(no subject)
So, I made $150 for 4 hours work and am invited back to DJ every Friday night!! YES!!
Let me tell you though, to be a DJ in New Jersey -- it's not easy.
All the months that I was hot shit deejaying at the Pyramid Club in the East Village last year doesn't mean a goddamn thing. New Yorkers are cultured and open-minded -- so of course they would like me.
Within 12 minutes of being a DJ in New Jersey, I now understand the root of each and every New Jersey stereotype. Yes, Bon Jovi, gold chains, sports cars, testosterone and big hair it was!
It was a humbling experience, as I was almost in tears. In New York, if they don't like what you're playing, they politely ask you to play something else and tip you a few bucks when you play it. In New Jersey, if they don't like what you're playing they nail you to the cross. Some young dude never heard of Johnny Cash and sternly told me, "NO COUNTRY!"
I started my set off with the "Theme From Mighty Mouse" by the Sandpipers. And then played "Plus One" by Coyote Shivers. During "Plus One" the club owner reprimanded me.
She said, "Play something normal."
Not knowing what "normal" was, Chris told me, "Mainstream. Stuff you would hear on MTV."
Now, mind you, I haven't watched MTV since the 1980s.
Yet, somehow I pulled it off. Luckily I have the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Blondie and The Cure in my record collection. Mainstream, for those who don't know like I didn't, means bands that sold-out in stadiums during some point in their career.
Although I must say, it's easy to make "friends" in New Jersey. All you have to do is be a bit submissive to the masses. Smile at the dudes, apologize for not having what they want but you'll bring it next time. Then tell them they have great taste in music. When the chicks ask for requests, say, "Do you have a CD in your car?" I ended up playing three Fleetwood Mac songs in a row. I wasn't exactly digging it, but it made a pretty girl in the bar very happy. And her boyfriend stayed for a few more rounds.
As people got more drunk, I was able to get more obnoxious. I was waiting for the moment I could play "Orgasm Addict" by The Buzzcocks. I figured the time was perfect after "Justify My Love" by Madonna.
The highlight of my evening was when I felt brave enough to play "Little Willie" by Sweet. Some dude came running back to the DJ booth yelling, "WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLAYING THIS SONG!!"
For sure I thought my career as New Jersey DJ was over. In a meek tone, I answered, "Me."
In the same alcohol-induced loud tone, he said back, "THIS IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN!" and kissed my hand.
Every time I got a compliment from someone, I said, "Tell the owner!"
By the night's end, people warmed up to me. I even had the owner dancing to Petula Clark's "Downtown" and customers asking me, "Who's this?" for song they liked but never heard. Their minds were opening up and I felt proud for exposing them to something new and different.
I brought some people with me. dee902, justj0hn, Nick, Drew, Rudy, Jay, John Steele from Electric Frankenstein and his girlfriend Natalie. One of my ex-boyfriends told his ex-wife to come, and she did with a friend. They were really nice and supportive.
All in all, I had a fabulous time. Now I have to toughen up for another round next week.
I'm cashing my check and spending the rest of the weekend in New York. Where it's safe!
Let me tell you though, to be a DJ in New Jersey -- it's not easy.
All the months that I was hot shit deejaying at the Pyramid Club in the East Village last year doesn't mean a goddamn thing. New Yorkers are cultured and open-minded -- so of course they would like me.
Within 12 minutes of being a DJ in New Jersey, I now understand the root of each and every New Jersey stereotype. Yes, Bon Jovi, gold chains, sports cars, testosterone and big hair it was!
It was a humbling experience, as I was almost in tears. In New York, if they don't like what you're playing, they politely ask you to play something else and tip you a few bucks when you play it. In New Jersey, if they don't like what you're playing they nail you to the cross. Some young dude never heard of Johnny Cash and sternly told me, "NO COUNTRY!"
I started my set off with the "Theme From Mighty Mouse" by the Sandpipers. And then played "Plus One" by Coyote Shivers. During "Plus One" the club owner reprimanded me.
She said, "Play something normal."
Not knowing what "normal" was, Chris told me, "Mainstream. Stuff you would hear on MTV."
Now, mind you, I haven't watched MTV since the 1980s.
Yet, somehow I pulled it off. Luckily I have the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Blondie and The Cure in my record collection. Mainstream, for those who don't know like I didn't, means bands that sold-out in stadiums during some point in their career.
Although I must say, it's easy to make "friends" in New Jersey. All you have to do is be a bit submissive to the masses. Smile at the dudes, apologize for not having what they want but you'll bring it next time. Then tell them they have great taste in music. When the chicks ask for requests, say, "Do you have a CD in your car?" I ended up playing three Fleetwood Mac songs in a row. I wasn't exactly digging it, but it made a pretty girl in the bar very happy. And her boyfriend stayed for a few more rounds.
As people got more drunk, I was able to get more obnoxious. I was waiting for the moment I could play "Orgasm Addict" by The Buzzcocks. I figured the time was perfect after "Justify My Love" by Madonna.
The highlight of my evening was when I felt brave enough to play "Little Willie" by Sweet. Some dude came running back to the DJ booth yelling, "WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLAYING THIS SONG!!"
For sure I thought my career as New Jersey DJ was over. In a meek tone, I answered, "Me."
In the same alcohol-induced loud tone, he said back, "THIS IS THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN!" and kissed my hand.
Every time I got a compliment from someone, I said, "Tell the owner!"
By the night's end, people warmed up to me. I even had the owner dancing to Petula Clark's "Downtown" and customers asking me, "Who's this?" for song they liked but never heard. Their minds were opening up and I felt proud for exposing them to something new and different.
I brought some people with me. dee902, justj0hn, Nick, Drew, Rudy, Jay, John Steele from Electric Frankenstein and his girlfriend Natalie. One of my ex-boyfriends told his ex-wife to come, and she did with a friend. They were really nice and supportive.
All in all, I had a fabulous time. Now I have to toughen up for another round next week.
I'm cashing my check and spending the rest of the weekend in New York. Where it's safe!