The Age of a Salsa DJ

[El Caobo]

In 2020 I will reach 60 years old, God willing. So, I’ve been thinking about the implication of aging for a salsa DJ.

I spent over a decade in the United States Marine Corps and have enjoyed very good health. I’ve maintained my weight within a certain range, always reversing the weight gains when they reached my personal limit. Also, because of my Marine Corps days, I never allowed too much time to pass before getting back in the gym. So, although I would say that I have aged fairly gracefully, 60 is 60!

Thankfully, salsa is one of very few genres of music, in which a DJ can remain popular and relevant past his or her 40s. This certainly has been true in my case! However, I wonder when I should let It good? I have started having younger guest DJs at my events, because I do sense that I’ve become, or I’m becoming “that old DJ.” Also, in terms of growing my business, this only makes good sense. Having DJs, dance instructors, etc., who are willing to work under my aegis, and whom I can trust, allows me further reach.

The trust factor is an important one! For example, I had started giving gigs to a DJ friend, tu every single time, I discovered that he had tried to do his own thing with management. I get the feeling that many DJs are so “hungry” that they don’t think twice about moving in on another’s territory. Yes, the U.S. is a capitalistic society and each person is free to do what they won’t, if no contract is in place. However, they should learn that it is “bad business.” I have been hired by many people and at so very nice venues, but I have NEVER attempted to ease into those spots; even having been asked by management. That is just not something that I do!

When you think about DJs and their ages, what, if anything comes to mind?

 

[anonymous987]

When you think about DJs and their ages, what, if anything comes to mind?

I would like to think DJ's are judged by the music they play rather than their age. As with any discipline, age brings experience. Experienced DJ's have a greater knowledge of the music's history and what works and does not work on the dance floor. Besides so much of the best salsa music was recorded a long time ago, DJ's both young and old need to have an eye on the past and present. So it seems like they face the same challenges in terms of staying relevant in their musical choices.

However, I wonder when I should let It good?

If you are no longer passionate about your craft, then let it go. Otherwise just keep on going! I am not going to name him, but I think there is a DJ who plays at many festivals and congresses in the world that is highly regarded, who I think is also that age. He does not look like he is slowing down.

 

[Smejmoon]

You know it better, but being in loud music too much is bad for your hearing and mental health, and DJ work hours are not healthy.
Other than that I don't think age is big factor. From DJs I know in Paris, you could be average age.
Probably you don't get gigs by drinking huge amounts or alcohol with organizers, as some do, so this is also not a problem.
So if you still enjoy music and keep looking for new stuff, keep doing it!
Also you are doing radio shows as well. Do you feel they are better suited for older DJs?

 

[El Caobo]

Also you are doing radio shows as well. Do you feel they are better suited for older DJs?

Great question! I believe that the answer is probably , “yes.”

All of us generally have working knowledge of the music that we heard while in our school years, and especially during those high school years. We also have considerable knowledge of what moved our parents. So, the older we our, naturally, the longer we’ve been listening to music and that is a big plus for the radio IF the hosts also strives to share information about the artists, the songs, the musicians, the composers, etc. Young radio hosts can achieve this too, but their learning curve is much steeper, so that they have to be extremely determined.

 

[Smejmoon]

That's what I was thinking. On the dancefloor you have to blast sound to dizzied crowd late at night, fight advances by intoxicated groupies on high heels and short skirts, then worry how to get your gear home, lose cables and mix up vinyl sleeves, and you can't really dance too much without stress.
While in radio you can hang out in shorts and slippers, create comfortable environment, invite interesting people, tell stories, listen to stories, eat food, take a nap, except taking a nap.

 

[matty]

In 2020 I will reach 60 years old, God willing. So, I’ve been thinking about the implication of aging for a salsa DJ.

I spent over a decade in the United States Marine Corps and have enjoyed very good health. I’ve maintained my weight within a certain range, always reversing the weight gains when they reached my personal limit. Also, because of my Marine Corps days, I never allowed too much time to pass before getting back in the gym. So, although I would say that I have aged fairly gracefully, 60 is 60!

Thankfully, salsa is one of very few genres of music, in which a DJ can remain popular and relevant past his or her 40s. This certainly has been true in my case! However, I wonder when I should let It good? I have started having younger guest DJs at my events, because I do sense that I’ve become, or I’m becoming “that old DJ.” Also, in terms of growing my business, this only makes good sense. Having DJs, dance instructors, etc., who are willing to work under my aegis, and whom I can trust, allows me further reach.

The trust factor is an important one! For example, I had started giving gigs to a DJ friend, tu every single time, I discovered that he had tried to do his own thing with management. I get the feeling that many DJs are so “hungry” that they don’t think twice about moving in on another’s territory. Yes, the U.S. is a capitalistic society and each person is free to do what they won’t, if no contract is in place. However, they should learn that it is “bad business.” I have been hired by many people and at so very nice venues, but I have NEVER attempted to ease into those spots; even having been asked by management. That is just not something that I do!

When you think about DJs and their ages, what, if anything comes to mind?

I think salsa is one of those genres where age is an asset. we are talking about music and dance which goes back decades and people appreciate the older music as if it were brand new, its part of the culture. so an older DJ gives the impression of bringing some of that knowledge of the older music.
I don't just say it out of wishful thinking, As a punter when i see an old DJ or old dancer (in their 80s or even 90s), and I'm more likely to look on them with a certain respect or admiration. if it was techno or house music then it looks a bit odd to see a 70 or 80 year old DJ, but that is coming and its not far off now!

incidentally one of the most in-demand DJs in my city is pushing on 60, he is known for his diversity, he can adjust to literally any kind of party, from ska to rock & roll, 80s or electronic music, even salsa. people hire him because he can literally do any kind of party. very few people can do that.

the only obstacle might be the ability to carry around the equipment, but there are good options for downsizing now. There is a guy on youtube called BrianScottRedd who had a stroke, lost use of his right arm and had to find lots of ways of downsizing his set up without compromising it, worth checking out

 

[matty]

DJ work hours are not healthy.

im not sure i agree with that. there are secondary factors like drinking alcohol, eating late at night or missing out on sleep which are unhealthy, but if DJ is able to avoid those traps then i think they can live as healthy a life as anybody else.

 

[Smejmoon]

im not sure i agree with that. there are secondary factors like drinking alcohol, eating late at night or missing out on sleep which are unhealthy, but if DJ is able to avoid those traps then i think they can live as healthy a life as anybody else.

I'm all for eating late at night, but how do you manage your sleep schedule? Also no day job, I guess?
This is a reason many folk I know stop DJing in their late 20s and I always refused regular club gigs. I know some people who keep doing it, but believe they'd be more healthy, if they'd go to sleep before 4am.

(walks to the kitchen at 3am: listen to my words, don't watch my deeds)

 

[matty]

Also no day job, I guess?

see, its the day job that's doing the damage
I work for myself so I can schedule around the late nights

I have done the DJing & Day job thing in the past, and it is not good , I agree , especially when DJing weekly

 

[terence]

if it was techno or house music then it looks a bit odd to see a 70 or 80 year old DJ, but that is coming and its not far off now!

incidentally one of the most in-demand DJs in my city is pushing on 60, he is known for his diversity, he can adjust to literally any kind of party, from ska to rock & roll, 80s or electronic music, even salsa. people hire him because he can literally do any kind of party. very few people can do that.

My daughter is approaching the big 60 and is still doing all nighters as well as regular weekly nites .She is currently doing S. African soul music Salsa is not her thing..

The 2nd para you just described me (except I have kids his age !!.) I don't get nearly enough DJ work of late and have run my own gigs here.

I also recently have done gigs for BR and Rand Roll .

 

[Smiley79]

With regards to sleel, if you maintain a CONSISTANT sleep cycle, then it's not really a problem for your health. Some jobs (in healthcare at least) require 24/7 staffing and having done the evening shift, the problem was when the day/night shifts were very mixed. I preferred 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off to let my circadian rhythm to settle. The alcohol, loud music may be a different thing.

 

[Smejmoon]

With regards to sleel, if you maintain a CONSISTANT sleep cycle, then it's not really a problem for your health. Some jobs (in healthcare at least) require 24/7 staffing and having done the evening shift, the problem was when the day/night shifts were very mixed. I preferred 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off to let my circadian rhythm to settle. The alcohol, loud music may be a different thing.

Are you talking about age group after 60? Emergency doctors usually retire much earlier than others or switch to different profile without night shifts.

 

[Smiley79]

Are you talking about age group after 60? Emergency doctors usually retire much earlier than others or switch to different profile without night shifts.

It's for any age group. It is healthier overall to sleep at night and be up and about during the day due to not only the social convention (important to be around people even if you don't really interact) as well as getting sunlight. Both have a direct relationship to our mental and physical health.

However, societal convention of working/easy accessibility during the day LIMITS one to BE up during the day to take care of errands (thus messing up the sleep cycle for night people. However, I used to work with a nurse who into her mid 50s liked working at night due to how quiet it was. She looked easily 5-10 years younger.

Additionally, most sane people or humans have to switch out of ER shifts just as much (if not MORE) due to the inherent danger of being exposed to so much unknown dangers as well as what is called vicarious trauma. Work in an ER is quite traumatic and our psyche can only endure so much.

If at all possible, I recommend 6-9 hours of REM sleep at night to ensure all possible health benefits.

Also a plug to the OP question, as others have said, if you love what you do, keep going. Oorah!

 

[HothouseSalsero]

To me, salsa DJing depends on one's knowledge of, and feeling for the music, with little of the manual dexterity that might be expected in some other types of DJing. Most of us still don't want to hear a lot of mixing (okay, any mixing at all), I think. Regardless of a salsa DJ's age, his or her experience and familiarity with the music is the most important factor, aside from the more subjective side of things (whether or not he/she has good taste in salsa!). Since salsa is a genre whose heyday as arguably passed, being absolutely up-to-the-minute current doesn't seem that important for a DJ, although I don't think this is something that age would necessarily prevent a DJ from doing anyway. Maybe getting older could make you more out of sync with where popular taste in salsa is, but again, this seems doubtful to me, given the slow rate of change in the genre, or even people's favorites within the genre.

So I would say keep going, if you want to. Be worried if you can never fill the dance-floor, if the club starts getting emptier week after week (especially if dancers are going somewhere else)! Otherwise, why not keep going (unless you lose interest, have trouble with some of the health issues raised elsewhere on the thread, etc.)?

 

[El Caobo]

To me, salsa DJing depends on one's knowledge of, and feeling for the music, with little of the manual dexterity that might be expected in some other types of DJing. Most of us still don't want to hear a lot of mixing (okay, any mixing at all), I think. Regardless of a salsa DJ's age, his or her experience and familiarity with the music is the most important factor, aside from the more subjective side of things (whether or not he/she has good taste in salsa!). Since salsa is a genre whose heyday as arguably passed, being absolutely up-to-the-minute current doesn't seem that important for a DJ, although I don't think this is something that age would necessarily prevent a DJ from doing anyway. Maybe getting older could make you more out of sync with where popular taste in salsa is, but again, this seems doubtful to me, given the slow rate of change in the genre, or even people's favorites within the genre.

So I would say keep going, if you want to. Be worried if you can never fill the dance-floor, if the club starts getting emptier week after week (especially if dancers are going somewhere else)! Otherwise, why not keep going (unless you lose interest, have trouble with some of the health issues raised elsewhere on the thread, etc.)?

Health-wise, I feel just fine right now. However, I do now dread doing “equipment gig,” (providing everything, including speakers), but part of that problem is that I have been doing a lot of them lately. I probably need to hire an assistant to help with the equipment.

Right now, I don’t have any plans to quit. What I really want to do is “manage” my retirement and not wait until it is somehow forced on me. I want to anticipate it, plan it and control it, if at all possible.

 

[Smejmoon]

Health-wise, I feel just fine right now.

I'm happy about you. I know very few former marines and pro soldiers, but almost all of them while very strong are also very broken. Physically and mentally. Knees, back, bad dreams, bad sleep.
I'm really happy that you plan for long life and can dance, and enjoy it.

 

[El Caobo]

I'm happy about you. I know very few former marines and pro soldiers, but almost all of them while very strong are also very broken. Physically and mentally. Knees, back, bad dreams, bad sleep.
I'm really happy that you plan for long life and can dance, and enjoy it.

Thank you so much, sir!

Yeah, I've been through a lot in this short life. So, I count my blessings and I am very appreciative of them.

The guy that I replaced at the big radio station retired at 80 years old. So I definitely plan to continue doing radio for another decade or so.

 

[matty]

The 2nd para you just described me (except I have kids his age !!.) I don't get nearly enough DJ work of late and have run my own gigs here.

I also recently have done gigs for BR and Rand Roll .

that is amazing terence, not sure your age, but its got to be well up there ! I guess the secret to your eternal youth is Salsa !

 

[terence]

that is amazing terence, not sure your age, but its got to be well up there ! I guess the secret to your eternal youth is Salsa !

I'm amazed at my age !!!!.. If there is a secret it's one thing.. DANCE . and Music I Started dance at the age of 4 ( was common in the UK ) and it has served me well ( I also do not drink or smoke ) .

Living thru WW2 in the UK when air raids were frequent at nite, I still danced on week nites and w/ends no matter what as did many others..

 

[El Caobo]

To me, salsa DJing depends on one's knowledge of, and feeling for the music, with little of the manual dexterity that might be expected in some other types of DJing.

You are absolutely right about this! The knowledge and the feel for the music are tantamount! Which brings me to another subject.

There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with being a beginning DJ and all of us have been there. However, the nature of DJing causes us to believe that we are very good, even on the first day. Unfortunately, upstart DJs tend not to acknowledge, let alone respect, the veterans before them. For this reason, I tend to skirt new DJs (not deal with them)… because some of the arrogance from a beginner is hard to swallow.

Some people think that the "skirt" is because of something else, such as territorialism. I personal respect all DJs, so the "skirt" has nothing to do with that. It has everything to do with "how" the begins enter the fray. If they believe that are as good as someone with five years more experience, or 10, or 20, or 30, that is an issue for me! What exacerbates this situation, is when they come in through the back door, without "bonafides" in a dance school; with a built-in follower base and believe that they are the best thing since sliced bread. I bend over backwards to help DJs upstarts who want to learn.

Did I just say that? Hmmmmmmmmm! Should I delete it, or post it? Well, I thought it, so I'm going to hit the "post reply" button! ¡A lo hecho, pecho!