So you wanna be a DJ?

I used to take a small CD carrier out with me to clubs and bars. It would contain the six
or seven hip-hop CDs I was “feeling” at the time. It was a ritual and I had it down. I'd approach the DJ, compliment him on his
set (compliments were mostly genuine, sometimes not) before timidly asking “er … would you mind playing this CD, track 7?” Most were obliging but one, in particular, was not. He was aloof, rude and refused to play my CDs or even take requests. I thank him, he gave me good advice, he said “You should become a DJ instead of carrying those around with you!” Epiphany!

Finding a spot to showcase the art wasn't as hard as I anticipated. It involved frequenting different bars and talking with the owners. It helped that I am a radio announcer at FM COCOLO. Even though the two are hardly related, people seemed to take me seriously once they knew this. What I lacked though was experience having never djayed before. As it is, I'm a terrible liar so there was no way around it. In hindsight it seems surreal that I approached people about djaying when I didn't actually know how to do it. But as any CD disc jockey will tell you, it's fairly easy, and I confess, it is.

My foray into djaying was at Ammunition Bar around mid 2002. The staff showed me the ropes. They were patient, helpful and encouraging. I've since djayed at Get Some in Kyobashi and I currently djay at Tin's Hall in Tennoji every so often. I've djayed/emceed events in Minami including JW Henry's 'Gruve Asylum 6' in 2003 and Unknown Frequency's organised event 'Seven to Seven' in April of this year. I djay at a new bar in Shinsaibashi called Bar Vegas which opened in late July this year. I'm particularly happy to be djaying there because Bar Vegas is strictly a hip-hop /R&B place and these are the two genres that I immerse myself almost, but not absolutely, in.

Well into my second year of something that I do purely for fun and enjoyment djaying has had very little down sides. Of the things I've found most challenging, asking people to come along to my gigs has been a task I believe is better suited for someone else. Someone with the right marketing attitude apt at convincing folk that 'this will be the best music in Kansai you could want to be exposed to'. My approach is meek, almost to a fault as any of my friends will tell you my invitations are more along the lines of 'I'm djaying, come if you can but no pressure'.

It's important to have friends go along and support you when you're first starting out as a DJ. They're usually the first ones to bring the dance floor alive and tend to make the most noise when you happen to insert their favourite track into your set. Others follow soon after and there really is nothing more satisfying for a DJ than a dance floor bought to life. If I was to offer advice to would-be DJs it would be to establish a good rapport with the bar owner, but not only that, be sure to sort out tiny yet important details including your availability, be specific about the genres you play, payment and other things that should be clear from the start. These things can be easily overlooked but they are important details heeding discu-ssion. Finally, smiling sometimes when you're up on the decks wouldn't go amiss.

I see so many DJs (not only here, but also in New Zealand where I'm from) who look like they should be playing music to the deceased. Don't be too cool that you can't crack a smile. You're there because you enjoy it aren't you?

Through djaying at various spots and mak-ing friends with people who enjoy the music I play I've created more DJ opportunities for myself. It's a hobby and a good one at that.

So what's my attitude to people who bring their small CD carriers along to where I'm playing, waiting for the moment to approach me with the same question I used to ask? “Sure I'll play your song for you but only if its hip-hop or R&B. PS: Have you ever thought about becoming a DJ?”

Text: Renee Karena