Empty Dancefloor - Dj Reactions

[spot]

There's more than one way to empty a floor.

1/ The crowd don't know the tunes. 

2/ A predictable boring set.

3/ You're shit.

4/ Wrong type of tunes ie: 100mph oldies at an afternoon Modern session.

So which one of the four is your excuse then Kev?? Only joking mate, you don't need an excuse!!    

[Len]

Yes Len as long as they were Top 200 NS Oldies, so lets not give them any credit, as Ricky Tomlinson would say, "Baggie trousers, my ar*e!!!"    

Spot.  

p.s. Remember Len, records maketh the Man, not the other way around.

 

.....So are you saying it is 'wishful thinking' on my part by chance?  

 

Laters,

 

Len  

Edited February 28, 2015 by LEN

[John May]

Delude yourself that there is a full dance floor and carry on, delusion is a powerful tool !

[tosspot]

A great read  , as for me, I'm usually shell shocked when the floor gets full when I dj, in fact you could count on one hand when that's happened

Carry on regardless, the next dj is prob. on in a mo. , so he/she can pick it back up, & remember, the promoter who booked you must have liked what you played when they heard you spinning somewhere,

Chin up, atb...Rob

[John May]

A great read  , as for me, I'm usually shell shocked when the floor gets full when I dj, in fact you could count on one hand when that's happened

Carry on regardless, the next dj is prob. on in a mo. , so he/she can pick it back up, & remember, the promoter who booked you must have liked what you played when they heard you spinning somewhere,

Chin up, atb...Rob

I remember that night Rob, I think i was the guy who danced lol.  Always top tunes from you mate.

[Winsford Soul]

I guess what I'm tryingbto saybis a good DJ should be able to read the floor, and change their spot accordingly, but there's no guarantee that will work either !

[Baldsoulie]

When does a record drop out of the mythical top 500 for say no.501 so a dj can play it to refill the dance floor without criticism?. Just a thought, top 500 records, about 1250 minutes, average night 300 minutes (5hrs). Plenty of scope to not repeat but play records punters know whilst throwing in an occasional new sound.

[Guest Matt Male]

When does a record drop out of the mythical top 500 for say no.501 so a dj can play it to refill the dance floor without criticism?. Just a thought, top 500 records, about 1250 minutes, average night 300 minutes (5hrs). Plenty of scope to not repeat but play records punters know whilst throwing in an occasional new sound.

 

The top 500 isn't a myth though.

 

https://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/steveparker/northern_soul_top_500.htm

Edited February 28, 2015 by Matt Male

[Baldsoulie]

Sorry, yes they do physically exist but a myth in that it only exists in the thoughts of the person who created it, How many top 500 lists are there and do they all agree?.

[KevH]

Only takes about 5 fat bald  fkers to fill the floor anyway. And thats the not counting the men.

[Citizen P]

Just announce every sound as a Massive Oldie from-Wheel/Mecca/Wigan...

They'll have to dance to prove they were there and orfennick...  

[Mrtag]

I was thinking summat more like a rugby tackle from the stage and an eye gouge on the way down

 

This is good to see a DJ thinking outside of the box!!! This could be the answer!!  Should also cut down on requests!!  

[Guest Matt Male]

Here's an idea 'Tag Djing'. DJ plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, the moment he does the next DJ takes over with the next record, he plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, and so on... and then just start with the first DJ and round again.

[hullsoul]

Here's an idea 'Tag Djing'. DJ plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, the moment he does the next DJ takes over with the next record, he plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, and so on... and then just start with the first DJ and round again.

Matt

I'll bring one record then

Cheers

Martyn

[Labeat]

Matt

I'll bring one record then

Cheers

Martyn

Hey Martyn, Times gettin on, it's a long way from your place to Longton

[Julianb]

or ?

 

Give Julian Bentley a ring as he has extensive experience of the phenomena you describe.

F--k off Kegsy!

[Guest Aaron Darcy]

Borrow Butch's box

Not a good idea to borrow Butch's box  as he has rare and cover ups in the box which most of the handbaggers  on the dance floor will not appreciate.

[barney]

are there any qualifications or courses on offer to be a northern soul dj , surely someone should have come up with something by now because from what I see  looking up from the floor most djs look to be  well past their sell by dates  

Edited March 1, 2015 by barney

[paultp]

Sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. I've DJ'd with every scenario; taken over a half empty dance floor and slowly filled it up only to have someone say "shame you didn't play your usual set". Played to a rammed floor for a full set only to have someone come up on stage and tell me that I'd played a shit set. Played what I thought was a good and interesting set in a place known for rare, upfront etc and had an empty floor for half of it until I played some well known stuff, came off at the end and then had loads of people congratulate me for playing a great set.

 

In my limited experience, occasionally you do a set where it seems like everything you pull out of your box is a winner, you get an atmosphere where you feel the audience is in the palm of your hand, floor rammed, atmosphere electric. You change the tempo and genre up, down, round and about and it all works fantastically. I think I've had that experience about three times and it makes all the shit ones worthwhile. If anyone knows how to do it week in week out, bottle it and sell it.

[Labeat]

are there any qualifications or courses on offer to be a northern soul dj , surely someone should have come up with something by now because from what I see  looking up from the floor most djs look to be  well past their sell by dates  

But Barney, 90% of a crowd are, i would say, of the same generation as the dj's, are they then past their sell by dates?

[Winsford Soul]

But Barney, 90% of a crowd are, i would say, of the same generation as the dj's, are they then past their sell by dates?

Neil. Only the one's that aren't dancing.. off we go back to post one

Steve

[Labeat]

Neil. Only the one's that aren't dancing.. off we go back to post one

Steve

Steve, the two Manchester city centre venues, the two at Leeds, Soulfunktion... these places must be exceptions, the dj's are all younger than most of the crowds

[Winsford Soul]

Steve, the two Manchester city centre venues, the two at Leeds, Soulfunktion... these places must be exceptions, the dj's are all younger than most of the crowds

Neil.

That Trend seems to be occurring in the city centre venues where you have a generally much younger audiences looking for something less mainstream. And some of the more younger /aware djs have cottoned on to that

Steve

Edited March 1, 2015 by Winsford Soul

[Nz Soul]

just say well I listen 2 enough bad tunes for 1 night

its my turne at the end of the day its like buses there b another 1 along in a bit

Edited March 1, 2015 by nz soul

[Alan Bonthrone1]

Your bang on , Melv ?

[Len]

are there any qualifications or courses on offer to be a northern soul dj  

 

.....There wasn't until you said  

 

The only 'qualification' I would put to it is 'Gusto', meaning at least showing confidence in the tunes you are choosing to play. A D.J's personality does shine through - If he's enjoying himself so will the crowd

 

All the best,

 

Len  

Edited March 2, 2015 by LEN

[Chalky]

are there any qualifications or courses on offer to be a northern soul dj , surely someone should have come up with something by now because from what I see  looking up from the floor most djs look to be  well past their sell by dates  

 

Do you just mean old or not doing the business?  

 

Age is not or shouldn't be a factor when DJing as long as they are doing the business.  

[Hooker1951]

Bang on Len that's the magic they all forget about."im about to get with you springs to mind" Might be a it to cosmic for some people to understand. Keep on Pressing on. 

         Mick L

[Nsg]

You are either at the wrong event, or you are a shit Dj. 

 

Use to happen alot at the Casino and the Mecca with two of the top DJ's,  so I don't think thats a complete & comprehensive assumption - you could have a shite audience too who havent got a clue  ..... lol

Edited March 2, 2015 by NSG

[Chalky]

Nothing new would ever get played if DJ's were afraid of clearing the floor.  Some of the biggest records about cleared the floor when first aired.  Again it is a question of getting the balance right.

[hullsoul]

Neil.

That Trend seems to be occurring in the city centre venues where you have a generally much younger audiences looking for something less mainstream. And some of the more younger /aware djs have cottoned on to that

Steve

Steve

I attend most of the night's Neil mentioned & it's a misconception the crowd is mainly a younger audience,I find it's more like 50/50.Plenty of old gits attending enjoying the fresh approach to there night's..........I know I do.

Cheers

Martyn

Edited March 2, 2015 by hullsoul

[Pete S]

Floor is empty, what does a DJ do ?

 

Stop playing crossover sh*te 

[Labeat]

Steve

I attend most of the night's Neil mentioned & it's a misconception the crowd is mainly a younger audience,I find it's more like 50/50.Plenty of old gits attending enjoying the fresh approach to there night's..........I know I do.

Cheers

Martyn

I will echo that Martyn, plenty of old codgers (folk in their 50's&60's) with dodgy knees & tickers discussing pensions and records.... salt of the earth

[Phild]

I had an empty floor a couple of times on Saturday night.

 

On one occasion I stuck Court Davis on and one bloke got up. Danced on his own looking like he was in soul heaven throughout the whole record. Made it worthwhile

[hullsoul]

I will echo that Martyn, plenty of old codgers (folk in their 50's&60's) with dodgy knees & tickers discussing pensions and records.... salt of the earth

Neil

And that's just us two

Cheers

Martyn

[Labeat]

I had an empty floor a couple of times on Saturday night.

 

On one occasion I stuck Court Davis on and one bloke got up. Danced on his own looking like he was in soul heaven throughout the whole record. Made it worthwhile

Thats a good answer, when you are dj-ing "Try to think" (What you're doing)

[Chalky]

City centre are an exception.  They have universities and will as a rule attract a younger crowd.  However most don't travel and I would imagine most leave the scene once they have settled into adult life.  But on the scene generally the more mature amongst us vastly out number the youngsters.

[Labeat]

City centre are an exception.  They have universities and will as a rule attract a younger crowd.  However most don't travel and I would imagine most leave the scene once they have settled into adult life.  But on the scene generally the more mature amongst us vastly out number the youngsters.

Quite a good few of young'ns Saturday night eh Chalk... in both rooms, all with smiles having a good time!

[Chalky]

Quite a good few of young'ns Saturday night eh Chalk... in both rooms, all with smiles having a good time!

 

What it is all about mate.

[Steve L]

I had an empty floor a couple of times on Saturday night.

 

On one occasion I stuck Court Davis on and one bloke got up. Danced on his own looking like he was in soul heaven throughout the whole record. Made it worthwhile

 

Well fancy playing Court Davis when the crowd probably wanted Wigan oldies….

[Raremusicdirect]

"You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

[Len]

But on the scene generally the more mature amongst us vastly out number the youngsters.

 

......There's a subtle difference between 'more mature' and 'older'  

 

Len  

Edited March 2, 2015 by LEN

[Labeat]

"You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

"You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time"

[John Parker]

i did a 20min spot at a free entry  sunday afternoon chill out recently and was asked after why i had played "strange stuff,not the ussual records djs play "................my .first record was mathew barnett on puff ,...for a mate who danced in defiant and splendid isolation on his own throughout the tune. .ez

Now this is a tricky one...seeing your post reminded me...remember two or three years ago playing Matthew Barnett in the Rare Room at Brid...packed floor...someone else played it..same room,same crowd the following night..emptied the floor..explain that one????????

[John Parker]

I understand what your saying Len and I would sooner be in a rare room than the top 500 room personal.

 

About 10 years ago I put a soul night on in Nottingham and Rob Thomas volunteered his services for the first night, as all DJs were booked I shared my spot with him. He played things like Marrying Kind, Hey You, Oh Baby, Whats Your Game etc etc. It was 100% brilliant. Unfortunately it emptied the floor and gave a feeling of no atmosphere. Time for safety and back to the oldies - Full floor

Robs record selection was ace but not right for this night. So I see it as if your going to DJ at a venue where people are paying there hard earned cash and want to dance to top 500 then its your duty to do so even to the extent of playing a record you dont like yourself.  Remember there the top 500 for a reason. Even though Robs session was awesome.

You could blame me for being the promoter and putting Rob on - and I would say it was the first night and I had no Idea 250 would attend all wanting big oldies  

 

Mick

Was that the Gino Washington..Oh Baby...Acetate?

[Steve G]

….or you could take the Jo Wallace's legendary stance at These Ole Shoes. A small group of punters who had arrived together go up to her and start moaning saying "the music here is sh*te" - it probably was mind  .

 

Anyway Jo says "All right then - there's yer £3 back, now F8ck off"….

[Hooker1951]

If you can't please them in an hour take a rest.Of course you can clear a floor for 2 and half minutes but not for an hour for Godsakes It's the music put together properly that matters not how much a record costs a bit more substance and feeling for what your doing might help Sorry ! Some Dj,s have just got expensive records which might make them think they are boffins of ballyhoo  but soul a lot of them haven't got it . Keep on Pressing on ML

[John Parker]

Here's an idea 'Tag Djing'. DJ plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, the moment he does the next DJ takes over with the next record, he plays until he gets an empty dancefloor, and so on... and then just start with the first DJ and round again.

Or better still...a small live  wire to the mains ,,connected to the DJ...could link it to the weight on the dance floor,,,lets say 500kg before it goes off....bit like that film "Speed"

[Guest Matt Male]

Or better still...a small live  wire to the mains ,,connected to the DJ...could link it to the weight on the dance floor,,,lets say 500kg before it goes off....bit like that film "Speed"

 

500kg? Maybe 30 years ago that was a half full dance floor, these days that's only five blokes.

[Mick Boyle]

Was that the Gino Washington..Oh Baby...Acetate?

Thats the one, I had the insight to bang it on CD. Love it to death