Putting some creativity back in the game..

Let us know what's on your mind Chicago..

Feel free to suggest new topics that are related to the Chicago DJ Scene, Club Culture & Parties. (Please do not post party or club flyers on this Blog)

Has technology killed the Art of DJing?

Let the debate begin!

I personally use a little bit of everything when I spin (Records, CDs, Serato) it really just depends on my gig. I honestly feel like I can be even more creative on the fly with computer programs that offer options like: Instant doubles, Cue Points, Loop, samplers & the ability to mix videos. Why would you limit yourself?

If you were not that creative playing records you will probably be the same way using the new technology. You will have far less back problems from not having to lug the wax.. but still be lacking when it come to creative ways of putting music together. (That's just my opinion)

I am excited about spinning even more.. ever since I got Serato in Jan 2006. JDLP

Welcome

Hey guys

After the response to my “Lend Me Your Ears” blog idea on Face Book.. I decided there is definitely a need for some discussion on the state of the DJ scene in Chicago & all that it encompasses. Many topics are common & relate to other scenes elsewhere, but I can only speak about the town I live & work in.

This blog is dedicated to creating an open dialogue between DJs (old & new) & the people who frequent their parties & club nights. Feel free to message me direct at jessedela@gmail.com with questions or suggestions about other related topics to discuss.

Chicago DJs.. Let's change it up.

Whether you're playing an MP3 or a record. If you're playing bad Top 40 music or the same "Old School" Classics from the past 25 years or so.. You are part of the problem.

DJS & PARTY PEOPLE.. LEND ME YOUR EARS!!!

DJs and Party People lend me your ears!

(I know that everything that I’m about to say has been said many times over)

The term DJ has become very popular in recent years & everyone seems to be one now a days. Or at lease think they are. There was a time not too long ago when it seemed that if you were a DJ, you were amongst a selective group of people that had their ear to the street & the club, someone who took this music thing very serious.

You were the one with the most important job at the party. In charge of the music!!! Keeping everyone’s good time going thru your selections, skills, technique & knowledge of music. (Long before the crowds were annoying sheep, requesting every terrible ass top 40 song or asking you to play some Old School every 5 seconds) But I’m leaving in 10 minutes! Can’t you play it next?

The game is ever changing & evolving. From the tools we use, music, format, marketing, etc. I always say the DJ Game is kind of like the sports game. You have your superstars & legends and then you have your rookies & everyone in between. The funny thing is how the money still never seems to progress for the guys who are not jet setting. This is mainly due to the abundance of people willing to spin for free & undercut someone that relies on the spinning as their livelihood. (Imagine if you had people like that in your profession) People who dressed like doctors & nurses that talked their way in to hospitals dressed like the real deal. Pretty scary huh? Not to say these guys and gals couldn’t be good with some time devoted to the craft, the problem is we live in a time where no one wants to wait for anything. They want to skip over all that. Based on all the reality shows, this is also the mentality in the new DJ world. Show some skin, date the manager, take some kool DJ promo shots, etc & you’re the new resident
at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (insert name of the new hot club here).

Ohh.. We forgot to tell you that DJ Shanna or DJ KOOL GUY is spinning on Thursday night now. Sorry I thought ___________ (insert manager or owner’s name here) talked to you. You’re welcome to stay & hang out. This new DJ is really good! Sound familiar?
: D

As we all strive to move forward, we see some take the long road & others take the short. Some DJs have been at it since nearly the very start of things & still do not get the praise or recognition they truly deserve. Others have found their way to the front of the line in record time. Funny thing is a lot of them were never DJs to begin with.. but they all want to tell you they were spinning years ago.. back with ____________ (Insert legendary DJ’s name here).

Spinning to me is a very personal thing. I enjoy sharing my music with people & turning them on to new & older stuff. Over the years I have played a lot of different sounds & have met a lot of great people. This all has shaped the way I spin & the things I like to play now.

Some people get in to it for many different reasons: the popularity, to get laid, a hobby, passed down from other family members, some from just going to parties, you name it.

If you decide this is what you want to do.
KNOW YOUR HISTORY! (Locally & internationally)


In recent years I have traded spinning in the big nightclubs for smaller intimate settings & more private events. This allows me to spin what I feel vs. what the kiddies want to hear. I can be a bit more creative and do different themes & parties that my friends & I would like to go to.


To be continued… JDLP 2.16.10 4:30am