How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records

by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton

Book Overview

DJs have gone from being underpaid live jukeboxes to becoming premier entertainers, producers, businessmen, and musicians capable of commanding admiration from thousands and earning serious money. Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton's Last Night a DJ Saved My Life was the definitive history of the DJ. Now they gather their mastery of the artistic and technical aspects of being a DJ into a clear, accessible, and entertaining guide. How to DJ is the perfect...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802139957
• ISBN13: 9780802139955
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.2" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Invaluble tool for DJs

This book prety much covers it all, beat matching, scratching, blending ,eq-ing, playing records in key....Plus a lot of insight into the more esoteric elements of playing records. The authors who also wrote the wonderful "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: A History of the DJ" have a lucid grasp on the world of dance music and its main delivery device, two turntables and a mixer. (and of course, the Records!)The positive and playful tone of this book is inspiring as well as informative, peppered with interesting anecdotes and observations which illuminate the ambrosial nature of this misunderstood art. I would also like to add comments regarding "Floyds garage punker boi" addressed by S.Ward. If Floyd knew what he was talking about, he would know that punk and contemporary dance music along with hip hop share a common genesis.DYI....! The histories of these forms of music are intertwined and share a similar defiance to authority and conformity. The Acid House era raised more hackles than punk could ever hope to do. Despite attempts by the major labels to commodify and exploit dj culture , it still remains underground with many of the dance music labels being DJ owned. Dancing in itself is considered to be sinful and subversive by many and is even banned in some countries. And thats what Djins is all about..making people dance. So called "punks" like Floyd exhibit the same dogmatic, close minded nonsense of the very institutions punk originally rebelled against. And just where is punk these days? A bunch of suburban wankers prancing about in leather drag,(can you say Green Day? A Simple Plan? Good Charlotte?) raking in the bucks while pretending to "stick it to the man" Puleeze! Corporate sponsered rebellion.....?

Learn & then play....

This book is just one of those good buys that you have to do in life. I have researched the web ,try videos ,and some other books to "culturize" my self about what and how djs do it and this piece of information is just simple the best one. Plus comes with lots of web addresses where you can expand what they are taking about. Easy to understand, light reading, and the best of it; it goes to the point NO BS. After reading it you dont only will expand your knowledge u will find that some of the things u were doing were just not enough. 5 stars for this book. It will teach you how to fall in love again with the music and what you can do with it.

This book rocks!

I just recently started taking DJ classes, and this book has been tremendous help. Historically, the barriers to entry have been a bit high in the DJ field, often leaving beginners like myself wondering where to start: what equipment do I need? what are the fundamentals I have to work on? The book fills this gap, providing a comprehensive guide on equipment, techniques, online resources and the general nature of the industry in a very clear format. I've browsed through other books on this subject (a rather limited selection) and none of them come close in terms of breadth and quality.The book hits on a lot of key points and has an encouraging tone, balanced out by a bit of sarcastic humor. For instance, it notes the likely frustrations from trying a new technique (yes, everyone stinks in the beginning), but this just requires practice, practice, practice. The book has also been right on the mark about how most people in the field, from experienced DJs to record store operators, are quite helpful. Even when I pass the beginner stage, it will surely be a useful reference well into the future.

Everything I learned about DJing on the Internet in a book!

If you're at all remotely interested in learning how to DJ, you should definitely pick up this book. The information in this book took me about 5 to 6 months to find on the Internet, browsing and posting forums, and reading websites.It begins by discussing the DJ's philosophy, an important place for any beginner (or music lover!) to understand what DJing is about. The book thoroughly explains the various pieces of DJ equipment, which tends to be the most confusing aspect for most beginners. The techniques and terms of mixing songs together are clearly explained and illustrated. Scratching and some basic scratch techniques are discussed but not to an elaborate degree. The final aspects of the book are related to the all-important "dancefloor connection" and the music industry itself.This book concisely organizes all the information you would typically find from DJ message boards and websites. It's low price tag and informative, utilitarian layout are enough to make it a must buy for anyone wishing to become more involved in the DJ scene!