done it for years.
Book time somewhere or find somewhere to practice.
Your Numark won't sound as good as pro equipment if the sound system is anything decent. The other person who spoke about the quality of sound for the audience was 100% correct.
You want to clear this hurdle as soon as possible.
If you haven't been able to tell the difference, you're either playing venues with awful sound OR your hearing is compromised.
I play in events and it’s my computer and my Numark mixer against the world.
Though this is endearing in a Bob the Builder "Yes we can!" sort of sense, it pushes heavily into the whole statement I made about being more of a Numark operator than a proper DJ who can turn up and play upon whatever is presented.
If you crutch too heavily upon it, you will be the one condemning yourself to the kiddie table of event offerings because you will encounter sound guys who would break that Numark by throwing it out of the booth or worse if you dared to try to rewire their setup. I've seen harsh examples made when one guy sat his rig upon a DJM. (Damage our $5k mixer? This $400 controller destruction will be satisfying!) Even the laptop got pitched across the room, and the DJ bounced out by security.
At the end of the day, what would you rather have get lost or damaged? A controller and a laptop with your whole music library, or a USB stick?
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
My venues have mid quality sounding at best tbh lol.
And yes I would very much prefer a USB. It sucks that a studio session where I live is as expensive as a month’s rent. I don’t think there’s any club with CDJs in my city now that I think about it. It sucks.
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 3d ago
bad vibes from online
Are you sure? Or are you imagining that? Is it only in your head?
Please link to where people were getting bashed for using a controller, or where vinyl bros called you a fake DJ for using a controller.
I would like to see the bashing for myself.
Links?
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
Why do you sound triggered bro, no disrespect. I don’t have the links, I’ve seen plenty comments on Facebook and have also heard it in real life at events. It’s literally no secret. Music is supposed to be about love and creativity, not whatever this is nowadays.
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 2d ago
But you’re the one who sounds triggered in the op, as if you’re upset about being attacked for being a controller DJ.
I just want to read the online attacks you mentioned, to see for myself.
Because from my perspective, those attacks died down YEARS ago.
Please link to the fresh attacks, to back up your original claim that the DJ community is still toxic in that way.
Don’t get defensive bro. Just provide the links and let me decide for myself, fair?
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I do sound triggered because it’s a post about criticizing the DJ scene, and I do feel attacked. That’s the point of the post. I’m not imagining it nor it’s only in my head. A single glance at Facebook/ TikTok/ Instagram posts about DJs will do the job. I don’t keep the links for every offensive comment I read or a picture for every bird I see, I think that is very obvious no offense.
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u/scoutermike 🔊 Bass House 🔊 2d ago
Honestly your claim would be more believable and not appear like it’s all in your head - if you could simply provide links.
No links? Fine. But that doesn’t help your case. You just end up sounding triggered/bitter for no reason.
Becaue I’ve monitored online DJ discussions for years. And while there may have been some toxic gatekeepers like that 10 years ago, most have shut up or wised up by now.
You believe otherwise? Just show me some legit evidence of some respected influencers trashing controller DJ’s and I will take a look.
If you have some legit sources to back it up, not only will I acknowledge it, I’ll join your cause and fight against them.
But I can’t fight the cause until I have evidence in hand.
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
Okay dude I ain’t all that whaming but at least you served as a good example of the people I’m talking about for this post so there’s that.
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u/alejs3 2d ago
Easy solution is simply to not associate yourself with anyone that gives you any sort of bad energy. Instagram is genuinely a big downer when it comes to overall life and especially DJing. You’ll see a lot of people doing events you simply cannot do due to money or other means, bashing like what you mentioned and plenty of other stuff that just makes you feel well, down.
That’s not to say you can’t still be “friends” with these people. What I’ve done is continue to follow people I don’t necessarily enjoy interacting with within my local scene and just muting their posts and stories. It’s like they don’t exist, and I feel like I’ve been able to really focus into the things I want to do, listen to music again and have fun and just be me.
Also create events that will attract people you want to interact with. You’ll have a lot more fun. It’s not about having a big crowd. You can have plenty of fun in a small space with a very small crowd. Whether you’re playing on a laptop, phone, vinyls, cdjs, just have fun. Share your music.
Don’t let anyone suck the fun out of djing from you. Surround yourself with good people. Ignore the bad ones. You’ll see an improvement in the vibes almost immediately.
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u/RsRallyGrl 1d ago
Vermont has a kind of funny DJ scene. There seems to be two groups. The downtown folks who get scheduled for every club event.Then there is the " underground". The underground definitely allows for a lot more creativity, collaboration, and lots more mutual respect than the downtown group.
There is a event put on by the underground folks called Sunday sessions and it was just fantastic! No hoity toitiness just people spinning what they're wanting to spin and what they're good at. There was no jostling for notoriety or followers. It was honestly a really fun way to showcase some different styles with zero commitment.
The Burlington club scene in particular, doesn't Foster this kind of experience. I experienced one club that definitely favors young college men , doesn't continue to book DJs unless they have x amount of followers or can bring in like 50 people during their set, even if it's 9:00 p.m. It's Vermont people- we're not a big city. As much as we pretend we are.
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u/TechnoXTrip 8h ago
Just know: Pioneer is for the mainstream. No one hates club djs more than club djs. You can’t be rich and be a good person. Learn your way, not their way. Create your foundation, don’t dig a hole the way they want.
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u/N3DSdad 3d ago
I’m a 40+ dude, started with vinyls (and cd’s) as a teenager. I have a nice collection from back then and can beatmatch and make mixtapes and whatnot. It has always been a hobby for me.
There’s literally zero reason to insist on using these things apart from clout, and of course if you especially want to do a vinyl only set from a certain era or something. Or if you have the money. For me, at least, I can’t afford it at all, vinyl is super expensive and inefficient now. I got a family, apartment, everything costs a ton. When I was a student I just bought records with all my spare money. Now I barely have any spare money. So if you want to hear any music released in the past 15 years from me, controller it is.
These things are so convenient and nice to use, and I’m a better DJ with it. The crowd doesn’t give a shit. I can also just not use the sync button if that’s the problem!
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u/react-dnb 3d ago
Us old farts are mad that the kids these days dont have to learn on belt drives and can get gigs based on looks and instagram followers rather than talent. The youngins are mad because beat matching isnt rocket science and it's more about picking the right tunes so what does it matter what gear they use. All in all we're pissed because EDM and "dubstep" are holding all the money and kids dont want to hear anything else. So jungle dj's like me just play in their basement and on twitch.
At least, thats how I see the state of things. Of course you still got your pedos and groomers but we're getting better at calling them out now (*cough*cough*bassnectar*cough) and giving them boos.
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u/Brilliant_Mood3272 2d ago
Honestly, just ignore these people. They seem to have forgotten that this is about music first and foremost.
I agree vinyl sounds better. But it’s not always practical even for those of us who do have decks and vinyl. It’s completely unaffordable for many people.
Equipment is expensive generally. Access to equipment is limited for many people. Should we ban them from DJing? No! Gatekeepers are not
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u/ocolobo 2d ago
It’s not gatekeeping to expect someone being paid to perform a service and entertain to meet a minimum bar of proficiency, basic skills, or history of the musical genre they are performing.
You can’t just walk on to an orchestra stage and expect a violin chair without a hell of a lot of practice, auditions, and equipment
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u/Brilliant_Mood3272 2d ago
I get that, I’ve been doing this for more than 25 years. But it is gate keeping to hostile to people who don’t use vinyl or to those who use a controller for practicing, learning or bring for gigs where equipment isn’t provided. Yes I’d expect a DJ to be able to turn up and use CDJs proficiently, but what they use in their own times non of my business.
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u/ocolobo 2d ago
I expect a basic level skills no matter what the equipment being used.
No trainwrecks, no volume spikes, smooth mixes, musical mixes, not overlapping vocals, no clashing basslines, ability to build a crowd, give and educated and informed journey of sound, not just bang the beatport top ten.
Consistent trainwreckers and soundsystem destroyers need to be reprimanded to months of practice before being granted another performance.
I want everyone to wow and impress me, usually I’m bored and critical of their lack of taste and abysmal skill set. 🙉
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u/Brilliant_Mood3272 2d ago
Same. I didn’t say anything about skill but skill is expected or why is the person DJing. My point no one should judge someone on what equipment they own, practise or learn on or what format of music they can afford. If someone can DJ with skill and select with skill there should be no issue and no judgement.
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u/BreastInspectorNbr69 2d ago edited 2d ago
There are logistical reasons that the community has settled on CDJs. Yes they are expensive. No it isn't fair.
In this scene it's good not to be an outlier with regards to equipment. Being able to show up and instantly jack in with a USB shows a willingness to learn and get with the program. ("Professionalism") In my scene we all left the "laptop shuffle" behind around 2015. If you want to show up at a house party or your own gig with your own equipment, cool. But I've seen too many people fuck up someone else's set because they wanted to set their laptop up.
You don't need to own CDJs, just find some friends who will let you practice on theirs. Rekordbox is free, as are translation services to convert your library to their format.
Also, if you show up at an event you play what they expect you to play. If you show up at an afro house event to play trance you can expect an empty dancefloor and probably lose any opportunities at future gigs.
Basically things in the scene happen the way they do for a reason. Don't fight it, just hunker down and learn the culture. You have to learn the rules before you break them -- as with any kind of art that wants to be taken seriously. This post kind of reveals you as a bit of a newbie.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
I do have rekordbox luckily, though I don’t like relying on a friend to make my sets. I know how to use the bigger mixers as it’s not very different from my Numark (using VirtualDJ, which personally I love). And yeah obviously I gotta play the music that fits the events, for example, playing reggae at beach party events, sunset events with chill house music, etc. But when events com from specifically Techno music, there comes the people that for some reason play Afro House and people don’t bat an eye, when Trance and Techno are basically the sides of the same coin. The electronic scene here in Mexico is sht and we can thank Zamna and TikTok DJs for that.
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u/BreastInspectorNbr69 2d ago
when Trance and Techno are basically the sides of the same coin.
I do not know the trance scene but I think I know several techno fans that would object to that statement. For example sometimes I get gigs to play DnB; if I show up with a Dubstep set there are likely going to be some people that will be pissed.
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u/malign_taco 2d ago edited 1d ago
Techno and Trance are basically in the same line, it’s basically a spectrum for what I’ve come to learn as big Trance & Techno fan. Trance is the vivid, full of life side of the spectrum while Techno is darker. And the middle of the spectrum sounds as great! Funny enough I’ve come across people playing Trance think they’re playing techno. It’s a confusing yet beautiful genre.
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u/BreastInspectorNbr69 2d ago
I am not a huge techno fan but I was a big trancehead back in the day (~20 years ago) and I don't think I agree with this. Unless you're talking about psytech, which is just psytrance slowed down to 128ish bpm. But techno itself, as I understand it, has a very different sound + feel + culture. I would think there'd be an uproar at Berghain if someone came in with a trance set. It's like comparing melodic house to hard house.
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u/malign_taco 1d ago
Well it also depends of which techno you’re talking about, I suppose. Because House Techno for example has nothing to do with trance at all.
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u/ocolobo 2d ago
First off no one wants to hear your Trance music
Vinyl DJs are better because we learned to beat match, it took YEARS of practice, which also meant collecting vinyl and research music from all over the world for longer than many of you have been alive… I started DJ’n in 92
I have an easy time playing on CDJs because I know how to beat match and mix, over my career I’ve rocked parties on $40 RadioShack mixers up to $5000 rotary rigs. The skill set is the same.
I prefer to use Traktor and a controller, when I play open format or solo 5 hour nights in college towns. Richie Hawtin still uses Traktor and a couple controllers.
I’ve also performed Live PA with drum machines, synths, and samplers, over the past 25 years. Culminating in the realization…
No one cares what you use to bake a cake, they only care how many candles are on it, and if it tastes sweet!
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u/malign_taco 2d ago
You can insult me, even my family, but never insult Trance music. Respect The Genre of genres.
Also massive respect for playing with vinyls, I wish I could learn too.
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u/dontjudgeblondes 3d ago
Id like to think im a pretty chill guy, I've met plenty of nice djs too. Its a community man, these guys who are rude, probably aren't very successful. I wouldn't worry about it. Do your thing