totally ignorant question..

[buellershow]

Coming from a rural area of America, one doesn't have a lot of great clubs to go to. So as someone who's getting a big interest in some "DJ" genres, thanks in large part to Solid Steel and Essential Mix, I pose the following question. What do I have to do/learn/research to learn to be a good DJ? I've done radio, but I'm thinking of eventually playing clubs, more specifically chill rooms. I'm quite fond of the abstract side of things like Ninjatunes DJs do where you can play soul, jazz, hiphop, and all sorts of music together. Are turntable skills essential or is it more about the songs you pick, not the medium you play them on? As you can tell, I'm completely ignorant so would appreciate some feedback from those of you out there with DJ experience. Also, is chill music a success in Irish clubs and lounges, or is it not a popular genre?

[Turiel]

Its most definitely the songs you pick that makes a good DJ. Your turntable/mixing skills enhance it, but its not by any means the most important thing. I believe Spirit in Dublin has a chillout room, but I've never been there, I dunno if they actually play soul/jazz/etc. But thats the only place I can think of - it certainly wouldn't be a particuarly popular genre for clubs here.

[Rob Ryan]

Its not a huge genre for getting work, but there is work out there. My advice would be:

- Mixing isnt very important with chillout music.
- Playing the right tracks, in the right order (as in keeping the mood / flow with no sudden changes) is
- Learn what people like and play to the people not yourself
- Medium isnt important, but know how to use your selected medium (the basics of not clashing beats, keeping the volume levels constant)
- Get experience going to gigs with other DJs
- have enough genres so that if one isnt working you can move on to another
- try keep the attitude of being paid to play music to people rather than people at the venue are there to hear what you play