Ever have this awkward DJ situation?

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Ever have this awkward DJ situation?
Posted on: 08.07.2013 by Margo Munshower
Have u met someone or know someone who is a DJ that is starting out ask you for your ENTIRE music library (for free)?

I have been in this situation before and it is extremely uncomfortable. Being a DJ, I feel your music library is your backbone and ultimately defines you. I have no problem showing people artists, tracks, or labels, but outright handing someone my years of collecting and digging seems in-genuine and counter-productive to what makes a DJ a DJ. Not to mention, I pay for majority of my tracks.

I do not know how to handle the situation and usually am very deflective/non-responsive, at which point i am then met with signs of implying my reaction is uncalled for or douchey.

On the flip side, have you ever asked anyone for their library? I would never believe to ask someone so maybe I am projecting my own views on others. Still, to me, it doesn't seem or feel right both ethically.

Are they being uncalled for? Or am I?
Kelvin Ogdon
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by KRU2000
so different from everybody else's snobby attitude
It's not snobby - it's a ridiculous question. I firmly believe that. However, ill still share tracks on a limited basis. I give guidance and point people towards blogs and tell them how I find what I find; however, an entire library is still insane.
Augustine Mitzen
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by atontheproton
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................
wrong in my opinion, i know a lot of technically great DJs, but they fall flat when it comes to track selection.
track selection forms your DJ personna and part of that is having exclusives not everyone can play.
a lot of people can blend smoothly
Pierre Aliseo
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by atontheproton
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................

Personally I believe it's a valid discussion topic based on the OP's experience. I have never had this happen to me but can imagine it happening and had not considered how I would respond or react.
Stephenie Liloia
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by Devils Advocato
Have u met someone or know someone who is a DJ that is starting out ask you for your ENTIRE music library (for free)?

I have been in this situation before and it is extremely uncomfortable. Being a DJ, I feel your music library is your backbone and ultimately defines you. I have no problem showing people artists, tracks, or labels, but outright handing someone my years of collecting and digging seems in-genuine and counter-productive to what makes a DJ a DJ. Not to mention, I pay for majority of my tracks.

I do not know how to handle the situation and usually am very deflective/non-responsive, at which point i am then met with signs of implying my reaction is uncalled for or douchey.

On the flip side, have you ever asked anyone for their library? I would never believe to ask someone so maybe I am projecting my own views on others. Still, to me, it doesn't seem or feel right both ethically.

Are they being uncalled for? Or am I?
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................
Lashawn Maycock
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
I understand this perspective and respect it entirely, and certainly don't disagree with it's premise. The truth is in my situation I have had a long relationship with this fellow. He's been one of my closest friends since I was a wee little tyke. Were the parameters of the situation any different, I in all likelihood would have told him less than politely to cock off. Judging by your response, you probably would have just told him to take a hike and I understand completely.
I can see the added complication of a mate asking the question, I was coming from a more general view. I believe I'd still diplomatically tell the pal to go and buy for themselves.
Verlene Geevarghese
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by backtothefront
Me neither, maybe I'll repeat what I said earlier; absolutely no problem with telling people what the track is, where I bought it, giving out the tracklist, but I'm not going to burn/copy files and give them to you, that it a form of piracy and effectively taking the piss out of the producer and usually, struggling record label.

Those DJ's that are giving music away aren't doing the producers/independant labels any favours at all, please don't do it.
I understand this perspective and respect it entirely, and certainly don't disagree with it's premise. The truth is in my situation I have had a long relationship with this fellow. He's been one of my closest friends since I was a wee little tyke. Were the parameters of the situation any different, I in all likelihood would have told him less than politely to cock off. Judging by your response, you probably would have just told him to take a hike and I understand completely.
Lashawn Maycock
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by johney
I still don't get some of you guys.
Me neither, maybe I'll repeat what I said earlier; absolutely no problem with telling people what the track is, where I bought it, giving out the tracklist, but I'm not going to burn/copy files and give them to you, that it a form of piracy and effectively taking the piss out of the producer and usually, struggling record label.

Those DJ's that are giving music away aren't doing the producers/independant labels any favours at all, please don't do it.
Sebrina Pechette
21.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
Just had this happen. I told him that I would be happy to give him a small collection of my older tunes that I'm not so keen on so he can practice, but anything I have picked up recently or that I truly love he can't have. My justification, other than having spent the time to find them on my own and prepare them accordingly, is that finding music that you enjoy is part of the process.

He understood. Not that he really had much of a choice.
so different from everybody else's snobby attitude
Arnulfo Morten
21.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
Just had this happen. I told him that I would be happy to give him a small collection of my older tunes that I'm not so keen on so he can practice, but anything I have picked up recently or that I truly love he can't have. My justification, other than having spent the time to find them on my own and prepare them accordingly, is that finding music that you enjoy is part of the process.

He understood. Not that he really had much of a choice.
^^
THIS i'm actually gonna start doing this. So much better than being a elitist dick
Kelvin Ogdon
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by KRU2000
so different from everybody else's snobby attitude
It's not snobby - it's a ridiculous question. I firmly believe that. However, ill still share tracks on a limited basis. I give guidance and point people towards blogs and tell them how I find what I find; however, an entire library is still insane.
Ara Tima
23.07.2013		When I first started I got loaned a big pile of vinyl to practice on.

Then I gave it back as my collection grew.


Nice and simple. Bloody digital files create so much stress regarding ownership/value etc.
Augustine Mitzen
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by atontheproton
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................
wrong in my opinion, i know a lot of technically great DJs, but they fall flat when it comes to track selection.
track selection forms your DJ personna and part of that is having exclusives not everyone can play.
a lot of people can blend smoothly
Yajaira Harang
23.07.2013		I got that question few days ago from a friend learning and just answered that he has to get his music library himself to know it perfectly and feel comfy with it. And believe that it's as much "cheating" than it doesn't let you get better.. Who could appropriate a bunch of music at once ?! Even hundreds of tune is too much, so i believe that thousands is impossible to handle !
Pierre Aliseo
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by atontheproton
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................

Personally I believe it's a valid discussion topic based on the OP's experience. I have never had this happen to me but can imagine it happening and had not considered how I would respond or react.
Stephenie Liloia
23.07.2013
Originally Posted by Devils Advocato
Have u met someone or know someone who is a DJ that is starting out ask you for your ENTIRE music library (for free)?

I have been in this situation before and it is extremely uncomfortable. Being a DJ, I feel your music library is your backbone and ultimately defines you. I have no problem showing people artists, tracks, or labels, but outright handing someone my years of collecting and digging seems in-genuine and counter-productive to what makes a DJ a DJ. Not to mention, I pay for majority of my tracks.

I do not know how to handle the situation and usually am very deflective/non-responsive, at which point i am then met with signs of implying my reaction is uncalled for or douchey.

On the flip side, have you ever asked anyone for their library? I would never believe to ask someone so maybe I am projecting my own views on others. Still, to me, it doesn't seem or feel right both ethically.

Are they being uncalled for? Or am I?
The backbone of your craft should be your technical skills and abilities as a dj, in my opinion. Your music plays a role but in my opinion it is not what defines you as anyone can play the same songs as you but not everyone will mix & blend, track select , etc as you do. This thread is pretty much setting someone up with a bomb on their back if they answer this question wrong...................
Augustine Mitzen
23.07.2013		do you pay for your music? ^
Audrey Pinda
22.07.2013		Honestly sometimes while digging, I'll find tracks that I enjoy and I know I won't play out. I have pretty broad tastes, and while I mainly play Breaks, and sometimes DnB and House, there is a lot of things I stumble across. Sometimes I'll shoot particular tunes that I believe really jive with certain DJ's whom I'm friends with. Mostly stuff I know I'll never touch.

I used to share music with my close friends all the time. We even have a dropbox network of tunes we can share with each other (just a small group of close friends, basically the people in one of my crews). But that being said? The tunes I play out, unless specifically requested by a friend whom I know isn't going to be playing out? I don't share those anymore.

Because let's face it. We've all stumbled across a gem of a tune that you know you spent a long time digging for. And while it might be humbling to an extent seeing a friend play it out, it also grinds your gears a little bit. I'd rather just nip that in the butt and not have it be an issue. I don't share the vast majority of my collection anymore, and I don't expect my friends to either.
Sonja Roybal
22.07.2013		Personally, I would ban the people openly admitting to stealing music.
Augustine Mitzen
22.07.2013		that's what i told to my mate.
i'll happily pass him free downloads, but that's all
Lashawn Maycock
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
I understand this perspective and respect it entirely, and certainly don't disagree with it's premise. The truth is in my situation I have had a long relationship with this fellow. He's been one of my closest friends since I was a wee little tyke. Were the parameters of the situation any different, I in all likelihood would have told him less than politely to cock off. Judging by your response, you probably would have just told him to take a hike and I understand completely.
I can see the added complication of a mate asking the question, I was coming from a more general view. I believe I'd still diplomatically tell the pal to go and buy for themselves.
Verlene Geevarghese
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by backtothefront
Me neither, maybe I'll repeat what I said earlier; absolutely no problem with telling people what the track is, where I bought it, giving out the tracklist, but I'm not going to burn/copy files and give them to you, that it a form of piracy and effectively taking the piss out of the producer and usually, struggling record label.

Those DJ's that are giving music away aren't doing the producers/independant labels any favours at all, please don't do it.
I understand this perspective and respect it entirely, and certainly don't disagree with it's premise. The truth is in my situation I have had a long relationship with this fellow. He's been one of my closest friends since I was a wee little tyke. Were the parameters of the situation any different, I in all likelihood would have told him less than politely to cock off. Judging by your response, you probably would have just told him to take a hike and I understand completely.
Latoria Kavulich
22.07.2013		Get your stinking hands of my tunes, you damn dirty trainspotter!
Lashawn Maycock
22.07.2013
Originally Posted by johney
I still don't get some of you guys.
Me neither, maybe I'll repeat what I said earlier; absolutely no problem with telling people what the track is, where I bought it, giving out the tracklist, but I'm not going to burn/copy files and give them to you, that it a form of piracy and effectively taking the piss out of the producer and usually, struggling record label.

Those DJ's that are giving music away aren't doing the producers/independant labels any favours at all, please don't do it.
Sherika Hamski
21.07.2013		I've had this happen a couple of times and I politely said, "If you hear something you like let me know and I'll write it down." I got into DJing because I view the DJ's job as being the Preacher of Good Music. You want to know what the track is I'll straight up tell you, but I'm not going to just give you a dump of my hard drive. I've paid and search hard for those tracks and the artists should get the credit and the money for it.
Sebrina Pechette
21.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
Just had this happen. I told him that I would be happy to give him a small collection of my older tunes that I'm not so keen on so he can practice, but anything I have picked up recently or that I truly love he can't have. My justification, other than having spent the time to find them on my own and prepare them accordingly, is that finding music that you enjoy is part of the process.

He understood. Not that he really had much of a choice.
so different from everybody else's snobby attitude
Arnulfo Morten
21.07.2013
Originally Posted by geminimech
Just had this happen. I told him that I would be happy to give him a small collection of my older tunes that I'm not so keen on so he can practice, but anything I have picked up recently or that I truly love he can't have. My justification, other than having spent the time to find them on my own and prepare them accordingly, is that finding music that you enjoy is part of the process.

He understood. Not that he really had much of a choice.
^^
THIS i'm actually gonna start doing this. So much better than being a elitist dick
Augustine Mitzen
21.07.2013		I still don't get some of you guys.
Verlene Geevarghese
21.07.2013		Just had this happen. I told him that I would be happy to give him a small collection of my older tunes that I'm not so keen on so he can practice, but anything I have picked up recently or that I truly love he can't have. My justification, other than having spent the time to find them on my own and prepare them accordingly, is that finding music that you enjoy is part of the process.

He understood. Not that he really had much of a choice.
Contessa Atanasoff
21.07.2013		I believe that's kind of a dumb request, but I understand where it comes from. New DJ's are so anxious to get started that they forget that being a DJ is all about playing the music that defines YOU. If you play someone else's music, not only are you not going to KNOW the music like your own, you will have the same sound as another DJ, which I always try to stay away from.

In this age of bedroom DJ's and controllers becoming so accessible, it seems like everyone knows someone with a pair of decks. Best to set yourself apart as often as possible.

I give music to my friends all the time (I'm always the one to come to about the stuff), but I would never give away my entire library. Ever. It's taken years of searching, learning, figuring out what I like, and what nobody's ever heard of. Too precious to just throw away like that.
Kelvin Ogdon
21.07.2013
Originally Posted by KRU2000
but I dont understand all that "piss off, this is MY music" point of view.
It's not my "music", but it IS my library, and I have put hundreds of hours into organizing, keying, cueing, looping, setting proper gain levels, tagging, etc.

My library is so organized that anyone receiving it would have to do NO work - I would have to put EFFORT into making it difficult for another Dj - which it SHOULD be. No one gets better by having things handed to them. Putting it the work is both a learning experience and a character builder. If you don't get it, it's probably because you haven't put much work into your own library. That's not meant as a slight, I just can't see it any other way.

I give guidance and will help others ALL the time and I give out tracks here and there - but an entire library?

That's effing ludicrous.
Sebrina Pechette
20.07.2013
Originally Posted by Sambo
"What you can't use Google? Are you ******* retarded? Does your mum wipe your ass?"
Maybe Im not good with internet humour, but I seriously doubt youre that tough outside your computer. This kind of behaviour can get your teeth knocked out where Im from...
Jetta Drenzek
19.07.2013		If the ask for the track name I'm more than happy to tell them. If they say "Can you send it to me" I'm immediately "What you can't use Google? Are you ******* retarded? Does your mum wipe your ass? I have an 8 year old nephew who's pirated more music in the past year than I have in a decade. Get outta here man"

Or something to that effect.
Robert Danno
19.07.2013		When I started doing the wedding/quince thing to make money I actually purchased another DJ's collection on hard drive - that put the fear of asking for anything free out of my head. I've given people 10-20 songs for free, but have never been asked or offered my entire collection.
Tyra Labrecque
19.07.2013		I've spent countless hours shopping for and beat mapping my tracks. If I gave my tracks away, then that person not only has my tracks but my beat mappings. HELL NO! Put your time in like I did!
Sebrina Pechette
19.07.2013		woah, Im a new member but have been reading this community s for a long time and I have to admit, I feel like theres a lot of misleading attitudes going on around the subject. Yeah, thats a typical rookie mistake (maybe a kid even). I have never myself thought about asking somebody for their library, but I dont understand all that "piss off, this is MY music" point of view. Like somebody already said: it is not your music, you are still a DJ, nobody is "stealing" anything from you. If youre waiting for your gig and the dj before you plays your tunes (not originals you produced but tracks you bought or found), tough luck, tuck your tail between your legs and carry on. Its almost part of the job in that sense, getting adapted to the situation and the party. What Im trying to say is: wheres the sense of competition? I come from a hip hop background and DJs usually have this sense of pride that does NOT depend on their library, it would be more like "oh ok, you playing my tunes, Im gonna play other tunes twice as better now". On the other hand, If I asked a DJ what song he played and he put his hands across the screen and told me to go away, that would probably break out a beef. I see some people here that all they do is buy songs at Beatport and then they expect to be so unique haha, its hillarious really.
Kelvin Ogdon
19.07.2013		This has never happened and if it did it would not be awkward, because the answer would be "no, are you fucking out of your mind?"
Danae Dumler
11.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
Fuck, my issue is that everyone by me is a tryhard and dubstep nation and so many of these kids are trying to DJ for the sole purpose of the image and it's just a joke. I can't have them knowing everything I play because I walk into places before my set and these individuals are banging out my tracks.... It's horrible.
Play shitty tracks and then laugh at them when they copy you
Maxie Miltz
10.07.2013		I wont even give my best mates my hard earned tracks, I'm a bit of a pr!ck
Augustine Mitzen
10.07.2013
Originally Posted by backtothefront
Still can't believe people are openly admitting to giving away digital music files (hopefully paid for). Personally I'd happily let anyone know what tracks I'm playing, point them in the direction of where to buy and give tips etc, but give away actual music, no way - it's an insult to the producers and labels, who, for the most part are struggling to make much money out of a release in the first place. I believe it's almost a duty of a DJ to buy his music, if not already got via promos/legal free tracks, you're supporting the scene you are part of. And I've said it before, it's so damn cheap now.

this!!
Lashawn Maycock
10.07.2013		Still can't believe people are openly admitting to giving away digital music files (hopefully paid for). Personally I'd happily let anyone know what tracks I'm playing, point them in the direction of where to buy and give tips etc, but give away actual music, no way - it's an insult to the producers and labels, who, for the most part are struggling to make much money out of a release in the first place. I believe it's almost a duty of a DJ to buy his music, if not already got via promos/legal free tracks, you're supporting the scene you are part of. And I've said it before, it's so damn cheap now.

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