Please take this as an advice, from approximately 17 years of experience.
It is not by all means perfect or ultimate.
A good way to kook at it is, we are all here to learn. The more we share, the more we learn.
Beyond technical understanding and experiences of different rooms, which honestly come with time and curiosity (there is no explanation you can’t find online).
Before you get invited to DJ, you will find yourself playing songs for some friends maybe, or get an experimental slot on a “hot” floor. Naturally, drifting more towards styles that inspire you personally to dance, it doesn’t mean everyone has got to like it. In fact in my feeling if you pleased all, you often didn’t bring anything personal to the (DJ) table.
Having said that, we want to remember, we are playing for other people. They are the targets of your selections. Get to know them, watch them, talk to them.
As this happens you also (hopefully) dig deeper into the history and the genre of your style and you start to learn, not every song is appropriate to play for dancing. Many songs are talking about subjects that should be listened to, but not danced on..
How do you choose what to play? Is there a story? Instrumental contrast? Increasing or decreasing of tension? It’s always good to question your choices. We don’t want random energy surges or a playlist vibe.
Whenever I DJ for a specific dance style, I try to not confirm with BPM only, rather let the song tell you if it inspires you.
Please remember, the music you play is the muse and “guiding light” for the dancers/patrons.
*Blues music is not only slow, so PLEASE be diverse. I would warmly suggest to play variety of Blues music. There are many beautiful styles to it, from different areas and different eras (Slow, Shuffle, Boogie, Jump, Latin, New Orleans, Louisiana, Stomp, Piedmont etc.). It’s always good to add your own personal touch.
*When playing Jazz based blues (Jazz musicians playing Blues/Slow/Sweet music) for a Blues dance event, give yourself more criteria than is it slow? Some songs still carry a very Jazzy mood and others manage to give you a very grounded bluesy feel. Practice your ears and try to identify major and minor cords in instruments.
On the other hand you can find beautiful Waltzes and Rumbas, by artists from your particular style. If they make sense in your “story”, go for it! When artists play concerts historically and today, they play different styles and give us a lot of variety. Otherwise our ears get tired from listening to monotonous style. Both Jazz and Blues prove their longevity due to variety and change with time and area.
Inspire, dare and guide!
Leanna
