How to DJ Right

Book excerpt: A “lucid, comprehensive guide” to becoming a club DJ “from beat matching to promotion to not going deaf” by the authors of Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Rolling Stone). Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton wrote the definitive history of the DJ in Last Night a DJ Saved My Life. Now they share their extensive knowledge of the creative and technical aspects of DJing in this clear, accessible, entertaining guide for all aspiring jocks. How to DJ Right covers every aspect of DJing from establishing a music collection and a distinctive sound, to elementary record-spinning, to the complex skills of scratching, hot-mixing, and beat-juggling, as well as the unique art of creating an evening of sound that is perfectly timed, balanced, and unforgettable. Diagrams throughout make phrases, beat timing, and song structure comprehensible without a background in music theory. The authors also include recommendation lists on everything from the best (and most fun) songs to practice with, to the best sources for building a library of disks, CDs, and MP3s. For those who want to turn pro, the authors give sage advice on the vagaries of the club and music business. Enlivened by short quotes, anecdotes, and photos of famous DJs such as Grandmaster Flash and Derrick Carter, How to DJ is the definitive book for anyone who has ever considered becoming a DJ.