Part 3: Ask a DJ

The Disc Jockey, or DJ for short, is a term that conjures images of records, turntables, speakers, and dancing parties. While seemingly mysterious and complex, DJing and the art of music for the masses isn’t as complicated as it may appear. To unravel some of the mystique surrounding this particular art form, DJ Cubed is opening himself up to any and all questions about DJing and the general scene. He’s been a doing it since 2004, and since then has been involved in nearly all aspects of the scene in one fashion or another.

What follows below are answers to actual questions asked by GUY.com readers in the forum. Please, visit the Ask a DJ thread to post any questions you would like an answer to.

1. What’s the most batshit crazy thing you’ve ever witnessed at a party that you can legally recount for us?

I actually missed this, but was at the festival when it occurred. It was a summer music festival where I was working at one of the stages. During one of the sets on Sunday night, a guy wearing an Optimus Prime mask was dancing on the stage (among other dancers) and for some reason or another, decided to drop his trousers and start swinging his dick for the world to see. I hear it was a straight helicopter spin at first, and at some point he decided to start the tug-o-war with the target squarely on the dancers below.

At this point security and other stage handlers close by reached him and pulled him off, jettisoning him from the stage. Due to the mask he was wearing, his identity was never discovered. It’s pretty funny though — the next year two dancers wearing Optimus Prime masks has mock battles on the speakers during the same DJ’s set.

2. Do you compose any songs or do you just play them?

For the moment, personally, I haven’t produced anything that I would play out to a crowd. But I have voraciously collected of music that I love and play it out as much as possible.

I am working on changing that, and so have procured myself software and a keyboard to learn how to produce my own music. The software I have is called Logic Studio 9, and it is a massive program with nearly everything you need to create and master your own music. From drum editing, loads of synths and samplers, mastering and EQing software, plus recording either instruments or commands from my MIDI Controller (a programmable keyboard). Due to the programs size, however, makes the learning process long and arduous.

Let’s keep the party going:

Have a question for Dave?  Fire it off HERE.