Why It’s Cool To Not Be a DJ

Or a booking agent, promoter, etc

Being the person just attending the party is vastly underrated. There’s so much freedom from responsibilities. You can go anywhere, do anything, say anything without fear it might impact your career. I mean you can do that, but it takes a certain kind of person to 100% not give a fuck. Until I became a writer, I had nothing to do with throwing parties, DJing, the music industry or whatnot. It’s pure bliss. Of course there’s nothing wrong with being a DJ (duh). But from conversations I’ve had with people over the years, it’s apparent that some folks don’t realize how incredibly important they really are. I say this because I’ve many times heard people say- “oh, I’m just a person that goes to parties” in a way that sounds like they're putting themselves down and are dull and unimportant. To those folks I say: you’re not just attending the party, you ARE the party.

Too much focus these days goes to the DJ. The media, social media, 98% of most dancefloors are filled with people dancing while gawking at the DJ like they’re going to pull a rabbit from a hat. What they do can be magical. They lift us, guide our emotions and lives in amazing ways sonically. And I’m here for it.

I’ve been asked many times if I was a DJ because I’m so deeply intertwined in the dance music scene. My response is usually visceral, fast and aghast “OH NO” I’ll exclaim. Whomever asked is usually taken aback since they mean it as a compliment. But for me, I see the not so glitz and glam side of being in the music industry having known so many people in it for so many years. I tried to DJ once at 18 simply because I love Thomas Banghalter’s “What To Do” and it inspired me to give it a whirl. So I did and it lasted all of one minute. I want to be on the floor at all times twirling. I’m a dancer. Besides there’s a lot of knobs and buttons and I don’t want anything to do with that. I prefer to think of the DJ booth akin to the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. Full of magic and intrigue. I’ve also realized over the years that my brain doesn’t process music like a DJ. I remember music by ear. Sometimes I get it wrong or don’t know. But it doesn’t matter because I love it and am living in the moment. It took me a while to understand that, especially when chatting with people with encyclopedic knowledge of music.

Photo by Mike Servito

You can be an important part of your music community by just being you and showing up. By bringing your energy, love, enthusiasm, and money to support. You’re equally as valid as the promoter, DJ, booking agent etc. And I could argue even more so. The party won’t happen without you. You’re the vibe, the life and all of its essential essences. If y’all don’t bring it, well then there’s nothing.

I’m certainly not trying to discourage anyone from being a DJ, booking agent, promoter or anything like that. If you truly love it, this isn’t meant as a deterrent. I’m simply pointing out for those who might be on the fence or feel they have to make their living from it to be a lifer, the pros and cons.

The pros of being a partygoer:

• You don’t have to be subjected to the business and political side of things. The drama really sucks if you’re actually in it.

• The party retains its special magic. It’s joie de vivre and effortless enchantment.

• You’re free as a bird at the party to your heart’s delight.

• You leave the party at the party. And then return when you want to.

• You’re a supporter of the arts and the music industry.

The cons of being a DJ:

• It’s not glamorous getting to these gigs. The schlep at the airport, missed flights and time zone shenanigans. I think it takes a certain type of individual to subscribe to that flight plan.

• Social media becomes a big part of your job. Which is a shame because it literally has nothing to do with your art. And I’ve heard from some that it can be quite a chore.

• If you’re a popular DJ, say goodbye to your blissful dancefloor experiences because your fans are going to approach you in those moments that were so sacred and precious to you.

• Going to parties becomes work. Because you need to be at the parties of the people that book the parties. Because with the umpteen DJs on this planet these days, you have to be in the mix socially to stay top of mind if you’re not already highly successful in your career.

• The potential for health insurance, that is if you’re fortunate enough to find a job that has it.

• It’s psychologically hard being alone and on the road a ton.

The glamor is on the dancefloor baby. So give it what you’ve got in any way you’d like to. Just know that there’s an equilibrium in the space and amongst the community of which all are equally important and necessitated so that it can radiate and invigorate us all.