Throughout my entire 30 year career as a nightclub and F.M. radio DJ, I have always experienced the same friction. The
friction between bands and dj’s. Why is that? Well, its for several reasons. Starting with the ego thing. Most musicians look down at dj’s. There are band members that see djs as a threat because a dj costs less than a band but has a much larger repertoire. They do not understand that its two different worlds . Many musicians do not see the talent in a good dj. Many just see it as the guy that plays music.
Understandable. Most dj’s are just guys who play music and do not have charisma, stage presence, personality, or just talent. I get it. Many people like the band feeling. Obviously. It’s musicians making music live. That will produce a different energy and feeling. It’s a totally different feeling. Very few dj’s have that live energy “boom” type of feeling and effect. Lame would be the best word. You can say “Fisher Price.”
On the other hand many people do not really like the live band thing and prefer the dj type atmosphere. That is a matter of preference. Usually the younger crowd likes the dj thing more. The band many times is for a more adult older type of audience but not always the case.
They are actually two different types of musical arts that can share the space on stage and coexist as long as there is mutual respect. I’ve done it many times. So what is it? Bands or Dj’s? You have to be in the mood first to decide.
