People Who Don’t DJ Are People Too

How, what and where do you do?

One of my very first columns was “Why It's Cool To Not Be a DJ” because I just couldn’t wait to formulate the thoughts residing in my head into written words. In the few years that’ve whizzed by, larger society's preoccupation with the promoted and popular has only accelerated. Pop culture is clearly caught firmly in the clutches of celebrity obsessed overdrive. Primarily accentuating people and things already at the ascent or slickly modeled to take that spotlight, leaving a vast amount of talent unrecognized to the detriment of culture.

The underground and its adjacencies aren’t impervious to that mindset either. Though we thankfully don’t have our own version of TMZ, it manifests in a myriad of other ways. Think about how often you see a sea of eyes transfixed towards the DJ and the dancefloor at a standstill. And let’s be realistic y’all- unless you’re in the very, very front- the only thing you’re likely staring at is the back of peoples’ heads. Another example are the DJs better known for their crafted image than craft and skill behind the decks. But that’s a whole ‘nother topic for whooooole ‘nother day, so I digress…

This article isn’t about DJs though. It’s about everyone else. Off the dancefloor.

Especially our friends. The friends we love, like or have an interest in getting to know. Sometimes folks who've never set a foot behind the booth (hand claps), and whose accomplishments don’t get the same accolades. Parties are fun. Or at least they’re supposed to be, so it makes sense that we can get swept up in all the hullabaloo and at times forget to be mindful of the who and what living outside that sphere.

I mean…it’s only natural to have an urge to gush about a DJ’s set after being moved emotionally and physically. But did your energy pale in comparison when your friend finished the marathon? Did you say anything at all? Because it’s not about what impacts you- it’s about acknowledging your friend’s achievement.

And your fixations might not have anything to do with DJs, music or parties. Maybe it’s fashion, or sex or Tik Tok- or all the three. Or the weather…Whatever it is, my point is reminding ourselves to be better aware of how the things we do (or don’t do) impact others. Especially in these times, some extra attentiveness towards those who tend to fly under the radar can go a long, long way. The friends who have innumerous abilities, talents, jobs and/or gifts under the sun, moon, stars…and fog. Even if it turns out that- let’s say you ask, and your friend has no interest in chatting about a job they can’t stand, while standing in line for the bathroom- just asking can be equally as meaningful.

Who hasn’t been surprised (and perhaps embarrassed) to learn fairly standard details of a long-time friend’s life? Okay, perhaps not you- but I know I have. I was chatting with a friend at a party recently about my working yet unscientifically founded theories about The Universe, and was surprised to find out that he had a degree in astrophysics! Like WTF?! How did I not know that?! Well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. I never asked.

We can’t know everything about everyone. I don’t know about you, but I would never want to. I live for discovery. But curiosity and cognizance of what and who we pay attention to can only build more equity and good feels amongst friends.