Image via Complex Original
Being a DJ might be one of the best professions in the world. You get to listen to music all of the time, then get paid to play what you feel to a crowd of people. That's not to say it's easy - there are a lot of reasons why being a DJ can cause a lot of stress, and they don't have to do with debating over "pushing buttons."
DAD would like to present you with these reasons why being a DJ sucks not to whine or piss anyone off, but to help you understand that DJs are not robots (or androids), but people who are going through it just like anyone else is. There are things a DJ goes through that doesn't get brought up in interviews about their new mix, or during the party recap videos, that we'd like for you to consider the next time you bug a DJ to drop a Carly Rae Jepsen record and they end up walking off stage. Speaking of which...
Requests
Nothing is more annoying than a request. If your local DJ has no problem playing Justin Bieber or PSY, throw a drink at them. And it should be completely acceptable for talent to be able to throw a drink at patrons that ask for a horrible song. Club owners that didn’t think to make a secluded area for their artists to play in so these requests aren’t even possible should get drinks thrown on them, too.
Health Insurance
Playing the music you love is a fantastic and healing occupation. You’re fucked if you need your appendix removed, though. I don’t know of any booking agency or management company that offers health insurance, and that’s nothing short of frightening, particularly when we live in the only developed country that lacks universal healthcare.
Drunks
I can’t imagine a more depressing environment for a recovering alcoholic than being surrounded by alcoholics. Even if you’re drunk, drunks are annoying. If you've ever walked into a club sober at 1AM, you know what I'm talking about.
Travel
Even if you’re blessed with a consistent flow of local shows, any legit DJ is being asked to play in cities they have never been to. Getting on a plane, getting to the hotel, taking a nap, being asked to dinner by the promoter, and THEN having to do a show is actually quite tiring. Not being able to schedule enough time to see some sights in the city you’re playing in is no fun at all.
The Fake Businessman
You run across dozens of colorful people, but none are worse than those that swear they have some sort of leverage in the industry. Guys asking to be your manager (without knowing your relevance). Party promoters with no crowd. Guys that are "starting a label." "Respected bloggers." Videographers and photographers that don’t know that their images look like shit. People that fake their way for years, and don’t make any moves or money. They’re in the way, and I hate all of them.
"Remember me when you’re famous"
I cringe every time I hear this statement. It’s particularly annoying when you hear it from people that you’ve known for 20 years. If I’ve talked to you since I was six, I’m probably going to let you know when I change my phone number.
Relationships
Business partners of the opposite sex causing doubts, last minute bookings that get in the way of important plans, people that can't stand you being away for more than a week or more - these things put a strain on a companion, and if you don't have someone that can deal with it, then enjoy the single life.
And yes, this is totally from experience.
Hangovers
The best way to combat the drunks is obviously by drinking. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The biggest perk of this occupation is the lax attitude about your professionalism, and even the stingiest clubs provide drink tickets to their talent. A great night usually feels HORRIBLE the next day, though.
Being Asked to Promote
Wait, I thought DJs were supposed to DJ? If a club is too cheap to hire a promotional team, they probably aren't going to compensate a DJ properly if their residency becomes successful. It really shouldn't be the artists' responsibility to pack the club though... unless they're getting paid extra to ensure it reaches capacity.
Neighbors
I've lived in six places in the past six years. I've received passive-aggressive handwritten notes slid under my door. Had a neighbor ring my doorbell as I was mid-mix (in the middle of the afternoon) and ask me to turn it OFF. The police have been called on me. A neighbor that stood there waiting for an unknown amount of time for me to pause mixing a track to yell up asking me to turn it down. She lived 100 yards away. My landlord lives next door now, and I get a text message if the bass is too loud. If you have shitty neighbors, there's always blogging to fall back on. There's nothing more annoying or crippling to your vibe than when someone asks you to take it down a notch.
