How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records Reviews

• Everything I learned about DJing on the Internet in a book!

  
  By A2AS6QXZ3M16VK on 2003-08-01
  If you're at all remotely interested in learning how to DJ, you should definitely pick up this book. The information in this book took me about 5 to 6 months to find on the Internet, browsing and posting forums, and reading websites.

  It begins by discussing the DJ's philosophy, an important place for any beginner (or music lover!) to understand what DJing is about. The book thoroughly explains the various pieces of DJ equipment, which tends to be the most confusing aspect for most beginners. The techniques and terms of mixing songs together are clearly explained and illustrated. Scratching and some basic scratch techniques are discussed but not to an elaborate degree. The final aspects of the book are related to the all-important "dancefloor connection" and the music industry itself.

  This book concisely organizes all the information you would typically find from DJ message boards and websites. It's low price tag and informative, utilitarian layout are enough to make it a must buy for anyone wishing to become more involved in the DJ scene!
  
  

• Informative Book

  
  By A2VBHGCCN4MQ49 on 2005-08-17
  English DJs Frank Broughton and Bill Brewster, self-described as "great fun and good-looking," have created one of the most comprehensive and detailed books on DJing in How To DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records. Using their combined experience, their in-depth interviews with world-famous DJs, and most importantly their love of music, they have managed to produce a diverse volume of work that is indispensable to any DJ regardless of experience.
  Presented in easy to understand terms with more than a little humor, How To DJ Right is a guide that not only delves deep into the history and theory of the DJ from the art form's conception in the 1960's and 70's, but also covers modern technology's impact on music today.
  The two DJs cover everything from buying gear and basic techniques to musical theory and building collections. They detail to how to deal with record companies and even throw in some tips on how to get into a helicopter without looking foolish-- they advise ducking a little, but not too much... acting nonchalant, like it's a taxi. In addition to their advice, the book is interspersed with wisdom and commentary from some of today's top DJs including Fatboy Slim, Kool Herc, Danny Tenaglia, Grandmaster Flash, and a host of other pioneers and greats from this musical tradition.
  Pulling much of their history from their earlier work, Last Night a DJ Saved My Life, Broughton and Brewster created a work less like a history lesson and more like a hands-on lecture. The pairing of techniques and sage wisdom creates a work detailing subtleties in the DJ philosophy-- how DJs should think and act to be the "Masters of the Dance Floor."
  The Englishmen do however seem to focus on philosophy over technique, a theme that could easily turn away the fledgling DJ-in-training looking for a more techniques-based approach to learning the craft. The techniques are not looked over per-se, but rather treated as secondary to theory. Readily apparent from the introduction, the pair holds little quarter for those seeking skills only. The new DJ may find the book lacking guidance on nuances of technique and style, those crucial details which separate the artisans from mere human jukeboxes.
  The two gentlemen assert that playing records is not in itself difficult; rather knowing what records to play, when to play them, and what parts to play are lifelong activities for any DJ worth his or her salt. How To DJ Right is centered on the central philosophy that what makes greatness in the postmodern art form is quite simply the love of the craft and the love of music as a whole. With its blend of technical tools, sound advice from experts, and organized progressive structure, How To DJ Right is one of the most valuable books for any DJ.
  
  

• Very Nice Read!

  
  By ANJJZSLG2DH2S on 2005-06-28
  Having been a professional nightclub DJ for close to 30 years, I approached this book with a certain amount of trepidation and a lot of pre-judgements. I thought, "Surely this would be just another DJ 101 handbook with only half the facts and the authors just trying to make a quick buck!"
  
  I was wrong! First to anyone who is new to DJing, get a copy of "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life," the definitive book on DJ history which gives you the real, true story on where all of this came from. Then start from the beginning. It does a wonderful job of explaining the individual techniques and skills needed to DJ effectively without ever being condescending or giving you the feeling of being dumbed down. Some may say they can find all of this information on the Net, but take it from me, you can't because there is so much MIS-information on the Net. It certainly helps that the authors are DJs themselves and know what they are talking about. And I have to admit, even I learned something after all these years.
  
  My only concern with the book is that it definitely has a UK flavor to it. While the authors show a vast depth of understanding of the music industry at large, it would be nice if they spent a little more time in the USA where all of this started. I didn't even find one mention of the record pool system (an invaluable resource for getting promos) and with a book with this much information, I was totally surprised that there was no index at the end. It would be nice to go back and find individual bits of information easier. A great read, a pleasant surprise. And the book is dedicated to 2 of the men who started it all...that's a class act!
  
  

• I wish I had this book when I started...

  
  By A30UPXAGKEVJOK on 2003-12-26
  I've been mixing for more than two years now, and I wish I had this book when I started. I've also saved myself countless more years of future experience, just by reading these pages. I recomend it to anybody who wants to be a DJ. I also STRONGLY recommend anybody who wants to be a DJ to buy the Intellect DVD (search for it on Amazon). Happy mixing! :-D
  
  

• In response to "Floyds Garage, 'punk rocker'"

  
  By A33MUM910AUFBS on 2005-02-18
  "All I can say is that this is so ridiculous. I read this book at the library and I couldn't stop laughing. So DJs have talant? It takes years to master the 'art' of playing a record? Listen to me and listen well, you want respect, girls, and money? Let the losers be DJs. Musicians with talant do just that, make music, with instruments. Go buy a guitar.
  
  This book had some elementary basics on sound levels and accoustics, but clubs have people to do that while your setting up your band, so what's the point?"
  
  First of all, most people who dj have had (lots of) experience in music before djing. Secondly, many djs produce the music they spin, so they're not just "playing other people's music." Thirdly , if you are a musician, you shouldn't do it for "respect, girls, or money," you should do it because you're passionate about it, want to express yourself, and you enjoy it. If djing is easy, I invite you to try it. I'm sure its much more difficult than writing 1000 of you're lame pop punk songs. Everyone went through their punk phase GET OVER IT. Theres tons more incredible music out there (arcade fire, m83, shpongle, the black keys, nathan fake, howard hello, pinback, mars volta, the secret machines, the fiery furnaces, etc.). Try writing music and doing something creative rather than reproducing the same punk songs we've heard a million times before. I dj...but I also play the guitar, and write tons of (electronic and nonelectronic) music.
  
  Anyone who thinks djing isn't creative, or that it doesn't require skill is very wrong. Its easy to do badly, but difficult (just as any instrument) to do well. Floyd, I hope that felt good. You just got destroyed.
  
  
• This book rocks!
  By A17YHBCV4O6R8M on 2004-02-05
  I just recently started taking DJ classes, and this book has been tremendous help. Historically, the barriers to entry have been a bit high in the DJ field, often leaving beginners like myself wondering where to start: what equipment do I need? what are the fundamentals I have to work on? The book fills this gap, providing a comprehensive guide on equipment, techniques, online resources and the general nature of the industry in a very clear format. I've browsed through other books on this subject (a rather limited selection) and none of them come close in terms of breadth and quality.

  The book hits on a lot of key points and has an encouraging tone, balanced out by a bit of sarcastic humor. For instance, it notes the likely frustrations from trying a new technique (yes, everyone stinks in the beginning), but this just requires practice, practice, practice. The book has also been right on the mark about how most people in the field, from experienced DJs to record store operators, are quite helpful. Even when I pass the beginner stage, it will surely be a useful reference well into the future.
  
  

• Learn & then play....
  By A2W5G778JTZKUH on 2004-05-08
  This book is just one of those good buys that you have to do in life. I have researched the web ,try videos ,and some other books to "culturize" my self about what and how djs do it and this piece of information is just simple the best one. Plus comes with lots of web addresses where you can expand what they are taking about. Easy to understand, light reading, and the best of it; it goes to the point NO BS. After reading it you dont only will expand your knowledge u will find that some of the things u were doing were just not enough. 5 stars for this book. It will teach you how to fall in love again with the music and what you can do with it.
  
  
• Best DJ Book EVER!
  By A3EQEYRLFKBE9V on 2004-03-28
  Simply the BEST. If you're a DJ and don't own this book, you're probably a terrible DJ. BUY THYIS BOOK!!!
  
  
• An excellent look into the art of dj'ing!
  By A3N7N36QAVHBT8 on 2004-09-26
  This book is a very insightful look into the world of the old and modern dj. His/her art, techniques, and some basic tips are covered in it. This is the DJ bible, and i greatly reccommend this to any stuggling DJ. Have fun with it!
  
  
• Invaluble tool for DJs
  By A175844HXX58RS on 2005-02-23
  This book prety much covers it all, beat matching, scratching, blending ,eq-ing, playing records in key....Plus a lot of insight into the more esoteric elements of playing records. The authors who also wrote the wonderful "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: A History of the DJ" have a lucid grasp on the world of dance music and its main delivery device, two turntables and a mixer. (and of course, the Records!)The positive and playful tone of this book is inspiring as well as informative, peppered with interesting anecdotes and observations which illuminate the ambrosial nature of this misunderstood art.
  I would also like to add comments regarding "Floyds garage punker boi" addressed by S.Ward. If Floyd knew what he was talking about, he would know that punk and contemporary dance music along with hip hop share a common genesis.DYI....! The histories of these forms of music are intertwined and share a similar defiance to authority and conformity. The Acid House era raised more hackles than punk could ever hope to do. Despite attempts by the major labels to commodify and exploit dj culture , it still remains underground with many of the dance music labels being DJ owned. Dancing in itself is considered to be sinful and subversive by many and is even banned in some countries. And thats what Djins is all about..making people dance.
  So called "punks" like Floyd exhibit the same dogmatic, close minded nonsense of the very institutions punk originally rebelled against. And just where is punk these days? A bunch of suburban wankers prancing about in leather drag,(can you say Green Day? A Simple Plan? Good Charlotte?) raking in the bucks while pretending to "stick it to the man" Puleeze! Corporate sponsered rebellion.....?
  
  
• Compiled internet reading
  By A1H61H9VRRO2CD on 2004-06-11
  This is a fun book, well written. Most of the stuff in it I already learned from doing google searches. Many of the quotes from this book are pulled off of web pages, many of the resources they send you to are web-pages (a few of which are now dead links). In England this book is called "How To DJ Properly", and it does have a bit of a chip on it's shoulder, as if the Brits invented DJing and are the ones who do it "right".

  I like this book, bit I wish it had some more specific exercises and came with some audio: a CD or records.
  
  

• DJing Right: The Definitive Guide!
  By AXOYBYF57KLGZ on 2003-07-15
  I have to say, I searched for this book since april (when it was originally supposed to have been released) until I found it the other day... It was amazing, just as I had hoped... Really covers a broad range of topics, from basic mixing and beatmatching to producing your own tracks and shopping them to labels, or releasing them yourself... Written with plenty of humor and tips from some of the biggest names on the scene today, this book is sure to please the novice and advanced DJ alike... Comes highly reccomended, and if you were a fan of "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life" then this book is absolutely essential!
  
  
• Great Resource!
  By A2JZ73PAHY1NHE on 2005-02-03
  This book is great for all DJ's, novice or pro! It gives a very detailed look at the whole concept of DJing; from buying equipment, all the way to tips on getting record deals and throwing your own massive parties. There are lots of very detailed and easy-to-understand illustrations. All in all this book is a great resource for any DJ, if you are just starting or if you just double-headlined a party with Richard "Humpty" Vision!
  
  
• Everything you'll ever need to know and how to love it
  By ABYRM4DL2MPPG on 2007-03-31
  I had DJ'd for years prior to picking this up. Front to back in 2 days. I learned a lot of new technique and cleaned up on some of my old habits. The greatest thing I learned was how to get myself 'in'. I was a bedroom DJ all those years. This book taught me to grab the bull by the horns and show the world what I've got.
  
  That was all great, but the true lesson was not something I learned from the book, but what the book reassured me of and demanded that I maintain.
  
  Love for music.
  
  The consistent undertone was that of a "you are a DJ, you have the duty to show the world this music and take them on a journey through it the way you see best".
  
  If you own a single piece of vinyl or have been collecting for years and stuck in that bedroom, read this. If you've thought about being a DJ and have no vinyl, read this. If you have always wondered what "beat juggling" or "crab scratching" was, read this book.
  
  Peace, Love and Jellybeans!
  
  
• very readable
  By on 2003-11-03
  great book! From those just getting into this great hobby/profession, to those who want to regain their stoke in mixing, this book covers all bases in a way that's really simple to understand. Very thorough and well written. Their 'Last Night a DJ Saved my Life" is even better for different reasons (probably the best book I've ever read).
  
  
• Ha ha ha ha ha!!!
  By A11XKY4EIU2KNR on 2004-03-24
  All I can say is that this is so ridiculous. I read this book at the library and I couldn't stop laughing. So DJs have talant? It takes years to master the 'art' of playing a record? Listen to me and listen well, you want respect, girls, and money? Let the losers be DJs. Musicians with talant do just that, make music, with instruments. Go buy a guitar.

  This book had some elementary basics on sound levels and accoustics, but clubs have people to do that while your setting up your band, so what's the point?
  
  

• Good For info and reference
  By A39MT3RWYUNQA1 on 2006-06-06
  This is a well written book, it contains a lot of useful information about how to get into the DJ bizness. As a new DJ it helped me out, but even with this book you need to practice and get out and start doing gigs. Start small of course and you'll notice improvement after your 1st 2nd or 3rd gig :)
  
  
• Good laugh and great start
  By A233KCKVS6REI4 on 2006-11-10
  Great book to get you on track if you're a beginner, or to give you a few new ideas if you've been spinning for a bit. Hilarious book, and you're sure to just sit there and laugh, then bust out the tables and try some new slip-cueing techniques. Recommended, highly.
  
  
• Great read, rocks my monkey sock
  By A22GDCK9IKQBRV on 2004-01-31
  I read this book. Life is better. LIVE FOR ALLAH! GhalY GhalY GhalY GhalY GhalY! Omri is such cheese, DUDE!
  
  
• sweet!!
  By A1DLL3OQFTIQAA on 2005-08-17
  I am a new DJ just starting out. I didnt know jack before I got my tables. This book helped me decide which equiptment to get and what to do when i got it. The chapters are set up nicely to take you from technique to technique. The authors also seemed to be really cool people that had a heart for what they are doing. This was an overall great book that I would reccomend to all begining DJ's.
  
  
• The Cookbook of DJing
  By AS6SLC8O619GV on 2006-02-24
  This book has everything broken down in babysteps. It's extremly easy to pick up on the basics. This book, along with some practice, can create some unique skills.
  
  
• Great Book
  By A4MR6X1T3BM2M on 2006-03-18
  This is the essential guide for anyone who is serious about DJ'in. This book is a perfect fit in your DJ literary collection.
  
  
• Good
  By A2IP3MG2C63XPY on 2006-03-22
  It's good! But nothing mind-blowingly amazing. Covers all, a good read, but I can't say it helped me any more then practice.
  
  
• Great Book
  By A18MZILAXQPW7N on 2006-03-26
  As a beginner in the DJ life this book taught me the in's and out's of DJing. I highly recommend it for beginners and veterans to learn something new!
  
  
• Great Resource
  By A1AS5528YWC81Q on 2006-11-10
  I bought a couple of books on this topic for my buddy's birthday. I returned the others and gave him this one because it covers so many practical topics and the authors have drawn illustrations that make it easy to understand the concepts they discuss. It has a DIY quality to it, but for me, that's part of it's appeal and I highly reccommned this book.
  
  
• "Show you how to party right"
  By A37HLB6X1N5DK2 on 2007-08-05
  Very funny and informative guide to running the turntables. It takes a lot of work to make things happen in a club. This book takes you step by step through everything from how to find the best gear, to how to add special effects, scratching on beat, and making sure you get paid. There are plenty of pictures. The stories from real DJs such as John Digweed, Grandmaster Flash and more are laugh-out-loud funny. Go from dreaming of greatness to moving the crowd, with clues from the best.
  
  
• Good pick and this is why.....
  By A1N9MHTO3SHHH3 on 2007-08-09
  I found the book to be very insightful and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to both the beginner and the advanced Dj.
  
  
• Awesome...it's a "must have" for every dj...
  By A10B9Y089OQTX9 on 2007-09-26
  Although I'm a digital dj and laptop performer and this book is more "turntablist" oriented...I found it very interesting, every page you open has something to teach you...
  
  
• Great book if your thinking about dj
  By A2AI5FY2EUBPWW on 2008-02-12
  This book has everything you would ever need to know about how to dj. I am just starting and almost everything in there has helped me learn everything from quing to picking the best records. buy this book!
  
  
• DJ book review
  By A34WQFC7OQPYDS on 2008-03-25
  a handy book for a learner, this can actually make a DJ out of you. Simple and easy explanations and illustrations make it seem like have your own tutor beside you.
  
  

• DJing for Dummies
• Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey
• The Complete Guide to Remixing: Produce Professional Dance-Floor Hits on Your Home Computer
• Teach Yourself How to DJ (Teach Yourself)
• How to Be a DJ