How to Dj : The Art and Science of Playing Records

by Bill Brewster

Today, everyone wants to be a DJ. Playing records isn't rocket science, but there's a universe of difference between doing it and doing it well. DJing is like modelling: most people could have a stab at it, some can earn money doing it, but only a very few can become supermodels. This guide both forms an introduction for the complete novice who wants a pair of Technics turntables for Christmas and contains enough advice and advanced instruction to be valuable to more experienced DJs. It aims to shatter some illusions about the dance industry and ofer in return some explanation of the true rewards of the DJ's craft. The book includes advice on a range of topics, from illustrated tutorials on mixing techniques and styles, tips on buying the right equipment and records, advice from superstar DJs, plus how to make your own tracks and how to throw the best party. Now all you need is to get out of your bed and do it.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

Paperback

First published September 2, 2002

About the author

Bill was originally a chef, working first in London and then Geneva, before returning back to the UK in 1981. His first break as a writer was in 1988 working for cult football magazine When Saturday Comes, where he remained until 1993.

He moved to New York in 1994, where he soon met his writing partner Frank Broughton. Within a fortnight of their meeting they started plotting their first book together. The first collaboration came in 1998 with The Manual, a Ministry Of Sound-branded book, but it was with Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (published in 1999), they began to build a reputation. Subsequent to that, they wrote a further two books, How To DJ (Properly) and The Record Players.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really entertaining and interesting. Worth reading because of that even if you aren't intending to use it as a practical guide. If you ARE intending to use it as a practical guide just be aware that the industry advice (so sure of itself in the early 2000s) has become less relevant in the intervening 20 years.

[Matthias Dewolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting parts, some less interesting parts
Overall okay but quite outdated

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful descriptions of basic principles and techniques of mixing and the necessary gear. But a bit thin on examples of "how". Obviously, this takes a lot of practice and the subjectivie ear for melodies and rhythms, but the step-by-step lessons are pretty skimpy, particularly for the fundamentals of beatmatching and cueing. But there are lots of extra how-to suggestions along the lines of scratching, producing, remixing, and dealing with labels and promoters, as well as working the floor. Discusses traditional turntables as well as CD mixers. A bit dated (circa 2002, assumes dial-up connections!) with respect to internet resources, esp. as so many mixes are digital nowadays.

[Jason Friedlander · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. It’s thoroughly entertaining and has a lot of great tips but is ultimately dragged down by its datedness. The essential lessons it has for DJing are still timeless but most of its technical guidelines and suggestions are not anymore relevant.

[Asiah g · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly sexual at times but hey, DJing is sexy. Teeny tiny section dedicated to being a women dj, while the rest were filled with quotes/tips from legends, yet still all men. Despite the boy-ish tone, super helpful in putting a name to things that usually come with djing for a while but knowing technical terminology is super helpful. Brief overview of music theory as well (..still lost). Really gets into the weeds with a comprehensive industry guide and a guide on “how to become famous” a little silly but still all helpful. Worth a read, even being a little outdated

[Rooshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

great but hilariously outdated in some parts

[Rex Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

As both a reader and EDM enthusiast from the year 2019, this book is way more outdated than I thought. First of all, I must acknowledge the authors Broughton and Brewster as they put a lot of work into writing this explanatory nonfiction. However, the expectations of DJs in this book are to play physical phonograph records and disks. The book does explain in extended details on the technical aspects of the equipment but it did not help me at all since what we have in 2019 are user-friendly, portable, and advanced. A high schooler can show up at a dance event and simply DJ with the computer as the only setup, so long as it's equipped with premium DJ software. I am also the wrong audience of this book. Most of the book talks about how to be successful AS AN ADULT to playing music for clubs and stuff. I chose this book for a completely different purpose - to simply understand how the idea of DJing works. The book also contains a fair amount of adult materials.

Teenagers, if you are wishing to simply get attention and be cool at a dance event at school, you can find a chance to DJ. But if you think this book is for you, you are wrong.

[AnitaDurt · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is a perty good introduction to djing that i read a few years ago...the chapter on beat matching is helpful if you don't know what the hell that entails...there's little blurbs from other famous dj's scattered throughout the book that i like reading. reading this book made me realize that being a dj is part of my identity as much as other things i do. thanks mom for buying it for me!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me expand on the concept of Djing

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe too generous with 4 stars since the book is as another reviewer put it "hilariously outdated". The anecdotes, timeless aspect of music theory, and short to the point writing prevents me from giving it 3 stars so 4 it is. This review is coming from a complete noob bedroom DJ that picked up DJ'ing as a Covid friendly 2020 hobby.

[Randell Carlton Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.6.05 - 5.15.17

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly useful read. Really helpful if you're looking to learn how to DJ-- the main focus is not on the gear but on the theories and priorities of a good DJ.

[Aleksander Prus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertainingly written with some good insights and a charm to its outdated aspects.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I'm gearing up to start DJing social dances (that is, dances for people who dance a specific style of partner dancing). A lot of the advice in it, though I don't doubt it's good advice, is about things that probably won't ever affect me -- I'm not a club DJ spinning electronic music for a chemically-altered crowd and I'm not looking to become an internationally recognized name who jets to Ibiza to play out. In spite of that, I really liked this book, for several reasons.

- It's thorough. It doesn't address my situation much directly, but there's plenty in here for me, and a lot more for most DJs.

- It's preparatory. I feel much more comfortable and ready post-read.

- It's fun. Light, witty writing.

- It's no-bullshit. It gets to the point and doesn't snow you.

The authors' love of music comes through loud and clear too. If you're a DJ, or want to be, because you love music, and I hope you are, you're in good company.

It's a small thing, but I really enjoyed some of the side quotes from famous DJs.

It is a product of its time, and some details are a little out-of-date. It talks mainly about vinyl and CDJs -- both of which are still in regular use, don't get me wrong. It does talk about digital DJing and MP3s, but it refers to things like Audiogalaxy, which hasn't existed for maybe 15 years. It doesn't mention current, popular DJing software packages -- no Traktor, no Serato, no Ableton -- because they didn't really exist at the time. You'll definitely need to dip a toe in elsewhere to get current info. (I use Traktor and I like it, if you're looking for a recommendation.) But most of the information is still on point.

[Wells Crandall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty light reading because, really, there isn't too much to deejaying. Those those that are good at it are simply obsessed, which is not something you can teach. Focused on house and other genres that mix pretty seamlessly. Not much on the new ableton/serrato/torq programs that nearly everyone uses nowadays. In case you don't know, you should expect everything to be seamless now in the club, EXCEPT when the RAM runs out on the computer or the computer crashes. This has happened EVERY TIME I've heard a laptop deejay, so I can at least enjoy a serious dose of schadenfreude while the crowd looks at the deejay tower. Vinyl doesn't crash, yo!

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct and witty, How To DJ (Properly) is the guide to learning to DJ. I've been fortunate enough to learn much of the book's content on my own or with the assistance of friends and colleagues without too much trouble, but for anybody unfamiliar with the modus operandi of dance music culture, Broughton & Brewster have got the skills and equipment covered. The information contained within is timeless, but the style and references are deeply rooted in 90s UK music, providing a good dose of nostalgia with advice from some of the top DJs of the day.

[James Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there was not too much which I found startling, this was a good-natured and thoughtful reflection on what really matters in creating a musical space for people to enjoy, with explorations of many different dimensions of the field. It also has interesting and insightful historical information shared by someone who lived and loved it. I expect I will be referring back to this from time to time, with a smile on my face.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for anyone wishing to take up the craft of the mix. Non-DJs will appreciate the anecdotes within from some of the world's top turntablists. There is little here for those with no interest in the club scene.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unofficial bible of correct DJ technique, championed by DJs worldwide. Full of witty metaphors and quite faced paced, this book can impress quality tips and tricks upon the most infantile of bedroom DJs.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has a little bit of everything. Good diagrams on how the different cuts & mixes work.

The stuff on mixing on computer is woefully out of date, but you can find that stuff all on youtube, and the fundamentals are still the same.

[Renny Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best guide i have read in my entire life. Practical yet funny and good for use as a reference once it has been read

[Velanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book might be slightly dated, but still a must-read for any budding DJ. The authors know this world well. Lots of useful info, plenty of visuals, and written with a nice touch of humor.

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems a handy sort of a book - worth a look if the subject's of any interest; I loved their Last Night A DJ Saved Me Life - one of my favourite books...

[Lee]

Good info

Good info for beginner djs - a bit out of date but still worthwhile. Hopefully they will update it soon.

[Marnix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and interesting to read for non-DJ's as well.

[Steven Vandenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read that combines a historical look at DJing with practical advice to help any aspiring DJ. While some of the sections of the book are a bit outdated, those sections give the reader an appreciation for the shortcuts which technology has afforded DJs. Technical skills are discussed such as phrasing and scratching, but where this book adds much of its value is in its discussion of the soft skills involved in DJing. Soft skills like reading a crowd, warming up a room, and programming a night. To help illustrate the value of these skills the book includes anecdotes from the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, and Grandmaster Flash among others.

I would highly recommend for current DJs, anyone looking to DJ, or someone curious about what goes into the sounds you dance the night away too.

[Ideen]

It 's Good !