Hi there - could you introduce yourself to the readers?
Otis Lindsey.
DJ
How did you get into [djing]?
I've always loved music, but one day I was asked to play some tunes for a friends birthday party. It was really fun so I just kept playing with music and found I just kind of had a affinity for it. I was introduced to drum and bass music around 2004 so that what I had been playing (and still playing) at the time. after a while I wanted to see about playing gigs locally so I just started looking for local promoter. Tony Sjoli (tsolo) was the first person to book me for a gig so big big ups to him!
Did you need any special training, or did you have a background in this kind of work?
I had no background and minimal musical lessons. A lot of the lessons I've learned have been through reading and just asking experienced people who know about the music I play. I never pass up a chance to learn from someone and usually people are very helpful and informative.
What do you like about it?
Its fun and intense. The style I play is very fast paced. But I just love sharing new sounds with people and bringing them a side of music not often seen or heard in the US.
What are the downsides, if any, to your line of work?
You have to be on top of your game. Most of djing is actually not behind the decks or on a stage. Its at home. Long houses and sleepless nights are often spent looking for new music and staying ahead of the game. Its very tough to make a name for yourself and stand out these days. Every wants to be a dj. Music is also costly.
How do you combat that?
I stay focused and dedicated. I love the music and I play what I love. Most people start playing and don't understand the hard work you have to put in an give up after a year or 2. I've only been playing for about 3 or 4 years but I love the music as '\much as ever so the work I have to put in behind the scenes is a small price' to pay.
Describe your typical work day in 4-5 sentences:
Search for music and find new artists. Sort the music and categorize it. play it out at home and experiment. Make demo mixes and promote myself. Play out at a club or party!
Is this your only job?
No. I work full time at a retail specialist. 40 hour weeks don't give you much time to focus on other things so, this takes up a ton of my free time.
What resources would you recommend to a new person getting into this line of work (books, websites, classes, etc)?
I actually read a book called "How to dj right The Art and Science of Playing Records [Frank Broughton, Bill Brewster]". It has a ton of great information for new djs. It also gives you some amazingly solid advice going into playing tunes. An example "play the music you love". Common sense says that most djs would do that anyway but, You would be surprised at how many djs just play music because they think its going to make them a superstar and don't actually like what they play. in the end. They just quit. Its like having a job you hate.
Do you have a website, book, or portfolio you'd like to share with Alt Cash?
