Bill Brewster, co-author of the most authoritative book on DJing, discusses the history of DJing, the influence of technology and commercialism, the impact of Thatcherism on UK culture, the role of the gay community in New York's dance music culture, the evolution of DJ culture in Ibiza, and the changing attitudes towards DJs as skilled artists.
DJing is about the intimate connection between the DJ and the crowd, rather than playing in large venues or festivals.
The importance of capturing oral histories to fully understand the evolution of DJ culture and the contributions of controversial figures like Jimmy Savile.
The challenges and complexities of researching and documenting DJ history before the availability of extensive internet resources.
The impact of digital platforms and technology on DJing, including the rise of livestream sets, superstar DJs, and the shift from intimate venues to large-scale festivals.
Deep dives
The Cult of DJing and the Shift in Audience Expectations
In the podcast episode, the hosts discuss the changing perception of DJing and the shift in audience expectations. They emphasize the importance of the direct relationship between the DJ and the crowd on the dance floor. They argue that DJing is not about playing in stadiums or headlining festivals, but about the intimate connection with the audience in smaller venues. They highlight the impact of technology and platforms like Boiler Room, which have allowed for livestream DJ sets and increased audience participation. They contend that although the music itself may not have changed significantly, the expectations of the audience and the way DJing is perceived have evolved in the digital age.
The Influence of New York Club Culture and the Oral History Tradition
The hosts express their fascination with the history and culture of New York clubbing, particularly the disco era. They mention the importance of oral history in capturing the stories and memories of this era, highlighting the incredible recall that people had regarding specific DJs, records, and clubs. They discuss the significance of figures like Jimmy Savile in the early development of DJ culture, despite the controversies surrounding them. They argue that historical accuracy must include the contributions, both positive and negative, of individuals to fully understand the evolution of DJing and club culture.
The Nostalgic Feel and Challenges of Researching DJ History
The hosts reflect on their experiences researching and writing about DJ history in an era before extensive internet resources were available. They recall the necessary reliance on traditional research methods, such as visiting libraries, perusing microfiche, and conducting interviews with individuals who lived through seminal periods in DJ culture. They acknowledge the challenges and complications of navigating the history of individuals who were involved in both positive and negative aspects of the scene, acknowledging the need to consider their contributions while also addressing their misconduct.
The Transformation of DJing in the Digital Age
The hosts discuss the recent changes in DJing and the impact of digital platforms and technology. They mention the rise of superstar DJs and the shift in DJ performances from intimate venues to large-scale festivals and stadiums. They highlight the differences between DJing as an art form focused on crowd interaction and energy and the more commercialized spectacle of contemporary performances. They note the emergence of livestream DJ sets and online platforms like Boiler Room, which have altered the dynamics of the DJ-audience relationship. They conclude by questioning whether these changes are positive or negative for the future of DJing.
The Evolution of Festivals and Clubs
The podcast episode discusses the difference between festivals and clubs in the music industry. The speakers mention that festivals have become a bigger part of the ecosystem and a more common way for people to experience DJs. Festivals are seen as a place where people can see DJs that they don't normally have the chance to see, and they provide a different experience compared to clubs. While festivals are enjoyable, they may not always offer the same level of musical challenge as underground clubs. However, the relative importance of festivals has influenced the way people perceive DJing as an art form.
The Impact of the 1990s on DJ Culture
The podcast delves into the significance of the 1990s in the development of DJ culture, particularly in the UK. According to the speakers, DJ culture in the UK truly flourished during the 1990s with the arrival of acid house, which had a profound impact on youth culture and society as a whole. The 1990s played a pivotal role in breaking down racial and sexual barriers. It was a revolutionary period, politically charged, and marked by movements rejecting mainstream society. The 1990s also brought about a sense of anti-capitalism and a strict approach to artistic integrity. However, the concept of selling out has evolved, and maintaining principles while earning a living as a DJ can present challenges in an ever-changing music industry.
The Role of DJs and the Changing Landscape
The podcast addresses the role of DJs in the music industry and how it has evolved over time. The speakers emphasize that being a DJ requires not only technical skills but also a deep passion for music and a commitment to continuous learning. DJs need to engage with new music and constantly reinvent themselves to stay relevant. While technology has made DJing more accessible, the true artistry lies in programming and connecting with the crowd. DJs are seen as masters of the dance floor, creating a symbiotic relationship with the audience. The reputation of DJs has shifted, with increased recognition for their craft and artistry, despite occasional negative behavior from some individuals in the profession.
We do like a history discussion on this show. And who better to discuss the history of DJing with than the co-author of the most authoritative book on the subject?
'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life' was originally published in 1999, but there's a 2022 edition and I highly recommend getting hold of a copy. It's a genuinely important work and something every fan of the culture should be familiar with.
Actually my conversation with Bill Brewster is probably more about him than DJing at a wider level. We talk about his journey into dance music in the 1980s, and his time exploring the 90s New York club scene while working for DMC.
But we do touch of some really interesting angles to the history too, including the influence of a certain disgraced former BBC personality, the impact of Thatcherism on the developments in the UK (and therefore the wider culture), and the more recent forces of technology and commercialism which arguably define DJing and dance music today.
This is a great episode, worth taking a holiday for!
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