The last time I checked every bar on College St. in Toronto had a “DJ” in it but none so accomplished that they understood what it meant.
After asking the question of Rod Skimmins on my last show and having gone out for drinks with a friend this weekend, the difference became obvious: DJing is not simply putting songs on one after the other, nor is it just doing that technically well (though that helps). It is performing your role in the bar. In the way the lighting and art work reflect a certain ambience and the staff give off a certain vibe, it enhances your enjoyment of the overall experience.
What this modern day “DJ” didn’t seem to grasp is that what little of a dance floor existed in this bar, had not a soul on it. Nor did any person in the vicinity of that space give a hint that they were interested in dancing. He didn’t understand that the majority of the people in said bar were there to talk with friends. The DJ’s role in his performance was therefore to provide BACKGROUND MUSIC!
I know that ever since the proliferation of digital music, the overnight DJ has emerged with a great force but if you want to be really good, try pleasing your audience, where ever you may be. Don’t try to hit them over the head repeatedly with a cast iron pan try to say “HEY, I PLAY AWESOME MUSIC!!!” They will get it. Even better if they can talk about it with their friends rather than having to scream over your tunes, they may even let YOU know.