What is a DJ? What does a DJ
do? What do you think of when you think of a DJ? Is it just a guy (usually) who
plays records? Almost a glorified jukebox?
How do you view the “superstar” DJs?
What do DJs think they are?
To me, I’m an entertainer, a
performer – whether playing music or acting as a compere. For me the job goes way beyond playing music,
beyond the flashing lights or clever gimmicks.
For me it is about putting on a performance, being part of an event that
is then the best that it can be – a memory for all who were there. Even though I am in a corner, behind the
decks that is not where I should stay.
My personality projects out, whether in the choice of programming of
music, interaction with the crowd, dancing and showing that I’m having a good
time too.
Under our Silverball Country
brand we (Francesca and I) work at festivals, managing the second stage – but
just like DJing it is more than just naming the act about to walk on stage – we
are there to build up the crowd, get the atmosphere bubbling ready for when the
band or singer walk on and start to play.
The audience should be ready for that first chord, that first note. We will play with the crowd, tease them, tell
them about the act, not just their name!
It is all about putting on a show and being part of the show.
More than that we will have
greeted the artistes, help them load in, set up, sound check, arrange their
merchandise, get to know them – and on certain occasions park their van, take
them to the toilet and set up the microphone to the right height based on
Francesca being as tall as the lead singer!
This holds true for DJing
and hosting a wedding or party – liaising with the venue staff, the caterers,
the photographer, ensuring the cake is ready, facing the right way – a million
and one things that you may never see us do.
I don’t turn up, set up,
play and go home. I want to be sure that
I have given my all to your event. I may not be physically making music, but I
am making memories, helping you to have a great time, hitting the right tracks
at the right time, looking for that moment when someone will shriek with
delight at a much loved tune, a song that takes them back.
What am I?
A performer, an entertainer, a professional
