Synopses & Reviews
DJs have gone from being underpaid live jukeboxes to becoming premier entertainers, producers, businessmen, and musicians capable of commanding admiration from thousands and earning serious money. Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton's Last Night a DJ Saved My Life was the definitive history of the DJ. Now they gather their mastery of the artistic and technical aspects of being a DJ into a clear, accessible, and entertaining guide. How to DJ is the perfect guide -- from the most basic keys to establishing a music collection and a distinctive sound, to elementary record-spinning, to the complex skills of scratching, hot-mixing, and beat-juggling, as well as the inimitable art of creating an evening of sound that is perfectly timed, balanced, and unforgettable. Diagrams throughout illustrate phrases, beat timing, and song structure with no reliance on music theory, and resource lists recommend everything from which songs are best (and most fun) to learn with, to good sources for building a library of disks, CDs, and MP3s. For those who want to turn pro, the authors give sage advice on the vagaries of the club and music business. Short quotes, anecdotes, and photos of famous DJs such as Grandmaster Flash and Derrick Carter are featured.
Synopsis
- The craft: What makes a great DJ? How does a DJ create so much energy and emotion? True insight into the art of playing records.
- The bedroom: A complete step-by-step guide to all basic DJing skills, including a whole chapter on beatmatching. Plus CD and MP3 DJing, choosing equipment, setting up, and more.
- The dancefloor: Taking your skills onto a real dancefloor. Using your bedroom talents to make people actually dance. How to cope with your first gig.
- The masterclass: Advanced techniques for experienced DJs. From turntablism, to FX, EQing, and harmonic mixing even how to use three decks.
- The industry: Endless insider secrets. Solid advice on getting gigs and getting paid. Everything from how to boost your profile to how to make and release a record.
- The extras: Packed with contacts and websites for finding out even more.