Underrated Local DJ's

[REV]

i'd have to say

WOOD - for his range
DANNY TAYLOR - for his commitment
JULIAN CHOW - for his experience
TYLER STADIUS - for the fact he doesn't live here anymore and should have been a superstar at home

[Jonny Dubbs]

^
unrelated.. your avatar.. i know where that is heheh

edit: meant for matéo

[Van Tek]

DJ bookings and timeslots are, for the most part, not based on skill or experience levels, but more so on the amount of people that particular DJ can bring to an event

It's kind of sad, but that's the way the market in Vancouver works, because, as unpleasant as this reality is to consider, the electronic music scene here has been dramatically reduced in its size and drawing power

I give props to all the struggling promoters who are trying to do something about the state of the scene by perpetuating our dying electronic music culture, now that I've been given a taste of what it's like being on your side of the table, I understand more about why the decisions being made are being made

A night with DJs who very few people recognize from seeing on a flier is generally a night destined to lose money, regardless of how good those DJs may be... a clubnight or party needs to make money or, at the very least, break even, for the promoter to be able to go on and throw his/her/their next event

It's sad that because of the harsh reality of the market, talented DJs and producers often fade into the background and eventually are forced to move on, but unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about this without the funds to properly market and promote these artists... in certain cases, starving artists are found and raised up to the level of career DJs, but these cases are few and far between and rely entirely on being in the right place at the right time

For the rest of us, we have to determine a way to fund a marketing campaign that will bring us to the level of playing in those good time slots, with cheering crowds surrounding the DJ booth, there to see you, because they've heard of you and they know that spending their time and money to go to a show where you're playing will be a good investment

/rant

[Senior]

Originally Posted by Van Tek

DJ bookings and timeslots are, for the most part, not based on skill or experience levels, but more so on the amount of people that particular DJ can bring to an event

It's kind of sad, but that's the way the market in Vancouver works, because, as unpleasant as this reality is to consider, the electronic music scene here has been dramatically reduced in its size and drawing power

I give props to all the struggling promoters who are trying to do something about the state of the scene by perpetuating our dying electronic music culture, now that I've been given a taste of what it's like being on your side of the table, I understand more about why the decisions being made are being made

A night with DJs who very few people recognize from seeing on a flier is generally a night destined to lose money, regardless of how good those DJs may be... a clubnight or party needs to make money or, at the very least, break even, for the promoter to be able to go on and throw his/her/their next event

It's sad that because of the harsh reality of the market, talented DJs and producers often fade into the background and eventually are forced to move on, but unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about this without the funds to properly market and promote these artists... in certain cases, starving artists are found and raised up to the level of career DJs, but these cases are few and far between and rely entirely on being in the right place at the right time

For the rest of us, we have to determine a way to fund a marketing campaign that will bring us to the level of playing in those good time slots, with cheering crowds surrounding the DJ booth, there to see you, because they've heard of you and they know that spending their time and money to go to a show where you're playing will be a good investment

/rant

I honestly don't mean to sound like an asshole but anyway here goes. The reasons that people don't succeed by and large is because they are NOT talented. Capable and talented are not synonyms. Just because you can produce a beat or mix does not make you talented. To be talented is to be able to do something better than almost anyone else. I could be a "good" DJ if I spent the next 6 months collecting some records, making a demo, and learning to mix. Do social skills play a part in it? Of course they do but it's not everything.

Talent is Mike Relm, Z-Trip, or Q-Bert. They succeeded because they are talented. Get it?

[b0ld]

so talent is playing other people's music that is recorded or scratching to a sample that has been over used over and over...
hrm ok....

[Senior]

Originally Posted by b0ld

so talent is playing other people's music that is recorded or scratching to a sample that has been over used over and over...
hrm ok....

What are you getting at? You think the artists I mention lack talent? Please do enlighten me.

[Lenny]

Originally Posted by Senior

What are you getting at? You think the artists I mention lack talent? Please do enlighten me.

I'd be willing to bet it has more to do with hard work and a bit of luck than natural talent. Not saying it's not a factor though.

[Lenny]

I'm sure if you ask any of those dudes they'll say the secret to their success is "being more talented than other dj's"

[b0ld]

Originally Posted by Senior

What are you getting at? You think the artists I mention lack talent? Please do enlighten me.

No, Lets stick with the subject on this thread however.... unfortunantly there are locals that have made it big based on pure marketting and nothing more.... Whether if it be a name or what not.... I see vancouver some dj's/producers that have absolutely worked there ass off... invest so much money time and effort, try and get there work out there.... almost falls silent cause none of there stuff is recognized. Yet you end up having some dj that gets signed up just out of no where that nobody heard of before.... can't beatmatch worth shit let along work a mixer. They think they are the hottest shit on the face of this earth and people buy it.... Its all a marketing hype.... nothing more...


I can start naming names on Overrated people that comes out of this city.... however I won't because its quite obvious on who they are.

[D]

Originally Posted by Senior

I honestly don't mean to sound like an asshole but anyway here goes. The reasons that people don't succeed by and large is because they are NOT talented. Capable and talented are not synonyms. Just because you can produce a beat or mix does not make you talented. To be talented is to be able to do something better than almost anyone else. I could be a "good" DJ if I spent the next 6 months collecting some records, making a demo, and learning to mix. Do social skills play a part in it? Of course they do but it's not everything.

Talent is Mike Relm, Z-Trip, or Q-Bert. They succeeded because they are talented. Get it?

Talent as far as DJ'ing goes is subjective to what kind of music you follow I suppose. Watching someone scratch, dmc, etc. does absolutely nothing for me, I just dont have any interest in it. I respect it for what it is, and undestand why lots of peeps like it. Of course it requires much more skill than djs who play house, trance etc.

The same goes for people who like the kind of shit I listen to/play, someone such as yourself isnt interested in it in the slightest. Does selecting good tunes and programing a good set require talent? Not really, but its not something you can really be taught either. You either have good taste/talent/whatever, or you dont.. simple as that. It's pretty rare to hear a house/trance dj these days that does anything original/unique, even playing your own productions doesnt really set you apart anymore.

Haha I'm not trying to go on all night here, but it doesnt make any sense to compare genres and say talent only applies to people who do this or that... its all a matter of personal opinion right. I'm not one of those type of people who only likes the type of stuff I play, I respect all genres and people's interest in music.

As far as this 'who is the most underated DJ' thread... its pointless to even bother. I don't even want to get involved in these types of discussion anymore because most of the replies in this thread pretty much sum up whats wrong with the scene in Vancouver in my eyes.

edit:

Originally Posted by Senior

DJ My Cousin, DJ Cute Girl I'm Sleeping With, DJ My Best Friend, and who could forget DJ Nobody That Can't Mix... They are all UBER COOL and need to get booked more =) =) =)

Some things never change.

Haha this is brilliant! Definitely agree on this :)

[DJNemesis]

Originally Posted by Senior

The reasons that people don't succeed by and large is because they are NOT talented.
Talent is Mike Relm, Z-Trip, or Q-Bert. They succeeded because they are talented. Get it?

One of the biggest misconceptions you could have is thinking that being good/talented will be your ticket to success. I hope you don't actually believe that. Entertainment is a BUSINESS. Like any business, there are many other factors that decide the success. Marketing, management being 2 of the top ones. How many Relm's, Z-trips, and Q-bert's are there out there that you have no idea about because they haven't found a way to bring what they do to a large enough audience yet? Take a look at some of the most successful acts out there, Tiesto for instance, he is not the most talented DJ on the planet or even close. However he's definitely one of the most successful.

[REV]

Anyone can prep to play a killer set maybe one or two times, but talent and the ability to understand your relationship to the crowd is what will keep you in the business and liked. But indeed, alot of bunk dj's have appeared over the years

[magic_hands]

Originally Posted by Ms.Tarantula

Flawless! (err... Mike Ill now, I guess?)

Deft!

All the other djs that I have mad respect for get alot of attention, already!

This is true.. mike and kevin are dope ass dj's that have some real skills.. i'd love to see them get more gigs and have their names recognized on a way larger scale.. especially mike.. no offense kevin.. you're awsome too.. but mike has this high energy involvement with the crowd that makes the party that much better..

a messager to all promoters, producers and party goers..
WAKE THE FUCK UP AND SMELL THE DRUM AND BASE BITCHES!!!

[angst]

Originally Posted by REV

Anyone can prep to play a killer set maybe one or two times, but talent and the ability to understand your relationship to the crowd is what will keep you in the business and liked. But indeed, alot of bunk dj's have appeared over the years

Yep.

As far as getting booked here in Van, talent doesn't get you hardly any bookings in this city. It's kissing promoter ass and being seen out and about all the time. I see too many people getting booked who don't even have a proper demo out or simply aren't good enough, but are friends with the promoter. I have yet to see any up-in-coming Dj in this city work a crowd like the veterens. Add to that the fact that too many promoters don't wanna pay people properly which means the experienced, talented artists who aren't gonna play for nothing or very little, aren't getting booked.

As for the Z-trips, Mike Relms, etc, they have busted their asses for years (10+) and worked very hard at bringing something new/different to the table only to now finally get the recognition and paygrade they deserve.

[Mike Ill]

Originally Posted by magic_hands

a messager to all promoters, producers and party goers..
WAKE THE FUCK UP AND SMELL THE DRUM AND BASE BITCHES!!!

hahahahaha!!!

WICKED quote chunk!!!

[Jonny Dubbs]

Hrmm, so if half rate talent is being booked, how do promoters stay in business? Why do people continue to support them? [/Rhetorical question]

It interesting to see the difference in Vancouver and Toronto, in Toronto it is primarily the tried and true talents who get the bookings, professional DJ’s who have worked hard to earn their respect.. If promoters booked shite talent people simply would not attend their events.

[Skitzo_Style]

i think ryan ross needs more bookings for sure.

someone already mentioned xavier i think. this guy is one the dopest kids you'll ever meet from vic, and he's a sick dj to boot.

definatly orbit. chris is a fucking TALENTED DnB dj and producer. he needs to be recognized for sure.

and last but DEFINTLY not least.....

DEFT! this kid is unbelievably sick on the tables! he was one of my favorite dj's leaving vancouver. book this cat!

[Jonny Dubbs]

Originally Posted by Van Tek

DJ bookings and timeslots are, for the most part, not based on skill or experience levels, but more so on the amount of people that particular DJ can bring to an event

It's kind of sad, but that's the way the market in Vancouver works, because, as unpleasant as this reality is to consider, the electronic music scene here has been dramatically reduced in its size and drawing power

I give props to all the struggling promoters who are trying to do something about the state of the scene by perpetuating our dying electronic music culture, now that I've been given a taste of what it's like being on your side of the table, I understand more about why the decisions being made are being made

A night with DJs who very few people recognize from seeing on a flier is generally a night destined to lose money, regardless of how good those DJs may be... a clubnight or party needs to make money or, at the very least, break even, for the promoter to be able to go on and throw his/her/their next event

It's sad that because of the harsh reality of the market, talented DJs and producers often fade into the background and eventually are forced to move on, but unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about this without the funds to properly market and promote these artists... in certain cases, starving artists are found and raised up to the level of career DJs, but these cases are few and far between and rely entirely on being in the right place at the right time

For the rest of us, we have to determine a way to fund a marketing campaign that will bring us to the level of playing in those good time slots, with cheering crowds surrounding the DJ booth, there to see you, because they've heard of you and they know that spending their time and money to go to a show where you're playing will be a good investment

/rant

So in other words, talent alone isnt enough to make it. You have to work hard to establish a fowllowing in order to gain bookings. Well isnt that the name of the game?

[waft ellz]

Originally Posted by bittner

check out vancouver islands talent! some radass dj's worthy of vancouver bookings.

cheers to those there's
i love the flips what can i say we got style when we play mmmmm no games or names

[waft ellz]

Originally Posted by bittner

xavier, d-set, phong, vespers, to name a few

T.O.G. crew to name a few....psychi, cedar, mogwan, djm ,waffelz(hehe), monty, drute Z and many more....zach!!!!.......of your dig techieness Zach is always a fave

[waft ellz]

Originally Posted by Van Tek

DJ bookings and timeslots are, for the most part, not based on skill or experience levels, but more so on the amount of people that particular DJ can bring to an event

It's kind of sad, but that's the way the market in Vancouver works, because, as unpleasant as this reality is to consider, the electronic music scene here has been dramatically reduced in its size and drawing power

I give props to all the struggling promoters who are trying to do something about the state of the scene by perpetuating our dying electronic music culture, now that I've been given a taste of what it's like being on your side of the table, I understand more about why the decisions being made are being made

A night with DJs who very few people recognize from seeing on a flier is generally a night destined to lose money, regardless of how good those DJs may be... a clubnight or party needs to make money or, at the very least, break even, for the promoter to be able to go on and throw his/her/their next event

It's sad that because of the harsh reality of the market, talented DJs and producers often fade into the background and eventually are forced to move on, but unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about this without the funds to properly market and promote these artists... in certain cases, starving artists are found and raised up to the level of career DJs, but these cases are few and far between and rely entirely on being in the right place at the right time

For the rest of us, we have to determine a way to fund a marketing campaign that will bring us to the level of playing in those good time slots, with cheering crowds surrounding the DJ booth, there to see you, because they've heard of you and they know that spending their time and money to go to a show where you're playing will be a good investment

/rant

the thing that is needed more to help elevate said DJ into that form of a light is (sad but true) a cheerleading squad AKA hype builders out in the crowd to draw the attention to how much someone rocks IE. cheering at the break down or at a sick mix...thusly making it more noticed to the general crowd since most people at the show are ignorant to what goes on for a show and or what the dj is doing

[Drafted]

Bruk Out - kids got skillz

[angst]

Originally Posted by Drafted

Bruk Out - kids got skillz

I'll 2nd and 3rd that. Book this man!!!!

[ill-esha]

After almost a DECADE in the booth, I still constantly wonder why these guys aren't on more.

Vespers - sick sax player, sick DJ, sick producer! Come on!

Woodhead - although soon to not be underrated since landing a much-coveted Saturday residency at the Lotus, y'all gotta check this man out. Bringing the funk in many many genres like no other!

Ghetto/Ghettoboy - Plays house that I like. Simple, funky and dirty, and does it with a whole avalanche of energy.

Cassiel - I'm so glad someone else mentioned him, he's one of the interior's best kept secrets - but he lives here now! He definitely makes me appreciate music I wouldn't have looked for in the first place.

Tedder - my favourite D&B selector in BC. Hands down. You guys can come check him out at Summer Break!

N.U.D.L.Z. - What can I say, I have a weakness for MC/DJs.. especially wicked ones who can rhyme lightning-fast while spinning filthy beats!

Kenzie Clarke - This lady is solid, time to start ferrying her over more often.

Dani B - Anyone who's seen her will back me up, she definitely has the technical skills and takes more chances with music than most I know.

Three Piece Suit & Hubbz - awwww, seriously, I love their funk! Love love love!!

[Jonny Dubbs]

Word up on N.U.D.L.Z. that kats rhymes are on point, one of the very few MC’s ive heard that can spit to breaks extremely well. Rocks the dex propa too.

I’d like to see Hubbz sometime soon, I have a recent mix of his thats been on the playlist for a while now.

Vespers ? does he do sax n wax similar to Spence?