At this point in time, your future dentists, film directors, and your ex all have a SoundCloud. Maybe part of it is being a college student, but DJ aspirations are ubiquitous. From dorm setups to Boiler Room fantasies, house music is blasting and club culture is on the rise. What has started this trend? Why does everyone want to start DJing?
There’s multiple angles to take when answering this question. Breaking it down into psychological, social, and accessibility, DJ culture is the allure of control and cool. Setting the energy and vibe in a room is a modern day shaman.Â
On this, I have to mention “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” the 2010 song by Usher. Because, the songs a DJ plays can impact the outcome of your night: whether it be a favorite song played, or a memory captured. DJing is the shortcut to a social aspect that involves control and influence as one of the most well known people in the room. Being in college, people want to befriend a DJ to get into parties, and no one is subtle about it.
Living in a post-pandemic world, everyone craves connection, sweat and sonic transcendence. Dancing in a packed room with your friends is a way to escape and express yourself. It makes sense that people want to lead that, too. With the release of Charli xcx’s album “Brat” and the channeling of London’s rave scene, “Brat summer” was one of many unforgettable pop culture periods of 2024. That includes the “365 partygirl” and “it girl” images, creating an era of iconic influencers showing their true (brat green) colors.
Everyone’s a DJ but no one has truly floored me. Except maybe Barack Obama that one time. I love this hobby and I believe it to be something for music lovers and partiers alike, but I want more. Creative transitions, unique sounds, and noises could all create a distinct and fresh DJ set. One day I do hope to see people DJing on the street like street musicians.Â