As we get older, the trials and tribulations of life take a bit of the shine out of that gold ring we call optimism. As this relates to DJing, I find myself getting more fickle with every passing year. I still love the music and the act of rocking 1000 people (or 100 people for that matter) is as intoxicating now as it ever was. It's the business of DJing and the music industry in general that eventually beats you down and turns you from a fresh faced optimist, to a grizzled veteran.
The idea that there are more DJs than places to DJ is universal, but in a small city likeBoston – this is even more the case. This got me to thinking about how much is too much, and when does the hunt for gigs cross over the line from hustling to masochism.
Leaving out the more common "sexual" connotation, masochism is the act of allowing yourself to be abused or mistreated – and in the process gaining some kind of satisfaction. Mistreated animals and people often connect (in some sick way), with their abuser, and make decisions that bring them back to that person in spite of the danger and in the face of all logic and common sense.
What's he on about now and WTF does this have to do with DJing?
I received a note from a friend today, that really struck a chord and got me off on this tangent. The e-mail was a flyer, promoting a new event that is starting up soon. The thing that made it stand out was that this event is taking place at a venue that this person previously worked with. A club that treated this person like shit, took all the hard work they put into it and discarded them when they were tired of the event. So what does it say that this person is now enthusiastically promoting a night at this same venue – writing about it with the same fervor they had last year when they first started working there. Is this simply the price of doing business, or is it something else?
After 20+ years in the business, I am not naïve and will admit that on several occasions over the years, I too have gone to play at a club, been treated unprofessionally, yet still gone back months later when a different promoter asked me to play there. But what if this happens to you "on the regular"? When does your desire for self respect trump your desire to find a new place to play records or promote?
On one hand, as long as DJing and musicians in general allow venues to treat your like disposable commodities, and then bring you back at their whim – this will continue. On the other hand, we have a short ride on this planet and if playing records makes you happy – why not do it as often as you can?
Maybe it is age, or experience – but my desire for self respect has surpassed my desire to DJ at this point. If I can do it in places where I am treated well, for people that appreciate what I do – I am all for it. But my days as a DJ Masochist have finally passed.