What we did to go between 45rpms and Shazam using the iPhone
A Wannabe DJ, using the Shazam app for the iPhone!
Shazam… Do you want to be a DJ? Using it to locate music? What’s this I’m talking about? Did the world really change this much?
In the beginning, just to make sure you understand my point Let me guide you back. We’ll take you back to the past. We’re in the 1960s of Northern England in the midst of a thriving early dance and DJ movement, similar to the early 90s rave scene within the UK. Song Lyrics
In spite of its name, Northern Soul music is not originated from Northern England. This is American soul music and Motown with a brisk tempo and, most important, it causes us to dance. But the dancers and clubbers of Northern England made it theirs and named it. Yes, even today people burst into the smile and begin to twirl away to these tunes that make you feel good.
In the latter half of the 60s, DJs hailing from Northern England would come back from the USA with rare singles, and would play the tracks on dance floors such as Wigan and Blackpool which created a whole new scene that changed the way we dance how we experience it. You wouldn’t believe it, but the current DJ scene could be quite different if it were not for these pioneers. We owe them a lot. These were our first to do it.
Young people would gather and learn dance moves throughout the night long in Wigan Casino to upbeat soul songs. There was no drinking, and no fights. It was just great times and all-nighters. You’re probably wishing you were around during those years that were the foundation of today’s DJ culture. I definitely wish I had the chance to pop out a few dance moves like the guys.
What’s this got to relate to iPhones you’re wondering? Did I get side-tracked? It wasn’t me.
In the past, the most renowned Northern Soul DJs would try to keep their identities for songs they danced to private from all. Other DJs would do everything to get the track’s names, but there were certain of them kept their identities secret for years , before finally becoming public and being exposed. They were able to keep their status as top DJs. They were they were the ones who could discover tracks that could not be found by anyone else.
In the end, if your job was DJ wouldn’t you like you to be only the one to play the rare record that you discovered in the record store with the 8th number that you frequented in Harlem? You don’t want other DJs to get your attention and be able to take over your work I’m sure. No.
So what do we do next? Are we able to continue doing this?
Since the digital age come into the picture, nearly every tracker’s identity is now public.
If you’re a DJ who is regularly playing will be aware, there are times when people call and ask for the name of the most recent tune you played. Because I’m in Paris there are times when they aren’t sure when it comes to pronunciation (people who are French in Paris at all times) and others bring the pen and paper with me.
They are the ones who don’t own iPhones but! For those who have one, just turn on Shazam to let the application determine the song playing and play bingo. It’s downloaded when you arrive home and discovered the latest and most popular release or that special treasure from the year 1991. It’s the same track that the DJ looked for and sat on for hours.
I’ve got a confession admit: I’ve done it myself, several times. I’ve heard songs I enjoy while out, and I’ve used Shazam to recognize them for me.
I’m a disc-jockey and I’m always seeking out new music, so why wouldn’t I? I always make my sets distinct from other DJs and distinctive because that’s what’s important.
This is true, but what does it mean for DJs?
When DJs first discovered the ease of anyone to gain instant access to their fantastic music collection, a lot them became very concerned. In the end, for certain DJs, their identity was based on access to the top music earlier and not being aware of who they did. This is why a number of DJs so popular.
I was a fan when a track reached the big time , and I’d been playing in clubs for six months. I was a huge fan of it. People would dance with a passion to a song I had previously played before anyone else. I played some brand new tunes in my town and then others were able to follow.
But, I’ve gotten bored of playing the same tunes that everyone else is playing and the rare tunes I play catch on even before I play them three times since some other DJ on the scene shazams it immediately. It’s an album I’ve spent hours searching for, only to let someone else get it in a matter of minutes with little effort! !
Nowadays I read the news less often than I did before, and instead explore awestruck and in awe of charts, genres, and tunes that aren’t recommended. I’m looking for music that Shazam isn’t aware about, and with an abundance of music to choose from that I’ll never be out of options.
Yes , it’s possible to find rare songs in 320kbps that nobody else has heard of. Don’t worry and this is exactly what a excellent DJ will do. The difference lies in the fact that goalposts are moved.
To replicate what the northern soul godfathers achieved, who chose to hold onto their unique treasures and not let them go You must be innovative. Look outside the box, and stand out from the majority of people. Don’t accept the same thing everyone else does It’s not worth it. Don’t be a sheep, instead be punk.