Stage presence

[dale]

So when you are out spinning at a party/club, how significant is your stage presence? We all know Donald Glaude holds it down as far as this goes. Do think a dj is boring if he's just mixing records but not jumping around, waving his hands, or showing enthusiasm for his tracks even if they are mind boggling cuts?

[HooverTechnician]

Stage presence is no substitute for mixing skill, IMHO. I would rather watch someone stand there poker-faced and mix a perfectly clean set (Sasha, Digweed) than someone who's jumping around behind the decks and amping up the crowd but can't mix their way out of a paper bag (DJ Irene, Oakenfold). You are your stage presence though, I think. If you're getting down to your tracks and smiling and bobbing your head or just grooving behind the decks as you play, that vibe will carry down to the people.

[Sophistik]

I think presence is a very important property in the equasion... hell its a key element.

But so is mixing... You're kinda fucked with out THAT one. :p

[Xanen]

Everything has it's time and place.

Stage presence is a very "rock-n-roll" concept, which conflicts with my image of "techno". It's not really that "stage presence" itself bothers me, but that lack of "stage presence" is often perceived as a deficiency.

I always liked the idea of the unknown, invisible DJ. Instead of everyone putting their focus towards one person, it is put towards the music and eachother. To me, this is an especially rewarding experience.

Personally, I pay ZERO attention to my stage presence. No doubt I'll be grooving behind the decks, but it's strictly for my own enjoyment. Beyond that, it's all essential motion and bizarre facial expressions. ;)

[vinyltap]

me too also.

[**Deep6**]

...of the show...anyone with half a brain can beatmatch and mix records...getting people in on the moment is also a big part of it too...a slammin track is great, but if you look like someone has got a gun facing your nuts while you spin, home you should go. No disrespect to the vinyl robots that stand behind tables mix and go home. But, comon, these kids are spending close to $20 a show nowadays to listen to something they could easily invite some friends over and hear on a CD player with flashy lights and the volume turned up to excessive value....We are performers, not just DJs, and it's high time the kids got what they payed for.

[Tronic]

I think stage presence can really add another dimension to a set.

I thought Hybrid was boring the first time I saw them 'live' because they kind of just sat there. It didn't help that they were followed by Moby who had an awesome 'show'.

Donald Glaude has great stage presence, as do Carl Cox and Tiesto, of some of the bigger names that I have seen play.

When I am playing I try and engage the crowd, at least by dancing behind the tables and smiling at people. A lot of times I will pump a fist in the air or sometimes even shout if I am really hyped up.

It's true that 'techno' is more 'about the music' but people need to at least see some life in the person mixing or they may lose interest, no matter how good the music or the mixing is.

The audience is still there to see the DJ or performer, not just hear them.

- tronic

[DJ Louis Cypher]

I think stage presence is vital to my shows, but others may be different...maybe I'm just a freak in a mask...who knows...I just dig gettin the crowd scared and hyped all at the same time...its fun stuff

[Elroy]

Stage presence is not something you should have to work on. It should be something that comes naturally, as a product of your energy and enjoyment of the music.

You shouldn't have to think about hyping the crowd... you should just do it. If you are not, it either means you aren't comfortable, or you aren't completely enjoying yourself.

I think that my personal stage presence comes not from my arm waving or yelling, but rather my intense concentration and fast mixing. My friends have often told me that I look like a "hard-ass" when I spin, which is pretty unlike my usual character. I like that... its just how I mix, and I never really had to stop and think about it.

[Sky Scream]

Stage presence is the only reason that live DJing is standard at events.

If you're not doing anything interesting on stage, what the hell is the point? A jukebox would take your place. This is also the main reason that vinyl-based DJing is more popular than CD's; it's simply more interesting to watch someone cueing up or throwing around vinyl. You can do basically the same things technically and musically with both, with scratching being the exception. Anyone who's sequencing songs together had better be fun to watch, otherwise I don't see the point.

[Asterisk]

"Do think a dj is boring if he's just mixing records but not jumping around, waving his hands, or showing enthusiasm for his tracks even if they are mind boggling cuts?"

Hell yea..

[Asterisk]

"Stage presence is not something you should have to work on. It should be something that comes naturally, as a product of your energy and enjoyment of the music".

that's true.

[OshnSoul]

Originally posted by dale
We all know Donald Glaude holds it down as far as this goes.
WERD! That's why I like him so much- he's got the best of both qualities- bein able to spin a tight mix every single time, and he is able to take time to interact with the crowd to keep them pumped. That is a perfect mixture. Although it is a great idea to make sure your set goes smoothly, concentrating on the eq, beatz, etc.- I find it even more enjoyable when the DJ at least makes eye contact with the crowd- give them a smile, wink, hands in air, claps, whatever- something to acknowledge his audience. :)
P.S. I agree with the whole stage presence being natural, if you don't feel comfortable doing it, don't do it. It just comes naturally.

[nate509]

I hate to bring up the obvious, but a certain Dj...Dan, is one boring mofo to watch behind the decks! However his music speaks for itself.
Another cheesy pick, would be none other than Bad Boy Bill himself. Completely lifeless behind the 1's and 2's, but still has plenty going on in his sets..."blowing up?"

I don't think that it's a thing that can be practiced or worked upon, but rather something that will come naturally with a feeling for the music. (cheesy ideal joke)

nate out

[spectralmonkey]

well i for one have been told that i am a freak behind the decks, and now that i spin cds, its pretty funny, cause i do a crazy dance and then have to find that tiny little button while tweaking out.

and like donald glaude, i hold up my cd to the air after its done playing sometimes, i think its funny.

if the dj is dancing and enjoying his/herself, that energy is passed on to the crowd!

so yeah its important.

[Headphones Dude]

Ahem, and nobody has mentioned Flave?

My point of view is: If you got the skills to mix, and you can do some stage performing as well, great. It's bonus points for the crowd to enjoy. If you can't mix, and you try to distract our ears, while you dance around like a puppet on crack, then fuck off.....

If you can mix, yet can't be bothered to do much but your mixing, then it's not going to count against you if you're doing your own vibe, concentrating on the music you're providing the party. It's a 2 sided coin really.....

[Advent]

I think people who go waving their hands up in the air yelling "whoop whoop" are pretty annoying and korny. Like what the fuck, your a DJ it's not your music. Why do you need a stage presence? You mix nad that's your job. Style & looks is one thing, but jumping around like a yo-yo is another...

[Elroy]

Has anybody else ever seen dieselboy do his cute little faggy "limp-wristed-pitch-bending" dance? hehe it rules... I fucking love that shit. Its just something he does while mixing, rather than something that might inhibit his technique.

[Jizosh]

my personal belief is that stage presence is something you have when you enjoy the music that you play. whether it's dancing around like a fool (that would be my style) or waiving your hands in the air like a jackass (tiesto), it tends to come naturally for most people. if someone was asking me "how do i have stage presence?" i would tell them not to worry about it, because as long as your dropping the tunes that you love the most, it's going to show.

[iammay]

I kind of agree with the do what ever is right for you concept here. However, in my opinion, this thing that we do has absolutly nothing to do with our visual sensess. It is not the DJ's job nor place really to be concerned with interacting with your eyes. That doesn't mean that it shouldn't happen, it just means that i don't think that DJ's should be reserving enough of their energy or concentration on their "stage presence". Dancing is one thing, i myself deffinatly am a dancer when i mix (especially when i go away to that place), but actually attempting to interact with the crowd outside of the occasional glance and smile, should be unnesessary. You shouldn't need to interact with anything but the crowds ears to get them hyped up. Your music should be enough, if it's not you shouldn't be there. I say this from a perspective both behind and infront of the tuntables. The best DJ's I've seen don't do shit but feel and work their music, and every once in a while they glance out at the dance floor and their like "Yeah, that shit's hot right". Then they give a little nod and go back to their work.
Somebody like Traxx is a great example. This man had the whole room spinning, it was all kinds o' hype, but he's just behind the decks freakin' out looking like the music is shooting through his body. Every mix it looked like he was having another grand mal. Now that's not a real desirable stage presence, last time i checked. But boy was it a show.
Or you have a great example on the other side, Donald Glaude. Now I know eveyone loves Donald, and yes i have much respect for him, i know he can mix very well, and every once in a while he actually plays a st that i like. However in general his mixes are boring as hell and he relies on his popularity and his crowd hyping "stage presence" to rock a crowd. Not into it.
just my two bits though.
~miles

[ornerite]

Now theres stage presence for ya! plech! hahahahah you'll have to pardon me that this was like three years ago, but he was lipsynching his records as he trainwrecked along! What a rediculous show that was!

I like to watch DJ's that have to concentrate on what they're doing. Like a skater working to get the coolest trick off. Usually im in the front row watching the faders and knobs not the DJ. If (like Flave) you can work the mix and pump a crowd at the same time then so be it. I get bored when they make it look easy tho.

[HooverTechnician]

Well, when I go out, I go for the music. Frankly, when you close your eyes and listen, stage presence or antics don't mean squat.

[James Capricorn]

I remember the first gig I ever played. We were in the bassment of the Vet's Hall in Santa Cruz. They had a stage set up with speaker stacks on eithor side of the stage. Instead of setting the decks on the stage, we put them behind one of the speaker stacks. We made an alter on the stage for people to dance to.

I'm still a firm believer that the DJ is not the messgae. The DJ is just the medium. The music is the message.

[**Deep6**]

Originally posted by HooverTechnician
Well, when I go out, I go for the music. Frankly, when you close your eyes and listen, stage presence or antics don't mean squat.
I have yet to goto a show blindfolded...

[vinyltap]

i really don't care about stage presence.

[neoee]

And I thought Dj'ing was all about the music, silly me. I could care less if the DJ is jumping around and getting the croud amped, actually I prefer he/she not. What happened to the days when the DJ was never even seen. A good friend of mine tells me of how years ago he went to Fabric in London and remembers the mention of Sasha and Digweed spinning but never seeing them because they were in a booth in the corner of the club. Also if you ever have the chance I recommend you check out the Plaza in Vancouver, the DJ booth is in the wall on the 2nd floor. I went to see Chris Fortier there and although I really could not see him you knew it was him spinning and the crowd was very into the night without him "putting on a show". I see a few locals trying to do the same but you can see their really not into it as much their trying to make it look as if they are. One particular female DJ's facial expressions actually make her look as if she is trying to take a sh*t.

[bElo]

DJ DAZE (or is that three words?)

Sorry,...I was told it's actually "SUPA DJ DAZE" (now that is three words!)

[ProblematicBeat]

If I want to see a dj waving his arms or doing some strange dance I will send a rabid dog after him while he is spinning. Now that is what I call entertainment.

I think as a scene we need to tear down the stages. Some of the best shows I have ever been too have had the dj hidden or away from the focal point of the room. The first time I ever saw Carlos in the bay area was at Berkley Square and as James said earlier the stage was used for visuals and dancinf and the dj was on the floor near the front door so everyone got a chance to walk by.

I have always had the firm belief that if the crowd isn't hyped when you are spinning it isn't you it is your records. If you take away the lights and were blind would you still like the same djs? Just a thought, peace

[microdot]

I think all DJs should wear those masks that you used to see tag-team wrestlers wear back in the 70's and 80's. Or maybe a paper bag over their heads like that dude named the "unknown comic" from the 80's. Overall who the fuck started puting the DJs UP on a stage. Let me get up off my rocking chair and tell you yung-ens how it used ta beat. We had no damn stages. Hence, no stage presents,,err or was that presence or,,,pre-cents. Shit, any-yo, who the fuck cares who is behind the decks. It's what's coming out of the speakers that matters. I stopped going to concerts because I was sick of these ego-fuckers (rock stars) sucking my energy up without asking me for it. It shouldn't be called "stage presence"-----it should be called, "DJS ACTING THE FUCKING FOOL!"

[spectralmonkey]

i totally agree but feel it is worth a mention that any fun dance i may do while spinning is simply me enjoying myself and if anyone else chooses to watch i dont care,,, i hpe it helps people have more fun... i hope it helps me mix, cause if " I " aint dancing ,
well then why should you?

peace

[PrincessDingaBitch]

A SIMPLE SMILE WILL DO :)

I THINK IT'S ABOUT THE TRACK SELECTION.

[Nicknack]

i dont know im kinda caught in the middle on this one-----yea I think ultimatly what comes out of the speakers is the most important thing---but I also feel that its better when the dj is at least getting into it----not saying he/she should wave hands in air and call out to crowd every 15 seconds but at least look at the crowd and agnolidge the dancers and what not.Or even bob your head and smile a bit helps out.

I just think some guys look like there not even having fun up there so it kinda throws me off when im trying to get into it and get my groove on.Im a very visual person so I like watching the djs spin also I am an aspiring dj so I try to watch and learn some of there tricks and what not.

hmm so I dont think stage presense will make or break you---I think shitty tracks will make or break you...bottome line---or drugs will break you as well I suppose--and inflated egos--

yup

[mild7]

Originally posted by Jizosh
my personal belief is that stage presence is something you have when you enjoy the music that you play. whether it's dancing around like a fool (that would be my style) or waiving your hands in the air like a jackass (tiesto), it tends to come naturally for most people.

Although you gotta admit, a drink or two to loosen up is welcomed by any DJ.. (generally speaking).

because as long as your dropping the tunes that you love the most, it's going to show.

Agreed. Being 100% zoned in and focused on the current mix will almost undoubtedly produce uncontrollable jigginess -- assuming the above is true (if you really enjoy what you play)

-mild

[Jizosh]

Originally posted by mild7
Although you gotta admit, a drink or two to loosen up is welcomed by any DJ.. (generally speaking).

i prefer heroin.

Originally posted by mild7
Agreed. Being 100% zoned in and focused on the current mix will almost undoubtedly produce uncontrollable jigginess -- assuming the above is true (if you really enjoy what you play)

-mild

mmmm....uncontrollable jigginess...

[SCOTTIE-ROX]

[i] Now I know eveyone loves Donald, and yes i have much respect for him, i know he can mix very well, and every once in a while he actually plays a st that i like. However in general his mixes are boring as hell and he relies on his popularity and his crowd hyping "stage presence" to rock a crowd.
~miles [/B]

First D G is the man!
His mixes are boring. LOL.
If I was blind I would still think his mixes, scratches, and song selection were the shit. It is just a bonus to have him drop out the music and scream "MAKE SOME MUTHER-FUCKING NOISE!"
That takes huge balls.
Mixing is most important, then presence.
I never had to think about presence, I just bugg out the same way I would if i were home mixing in my studio. Focus can be its own form of presence, some parts of my set i cant even look at anyone, my eyes are locked on the mixer, or the pitch. Untill I pull off that big trick then I'm jumping around again.

[abrahn]

To me,stage presence is everything,after this weekend I realized that drinking lotsa beer is essential to getting over the anxiety and just bonding with the drunk crowd(or on whatever crowd) No matter what,it's a spectacle and whoever was watching won't forget!!

[microdot]

Hey, this one time in band camp.....I was up on the decks and I like, took my tallywacker out and started scratching with it. Hows that for stage presence? :D hehehehehehe

[djCritter]

Originally posted by SCOTTIE-ROX

I never had to think about presence, I just bugg out the same way I would if i were home mixing in my studio. Focus can be its own form of presence, some parts of my set i cant even look at anyone, my eyes are locked on the mixer, or the pitch. Untill I pull off that big trick then I'm jumping around again.
I'm the same way. Hell, I don't need to be on a stage to have 'presence;' it doesn't matter where I am, if the track gets me going, I wave my hand in the air, or jump around, or whatever.. crowd or not.

[ProblematicBeat]

Originally posted by microdot
Hey, this one time in band camp.....I was up on the decks and I like, took my tallywacker out and started scratching with it. Hows that for stage presence? :D hehehehehehe

Thats okay it is how Bad Boy Bill got recognized for a while he was in a competition and started scratching with a dildo it might have just been some show who knows but the point is there. Peace
Jason

[electrokid]

i usually think its silly when djs are waving their arms and hopping around like fools behind the decks. most the time it seems as if they are merely trying to create a distraction away from their poor mixing ability. i've seen many "world class" djs do this. there is no doubt that their stupid stage antics helped them win their way into the hearts of big management agencies, mix cd distribution companies, or whatever other type of #&^! they had to ride.

it thats what it takes, then fuck it. i'll continue to enjoy playing for peeps in the great northwest that truely value the music and don't give a hoot what the dj is doing behind the decks as long as the mixing is technical, the cuts are fresh, and the programming is tight.

i'd rather work toward the goal of being some type of shaman versus an entertainer anyday.

"terminator x only speaks with his hands" - Chuck D of Public Enemy

[DRUM MACHINE]

If a DJ just stands there and doesn't move then in my opinion, he/she is BORING!

[ProblematicBeat]

Originally posted by electrokid
it thats what it takes, then fuck it. i'll continue to enjoy playing for peeps in the great northwest that truely value the music and don't give a hoot what the dj is doing behind the decks as long as the mixing is technical, the cuts are fresh, and the programming is tight.

There are some things we don't agree on but you spelled it out right there Jed. Peace and keep the knowledge flowing.
Jason

[RayOfSunshine]

Originally posted by **Deep6**
...of the show...anyone with half a brain can beatmatch and mix records...getting people in on the moment is also a big part of it too...a slammin track is great, but if you look like someone has got a gun facing your nuts while you spin, home you should go. No disrespect to the vinyl robots that stand behind tables mix and go home. But, comon, these kids are spending close to $20 a show nowadays to listen to something they could easily invite some friends over and hear on a CD player with flashy lights and the volume turned up to excessive value....We are performers, not just DJs, and it's high time the kids got what they payed for.

i so agree, it's time that those boring passion lacking djs bounce out, and let the new talent with the new enthusiasm come in.......it's time this shit snapped!! BIZZUMP!!

peace
Sunshine

P.S. tho i must say there are times when a focused moment of no movement fits, it's all in the vibe.....ride the power!

[lilroj]

I guess it all depends on what you attend events for. I personally go to dance or listen to good music and not to WATCH someone do what I know how to do. However, there are times, usually with a big headliner, when I sit back just check out his/her technique for a while hoping to learn a little something. I think hip hop turntablist getting tricky with it requires much more of a stage presence than just a club/rave DJ (except for Donald Glaude of course). I think it is the DJ's job to move a crowd with cutting edge music and not with arrogant gestures saying look at me I'm bad ass. Some people are just really enthusiastic about what they do and express it well, but others take a more suttle approach and just play good music which I think works better than forcing yourself to be hyped because people are looking at you.

[forrest_avery]

There are lots of very interesting and defenitly a variety of opinions in this thread. Everyone has there own way of interacting with the crowd, although some people have more noticble antics then others, some are very subtle and might only smile and nod every once in a while. I receantly took part in the DJ battle that was held at the guitar centers in the nw, and stage presence was one of the catagories we were judged on. This is not an unusual catagory to be judged on in a competition sense, so it didn't really redefine my outlook on it, but it got me to thinking. Your just going for highest score in a battle, but I didn't really worry about the stage presence thing. I had to be very focused to pull of a 3 min turntablist routine, so having a visual show to go along with the audio just didn't seem feesible. In the end I scored points in this catagory even though I figured I would get a flat 0. It made me realize, hmm mabey I do jump around a little when I play. It scored me a few extra points in the competition without me having to put any mental effort into it, so I started thinking.

It just made me think about the fact that the, same could really hold true for the crowds enjoyment at a show. It's a very obvious given that you have to be throwin the fuck down on the decks, and that is the most important part of the show by far. Good stage presence is no substitute for knowing how to play as many people have all ready stated. With that being a given, just smiling at the crowd and letting em know your groovin can really increase the amount of fun people have with pretty much no distraction or effort on the Djs part. I'm all about people having more fun, so lately I have been trying to make sure I do some sort of interaction with crowd. It's fun for them, and it's fun for me to I noticed.

[groovinkim]

Originally posted by ProblematicBeat
If I want to see a dj waving his arms or doing some strange dance I will send a rabid dog after him while he is spinning. Now that is what I call entertainment.


bwahaha! that's awesome!

so, i read a long time ago in xlr8r about a person in portland called the "table jumper". whenever a shitty dj was trainwrecking, this person supposedly threw themselves physically onto the turntables to get the needle off the record.

maybe this could be dancer's revenge, volume 2... whenever something terrible is happening up there, you could just scream "SMITHERS! RELEASE THE HOUNDS!" and then an army of trained, angry dogs would come in and force a vacancy =P

then one of them could hop on the turntables....

[ProblematicBeat]

Originally posted by groovinkim



bwahaha! that's awesome!

so, i read a long time ago in xlr8r about a person in portland called the "table jumper". whenever a shitty dj was trainwrecking, this person supposedly threw themselves physically onto the turntables to get the needle off the record.

maybe this could be dancer's revenge, volume 2... whenever something terrible is happening up there, you could just scream "SMITHERS! RELEASE THE HOUNDS!" and then an army of trained, angry dogs would come in and force a vacancy =P

then one of them could hop on the turntables....

I need to sample that from the Simpson's. Thank you for the idea Kim. LOL Peace
Jason

[noW]

I don't believe there is a thing called "stage presence". It's all about doing whatever you feel like up there. You groove if you feel like grooving and sometime you concentrate when you want to concentrate and sometime you jump around if the music moves you that way. I think stage presence is more what comes out of playing good music and doing your thang, not the other way.

[Jizosh]

Originally posted by noW
I think stage presence is more what comes out of playing good music and doing your thang, not the other way.

exactly...but you can't say that there IS NO stage presence. every performer has (or doesn't have) stage presence.

[noW]

Originally posted by Jizosh


exactly...but you can't say that there IS NO stage presence. every performer has (or doesn't have) stage presence.

very true. I guess, my point is that stage presence comes out from your music rather than one trying to have stage presence. :)

[Jizosh]

Originally posted by noW


very true. I guess, my point is that stage presence comes out from your music rather than one trying to have stage presence. :)

i definitely agree. "there is no try"...as yoda would say. i think mark farina is my favourite example of true stage presence. zacharia is another good example. i love watching those guys play.

[Won D'funk]

Originally posted by Jizosh


i definitely agree. "there is no try"...as yoda would say. i think mark farina is my favourite example of true stage presence. zacharia is another good example. i love watching those guys play.

That was what I was trying to say. You put it perfectly!

[OshnSoul]

OK, question: To you, is a DJ an artist? Do you consider them a performance artist in any way, if they are up on stage creating new twists and turns with already-created music? What are we there for?: The music- Who bring us the music?: The DJ.

[crackmonkey]

i like to jump up and down a lot and throw beers to the crowd

[microdot]

I like to fling my poo at the crowd.

[electrokid]

"deep concentration because i'm no comedian" - Rakim

[JD-Funk]

Hmm well I personally think stage pressance is a big part of being a dj I personally at my point in partying am bored with seeing a dj who has no stage pressance, I belive solid mixing but unfortunatly I think to many elements can go wrong when spinning live to always see perfect sets from djs.

I personally get bored if I see a dj back behind the decks looking like why the hell am I doing this shit. I think stage pressance mixing and track listing are all vital keys to djing, and stage pressance is not always just jumping up and down I think there is a varity of crative things dj's can do to up their stage pressance personally.

But this is my .02 cents

[ProblematicBeat]

So let me ask this of everyone. As listeners not djs would you rather see someone throwing their arms up or would you rather here them pull off some crazy mix. The performance to me is in the music and the way you mix it. I have told several people and I will say it again if you need to jump around to keep a crowd interested it is time to buy new records. If you have good records and mix them well not just flawless mixes but trying crazy ways of mixing in out and in of beats you should not need a stage act. I figure if I have 5 seconds to raise my hands that is five seconds more I could have jacked the cut. Just my two bits. Peace
Jason

[OshnSoul]

I like seeing/hearing both. It CAN be done- to me, that's an ultimate DJ.

[James Capricorn]

What is making me dance right now?

Some ass-munch on the stage, or the music?

music or ass-munch? you decide.......

[James Capricorn]

Originally posted by groovinkim


you could just scream "SMITHERS! RELEASE THE HOUNDS!"

then one of them could hop on the turntables....

This actually has happened to me while playing at a party a few years ago. I was playing a morining sunrise set in the desert. My dog was with me. He was running around the dance area all crazy when he stopped in front of the tables and looked up at me. He looked insane and I knew the ineveitable was about to happen. He immediatley jumped onto the turntables while I was in the middle of a mix. It was quite hillarious.

There's a post or two about it on this board somewhere......

good times, good times......

[ProblematicBeat]

Remind me to not allow your dog to my shows. LOL ;)

Peace
Jason

[OshnSoul]

Originally posted by James Capricorn
What is making me dance right now?

Some ass-munch on the stage, or the music?

music or ass-munch? you decide.......

Those ass-munches bring us the music.....NO DJ, NO MUSIC, NO PARTY.

[ProblematicBeat]

Originally posted by OshnSoul


Those ass-munches bring us the music.....NO DJ, NO MUSIC, NO PARTY.

Actually so does the dj who is not a stage performer. I find the only people who need stage prescence are the ones whos records are boring. Just my opinion and I have a right to have it. Peace
Jason

[groovinkim]

Originally posted by James Capricorn
music or ass-munch? you decide.......


can i make that my new sig quote? ;)

"music or ass-munch? you decide" - james capricorn"

[James Capricorn]

^^^^^^It's all yours, kim......:)

[OshnSoul]

Originally posted by ProblematicBeat


Actually so does the dj who is not a stage performer. I find the only people who need stage prescence are the ones whos records are boring. Just my opinion and I have a right to have it. Peace
Jason
And I fully respect your opinion. :) No worries.

[Won D'funk]

In my opinion it's very subjective. It's the aura about a dj, a listener gets, not what the djs try to have on the stage. All stage presence is to me is, a dj dancing or bobbing there head or whatever because he or she is excited and pumped about what he or she is playing. Back to what cappy said, "it's about the music not the Djs." So my point is stage presence is subjective and shouldn't be objective.

[DJ Ice]

Originally posted by James Capricorn
What is making me dance right now?

Some ass-munch on the stage, or the music?

music or ass-munch? you decide.......

Wow...

[JD-Funk]

I think its kinda funny what james says.

I'm gonna refer this like I did to my friend you guys think you goto a show to listen to music fine alot o stuff you hear at shows you cant hear on radio grant it, but I'm sorry if I pay to goto a party I wanna see a dj perform its like paying for a rock show and the band just stand in one spot and shows no love for what they are doing. If I was to pay for a band to see them just stand there and play the guitar I'd just sit at home and listen to the cd, I know alot of people party for different reasons but I'm sorry I think a dj has to show something and put on some kinda performance to make me wanna see them more, thats why I like live acts anymore like RITM Uberzone ect ect they perform. I think being a dj is no different your there to perform.

[electrokid]

perhaps we could look at this from another artistic standpoint as well. say you were the tour guide for a museum. your job is to take people around to view various pieces of art. does the tour guide put in their 2 cents about how well the art was made? sometimes, but very tactfully and with high regard to the original artist.

does the dj not fit this same description? the dj is a tour guide of various sound selections. if the dj puts his 2cents in about a track by committing some sort of gesture, it needs to be handled with tact and with full honor to the original artist. ultimately, hooting and hollering on stage draws attention to one's self and not the music being played.

i agree with you in regard to paying for a rock show though. my reasoning?

bands play instruments.
bands create their own music.
they fuse these two facts together to create a performance.

the dj is missing one of these key elements however. the dj does not create the music being mixed, therefore, any such "stage performance" brought forth may be considered by some as mockery of the music itself.

my opinion of course. we all have our own way of doing things and that is what makes each of us unique as djs.

[Nicknack]

yea maybe so but I believe when a good dj is pulling off a really fat blend of two records or beat juggling he himself is making music .Or scratchin for that matter

shit you cant say different because any musician uses sounds that he did not invent himself and puts them in an arrangment to sound attractive to other people,But he did not invent the chords he plays or the notes she plays....ahh I guess that maybe stretchin a little far but its something to chew on.

bottom line is stage presense should not be your only talent-----you should be able to rock a party with out yelling and jumping up and down---I think it is just a good way for some people to shine a bit more when they have a little presense and passion about what they do.

[JD-Funk]

Originally posted by electrokid
perhaps we could look at this from another artistic standpoint as well. say you were the tour guide for a museum. your job is to take people around to view various pieces of art. does the tour guide put in their 2 cents about how well the art was made? sometimes, but very tactfully and with high regard to the original artist.

does the dj not fit this same description? the dj is a tour guide of various sound selections. if the dj puts his 2cents in about a track by committing some sort of gesture, it needs to be handled with tact and with full honor to the original artist. ultimately, hooting and hollering on stage draws attention to one's self and not the music being played.

i agree with you in regard to paying for a rock show though. my reasoning?

bands play instruments.
bands create their own music.
they fuse these two facts together to create a performance.

the dj is missing one of these key elements however. the dj does not create the music being mixed, therefore, any such "stage performance" brought forth may be considered by some as mockery of the music itself.

my opinion of course. we all have our own way of doing things and that is what makes each of us unique as djs.

I have to disagree a dj does make his own version of songs mixing is a musical art in itself but your right thats what makes each dj different If you think djing is not a musical art then why dj? your making your own versions of music unless you maybe just do plain mixes but scratching beat juggling ect ect like the other guy said your making your own versions of music but thats just my thought on the subject but to each dj there own I personally would love to see a dj on stage draing attention to them having a good time doing what they love if you wanna just mix records and appriciate the music mix on a radio station or something thats just my thoughts on that subject, but I guess to ech styl of music and each dj there own I don't ever really think I'd expect to see a acid house dj or tribal dj up doing stuff as apposed to a funky house or breaks dj or something.

[bweaver]

wow where to start?
I think that everyone has their own unique way of showing that they like or dislike something. If a dj is really into their set you can feel it, not by how much they are moving around or what silly tricks they do towards the crowd. If its quality you will know, and if you dont your friends should take you home I think a dj should keep attention to the crowd and their set.. I think your should play shit that is true to you and your style yet you make sure is working on the floor everything will be ok. But if nobody is down it is a cause for disaster no matter how good you wave your hands. also if you insist on a show go to the theater and please your eyes if thats what makes it for you.. When I hear good tunes I could care f-ing less how the dj looks or what silly cheese they lay on the crowd.. I see dj's all the time that rip it up without having to try to get the crowd going with gestures not coming out of the voice coils.
I know that a lot of people need to see something to really admire it, this saddens me.

[NutBrain]

you know the entire culture is going away when there are people that actually need to see a dj jump around in order to dance. It's too bad. I remember when the music alone was good enough for everyone. Perhaps it's because of the influx of so many piss-poor freshman that they need to make up for their lack of talent by putting on a show.

Good bye, underground. It was nice to have you around. Thank you for the good times and memories. Thanks for setting me free, and giving me the wisdom to say "adios"......

[**Deep6**]

oh contrare...
Originally posted by OshnSoul


Those ass-munches bring us the music.....NO DJ, NO MUSIC, NO PARTY.

rrrrrr....beeep...wrong answer!
Sorry, but in this part of the discussion, I will absolutely have to disagree... I am constantly telling the kids that are stoked after one of my better sets (a set that I personally dig as well as they do) that if it weren't for them, I wouldn't exist (well, I'd physically exist, but not as a Dj)...because for a Dj to exist, they must have an audience...a disc cannot be jocked unless the jockey has a ride...and the audience is that ride, thus we play off what the audience is down for...
The saying should be...: NO KIDZ, NO PARTY, NO DJ. Music exists wherever you go, parties exist in many different forms, DJs are bred by the kids that dance to their beats...nuff said (but not quite enough)...
humble thy self on the dance floor

[spectralmonkey]

i cannot count how many times i have been told that by my dancing and enjoyment while spinning that i influenced people to dance.
why does it matter? what is the point unless you are enjoying yourself, it will shine thru,
whether or not your dance is ego-based, or subconscious,
at least youre up there DOING something, rather than just bitching on here.
haha

bom to your mama.
shut up and dance, whether your djing at the time or not.

[JD-Funk]

Originally posted by spectralmonkey
i cannot count how many times i have been told that by my dancing and enjoyment while spinning that i influenced people to dance.
why does it matter? what is the point unless you are enjoying yourself, it will shine thru,
whether or not your dance is ego-based, or subconscious,
at least youre up there DOING something, rather than just bitching on here.
haha

bom to your mama.
shut up and dance, whether your djing at the time or not.


Amen. I don't dance behind stage or do stuff behind stage to be ego tistical actually I really don't dance much when I'm just patying but something comes over me when I get behind the decks but this thing could go back and forth for years to each dj there own and to each one there own opinion. I have also been told the same thing many times I've gotten alot of compliments about the nergy I've put into a set.

[James Capricorn]

Originally posted by spectralmonkey
i cannot count how many times i have been told that by my dancing and enjoyment while spinning that i influenced people to dance.
why does it matter?


I like this post. I agree that if you are not enjoying your own music, it is all quite pointless. Actually, I think this whole thread is a bit pointless, and yet, I still feel the urge to contribute. Do you think that if I jump up and down, more people will read it?

[ProblematicBeat]

Originally posted by NutBrain
you know the entire culture is going away when there are people that actually need to see a dj jump around in order to dance. It's too bad. I remember when the music alone was good enough for everyone. Perhaps it's because of the influx of so many piss-poor freshman that they need to make up for their lack of talent by putting on a show.

Good bye, underground. It was nice to have you around. Thank you for the good times and memories. Thanks for setting me free, and giving me the wisdom to say "adios"......

Thank you!!!!!!!

I feel like djs are becoming our generations butt rockers. Next maybe we can time pyro-technics to our sets and come back for an encore record but only if the crowd screams loud enough. Djs can dress in tight leather pants and tie scarves to their headphone cords. Then next djs can start wearing makeup and teasing their hair. :rolleyes:

Please meet the djs of the future. Who cares if they know how to spin they know how to dance on stage, right?........
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http://www.rock.com.mx/images/michaelmonroe2.jpg

http://www.propagandamagazine.net/news/gfx/news_7_19_02_daz_large.jpg

Sorry just feeling like an asshole today had to do it. Peace

Jason

[Charlie Deep]

As long as the DJ is working hard at delivering the beats, all is good with me. But if you're hunching down and eating corn dogs between every record like James Capricorn and RNA do, I think you could use a little more focus on doing a better job.

[Prazent]

For me Damien it was, the eyes...
The eyes of anyone be it a DJ or not can be read by the eyes. You can see everything within the peepers, from rage and anger, to devotion and total satisfaction. After I had been turned on to Damiens first CD(Sub-Base U.S.A.) in 1999 by my siste, I knew I had to see him play live. Thats all I needed, his eyes were what to this day stands out in my mind the most about him--the complete focus and concentration and passion, I still have never ever seen it matched in anyway, shape, or form. That my friends is stage presence.

[Won D'funk]

Originally posted by James Capricorn


I like this post. I agree that if you are not enjoying your own music, it is all quite pointless. Actually, I think this whole thread is a bit pointless, and yet, I still feel the urge to contribute. Do you think that if I jump up and down, more people will read it?

I knew it! You read it because you were jumping up and down!
what's wrong with being excited with what you wrote so you jump and down? I felt that! I felt your passion because you were jumping up and down! ;)

[Lailoni]

Originally posted by James Capricorn
What is making me dance right now?

Some ass-munch on the stage, or the music?

music or ass-munch? you decide.......

Well James, it just so happens that when YOU are the assmunch on the stage, it's both!!!! :)

[James Capricorn]

Originally posted by Lailoni


Well James, it just so happens that when YOU are the assmunch on the stage, it's both!!!! :)

Would that make me a Musical Assmunch?:confused:

[Lailoni]

Well yeah...but an awfully cute one....does that help any?

[OshnSoul]

Originally posted by **Deep6**
oh contrare...


rrrrrr....beeep...wrong answer!
Sorry, but in this part of the discussion, I will absolutely have to disagree... I am constantly telling the kids that are stoked after one of my better sets (a set that I personally dig as well as they do) that if it weren't for them, I wouldn't exist (well, I'd physically exist, but not as a Dj)...because for a Dj to exist, they must have an audience...a disc cannot be jocked unless the jockey has a ride...and the audience is that ride, thus we play off what the audience is down for...
The saying should be...: NO KIDZ, NO PARTY, NO DJ. Music exists wherever you go, parties exist in many different forms, DJs are bred by the kids that dance to their beats...nuff said (but not quite enough)...
humble thy self on the dance floor

Ok, maybe you don't get what I am saying. It can go BOTH WAYS- you are right, and I am right. There is no arguing with your point of view. But what I am saying is there wouldn't be the "rave" culture of today if it weren't for DJs bringing us live mixes of already-made music. Do we go to a party where there is no DJ, but producers? But, yes- I agree: No kidz, no party, no dj- atherefore, it can go in reverse: no dj, no party, no kids. That's what these parties are all about- kidz comin to see a dj spin & mix music. If we didn't have the kids or the dj, we wouldn't have the party.
Anywho- stage presence- the topic- doesn't mean they have to be jumpin around, waving their arms, yadayadayada...it means you feel their vibe put into the spinning. If they are tight at spinning AND jump around- more props to them.......but it's the VIBE that matters. I don't enjoy watching/dancing to a DJ that is just interested in spinning for the hell of it or on an ego trip.

[microdot]

Back in the day when we had to walk uphill both ways to get to a party (BAREFOOT in six feet of snow too!)----Translation "Back in '91-'92.),,,,,,,,,,,,, I really had no clue what the fuck the DJ was doing. I didn't even REALIZE that there really was a "DJ" so to speak. I really had no clue. I just thought, "Fuck-an-A this is cool music!" What the hell was a DJ???!!!

Any-way, that brings my ante' up to about 10 cents now (combining all my 2 cents)

Much peace,,,adam

[Lailoni]

Yeah...I agree, but umm it still helps to have something cute thing to look at.
Right James?
Tee hee!!!

[~MiSs ViXeN~]

LOL. "what if the hokey pokey is what its all about?"

[groovinkim]

Originally posted by Charlie Deep
As long as the DJ is working hard at delivering the beats, all is good with me. But if you're hunching down and eating corn dogs between every record like James Capricorn and RNA do, I think you could use a little more focus on doing a better job.


you sure those were corn dogs?

[Lailoni]

Yeah cause if your talking about James...I would question the authenticity of the corn dog. I dont know RNA, but if he is friends with James and Charlie...I would have to question the corn dog issue as well.

[MarQ]

You got to have both.....
A techniclly great dj can be boring, and an exciting dj can technicnlly suck.

Some one who spins good long mixes, with intellignet transitions, who looks like they are having the best time of there life, and pays attention to the crowd. That is what I personally strive to do.

I also HATE it when people wait till its down to a kick and a hat to start mixing... I like the exciting part of the last song to end just as the new song gets exciting.

[Boyd Main]

Originally posted by OshnSoul
Do we go to a party where there is no DJ, but producers?

Yes

[OshnSoul]

Really??? Where- never been to a "rave" party where there are only producers- that's unique. I've been to SHOWS with producers playin, but not a "rave" where there are no DJs.

[Gruvstyle]

It all depends on the crowd for me. If they're dancin' around, smilin', yellin', generally having a good time, I will get more into my mixes. Just the feeling of people enjoying the music I play makes me all energetic and I tend to shake my ass a little more. If, however, I am here in eastern WA playing where its usually rare to see someone dancing, I tend to just mix and not really move around much.

Basically, I feed off others energy. If its up, I'm up. If its down, I'm down. I, personally, enjoy seeing DJ's at leat looking like they're enjoying themselves. Bad Boy Bill is one of my favorite DJ's. The man is excellent with a pair of decks, but he's gotten to a point where he's getting sick of it all. He knows he's good so he feels he really doesn't need a lot of crowd interaction. When he came up, he was not known as a "hype" DJ. Donald Glaude, was. Hence, they are both sticking to the formula that made them who they are.

Thought I'd throw in my pair o' pennies, so now I'll stop rambling.

Peace,
Zak

[groovinkim]

Originally posted by OshnSoul
Really??? Where- never been to a "rave" party where there are only producers- that's unique. I've been to SHOWS with producers playin, but not a "rave" where there are no DJs.

it's not unheard of.

convergence, this weekend... there are some DJs, but at least 50% is live performance.

[DJLani]

I don't know whats been up with Seattle lately but the dj's that have played the shows I've been to lately just haven't had any stage presence what so every really. I'm sure some DJ's do but just the few I've seen in the past month or 2 haven't been all that great. What ever happened to DJ"s hyping the crowd and Dancing behind the decks?? Idunno maybe I'm just blind.

The top 4 DJ"s I seriously have seen dance their asses off behind the decks are Mode 4, Soulkid, BISCUIT and Section 8. I guess because I've been around these guys so much but every single time I watch them spin they're ALWAYS dancing...not a once have they just played out...THEY MOVE THIER ASSES!! Their expressions are also awesome! They really get into their music and that's something I lvoe the most. It's entertaining and fun to catch their sets!! I love watching these guys spin!

Idunno that's just my 2.0 ;)

[Advent]

There's so many different typs of stage presence. I'm personally from the "sophisticated" school. I dress up in some fashionable clothing, play super hot music, get the crowd bumping etc and hardly if ever nod my head. I just look sexy and cool, i'll even be silly. that's what works for me.

Mixing is more mental then physical for me. I don't need to bob my head or shake my leg to "get into the beat". Hell, when I see people bouncing around, convulsing, bobbing their head way to forcefully I think they look mmmm how should I say it....uncool. If I see anyone *cough* Donald *cough* (or anyone else for that matter) stop the music say "put yer hands in the air" I think are pathetic. That's reserved for hip-hop and pop music period!! ooops i mean .

I have friends that wobble around like a dead fish and I can see their having fun. I have friends who bob their heads, clap their hands, shake their ass, their into it, but that does'nt change my opinion of how "uncool" they look. Their having fun, so that's cool, hell it's even funny, but is it necessary??

I used to bounce around alot becuase I was into the music and psyched etc. Now that's not the case, it's not about me OR am I having fun. I do my job and play music that people want to hear. I don't need to feel the crowd by bouncing. I definetly don't want to have a reputation of being a bobber or a dead fish. Think of that yourself. This is stage presence. this is how people see you. If people think it's cool that some dj is bobbing his head then great whatever. I find it cliche' and silly.

[~MiSs ViXeN~]

Originally posted by Advent
I have friends who bob their heads, clap their hands, shake their ass, their into it, but that does'nt change my opinion of how "uncool" they look. Their having fun, so that's cool, hell it's even funny, but is it necessary??


YES. Being into the music is very in style right now, everybodys doin it.

[OurManFlint]

ya, being cool and not enjoying your music is so yesterday

[Advent]

Originally posted by ~MiSs ViXeN~


YES. Being into the music is very in style right now, everybodys doin it.

hahahahaha

[the_planet]

Flave. Yeah. HAHAHAHA!

Watching a guy bust out a saxophone, scratch with his foot, and just go insane behind the turntables sure did it for me.

Donald Glaude most definitely too. Big ups to a DJ who comes out from behind the decks to hype up the crowd and dance and shit.

[tech_noir]

Music comes first, but if you look bored, your dancers will absorb that feeling from you.

[Suckafoou]

total misconception about stage presence. You dont have to stand up on stage in a clown outfit and spin balloons into animals.but it sure is nice to see a dj with some personality. there are so many djs out there who look like they have just takens there meds. ie no excitment. Yes mixing is important. having good dj skillz is a must. But you dont have to look like you just got up 5 minutes before your set. Nuthing kills me worse on a dance floor then seeing a dj who doesnt look like he/she is not having fun.

Hint there are a millions of djs out there. But what seperates you from the rest? Your mixing skillz?