A night of Dj'ing in review

Whether I'm up on stage or in a booth, I'm always within reach of the crowd. Dj'ing is not like a live band performance where the musicians are more or less off limits to conversation and physical contact.

I know there's the classic, 'Play some Skynyrd!' comment to the bands. But unless you are at some intimate show, it's mostly not interactive.

Here are a few examples of what I hear/see/feel just during last night's set.

Keep in mind that a lot of this is fuelled by alcohol and bad taste.

...not in any particular order...

exact quotes:

- drunk girl: "Hey man, this is Tyler. Why are you playing stuff that people from Dallas would like? Play 'Crazy B___'."

- guy with tattoos and white cap on backwards: "You got any Cottonmouth Kings?"

- random jerk at 8:15 (I was setting up and I don't start playing until 9pm): "What the @#$! DJ?"

things commonly heard:

"Play some rap."
"Play some metal."
"Play something good." (this is a dj's least favorite comment.)
"Play something that jams."
"Play some 80s."
"Play anything... but this."

...keep in mind that as I do each of these requested things, one of the other comments listed comes back.

things commonly seen:

- Cowboy dudes that look frustrated all night.
- Tattoos.
- Different group rituals for taking shots.
- Guys yelling at whatever sporting event is on.
- People looking bored until I play 'Lollipop' by Lil Wayne.
- Girls that can't dance.

things i feel:

- Bass. From behind the speakers, all I hear is bass.
- Tapping on my shoulder to get my attention when I have to fade the song in 10 seconds.
- Sticky and/or smoke stained hands.
- Hugs.
- Lights beaming down on my face.
- Smoke, smoke, smoke... Honestly, I hate the smoke.

...

I don't mean to sound overly negative. I love dj'ing. I just don't think most people realize what it's like to entertain hundreds of individuals.

Still, it is rewarding to watch people dance, drink and smile. And every now and then I get to sneak in some music that I love. Every now and then someobody walks up and says they love the song or asks me who the artist is.

Last nights highlights...

- Playing some new Atmosphere.
- Playing some old Clash that nobody would hear otherwise.
- Playing Cake.
- Dedicating a song to someone's mom.
- Getting to play David Guetta and someone cheering for it.
- Good requests.
- Getting a request for M.I.A. (finally after pushing her locally for 2 years)
- My friends are cooler than the most.
- And yes... people danced.

...

So, there you have it. A quick night in review. And once I cough all the smoke out of my lungs and get some sleep, I'll be looking forward to the next time.