So you're set to spin at a club, maybe a wedding reception or a youth event. The anticipation creeps in as you methodically plan out the set you're gonna rock the crowd with. You notice the crowd steadily streaming through. The equipment is set up and you are ready to show the crowd what you got.

The needle drops on the vinyl. The song you pick is a sure floor packer. Problem is no one seems to be dancing. Hold on a minute. "What's going on," you think to yourself. "That song is a sure fire winner for the floor", your thoughts race. You are ready to mix in a few more. Finally some people dance. Whew!!!!! You made it to DJ heaven. But wait! It is only a handful of people and not the massive throngs of people erupting in joyous grooves.

We all as DJ's have felt the sting of a seemingly uncooperative crowd. No matter what you play, no matter what the crowd and age this dilemma kicks in… What am I doing wrong? Have you had those thoughts too? Has the "Mr. I can DJ and I know the right songs to get the party going" interfered with your blend of cuts?

I've learned an important thing in spinning over the past 20 plus years — you will never please everyone. In fact your worst critic may be inside your head. I was fortunate enough to spin on a number 1 radio station out here in Southern California. When I got the opportunity to do the mix show — live from a club where I spun at, I was ecstatic. I remember a night when I had the floor packed. Everything was seamless. Then the enemy arrived, actually two. They were rival DJ's on another station which had a mix show of sorts and they were checking me out. You know checking out the mixes, the cuts I played and making eye contact as to give me a jolt of their jealousy. One of the DJ gods came up and commented on a mix that he heard. "I don't think that was the right track to come out of that last track you had", he said.

 I started thinking well maybe I am doing it all wrong. I guess I better please him would be more of an accurate statement. What may the truth be for you? I pray before a gig and also do some self-talk. Things I say are:

• You are gonna do the best you possibly can.
• Everyone doesn't have to like every song or mix I do.
• If no one is dancing that's ok and I can live with it but I'll do my best to get people on the floor.
• Clearing the floor isn’t always a bad thing. Somebody needs to sweep the floor and everyone needs a chance to get a drink or go to the bathroom.
  
  

The common denominator in what I am trying to convey is that inner voice that sometimes is represented by others may not be a voice of truth. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (The Message Translation) says, "We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ".

The road to success is paved with a few speed bumps! Take time to reflect on the truth about who you are as a DJ. That may take outside input from people who are there for you and will tell you the truth. Keep up the good fight and keeping your eyes focused on the prize!