Top 5 Reasons to attend the DJ Academy

by Drew Mackie

After a successful session last summer, the Santa Barbara DJ
Academy will once again offer training in the fine art of spinning
the right song at the right time. Hosted by Velvet Jones, the
six-week, 12-class course teaches attendees about mixing, remixing,
reading crowds, turning a profit, and all manner of the various
spinning discs that magically give us music. Upon completion of the
course, graduates will also debut their newfound skills at a
special show. That should be incentive enough to enroll, but in
case you need the extra push to become the man in the booth, here
are five more reasons.

1]Endear yourself to S.B. talent: With
professors like DJ Gavin Roy of the Wildcat Lounge, DJ Patrick of
Tonic, and DJ Zeke of Q’s, this academy will ensure that, even if
you don’t end up spinning yourself, your familiar face will ensure
preferential placement when you request your songs.

2] Make a name for yourself — literally: When
Norbert and Gertrude step into the deejay booth, they become DJ
Razmatazz and DJ Alektra. So if you hate your name, this is your
shot at popularizing a more pleasing moniker.

3] Learn what not to play: Believe it or not,
some people own a calendar and have decided that, say, “Better Off
Alone” is carbon-dated, as far as club fare goes. It might be good
to know what gets people dancing and what sends them out for a
cigarette break.

4] Embrace disc diversity: Back in the day,
vinyl got a crowd jumping. Lately, only record store regulars and
deejays seem to boast a healthy record collection. This could be
your shortcut to instant cool.

5] Get invited to weddings: If you’re a deejay,
your soon-to-be-wed friends will love you in direct proportion to
the discount you give them.

For more information, call the S.B. DJ Academy at 682-5032.