DJs

[Wispy68]

How do Djs keep talking from the very beginning of a record, right up to the split second that the singer starts singing? Is it something they learn to do, or do they have some sort of 'counting down' gadget or person?

[Shatnerfan]

From listening to programs, I have often heard a DJ mention that he has been told how much tune there is before the 'vocal.'

[Pinotage]

Its not difficult, play a record a few times and you know when the vocal starts, you can slow and speed up your speaking. Try it.

 

More to the point, why the hull don't they shut the fcuk up and let us listen to the record without their inane prattlings? Talking over records dates from the 60s and is passe.

[Wispy68]

Absolutely, Pinotage! I've often found myself shouting at the radio, 'cos the DJ's talking over a favourite song!

[sft42]

What is this thing everybody has got against us DJ's at the moment (and the technical term for getting it wrong and talking over the lyrics is a crash, some try to cover up by keeping talking). The CD players used in modern studios do indeed give a countdown to the lyric start but these can be unreliable and if it's a song you know then it usually better to use your own judgement. Try this - pick a song you know really well and next time you play it say something like "well listeners it coming up to 3 o'clock & we'll be going to the news after this track by......" and keep going up to the vocals, you'll find it's easier than you thought.

[xyzzyplugh]

isn't it true sft42, that radio DJ's are paid to talk over the music and otherwise screw up the endings so as to spoil things for audio-pirates?

[sft42]

Hhmm i never was told this as i only did an oldies show but i am aware that especially with new releases (listen to radio 1 chart show if you can stomach it) then you don't play the whole version uninterupted, you'll notice jingles are played through intro's etc. the only exception i've noticed to this is the excellent TOGmeister terry wogan who has recently played a few world exclusives very cleanly.

[sft42]

and another thing nicola turn up to the convention and i'll do this in the flesh for you if you want:>) (talk up to the vocals that is)

[Wispy68]

Well, there's a thing not to miss!! Is it still going to be in Glasgow?

[simon_says]

if it is in Bigotland, don't mention what side of the protestant / catholic divide you come from!

[sft42]

so simon on what experience are you basing this on? visitors from all over the world come to glasgow and never have any problems with this issue (in fact it's only a small minority of myopic old firm fans who perpetuate that problem), and yes the Answerbank Convention will be in glasgow and the latest at the moment is the 22nd of March in the arta centre in the centre of the town. come one come all (though leave your prejudices behind please)

[ravenhair]

Excuse me, simon_says, I'd just like to take you up on that small-minded little comment. You may not have spent too much time in Glasgow recently, but that sort of sectarian behaviour disappeared for all but a small minority of idiots several decades ago. I don't know anyone in my circle of family or friends who cares what religion anyone is, or who would even think to ask. Glasgow has struggled enough to shed some of the unsavoury facets of its reputation; please don't be so small-minded as to perpetuate them.