Should DJs go back to introducing the song title and artist at the start of playing records.? Some do, some dont.

Ed

...I usually find that connecting via the music and trying to cross smoothly from one tune to another, so as not to break the flow of dancing helps. Depends on club, I suppose. I know im sick of dj's telling me how rare, how much, the tunes are etc. Screaming at me through a distorted sound system that barely carries the records.."trust me! This Is the bollocks" "Come on LUUUUNDUN" or whatever and then after a 30 second build up, a piece of shite comes on!! Im on the soul scene for music, not waffle or celebrity dj's. I want to connect with the other dancers....on the floor. Just my personal taste.

Agree 100% with this!

I don't go to venue's to see DJ's... I go to hear their records.

No amount of waffle... no matter how well it's delivered over the mic... is going to get me excited about crap records.

I... myself... don't talk on the mic... but that's just because I talk too fast anyway... so I know no one would be able to understand a word I said!

However, I disagree with the comments that anybody can stand up there and put a set together... they can't.

I suppose when you don't talk you need to make sure one record flows into another.

Give them a load of waffle in between... they will have forgot what the last record you played was by the time you start the next one... therefore removing the need for them to flow... quite clever really

Good point there Joan. There's a good few celebrity DJ's would be buggered without a mic, as the jump from a driving 60s record to mid-tempo 70s would would grate on the ears even more without 30 seconds of gargling on the mic.

Plus, what's the point in announcing a record the times when everyone knows what it is??

Agree 100% with this!

Good point there Joan. There's a good few celebrity DJ's would be buggered without a mic, as the jump from a driving 60s record to mid-tempo 70s would would grate on the ears even more without 30 seconds of gargling on the mic.

Plus, what's the point in announcing a record the times when everyone knows what it is??

Hi,

You're presuming everyone knows what all the records are. I hate going up to the stage and often want to know what a record is if I dont know it and I like it. Perhaps you're right, I'm sure I've probably spent far too much money on records after a DJ's announced on the mic what it is.. might be cheaper for me if they dont say anything...

Jayne.x.

Edited July 18, 200718 yr by Miss BurySoul

Me n Bearsy were talking 'bout this the other night. I agree with others that when you can't understand a bloody word it just interupts the flow, and i couldn't give a toss how much a record costs when it's announced as if that alone makes it a great tune.

I love to see the dj connecting with the tunes they are playing.

Bearsy does it coz he sings his heart out all the way through his set and he so obviuosly loves the music he's playing it is infectous. If he plays something i don't know it makes me pay attention to it more as if i should love it as much as he obviously does.

Sean chapman is another one whos energy makes you take notice. He can whip up the crowd and get em begging for more. He is the best DJ to put on early in the night IMHO as he really builds up your expectations for the night to come.

Saying that the music is King (or Queen not to be sexist!!) and i really enjoyed Barbara Grassi's set at Talk of the south even though she didn't say a word ( hang on a minute i feel a song coming on....)

I'm no dj but as a punter it seems to me that the skill is reading the room. Mischief is a master at this, what goes down well on one night with one crowd can bomb on another ocasion If you go with a full box, attend the event instead of just turing up for your slot, and can get a feel for the way the crowd is then thats tallent.

I don't think anyone would argue that a good dj does a hell of a lot more than cue up a few records whether they talk or not.

Helen

XXXX

Hi Helen,

Good points, totally agree about Sean Chapman too, he's my hero! lol. . I'm totally in favour of dj's using the mic for a few reasons. Sean Chapman, Jonesy, CK, Terry Davies and others all make me laugh with some of the things they've come out with over the mic and I think it's great for atmosphere.

Jayne.x.

But for people like me who mix modern soul and soulful house music find it is hard to talk in between records as we are busy with your hands trying to get the sound right, i understand that we should talk especially if it is a new sound and people want to know what it is, but people shouldnt be worried about approaching the dj and askin what a record is

Callum

Well, if you plan a set before the event...I dont, a cd might be a viable option. I like to be there from start to finish and contribute to a whole night. Im listening to the OTHER dj's playing and trying to feel what will follow....If I like a record , I go up and ask what it is, that way i get to speak to a person, not a personality!! You see, I dont think its my place to tell a dj what to play, what to say, how to dance (although I think they should!), or whether to use a mike. Some dj's are ALL talk and crap tunes....does that make it OK , because they can waffle on the mike.? The cd thing is true Chalky, because I keep hearing dj's playing the same old sets....

I don't plan my sets either, have in my mind some I may want to spin but you never know how the night will pan out and what is required and how receptive the crowd is to certain types of records.

Waffle? I never said owt about waffling, I don't want to hear DJ's waffle on and on but there should be some interaction between DJ and dancers rather than just playing record after record which anyone can do, and with a bit of practise make it flow.

The knack is the interatction and still making the set flow. As I said I think most dancers would want a slight breather now and then, mop their brows with their beer towel and maybe a quick drink

Its good to hear an anecdote or two during the evening, but more often than not, if a tune catches you, to save having to bother the DJ, just a simple that was XXX - YYY is suffice.

I agree we dont need to be constantly bombarded with this is the brand leader, or I found this record in a pile of Shoot mags at the local Sue Ryder.

I don't plan my sets either, have in my mind some I may want to spin but you never know how the night will pan out and what is required and how receptive the crowd is to certain types of records.

Waffle? I never said owt about waffling, I don't want to hear DJ's waffle on and on but there should be some interaction between DJ and dancers rather than just playing record after record which anyone can do, and with a bit of practise make it flow.

The knack is the interatction and still making the set flow. As I said I think most dancers would want a slight breather now and then, mop their brows with their beer towel and maybe a quick drink

YES...I think its just finding the right balance and being sensitive to the venue......some places like it more than others.....BUT, I definitely dont need to be told how much or how rare a record is. Its either good or bad!!

BUT, I definitely dont need to be told how much or how rare a record is. Its either good or bad!!

agree with you there, no need at all to be told how rare or how expensive a record is

Edited July 18, 200718 yr by chalky

I found this record in a pile of Shoot mags at the local Sue Ryder.

This is a football publication, isn't it There's something vaguely porno in the title....

The mike is always useful for tombolas, taxis, drinks on the dancefloor and stolen handbags I can't think that I'd use the mike for any other announcements other than those listed Jo

This is a football publication, isn't it There's something vaguely porno in the title....

The mike is always useful for tombolas, taxis, drinks on the dancefloor and stolen handbags I can't think that I'd use the mike for any other announcements other than those listed Jo

Yeah right Jo, you have always been a bit mike shy havent you

LETS BE HAVING YOU

Yeah right Jo, you have always been a bit mike shy havent you

LETS BE HAVING YOU

I'd pay good money to see Jo introduce the Dells - Make Sure, without saying a dickie bird.

But for people like me who mix modern soul and soulful house music find it is hard to talk in between records as we are busy with your hands trying to get the sound right, i understand that we should talk especially if it is a new sound and people want to know what it is, but people shouldnt be worried about approaching the dj and askin what a record is

Callum

Hi Callum

I wouldn't expect to hear it in a modern room so much because there's more mixing,etc going on.. I wouldn't be worried about approaching a DJ to ask what a record is but it's often difficult to hear them shouting it down your ear over the music.. (& I'm bl00dy lazy! LOL)

Jayne.x.

HI Joan, I was one of the lucky ones to hear your set on my very fist visit to the 100 club last year- the vibes on the floor were awesome although admittedly I had to stop dancing for a quick re-charge of my legs in haste of getting back on the dancefloor . Reminds me, any chance of the title to that beautiful song you occasionally wind down with, as on this night also, think it was by a Vicki Styles?? This always gives me goose bumps when you play it, I remember also dancing to Bonni Brisker & Buddy Lamp too if my Scottish memory serves me well!After all I was drinking my usual tipple of fresh orange . With tunes like that I just want to move swiftly onto the next dance, I don't mind if a Dj talks or not, but (quite a few sound very distorted & I feel they may not realise their words are simply going over our heads)! I would rather a dj only talks if enthusiastic, audible & done tastefully!

VONNY X

Should DJs go back to introducing the song title and artist at the start of playing records.? Some do, some dont.

Ed

If you feel it with a tune......rare or not , how can you fail to make a comment on it when you play it out ?

Should DJs go back to introducing the song title and artist at the start of playing records.? Some do, some dont.

Ed

If it`s a lesser known spin maybe. But on the whole NO-If I`m playing the classics (or other well played spins) I don`t need to insult my audience`s intelligence by telling them what the record is-they already know! Never speak for the sake of it-you might end up sounding like Alan Partridge! Less is more. And I`m a Yorkshireman with a pretty broad accent now living (and deejaying regularly) in Derbyshire! Some of the locals have trouble picking up my lingo...

Edited July 22, 200718 yr by The Soul Intention

If you feel it with a tune......rare or not , how can you fail to make a comment on it when you play it out ?

I'm pretty sure even a blind man could see when I feel a record.

Just because a DJ thinks a records's the dogs doo dah's... doesn't mean everyone else does.

There's nothing I hate more than a DJ shouting on and on about how fookin brilliant a record is...

I am more than capable of deciding for myself whether I think a record is brilliant thank you very much.

If a record's good... it's good... it speaks for itself... far better than I ever could.

I'm pretty sure even a blind man could see when I feel a record.

Just because a DJ thinks a records's the dogs doo dah's... doesn't mean everyone else does.

There's nothing I hate more than a DJ shouting on and on about how fookin brilliant a record is...

I am more than capable of deciding for myself whether I think a record is brilliant thank you very much.

If a record's good... it's good... it speaks for itself... far better than I ever could.

Are you up late again doing your homework????....lol you will always be able to 'dip your hips' Joan....come on very possibly my best ever one liner introduction to a record???? made you laugh for years.

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

I'd pay good money to see Jo introduce the Dells - Make Sure, without saying a dickie bird.

Ah, but did you ever hear Jo and my duet version live at the Saracens? Priceless...

Edited July 19, 200718 yr by Jerry Hipkiss

Ah, but did you ever hear Jo and my duet version live at the Saracens? Priceless...

As a result, I was frogmarched off the premises and told never to darken any doorstep in Cheltenham EVER AGAIN.... And another reason not to give me a mike Jo

As a result, I was frogmarched off the premises and told never to darken any doorstep in Cheltenham EVER AGAIN.... And another reason not to give me a mike Jo

...or the more truthful version...you had the place jumping!

I'd pay good money to see Jo introduce the Dells - Make Sure, without saying a dickie bird.

Honestly Mikey, sometimes OK, slip me a tenner next time you see me and I'll see what I can do Jo

I'm pretty sure even a blind man could see when I feel a record.

Just because a DJ thinks a records's the dogs doo dah's... doesn't mean everyone else does.

There's nothing I hate more than a DJ shouting on and on about how fookin brilliant a record is...

I am more than capable of deciding for myself whether I think a record is brilliant thank you very much.

If a record's good... it's good... it speaks for itself... far better than I ever could.

True.........TRUST ME!

Personally I like to hear a DJ use the mic, but gotta say sometimes wish they hadn't bothered - the days when a DJ built the crowd into a frenzie on the dancefloor using mic would appear to have long gone - but not a bad thing as is achieved today more on the flow of the set - though I do like to hear the title n artist if I've not heard it before.

Karen

a few jokes inbetween tracks would be good ...................... "take my wife ........... please!"

followed by the raffle ..... "and the llegg of lammmmb goes to ..... numbahhh wun tooo threeeeeeeeeeee ........ cooom on doreen luv, you're a winnur ..... and thisss is ray pollllllard ... the drifftaaahhhhhhhh!"

a few jokes inbetween tracks would be good ...................... "take my wife ........... please!"

followed by the raffle ..... "and the llegg of lammmmb goes to ..... numbahhh wun tooo threeeeeeeeeeee ........ cooom on doreen luv, you're a winnur ..... and thisss is ray pollllllard ... the drifftaaahhhhhhhh!"

Cant wait for the IOW

make yourself known bearsy .... i'll make sure you get the leg of lamb

Talk i would say, i plan to on my first time but only once per song so they know what i played. easy play first second then announce who it was and say next record play it and then after just keep saying what the next records will be easy as 1 2 3. only so they do get to know what was played.

Talk i would say, i plan to on my first time but only once per song so they know what i played. easy play first second then announce who it was and say next record play it and then after just keep saying what the next records will be easy as 1 2 3. only so they do get to know what was played.

It might be a bit much hun'. just be natural & dont stick to a plan.. no need to do that throughout your whole set in the same way, it might start sounding a bit monotonous...

Jayne.x.

I personally like a dj to use the mic,not to much though but when they do it shows their watching the dancefloor,and not just putting record after record on!! Because some djs just stick the toons on unaware of whats happening on the dancefloor. Don,t know which dj it was or even the venue we were at but he hardly ever lifted his head during his set!!

Helen

I think DJs should sing, dance and tell jokes.

The only thing that can be a bore is when they give you a geography lesson after every record. "Crossing over from the East coast to the west coast and heading down south into Shreveport for this next one...."

Gertcha

The only thing that can be a bore is when they give you a geography lesson after every record. "Crossing over from the East coast to the west coast and heading down south into Shreveport for this next one...."

Amusement potential for the chin strokers when they get it wrong though . Personally think a DJ isn't even trying unless they are wearing a clown outfit, riding a unicycle and juggling tennis rackets at the same time, but that appears to offend certain traditionalist and reactionary elements. Honk! honk!

Amusement potential for the chin strokers when they get it wrong though . Personally think a DJ isn't even trying unless they are wearing a clown outfit, riding a unicycle and juggling tennis rackets at the same time, but that appears to offend certain traditionalist and reactionary elements. Honk! honk!

Looking forward to the next Solid Hit Soul now Stuart more than ever before

Looking forward to the next Solid Hit Soul now Stuart more than ever before

Don't hold your breath Bearsy - he never wears his work clothes out.

Don't hold your breath Bearsy - he never wears his work clothes out.

Im sure he left his red nose on all night last time though didnt he

It depends on the DJ, there is a guy in Warrington called Colin Deeley, he yaps his way through every record he plays. I don't want to listen to him all I want to do is listen to the record.

Don't hold your breath Bearsy - he never wears his work clothes out.

You should get the GLA Refuse Department to adopt the same policy.

I personally like a dj to use the mic,not to much though but when they do it shows their watching the dancefloor,and not just putting record after record on!! Because some djs just stick the toons on unaware of whats happening on the dancefloor. Don,t know which dj it was or even the venue we were at but he hardly ever lifted his head during his set!!

Helen

Am laughing here...

Just because a DJ is talking... it doesn't mean they are taking notice of the dance floor... believe me!

While we are on the subject of empty dance floor's... I remember Rob Marriot had many an empty dance floor to records that pack the dance floor today.

Makes me laugh when you see people dancing and raving about the very same records they used to slag Rob off for playing.

Thank God people like Rob Marriot had faith enough in those records... and the guts to continue playing them week after week... despite getting slagged off and sometimes clearing the dance floor.

You only have to look at records like the Trannels and the Hyperions to realise who was right.

Am laughing here...

Just because a DJ is talking... it doesn't mean they are taking notice of the dance floor... believe me!

While we are on the subject of empty dance floor's... I remember Rob Marriot had many an empty dance floor to records that pack the dance floor today.

Makes me laugh when you see people dancing and raving about the very same records they used to slag Rob off for playing.

Thank God people like Rob Marriot had faith enough in those records... and the guts to continue playing them week after week... despite getting slagged off and sometimes clearing the dance floor.

You only have to look at records like the Trannels and the Hyperions to realise who was right.

Funnily enough Joan, had this conversation only yesterday whilst playing an old tape from about '80 that Rob had put together,some of the stuff was downright "Ahead of its time Northern",miss him on the scene and tried to get him to come back.Seems to have gone missing again though.

Hyperions .

"I'm gonna keep playing the f*cker till you do dance" Remember when he first started playing this, cleared the floor everywhere. 3 or 4 times at 100 Club once in the 80's.

"I'm gonna keep playing the f*cker till you do dance" Remember when he first started playing this, cleared the floor everywhere. 3 or 4 times at 100 Club once in the 80's.

fab days indeed

I'm pretty sure even a blind man could see when I feel a record.

Just because a DJ thinks a records's the dogs doo dah's... doesn't mean everyone else does.

There's nothing I hate more than a DJ shouting on and on about how fookin brilliant a record is...

I am more than capable of deciding for myself whether I think a record is brilliant thank you very much.

If a record's good... it's good... it speaks for itself... far better than I ever could.

Fair play, you are right. The music will always speak for itself ! But personally I do like to hear DJs interject with their patter / info etc.

as long as it is not to OTT and over indulging.

If a DJ is commenting on a tune and his personal feelings about that tune i think it can add to a set. But if a DJ declines to use a mic no problem?

If its done right its great and if its done bad its embarressing IMO

"THIS IS WHOEVER.......LOVE THIS TUNE......GOT IT THIS MORNING......BEEN AFTER IT FOR 20 YEARS........BANG"

Whats wrong with a bit of expression ?

Fair play, you are right. The music will always speak for itself ! But personally I do like to hear DJs interject with their patter / info etc.

as long as it is not to OTT and over indulging.

If a DJ is commenting on a tune and his personal feelings about that tune i think it can add to a set. But if a DJ declines to use a mic no problem?

If its done right its great and if its done bad its embarressing IMO

"THIS IS WHOEVER.......LOVE THIS TUNE......GOT IT THIS MORNING......BEEN AFTER IT FOR 20 YEARS........BANG"

Whats wrong with a bit of expression ?

Absolutely nothing.

I don't think any one said there was anything wrong with it.

Some of us show expression differently that's all... there's nothing wrong with that either.

Absolutely nothing.

I don't think any one said there was anything wrong with it.

Some of us show expression differently that's all... there's nothing wrong with that either.

Bang on.........................!

That Sandy Golden track you hav been digging is ++++++++++ where can I get one?

money no object FAIR PLAY.................................. WHAT A SEXY TUNE !!!

Sounds lik a DC tune to me...........................now your gonna tell me its a oldie ....... from Stafford!

terra shirma?...................gotta b

what a wonderful tune!!!!!

Edited July 24, 200718 yr by mossy

Am laughing here...

Just because a DJ is talking... it doesn't mean they are taking notice of the dance floor... believe me! Yes actually i can believe it!! Cos some djs play what they like an therefore could,nt give a F**K,whats going on,on the dancefloor!! Helen

While we are on the subject of empty dance floor's... I remember Rob Marriot had many an empty dance floor to records that pack the dance floor today.

Makes me laugh when you see people dancing and raving about the very same records they used to slag Rob off for playing.

Thank God people like Rob Marriot had faith enough in those records... and the guts to continue playing them week after week... despite getting slagged off and sometimes clearing the dance floor.

You only have to look at records like the Trannels and the Hyperions to realise who was right.

Edited July 24, 200718 yr by martell

I think DJs should sing, dance and tell jokes.

The only thing that can be a bore is when they give you a geography lesson after every record. "Crossing over from the East coast to the west coast and heading down south into Shreveport for this next one...."

Gertcha

One of the highlights at Jacks was an Evertonian saying "you dont get this down the local workingmens social"

Am laughing here...

Just because a DJ is talking... it doesn't mean they are taking notice of the dance floor... believe me! Yes actually i can believe it!! Cos some djs play what they like an therefore could,nt give a F**K,whats going on,on the dancefloor!! Helen

Exactly.... a bit like Rob Marriot?

It wasn't that he didn't give a f**ck about what was going on on the dancefloor... because he did.

He just believed in the records he was playing... he was right too.

I really wish he could have seen for himself just how big those 'floor clearing' records of his became