Search found 256 matches

by Platypus
Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:38 am
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: mad skillz: mentoring, encouraging and skilling up (new) DJs
Replies: 9
Views: 12821

I hated the fact that sometimes it felt like new DJs were being thrown to the sharks and got a lot of flak when they were first spinning. When I was running a local booth, I created a "how to" guide, which I loosely based on the Austin guide and added in local policies and procedures (I kn...
by Platypus
Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:08 am
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: Who plays Glenn Miller's 'In The Mood'?
Replies: 165
Views: 106667

Still one of the top requests of new attendees. Just had it requested twice in the past month.
by Platypus
Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:40 am
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Overplayed songs
Replies: 105
Views: 199315

So, when does it go from a DJ being a great DJ because they unearth neat alternative tracks VS. being too esoteric? I have heard complaints on both sides. There ARE complaints by dancers that they get tired of hearing too many alternate versions of standards. I once heard it described as a "DJ ...
by Platypus
Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:31 pm
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Clearing The Floor
Replies: 24
Views: 23918

At the end of a night where everyone lingered after the lights were turned out and the air conditioning turned off, a friend played one of those horribly boring French lesson practice tapes. Cleared the room immediately.
by Platypus
Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:39 am
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: Worst Songs Ever Heard at a Lindy Hop Night?
Replies: 107
Views: 91089

Natedog, that could be a whole other thread: "things we love, you hate." I like stuff that makes me giggle, ergo I like Ray Stevens and I like chicken songs, but that is in the privacy of my own home. :) More ideas? Spike Jones John Lithgow, Singin' in the Bathtub (I didn't enjoy the album...
by Platypus
Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:34 am
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: Worst Songs Ever Heard at a Lindy Hop Night?
Replies: 107
Views: 91089

Morman Tabernacle Choir - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Taco - Greatest Hits album. Ray Stevens - In the Mood...an all-chicken acappella version. Bing Crosby? Some of his stuff feels like it sucked the swing out of swing. Pat Boone singing R and B classics? I wondered if there was any jazz bagpipe. I chec...
by Platypus
Thu Jan 10, 2008 8:14 am
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Tips for finding the right 'next song' in the heat of DJing
Replies: 71
Views: 54661

I totally agree with the list thing, especially if you are using a computer. The best advice anyone ever gave me was that if I am in doubt about the next song, ask myself if there is something about the next song similar to the current song. A few examples: - keep the tempo approximately 20-25 beats...
by Platypus
Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:43 am
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Does Good DJ == Good Dancer?
Replies: 29
Views: 26447

At one of our last Lindyfests, Frankie Manning mentioned that he had danced with Ella quite a bit.
by Platypus
Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:23 pm
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: Songs for the end of the night?
Replies: 36
Views: 27856

What a Wonderful World - Armstrong

Seems like everyone leaves with a smile on their face, humming, after that one.
by Platypus
Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:45 pm
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: songs you are in love with
Replies: 26
Views: 20517

Anythign with a Johnny Hodges sax solo. Shall I melt now or later?
by Platypus
Sun Jul 22, 2007 3:47 pm
Forum: Swinging Music
Topic: "Sesame Street"
Replies: 13
Views: 11484

I played "C is for Cookie" from one of the Sesame Street albums a few years ago for a kid-themed evening.
by Platypus
Fri Jul 13, 2007 6:37 am
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Why do you need a DJ name (and how do you find a good one)?
Replies: 39
Views: 34006

Those of us growing up in tough neighborhoods don't necessarily want to use our childhood nicknames as our DJ names.
by Platypus
Sat Jun 09, 2007 12:48 pm
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Syllabus for Swing DJ Training
Replies: 61
Views: 53563

Dancers are tough critics, so anyone who is willing to figure out what would best help new DJs master basic concepts quickly and be able to maneuver in the social/political minefield that is swing DJing should be lauded. New DJs should know right away that they are going to get feedback and that the...
by Platypus
Tue May 29, 2007 5:03 pm
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Syllabus for Swing DJ Training
Replies: 61
Views: 53563

Both Austin and us here in Houston have written DJ guidelines. I added a write-up of the steps that it takes to become a DJ at one of our local venues to be able to have someone ease into the booth in a way that would decrease dancer complaints and help the new DJ feel more confident that their firs...
by Platypus
Fri May 04, 2007 5:34 pm
Forum: DJ Skillz
Topic: Why do you need a DJ name (and how do you find a good one)?
Replies: 39
Views: 34006

In our scene, there have been FOUR women who have the same name with similar spelling, with two of us being active volunteers. In cases like these, I encourage YOU to come up with a nickname before other people do.