syberman
Hello everyone, I interviewed at a bar and grilled/club yesterday for a house dj position. The general manager wants me to audition this Friday night, latin night. I do not have ANY latin songs and I need about 5hrs worth. I need suggestions on salsa, merengue, hi-hop latin, reggae latin. I need help asap. Any suggesstions is always appreciated.
Syberman
Syberman
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 12:25 pm
kradcliffe
Purely from a professional rather than personal perspective, you should not be performing in a gig if you don't have sufficient knowledge of the music. I have seen various DJ's over the years that wreck a venue by being out of their depth.
Latin music is a very specialised area and should be left to the people who know what they are doing.
They should have a good all round resident DJ for general gigs, but specialist nights should be done by specialist DJ's . I say this after 25 years in the industry.
Good luck!
Latin music is a very specialised area and should be left to the people who know what they are doing.
They should have a good all round resident DJ for general gigs, but specialist nights should be done by specialist DJ's . I say this after 25 years in the industry.
Good luck!
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 12:43 pm
DJSpecter
Also I'd like to add that if he wants you to perform playing that genre of music that's probably what they want to hear most of the time, and its probably not a place you should be dj'ing at. Just my thoughts.
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 12:52 pm
syberman
Thanks for the help.
Syberman
Syberman
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 1:42 pm
djcity
It's kinda hard to spin music for a crowd when they know the music and you don't.
You might be able to carry it for about an hour but after that...Ya gonna be lost.
I don't know what kind of music you spin or what you listen to personally but if it's not latin music, no matter how much you have, your not gonna know whats hot and whats not (but your crowd will)
Ask for another night where you can do your thing.
Good luck
You might be able to carry it for about an hour but after that...Ya gonna be lost.
I don't know what kind of music you spin or what you listen to personally but if it's not latin music, no matter how much you have, your not gonna know whats hot and whats not (but your crowd will)
Ask for another night where you can do your thing.
Good luck
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 3:14 pm
djkizzle
Or...hit the bilboard and music charts and purchse/download/iTunes eveything on the list. Also, what I do, is have a wireless internet card (from Verizon, ATT, or other cell phone carrier) and have it installed in your laptop. That way, if someone askes for a song, give them paper and a pen and have them write it down (unless you understand Spanish). Then, jump online duing the gig and aquire it from iTunes or other music dowload site.
I know this isn't the most professional way of doing this, and I do agree with the other posts in that you should never get in over your head. BUT, if you're hell-bent on playing that night, make the proper investment and you just migh make it out alive. Plus, you'll be all set for the next Latin fiesta when the opportunity comes.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
I know this isn't the most professional way of doing this, and I do agree with the other posts in that you should never get in over your head. BUT, if you're hell-bent on playing that night, make the proper investment and you just migh make it out alive. Plus, you'll be all set for the next Latin fiesta when the opportunity comes.
Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 3:20 pm
DJSpecter
djkizzle wrote :
Or...hit the bilboard and music charts and purchse/download/iTunes eveything on the list. Also, what I do, is have a wireless internet card (from Verizon, ATT, or other cell phone carrier) and have it installed in your laptop. That way, if someone askes for a song, give them paper and a pen and have them write it down (unless you understand Spanish). Then, jump online duing the gig and aquire it from iTunes or other music dowload site.
You know that's a great idea I really never considered this...though of course sometimes depending on the signal strength and the building this might not always be available but never the less good advice here.
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 3:39 pm
kradcliffe
I have used that method for a couple of years now .... the last gig I did was in a busy city centre bar, where I wandered around with my Vaio U50 handheld getting requests (and chatting up the laydeez) running a RDP session to the main PC. If I didn't have the song, I just downloaded it over the wifi connection and played it a few minutes later. Didnt even have to go back to the DJ box. Technology is wonderful!
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 4:45 pm
djcity
I have done that in the past...still do when I can if I don't have the song.
Latin music is HARD TO DO if you don't KNOW it. It's like trying to play Hip Hop or better yet, Reggae without KNOWING the music and the crowd.
Do you know what I mean? I'm not trying to scare you or discourage you or anything, I just would hate to see you audition and crash and burn because you really don't KNOW the music.
There are LOTS of different kinds of latin music. Some fast some slow some with no beat you can find.
Just look at Hip Hop to see how vastly different one hot song can be from the next hot song. Look at reggae and the thousands of riddims out there. Now on each riddim there can be about 10 to 15 songs. If you don't know the music, How do you know what to play or when to play it or how to play it?
What song goes naturally after the one your playing now?
When and how do you slow it down?
When and how do you pick it back up?
What songs do you play to CRANK DA PARTY OUT?
Whats that ONE song that's gonna get EVERYONE on the dancefloor?
If you feel that you GOTTA do this, GET A LOT OF MUSIC AND LISTEN TO IT FROM THE TIME YOU GET IT TO THE TIME YOU PLAY IT AT THE CLUB.
Good luck dude, Hope all goes well.
DON'T CRASH & BURN. Trainwrecks are real ugly in person with a live crowd and the manager listening to you looking for oopses and Oh shit's Why did he play THAT song?
Latin music is HARD TO DO if you don't KNOW it. It's like trying to play Hip Hop or better yet, Reggae without KNOWING the music and the crowd.
Do you know what I mean? I'm not trying to scare you or discourage you or anything, I just would hate to see you audition and crash and burn because you really don't KNOW the music.
There are LOTS of different kinds of latin music. Some fast some slow some with no beat you can find.
Just look at Hip Hop to see how vastly different one hot song can be from the next hot song. Look at reggae and the thousands of riddims out there. Now on each riddim there can be about 10 to 15 songs. If you don't know the music, How do you know what to play or when to play it or how to play it?
What song goes naturally after the one your playing now?
When and how do you slow it down?
When and how do you pick it back up?
What songs do you play to CRANK DA PARTY OUT?
Whats that ONE song that's gonna get EVERYONE on the dancefloor?
If you feel that you GOTTA do this, GET A LOT OF MUSIC AND LISTEN TO IT FROM THE TIME YOU GET IT TO THE TIME YOU PLAY IT AT THE CLUB.
Good luck dude, Hope all goes well.
DON'T CRASH & BURN. Trainwrecks are real ugly in person with a live crowd and the manager listening to you looking for oopses and Oh shit's Why did he play THAT song?
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 5:19 pm
Tear Em 'Up
djcity wrote :
Trainwrecks are real ugly in person with a live crowd and the manager listening to you looking for oopses and Oh shit's Why did he play THAT song?
Ain't that the truth City.....nothing like flop sweat to bring a DJ to their knees.....
If I were you I would go to the club all week this week Listen to what is being played. Or, if Friday is the only day that Latin music is played, go to a club with similar music and take a few notes..hang around the DJ booth see what they are doing.
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 5:48 pm
ghettotech
thats why u should spend 6 months or more on a new genre outside your usual genre. join a forum or find a nice website or go to a chat room and find a spanish girl to tutor u whats good and what not.
use tv too.
go to these types of clubs as a regular and see how they go.
be around those type of girls etc...
imo u have to drown yourself in any culture outside your culture before u really know whats going on. but if the manager likes there's something your bringing which he likes. might as well take the opportunity...
use tv too.
go to these types of clubs as a regular and see how they go.
be around those type of girls etc...
imo u have to drown yourself in any culture outside your culture before u really know whats going on. but if the manager likes there's something your bringing which he likes. might as well take the opportunity...
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 7:37 pm
djpr1
Syberman,
Djcity is so right in many ways, i am a latin dj and there is so many music styles. You can do this if you had a little more time to explore the difference. Not to scare you but the Latin crowd are tough when it comes to music and they will let you know. But if you still wanna do this PM me and i will help you.
Djpr1
Djcity is so right in many ways, i am a latin dj and there is so many music styles. You can do this if you had a little more time to explore the difference. Not to scare you but the Latin crowd are tough when it comes to music and they will let you know. But if you still wanna do this PM me and i will help you.
Djpr1
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 7:40 pm
HiTower
djkizzle wrote :
Or...hit the bilboard and music charts and purchse/download/iTunes eveything on the list. Also, what I do, is have a wireless internet card (from Verizon, ATT, or other cell phone carrier) and have it installed in your laptop.
I would caution you to using the chart method to play a Latin night. The Billboard charts for us cheap non-registered users only show the current top 25 Latin tracks. These tracks are a variety of all styles of Latin music. I'm not sure how it is everywhere else, but around my neck of the woods, if I play anything besides Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, or Reggaeton I'm instantly a bad DJ. Ironically, there are very few tracks on the Billboard chart in these genres with the exception of Reggaeton. Generally speaking, fans of Latin music really know they're *ish. They also have no problem telling you that you don't know yours if you play a bunch of whack music. I know this because when I first started spinning, a buddy asked me to fill in for him on a Latin night for a couple hours until he could show up. He gave me his music and a reference guide. Told me what styles to play, and how many in a row. Even with the music and his advice, I still was picking music that didn't make people happy because I didn't know it.
So, I'm basically giving the same advice everyone else has, I wouldn't do it if you don't have knowledge of Latin music. Also, consider the fact that the manager is setting you up. Why would he have a guy auditioning for a house night play a Latin night? The bar business is a shady world.
Posted Wed 17 Sep 08 @ 11:54 pm
dj-e-lectric
Also look at it this way, as a House Dj you would probably not be happy if the owner of a hot house club you wanted to work at was taking open auditions and a bunch of latin, hip hop, and rock Djs showed up just to try to get the gig even though it wasn't their kind of music...remember A LOT of owners don't know a good Dj from a rusty nail in the floor and yes you may luck into the job with no knowlege or experience with the latin music and "take" a job away from a very deserving and dedicated latin music Dj, but karma is a nasty thing and you may lose out on the hot house club in the future cause that owner went with some rusty nail over you!
Posted Thu 18 Sep 08 @ 7:58 am
mauvelez
I am a Latin DJ and one of the situations to consider is "latin countrys" start from Argentina to Mexico and going up to the latinos born in USA... so is very extensive.
Genres with examples:
Merengue: Elvis Crespo, Suavemente / Salsa: Celia Cruz, La Vida Es Un Carnaval / Bachata: Hector "El Torito , Sin Perdon / Reggaeton: Daddy Yankee, La Gasolina. This are for every country (some are older but can be a reference for the genre)
Latin music is very especialized,(WE DANCE ALL NIGHT LONG) I have a hard time in certain parties and I was born in Colombia and have live in USA for 8 years and also I am bilingual, but in the other hand, dearing is what have give me experience and work.
The 3rd best latin dj in Atlanta is from Italy and I have meet excellent latin DJ that are not latin, nor speak Spanish.
If you need help send me a private IM and I will give you more tips.
Genres with examples:
Merengue: Elvis Crespo, Suavemente / Salsa: Celia Cruz, La Vida Es Un Carnaval / Bachata: Hector "El Torito , Sin Perdon / Reggaeton: Daddy Yankee, La Gasolina. This are for every country (some are older but can be a reference for the genre)
Latin music is very especialized,(WE DANCE ALL NIGHT LONG) I have a hard time in certain parties and I was born in Colombia and have live in USA for 8 years and also I am bilingual, but in the other hand, dearing is what have give me experience and work.
The 3rd best latin dj in Atlanta is from Italy and I have meet excellent latin DJ that are not latin, nor speak Spanish.
If you need help send me a private IM and I will give you more tips.
Posted Fri 19 Sep 08 @ 1:00 pm
syberman
O.K., I guess this is a hot topic that I have opened and I have comments to make. First off, I asked for help and I recieved negative comments from other users here. I only asked for help, not opinions. Keep the negativity to yourself. This is a open competition for a house dj, I am not taking a "deserving dj" job away from him or her. How dare you say that to me, you don't even know me. It's a very competitive world and I think your living under a rock, wake up and smell the coffee. I was raised in a latin community, have many latin friends. I don't know the delicate deatils of the music but I have the will to learn. I really don't hear that from many of the ignorant relpies that I got.
There are many that are quick to judge someone but how can you if you don't know they on a personal level. Guys and gals, this is a OPEN COMPETITION, this is their third week and final week. I am going live tonight. I am confident in my skills and strong minded. I just want to take the time out for those that helped me in this. You know who you are. I cannot thank you guys enough. And for those that spew the negative comments, keep them to yourself, and eat shit.
Syberman
There are many that are quick to judge someone but how can you if you don't know they on a personal level. Guys and gals, this is a OPEN COMPETITION, this is their third week and final week. I am going live tonight. I am confident in my skills and strong minded. I just want to take the time out for those that helped me in this. You know who you are. I cannot thank you guys enough. And for those that spew the negative comments, keep them to yourself, and eat shit.
Syberman
Posted Fri 19 Sep 08 @ 2:58 pm
kradcliffe
Well, maybe if you had explained things properly in your first post people wouldn't draw conclusions.
I am sorry, but it read to me that you were going to be doing a 5 hour gig and had no clue about latin music.
You only have yourself to blame here. I hate it when people try to help then get flamed for it.
Eat shit indeed!
I am sorry, but it read to me that you were going to be doing a 5 hour gig and had no clue about latin music.
You only have yourself to blame here. I hate it when people try to help then get flamed for it.
Eat shit indeed!
Posted Fri 19 Sep 08 @ 3:25 pm
Tear Em 'Up
VDJ does not endorse, or allow any eating of feces on these forums...please refrain from the invitation, or the entee' in question....
Posted Fri 19 Sep 08 @ 3:32 pm
djcity
Damn dude,
I thought I was helping you.
If I wanted to go race 1000cc liter bikes and I have experience with only 250cc and 500cc, I would be confident that I know how to ride real good but I would hope, SERIOUSLY hope someone would talk sense into me because I COULD GET KILLED. I know how to ride but am not a racer and can't really race 1000cc bikes even though I may think I can.
I don't have the experience to help you with the music. I have the experience to caution you against doing something you may not be ready for.
YOU know if your ready and like I said before, Good Luck. I mean that, i'm not just saying that but really mean it.
Please post tomorrow and let us know how your night went.
I thought I was helping you.
If I wanted to go race 1000cc liter bikes and I have experience with only 250cc and 500cc, I would be confident that I know how to ride real good but I would hope, SERIOUSLY hope someone would talk sense into me because I COULD GET KILLED. I know how to ride but am not a racer and can't really race 1000cc bikes even though I may think I can.
I don't have the experience to help you with the music. I have the experience to caution you against doing something you may not be ready for.
YOU know if your ready and like I said before, Good Luck. I mean that, i'm not just saying that but really mean it.
Please post tomorrow and let us know how your night went.
Posted Fri 19 Sep 08 @ 4:36 pm
