A few months ago I went to watch my little brother play in a high school football game. As we walked into the stadium Michael Jackson’s Thriller came on the sound system. That song is nearing 30 years old yet all these years later, as soon as it hit people’s ears, everyone had a smile on their face and started dancing. Even if it was in subtle ways; I spotted parents tapping their feet or almost imperceptibly bouncing their shoulders. Even for a metalhead like me that song is timeless and just gets inside your body.
The reason it does that is because even if you’re not into electronic music, even if you’re one of those parents who is embarrassed to bust too flashy of a move, it’s part of human nature to dance. It’s ingrained in us and since the dawn of time dancing has be a fundamental part of what it means to be human.
The next time you’re at a sporting event or even the grocery story- any crowded place that plays music- watch what happens to people when a song with a great beat comes across the speakers. The beat starts manifesting itself in people’s bodies in funny little ways. They start tapping a finger. Their head nods ever so slightly. It’s like the music seeps into your body and as strict and stoic as you might be, the tune will find some way to make your body move as it escapes. It’s like a kinetic parasite.
That’s exactly why I love being involved in electronic music. Say what you want about it, but it’s a style that resonates with people.
It’s not uncommon to hear people criticize electronic music. How many times have you heard a rapper crack jokes about techno, or rockers quip that they’re not real performers because all they do is push buttons? The truth is that like it or not, EDM speaks to that timeless human aspect in us.
There’s part of our DNA that remembers what it was like to be caveman, pounding out percussions on sticks and logs and creating primal music with whatever would make a sound when you hit it. When the electronic drum and bass hits your ears it awakens that genetic memory and you can’t help but dance along. Sure a ripping guitar solo or a complex melody is a beautiful thing to, but it’s hard to argue against a catchy drumline or some awesome percussions.
The point of all of this is that you shouldn’t let anyone dissuade you from pursuing learning how to DJ. No matter what anyone says it’s a fantastic style of music to learn, and on a primal level it’s an amazing style to perform live for people.
If this makes you think you’d like to learn how to DJ, a fantastic place to start is our online DJ school where expert DJs teach you their craft right in the comfort of your own home. It’s by far the easiest way to get started today.