Our club manager has decided that he no longer wants to run rap or hip-hop music. He wants to go full rock with some techno and dance mixes allowed (Tone Loc and Beastie Boys are ok...go figure.) The big problem is dealing with all of the people who are really ticked off about not playing 'their' music anymore! My life in the booth has become a real nightmare lately. to top it all off I'm a relatively new DJ and he spent big money on all of this new equipment that I have to re-learn! ARGH! Sorry, just had to vent. Thanks for listening, and any advice on dealing would be greatly appreciated.

That is a big change.

First off you need to prove to your club manager that the people want the rap and hip hop. Some club managers just don't get it, however there may be some reasons as to why I can understand his decision.
1. What is the general average age group of the people that come to party?
2. Is this a bar with a dance floor or a full size club?

While I'm sure you like working in the club, you do have some control here, in the fact that if the people liked you when you played thier hip hop/rap, then they should be somewhat of a strong enough following to either make the club manager reconsider when he sees how much $ the club is losing, or you just need to find a club that you fit in stylisticlly.

Thanks for the info. This weekend was really rough. The worst was when other DJs from the area kept coming up to 'give me advice' about what to play...and it was all against the new rules. LOL! I know they were just trying to help, but it just made things worse.

His main reason for no longer playing it is the violence. When we switched from rock to rap/hip-hop 2 years ago the fights on the weekend went up about 40%,(and I'm not talking about small stuff, these were 'ambulance necessary' fights,)so talking him out of switching back isn't going to happen. I've got him talked into allowing some play, but I have to save it until so late that it's almost pointless. I guess I'll just have to ride it out.

Thanks again for the answer! Hope next time I speech at ya things are better.

Instead of changing the format try to institute a dress code. If anything it should change the atmosphere.

Good luck,
Forever

Tammy_Zone what sort of promotion is the Club doing? From what you've said, it sounds like the patrons do not know what "theme/style" the club is trying to promote. If the manager is serious about changing styles there should be for example posters everywhere saying so. Do you use a mic? Do you and can(allowed) you announce what the night is all about?

As DJs unfortunately we can only suggest to club managers what/how to promote, its up to them to make the moves. You should'nt be made to feel guilty about music style you are expected to play either.

If it were me I would tell all those complaining patrons and doo-gooder DJs to have a talk to the manager because he is ultimately responsible for the music format. Direct all complaints to the managers and if he gets enough flak then maybe he might change his mind. And yes dress code is another big factor in the style change of a club and I would suggest those points strongly.

Tammy keep this theory in the back of your mind:- There could be a conspiracy to get rid of the DJ by getting him to play music contrary to what is popular. Is this manager the owner? A 2nd-in-charge? Is he allowed to make such a call? Is he trying to get one of his DJ mates in by making you look bad? I hate to say it but this sort of back-stabbing goes on everywhere. You need to ask the right questions to the right people and make sure you are in full agreement with the REAL club owner and on how things should be proceeding. Communication is the key. If someone (manager) has a problem with your DJ'ing, confront them and get it out in the open. Its the best way to solve your problem and for you retain your job. I hope this helps.

ROQ

LOL! Nah, he isn't trying to get rid of me. He just promoted me from back-up DJ to full time DJ, and fired the last guy...because he wouldn't play rock. He likes my smart mouth on the mic...go figure.

As for the dress code, I've already discussed that with him. No go there. We are in the mid-west. If we say 'No Hats', the cowboys won't come in, and let's not even get into the racing fans when it comes to colors. You guys should see what a nightmare club the midwest can have. *G* We get such a mix of patrons that it's tough to regulate codes.

I'm sure I'll live, and I'll just keep telling them that I'm only the 'great and powerful play button of the bar', and that all complaints need to be directed elsewhere. I'll just go full blown comedy with the mic when I can, and try to keep the party going until things smooth over. (Can you say shot give-a-ways?) Wish me luck! I know! I'll get a shirt that says 'Play with the buttons 'til it sounds good!' Let them figure it out.

BTW: Thanks to all of you for your great advice. It is truly appreciated, especially since I've only done this a few times to fill in, and now I have to go full-time pro. At least I don't feel like it's my fault anymore. I got my back!!!

Where at in the midwest is your club.

your club should aim for the clients that are like upscale, not thugs, if u make the dress code, no "due Rags" or realy baggy clothing, and no one with offensive writing or pictures on there clothing will be permited in, it might help. but as long as your boss likes u and your gettin payed, do what he wants

try one day mixing a little rap then after the manager see's the crowd get hyp he will learn but do it when he isen't there or get tons of the old regulars to come and have them get real hyp when a rap song comes on

How about beatmatching Rap and Rock together?

-LKJ

too easy!!! if limp bizkit does it i dont!