Anmelden:     

Forum: General Discussion

Topic: NYC People here? - Page: 1

Dieser Teil des Themas ist veraltet und kann veraltete oder falsche Informationen enthalten

I got a question, anyone using Virtual Dj here in Nyc?
I mean like professionally, not home use.
 
geposted Mon 02 Nov 09 @ 7:11 pm
I am from NY & Very few people are using virtual DJ.. Its like 98 % serato In NYC. There is a club in a storia queens called Cavo.. The Dj uses Virtual DJ with the Dac 2 controller.
 
I live in NJ, but just did a big Halloween party in financial district on Saturday, at 15 Broad Street. Maybe that's why they called me, because the other 98% of NY DJs are all the same, limp clones. What do you need to know?
 
You have it mixed up AMAHM... I know djs that use serato and they suck but that doesnt mean that the software is the same. I know djs that use virtual dj and their mixing skills are wack. Its the DJ.. Not the software. What if that wack dj was using virtual dj and they called you instead.. It only matters when they are serato user and not virtual dj users ... Why is it when someone that uses serato, they are considered fake.


The fact is.. The numbers are high with the amount of serato user in New York..... The majority are time code users because it works great for that purpose.... i have been battling it out of for over a year with virtual dj to make it perfect. Im battling to make a difference. One thing leads to another but they dont realize that. I see miles ahead.
 
My point exactly, the software does not make the DJ. I don't give a shit what the other 98% uses. What does that actually mean anyway? What's the percent of DJs that use Technics turntables? Who cares? Does it make you less of a DJ because you use A Stanton turntable? See how silly this whole argument sounds? I was a great DJ before software. I don't care if you use VDJ or not. I do not get a cut of the profits. I use a Rane MP24 mixer, because I like it and it works for me. I have known the Rane reps for almost 20 years, and they have helped me with equipment for my personal use and for the clubs that I have worked. I use the software because it works for me. I have been mixing videos non stop for almost 5 years. I will not mention the amount of money I make on line or anywhere else. Let's just say I do alright, and even better with video. I still don't know how these people got my name. He said some DJ company mentioned me, and they gave me a call. I have already been booked for the Christmas party. However, I am good at what I do, and have been doing it for 41 years. If Serato had video 5 years ago, at a reasonable price, I might be using Serato, but only if it worked. Not because some 98% of some other DJs was using it.
 
This is not an argument... Paul was asking if any big clubs in NYC uses Virtual dj and i said the Majority of clubs in NY use the serato.. Theres no reason to mad over this.. No one forced them to use it. They use it because the like way it works and because of a recomendation . Its just like a Virtual dj user using it and recomending it to another. No one is getting paid to use it..


To fight this type of battle, you deal with it by making your voice heard so they can make the software top notch. This is how you attract all the DJ's. When you see your product at DJ battles, Evey DJ expo, The main stage of a DJ expo, DJ Schools etc.. etc.. this is when you know you are doing good. Fight to bring it to that level.. DJs use what works for them and not because they want to be like the other person.

 
Paul is looking for some DJ's in his area, because he want to learn from them.

So if you guys can need a 17 years old trainee ;-) let him know!
He had already done a school party and now he is looking for more.

Hehe, i know that because he also join the sometimes the german forum ;-)

See you
Haui
 
I'm from NYC (The Bronx) and I don't do clubs, I'm more of a mobile DJ (would like to do clubs), but is true about the majority in NYC using Serato but I stick to VDJ all the way, I been using it since the AtomixMP3 days then switched to Virtual DJ. I do see that a lot of people that are messing around with DJ software always start off with Virtual DJ but I do not know what makes them stray off the path and go to other softwares. Maybe is the timecode business or what not but Virtual DJ works for me just fine (well not 100% but I still use it at gigs with my NS7) without the NS7 I can use it 100% with any problems.

-Dj Boy
 
I am also from NYC in the Bronx and play mostly at private functions such as Wedding, Sweet 16 and Corporate Events. Caliente and AMAHM, it does not matter what software or hardware you are using. What is important is that you are customable and confident with want you using. I personally could care less that 98% of other DJ in NYC are using Serato. I will continue to use Virtual Dj because I know that I can rely on Virtual Dj being stable. I have been using Virtual for all my parties during last several years without any main issues. I personally know many Dj in NYC that like using Serato and that is great for them. I do not think of them being any less of a Dj because they are not using Virtual. IF that is what help them rock the party out then that is what it all about. Making the best with what you have. We really need to stop this fighting between what software’s or hardware’s people are using. Stop worrying about what other people are using and choose what is best for you.
 
Hehe, Hi Haui70



Actually, I just wanted to see if there are any using Virtual DJ, and i also wanted to ask ( I probably won't get an answer) if you get paid well, or if the amount you earn as a dj went down like everywhere else.


I'm asking this because I want to get into Djing myself, i've got some connections too, but I just wanna know if its worth it..

And also I would like to know if I can work legally as a DJ at the age of 17... and will anyone (club/party whatever) even consider hiring someone who is underage?



Oh, and because of this whole serato thingy.. I hope I won't be seen as a noob dj for using Virtual DJ!
 
Hey Paul, you can definitley work as a Dj at 17 years old. I started working for a mobile company at 15. First as a roadie, then Dj, then MC. It's a normal profession of the industry. Clubs, however probably will not hire you becuase of your age. 18 maybe, but the magic number us 20 or 21. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

I live and work in NYC, ofiice is in styen islnd, and most of our mobile jobs are in jersey and the 4 lower boros. I have never owned serato, and use VDJ for about 4 years now. Just to give you forewarnig, serato users tend to look at vdj as a noon program. Obviously it's not, but that is the connotation it gets. I'm constantly getting poked at about the beat mixing. "woe, you're really good at hitting the sync button. Hahaha", is what they sag a lot. Truth be told, I make the same money as the other guys, and work easier becuase ofte feature of VDJ, such as sync and the playlist functions.

If you want "street cred", then yea, you gotta learn beatmixing manually on turntables, cdjs, or even a denning dual deck. But how many "street and club scratch DJs" make the money a wedding or mitZva Dj can make. No offense to te hardworking club DJs. They offer a great product, and many of them do very well financially. Iv plyed in many clubs in NY and Florida, but the pay has never been comparable to the private functions.

At te end of the day, just like the boys above mentioned, it's not the tools that you Dj with that make you the money, it's your professionalism, ability to read the crowd, and uniue style of playing. I think te other guys can vouch for this, but as you gain more yers under your belt, you begin to realize that you'll do whatever it takes to make your job easier. Lighter equipment, smaller gear, efficient set up and hookup. When you do 4 or 5 gigs a weekend, those factors really make a difference.

The important thing is to have a goal in mind and fin a format that ou are most comfortable with. As time goes on, you will develop a unique style that works for you. Do you want to be a trendy club Dj spinning on wax, playing into the early morning for less thn top dollar in exchange for the coolness, girl and or alcohol/drug factor? Or maybe a mobile Dj that gets home earlie from a gig and makes better money, but forgoes the cool urban nightlife lifestle. Or maybe a blend of the two?

Try diferent styles, different programs, different venues. You can't force yourself to mold to why you think is cool or the "way to do it". Be yourself, do it for the love of djing. Wherever, however that may be. Eventually the money, fame, girls, glitz and glam, or whatever you are looking for will come.
 
Im from the bronx.. I use both. I have 3 different set ups. 2 cjds with rane mixer/ serato. 2 denons with rane mixer/serato and Numark total controle wtih vdjay. If you cant see the dj does it matter what i use? mmmmmmmmm
 
@ Paul. I think you should go for it. Buy equipment and just practice. Take one step at the time and one thing will lead to another.
 
so many nice words and help :D

Well my idea was to get into the clubs, but from what I heard the pay is way better at mobile djing.. and I've got connection to rather the type of mobile DJ's who djs at fashion shows ect rather then club Djs. I'll just get some more gear and practice, and until I'm 18 I have to finish school anyways, and then collage ect..
but it would be cool to have a residency as dj friday nights in some club in Manhattan hehe!

So for now i'll pracitce & enjoy + be a party dj (for a beer lol) and get highschool done.


Another thing is, is there a lot of competition for the dj jobs (both clubs and mobile djing)? Do you people have to fight for every job, because there is so many other people out there that want it too? I can imagine with 14 million people on such a small space..



Also about the beatmixing, when I adjust the bpm with my pitch faders and then just move the songs forward/backwards a bit (not using the audio display).. that is djing isn't it?
Well I only do it using the hercules rmx controller (pitchfaders, not the sync button unless i got no time left), but whats the big deal about it? it takes like 5-15 seconds..
I mean if your using vinyl the mixer reads the bpm too.. so I still don't get it why its not seen as real beatmatching
I don't see where you need the big skill.


(did I just say something reaaaaly newb?) :d
 
Mobile DJ payes more but Clubs give you more expossure. More expossure leads to fame.. Do mobile first.. You need to build some endurance.. Club djs need to be consstant.. I live in queens and ill give you hands on sessions
 
As a Dj in high school and now djing in college, a Dj income is a lot better than your buddy's pay working at payless or footaction! What caliente said was spot on. If you learn to be a great mobile Dj, club djing is a lot easier.

In regards to your beatmixing question: right, the mixer, cdjs, and even the hc4500 controler will tell you the bpms. But that us just another tool or shortcut that came out before the sync button. Old skool DJs call that cheating, and what if someday you find yourself playing in a situation where there is no bpm readout or sync button. You gotta know the basics before pu can master the art and really take advantage of the powerful tools available today.

Keep working hard, listen to other DJs play, and try to mimic what they do. Eventually, you will develop your own style.

There is a HUGE level of competition inthe bars and clubs! Tere will always be someone better than you, and always be someone who will do te same thing tht you do for a cheaper price. Keep that in mind as motivation to develop a uniquness about the way you play. That will set you apart. As far ad mobile gigs go, there are many companies in the new York area, so try to hook up with one to act as your agent. You'll learn a bunch from them.
 
Dj Paul Viennna wrote :
Also about the beatmixing, when I adjust the bpm with my pitch faders and then just move the songs forward/backwards a bit (not using the audio display).. that is djing isn't it?
Well I only do it using the hercules rmx controller (pitchfaders, not the sync button unless i got no time left), but whats the big deal about it? it takes like 5-15 seconds..
I mean if your using vinyl the mixer reads the bpm too.. so I still don't get it why its not seen as real beatmatching
I don't see where you need the big skill.


I've been DJing for over 20 years and on discovered so had to learn beatmixing the old fashioned way... Nothing wrong with that and in fact its a skill you will need regardless of modern technology.

The sync button is great for modern tunes where the beats are 99% of the time computer generated and always on time. Also the bpm analysers are geared towards this as well... I have found that the BPM tool isn't accurate with some R&B tracks below about 110 nor will it work with older tunes...

Try getting some 70's/80's soul and disco and try mixing that... You will find that even the best drummesr in the world can't keep a consistant beat!!! Depending on your mix you wlll probably find yourself constantly tweaking the platter/jog wheel to keep the beats matched. This is the probably best way to learn and as a mobile DJ you will find yourself playing all eras & genres as oposed to clubs where you only need the latest tunes + some popular club bangers to see you through the night.

One club I work in is for an "older" audience so I play the latest pop/dance stuff and mix in 70's, 80's and 90's tunes as well...

I have an RMX and in these cases the sync is only a guide. Songs like "Sisiter Sledge" - "We are Family" mixes really well with "Billie Jean" but you have to hand-hold the mix all the way through on the jog wheels to keep those beats aligned...

Cheers,

Roy
 
@ Paul

Since you are now going to be entering college keep an eye out for gig opportunities, that is what I did at my school (and still do), told the fraternities and all the clubs and organizations in my school that I was a DJ and gave them a little sample, I told them I would charge less than any other DJ around and now almost every single person in my school knows me as being the resident school DJ. It's a pretty cool feeling I may say, plus you are getting paid to do something you enjoy doing and with the way the economy is right now a little extra cash doesn't hurt, will help you to buy books or meals or just more gear. One thing I may add is that being a mobile DJ or just being a DJ as a hobby is expensive, all the new gears that come out and you might want to get and this and that is a lot of money but is all an investment which if you play your cards right will pay for itself in the long run (or short run if you get really good at it). One thing I remember from the Dj Expo in ATL City this past summer was "get the gig then get the gear," so start with something basic and not too expensive as you get the gigs then start getting more gears. Good Luck with your decision and like everyone else have said in this thread, is not about the program is how comfortable and how well you can read your crowd and flow with it, you are the entertainer for the night (think of yourself as a famous artist) you are up on stage and you are performing for all those people. Just keep practicing, keep up on your music and trends that are happening, and keep up with all the gears that are coming out.
 
GadgetMan wrote :


Try getting some 70's/80's soul and disco and try mixing that... You will find that even the best drummesr in the world can't keep a consistant beat!!! Depending on your mix you wlll probably find yourself constantly tweaking the platter/jog wheel to keep the beats matched. This is the probably best way to learn and as a mobile DJ you will find yourself playing all eras & genres as oposed to clubs where you only need the latest tunes + some popular club bangers to see you through the night.


Priceless....

Cheers,

PiYo
 
Dude...

I'm from the Bronx, Lived in Bklyn for 6 years and DJ'ed in many clubs in the Rotten Apple (Tunnel, Funhouse, L.Q. even played the Q club twice and Union Station once). I still do clubs AND mobile shows. I now live in D.C. and I play out an average of 4 to 6 nights a week.

Go ahead and make your purchases, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!!!!!!!!! You will start to get better and better.

If you have the equipment, you will get gigs. If you do good at those gigs, you will get more gigs. Going to college...GET YOUR DJ SYSTEM!!!! You WILL get paid. As long as you have a sound system and have at least a little skill, College Dj's make it happen and mos def GET PAID.

Good luck to ya and to get back to the point, VDJ, Serato, Torq, Cross, Traktor......Just find what works best for you and make it happen.
 
87%