Free the DJ!!!

About me:

The club has long been considered a space where different rules apply. This is an environment of free expression and experimentation. Darkened rooms, flashing lights and pounding music (as well as drink and other chemical inducements) are meant to send the participant in to an altered state of consciousness and to free the selves from their body. The club patron is reinvigorated by the released from the everyday routine to experience a bit of freedom from his/her life and responsibilities. The opposite can be said for the employee of the club. This is the job – the routine. The night (life) is the day (job) with responsibilities and expectations. The DJ sets the mood. The turntable can become the cubical. The club patron expects to be entertained – entertained by what their expectations. Those expectations often pertain to a specific genre of music, a style of mixing and even requirements on what specific songs should and should not be played. The DJ has to supply them with what they want often without deviation to keep the patron numbers up in the club. A skilled DJ can work the crowd like a musical conductor. The crowd’s energy can build and relax and build again. This energy has to be managed carefully and predictably. There is little room for experimentation, controlled accidents and whimsy. As a result, the club can be a stale and mechanical place for the DJ. Some feel a mix tape could be prepared and played and the crowd would not be the wiser. Some have equated their services to musical wallpaper. Free the DJ!! I propose an event where local turntablists can be truly heard. Let DJs play – with the patrons and each other. Diversity is the ideal. Let the experiment with a truly broad mix of equipment, styles and genre of sound/music. We wish to explore improvisation through solo, collaboration, and orchestral arrangements throughout the event. This should be an event that challenges the DJs and the patrons. Freedom is the call. This is the chance for the DJ to break from what they are known for and truly challenge the rules of genera, rhythm and melody. This event is not a competition! We will not pick the “best” DJ based on the crowd’s favorite. This will neither be a performance test on technique. I don’t care if you scratch with your elbow. The goal is not only for DJs to show what they can truly do without the club leash, but also a learning experience for all involved. My hope is that with this becomes a forum for new ground to be explored with what is defined as a DJ. The DJ will be put back in the diver’s seat and he/she will call the shots this night.