5 Ways We Can Bring Creativity and Imagination Back To DJing
Since launching the Brolic Army platform, I’ve taken more notice of how others learn and teach DJ art. From my observations, imitation seems to be at the center of both ends.
Since when did copying become creativity?
If Hip Hop’s golden rule is don’t bite, yet we see post after post of DJs regurgitating the works of masters like X-Ecutioners, Invisibl Skratch Piklz and Beat Junkies, how can we bring creativity and imagination back to DJing? Welp, here’s 5 ways I can think of:
1. Stop caring what people think. There are battle routines of mine that have stood the test of time. I can perform joints like my “Funky For You” routine today and 30 years after its creation, I still get a positive reaction. Even in cases where my audience doesn’t know the record. That’s because the song itself is a true reflection of my musical taste and when you stay true to what you like, without compromise, the authenticity in your motives trumps everything!
2. Be creatively courageous. Creative people always ask: What if? and Why not? They’re never complacent. So when you’re practicing or attempting to compose a battle routine, challenge the status quo. Push yourself and the boundaries you are working inside of.
3. Feed your soul. The most impactful DJs are the ones that draw from their personal experiences the best. Where do you get your inspiration from? Fill your mind, heart and ears with music of all kinds, books, movies and even conversations.
4. Your creative space is sacred. As your environment goes, so goes your creativity. If you get easily distracted minutes after turning your gear on, chances are you need to change the area in which your turntables are. Every time I step inside my studio I get the urge to practice because I have triggers (posters of my favorite musicians, pictures of Raida, trophies, etc.) that remind me of how passionate I’ve been towards DJing throughout my life.
5. Don’t bite! True creative people create. True creative people do not just copy from others. As a DJ, it’s OK to be influenced by other DJs, but imitation is not the best form of flattery. Imitation is just that, imitation. Take what you do personally. Creativity needs to be a raw expression of you internally, not someone else.
In closing, When it comes to DJing at least, there’s a misconception that for an idea to be creative it has to be completely “new”. But truthfully, seldom is a scratch pattern totally “original”. You can be UNIQUE though! Think about it. We all walk around this earth in similar bodies, with 2 legs, 2 feet, a torso, a head, arms and hands. But our fingerprints are all DIFFERENT!
The latest TRAINING CAMP session at Brolic Army DJ School focuses on SCRATCH PHRASING and our mission in it is to help students personalize every scratch they’re taught!
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