The Secret DJ Book Two

by The Secret DJ

Through four decades at the pointy end of dance music and club culture, the Secret DJ has seen it all. In this hilarious, gripping, and at times extremely moving follow-up to the smash hit first book, the mysterious insider pulls no punches, wryly lifting the lid on misbehaving stars, what really goes on backstage, how to survive in the DJ game, and where the real power lies in rave. Most of all, they chart how capitalism bought and sold the utopian dreams of the Acid House generation – and whether those dreams can still be saved. Essential reading for anyone who cares about the dancefloor; past, present and future.

Genres: Music

280 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2020

About the author

Throughout four decades at the pointy end of electronic music, the Secret DJ has experienced it all, from the first stirrings of the Acid House revolution, fame and adulation as a superstar DJ and producer, losing it all through a combination of bad luck and bad choices, and scraping back into the game once more.

The first book, the at-times hilarious, at others harrowing, The Secret DJ: From Ibiza To the Norfolk Broads tells the brutally honest story of that dizzying rise to fame as a DJ, producer and short-lived pop star – and an even quicker descent into illness and isolation, when eventually the bill became due and it looked like all was lost.

Throughout it all the Secret DJ never lost their wry sense of humour, dedication to the central mission of championing the real heroes of club culture, or belief in the power of dance music as a force for positive change and unity.

Rising again as a performer, artist, promoter, columnist for dance music bible Mixmag and fearless truth-teller and activist, for many The Secret DJ represents the awkward conscience of a subculture. One that’s grown from a youth movement set on changing the world to a multi-billion pound industry that all too often puts profit ahead of people, spectacle ahead of substance, and cash ahead of creativity.

Reviews

[Si Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love music, you should read this really. That goes double if you love music designed to dance to, treble if you play this music in the guise of a DJ (like me) or as a proper, actual DJ. But it's the insights on the world outside the club, as it continues to be eaten alive by capitalism, that set it apart from the rest of the music non-fiction books. Come for the anecdotes about wild-man excess - yes, Tour Manager is here, book one fans - stay for the social commentary. Deep love.

[Swee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative about the world of a DJ & the truth about what will help you succeed in the business & its current dealings during the pandemic too.

[Jon Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes up where Book One left off. So expect more insight and analysis of the human condition when viewed through the prism of nightlife and an itinerant DJ. No matter the darkness of the shadow cast by business the importance of people coming together in dark basements is conveyed and rightly celebrated. Just read it, it’ll make you wiser and better looking.

[Selina Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insightful book which made me laugh out loud in parts much like the first book. The final chapter is absolutely spot on. Brilliant read for anyone with an interest in dance music culture (or politics!).

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another banger from the Secret DJ, this time he digs way more into the music business and offers some good insight as to how it all works

[Craig Challis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. I liked the first one alot but this book is better imo. Its funny, its Sad , its insightful and if you are into Electronic Music (mainly house) you will be able to work out who alot of the characters are.

[Old · Rating 5 out of 5]

No 'difficult 2nd album syndrome' here!

1st one was much more 'fear and loathing' , this is a lot more 'lipstick traces'.

Better than the 1st book, funnier, smarter and the music industry observations are peerless.

Don't care who it is, could read this voice all day.

I was taken aback by 1st one, really shocked how smart and funny it was. It appears that wasn't an accident.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far more ranty than the first book but no less of a great read for those of us passionate about music & DJ culture. I happen to agree with all of SDJ's opinions, would be curious to hear what fans of EDM think 😆

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly better than the first one, but more ranty/critical. Being critical is good. Writing style somewhat irritating to read at times as it seems like large sections were transcribed from a monologue into a dictaphone. Still pretty fun to read.

[Mikey Foy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic follow-up to Book 1. Insightful, informative, heartfelt, challenging, provocative but always hilariously entertaining. Another page-turner. A must-read for anyone interested in music.

[Robin Burrowes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy as much as Vol1 - it felt like an endless tirade of an angry person cornering you in a bar and not letting go.

[DJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acerbic, insightful and necessary look under the bonnet at nearly 40 odd years of acid house and everything in between.