Poser DJs on the Rise: Beware!

Poser DJs on the Rise: Beware!

The allure of being a DJ—master of the mix, ultimate crowd-setter—can attract those less interested in the craft than the image. Let’s be honest: not every knob-twiddler behind the decks is a true artist. Enter the poser DJ, a creature as elusive as a good Wi-Fi signal at a music festival.

Identifying a Poser DJ

Identifying a poser DJ requires a keen eye (and ear). Here are some telltale signs:

• The Spotify Shuffle DJ: Their sets are essentially a random selection from their “Liked Songs” playlist, bouncing unpredictably between genres. The consistency is nonexistent and often jarring for the audience.
• The “I Just Downloaded Serato Yesterday” DJ: Their transitions are messy, beat clashes frequent, and the overall experience less a performance than an exercise in accidental noise.
• The Name-Dropper DJ: Their conversations are peppered with casual mentions of artists they vaguely know, hoping to create an illusion of deep connection.
• The ‘Akala Ko Dubstep DJ Ka’ DJ: Some press kits may claim expertise in certain genres rarely or never performed in their live sets. Their mix knowledge may be lacking in understanding of the genre, the culture behind it, or even how to mix it properly.

Beyond these observations, consider their performance. Does the DJ handle audience requests effectively? Do they genuinely connect with the crowd, or is their performance solely self-focused?

Technical Aspects to Observe

• Mixing Skills: A skilled DJ has a nuanced understanding of various music genres and subgenres, making seamless transitions to match the crowd’s energy. A poser may struggle or rely heavily on pre-made mixes, with jarring transitions and poor beat matching.
• Technical Proficiency: DJing requires more than hitting play. Assess their comfort and skill with the equipment. Are they adept at beatmatching and using effects, or are they clearly struggling with the technical aspects?
• Setlist Curation: A true DJ curates a set that takes the audience on a progressive path, steadily building energy and keeping them engaged. Posers often rely on repetitive selections within a single genre or stick to overly popular hits with little variance.
• Audience Engagement: A true DJ is in tune with the crowd. They are skilled at reading the atmosphere, adjusting the set accordingly, and interacting meaningfully with the audience. Conversely, a poser might primarily focus on how they appear behind the decks, rather than the overall atmosphere.

It’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. The difference lies between passionate beginners and those merely seeking social media attention. The path to improvement is simple: Develop a deeper understanding of the music you claim to love; learn the history, the key artists, and the technical skills involved. Practice your transitions and most importantly, have fun! Passion is infectious.

Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?

Ultimately, true DJing is about the love of music, not the hype.