WHY WE DJ - A DJsounds Documentary

In a revealing new documentary investigating the reality of what being a professional DJ is really like, from the hype and parties to relentless touring and the toll that can take on both physical and mental health.
Following the success of last year's ‘The Underground Sound of Paris’, ‘Why We DJ’ delves deep into the psyche of the DJ, exploring the motivations that drive people to pursue a career behind the decks in the first place and the effects it can have.
In refreshingly candid interviews from artist managers, tour managers, Psychologists, music industry professionals and DJs including Carl Cox, Luciano, Seth Troxler, B.Traits, Ben Pearce and Pete Tong MBE we hear stories of the lofty highs and plunging lows DJs can experience on a daily basis.
‘Why We DJ’ provides an honest look at the lives of professional DJs from the point of view of the people subjected to a heavy schedule of travel, sleep deprivation and creative pressure, whilst constantly under the social media spotlight.
For the first time, the film examines how DJs can suffer from conditions such as imposter syndrome, opening up the discussion about the sometimes-dark places artists can easily find themselves in when they’re off stage.
Soundtrack (in order of appearance):
1. North Shore - B.Traits // In.Toto
bit.ly/2hNQi2F
2. The Magic Room (Dino Lenny & Seth Troxler Re-edit) - Dino Lenny & Doorly // Play It Say It
bit.ly/2kYwuOQ
3. No Escape (Stephan Macias remix) - Fraser Stuart // Under No Illusion
bit.ly/2zwlyex
3. Oenologue - Luciano // Cadenza Records
bit.ly/2yy1SXT
4. Fran Left Home - Luciano // Cadenza Records
bit.ly/2yTz8Mc
5. Junkyard Tool - Seth Troxler // Tuskegee Music
bit.ly/2glD1ya
6. Bloom - Robert Babicz (Oliver Schories remix) // Traum Schallplatten
bit.ly/2x5VXaQ
7. Loving You (instr) - Lane 8 // Just Isn't Music
bit.ly/2l0rU2S
8. Middle - Ben Pearce // Different Records & PIAS
bit.ly/2ziZNOl
9. Transit - Ben Pearce // Different Records & PIAS
bit.ly/2zxWm7H
10. Death in Venice - TadlR // Armadillo Records
bit.ly/2x5OLvo
11. Curious Heart - Robert Babicz // Traum Schallplatten
bit.ly/2ijUJ9u
12. Still Points - B.Traits // In.Toto
bit.ly/2njdkkq

[@MrBrancomusic]

This documentary talks about how difficult DJ's lives are and oddly after watching this documentary i want to become a DJ even more!!

[@olympiacoaching]

Working as a DJ includes a unique set of challenges. After years of working in the music industry behind the scenes, I totally understand the problems faced by artists, which is why I now help them find balance and avoid burnout. Thanks for this necessary documentary!

[@jackmercer4244]

I started in 1980 at 14 y o. I spun HiNRG disco, new wave, ska, synth pop. I never really cared to be famous because I was very shy and I loved partying more than being on the decks the whole night. But the kids from my school waited for me to do my magic, while I was f ing off in a corner having drinks ha ha. I disliked the pressure to perform, pressure of money, or being the center of attention. Pressure is no fun. To me, the DJ should be part of the party. Back then, we played whatever we happened to have. The records we invested in defined our individual styles. Parties back then had a variety of music. I was in a four man DJ crew, I was known for synth pop and new wave, the other guys were pop/electro, cha cha/slow dance. I did mobile gigs with various crews until I burnt out in the early 90's and I just kept spinning as a hobby. I dropped out of the dance scene in 2005. Then I found out about Virtual DJ in 2016 and it blew my mind. I built a battery powered DJ rig and been spinning at parks for free ever since. I play whatever the hell I like, and even sing on the mic when I get very drunk ha ha! I built up a small following. Very young pretty chicks dig me lol Life is great at 58 y o.

[@lustforlow-end6022]

I haven’t watched this yet but the reason I DJ is because it’s fun. I’m not famous, I’ve never played in a nightclub but I’ve played at quite a few house parties & had a great time every time. Especially when people came up to me afterwards & complimented me on a job well done! Always a good time!

[@EdsMusic]

This is the life of 90% DJs on the planet!! Thanks guys~

[@nah2860]

I thought this was gonna be another boring video about dj'ing but you guys actually made something completely novel and innovative. Really enjoyed seeing this different perspective on their lives.

[@djc3949]

As a Music DJ for 42 yrs and still mix music at home as my longtime Hobbie which I love more than anything, old skool style , 2 turntables a mixer and a mic. The technology has change everything so much that almost anyone can do it now a days for fun , and just for the love of music like me. But I simply just love mixing music and that's wat gets me going, being able to make 2, 3, 4, music sounds as one is just awesome and beautiful. Doesn't matter wat type or kind of music , it's when they're all put as one.

[@jackmercer4244]

Same here! I was a pioneer of mashups in the 80's in San Francisco. I played instrumentals on one deck and accapellas on the other, in their entirety. Once the vocal ran out, I had to hustle to cue up another record because I only had two decks. My mashups were so good that some people thought I was playing remixes that they haven't heard before. It blew their minds when they found out what I was doing. 🤣🤣🤣 One of my best mashups was Run DMC - You Be Illin vs George Kranz - Din Da Da. Try it! I've never heard any million dollar DJs these days do anything as wild.

[@jellyblocked]

kudos to the documentary makers for delving into this important subject matter of how Djs physical and mental health can be affected. Be careful what you wish for any young Djs out there. Whats goes up must "come down " weather it's the drugs or the natural highs from Djing and energy felt of thousand of other humans. Balance is key as in any walk of life not just a Dj. Perspective is key !

[@arturoperez2722]

This documenatry is gold, pure gold. Thanks for sharing that to the comunity.

[@cosmicpuma]

Love the honesty without validation. Ultimately, it's the gift that is choice and the responsibility that comes with it.. They cannot exist separately. Easy for me to say though.. this is reality and hearing Morillo saying what he did about not being that guy, is a real as it gets. Respect. I read 'Last Night a Dj Saved My Life', years ago, and constantly referenced it in comments on KZbin and social media as a ' must read' for anyone wanting to know the origins and path of the gift that is dance music... and so I took my own advice and ordered a copy a few weeks ago, it arrived this week and now I'm watching this documentary, that I also watched before.... Dj'ing saved my life...I can not imagine what I would have done with that time... and can resonate with what was said about having music, especially through challenging times in life... I have really learned to love solitude now. Thank you for the documentary. Appreciated 🙌 🙌Music is Freedom 🙌

[@yveshinett2059]

You actually made a point for those who don't understand and think that touring regularly is just flowers and roses. Really like the spontaneity of Seth. Good job guys.

[@RicoSanchez]

Finally a documentary that addresses a very important issue in the DJ lifestyle. I found myself connecting directly with the message presented by a lot of these guys. The substance abuse is something that can make or brake a party depending on the mood one goes in.

[@adrianlawrence1509]

Fantastic documentary that didn't sugar coat anything! I know very well the affects of sleep deprived weekends DJing and hitting it hard for years! Still absolutely Love it, but now have a serious heart condition because of it. Wouldn't change anything of it, and completely own my actions!

[@domandsal]

I wasn't on that superstar level but still battled the duality of a normal life with this crazy party life and the approaching connundrum of having and maintaining a family whilst being away or working twice as hard for half as much. Thank God I chose to leave when I did.

[@DJ_Dhawz]

Thanks for this documentary. Enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the tracklist.

[@bona340]

You got me surprised by this documentary. That was beautifully done and it gave a face to the professional and human part of the "glamour" no one sees. Well done.

[@mitchiemasha]

Try being a ghost town resident. 1 week bouncing, next week dead... week in week out, ups and downs. The complaints, the praises! Trying hard to push the music you love but always pulled back. 6 hours sets from empty to full, back to empty again. All for pennies and a free bar. Friday, Saturday every week, perform, perform. Hung over, no excuses, no time to be sick, the substitute might better you. The 3 month friendships and 1 night loves. Not just a year or 2 but for life, to which any form of normality is a distant blur, impossible to return to. We've all had the nightmares and severe anxiety but no time outs for depression, what will pay the bills. After it's all done, the weekend, when all the madness is finally over, that's one of the best bits, coming home to the silence! don't hate, it love!!! The freedom, 4/5 days of listening, searching for music, ready to do it all over again. Ghost town DJ 18 years and counting. It's not for everyone but for those it suits, a dream come true.

[@paveldenis1469]

mitchiemasha What a great point of view, i found my self and i lived more then 99% of what you said.Another one like me.Peace.

[@Binx75075]

Do you have a FB page?

[@geneking5635]

for decades ....and at 50 not getting tired of it ........the ups and down dont bother me anymore for some reason

[@michellemealey2569]

It's a beautiful way to Express yourself it touches your soul,, we dance to the same beat 🦄🤸‍♀️💃🌸🌷🦋it will always be my safe space, Express yourself be free 🦄🤸‍♀️🤹‍♀️👑🌸🌷🦋👠

[@Dj_Alax909]

@18:56 about the realest thing you hear as a DJ, I may only do house parties but its easy to become part of the party or trying and get on the level on everybody else... lately though ive working on limiting the drinking for me personally and just getting to the point where im relaxed and nerves go away but im still in the right mind set to pull up tracks and think of transitions and playlist etc.

[@edgarstilla]

magnificent job from Djsounds! Thank you.

[@MartinWedgwood]

What a great, honest and helpful documentary. Greatful for the artists transparency and openness. Beautiful how this short movie raises awareness for the severe issues that can come with the life of a touring artist.

[@djmattblack]

Some really interesting points made and also some truths, the massive high you get from a gig to going back to a normal life can be a bit of a shock to the system but ultimately you have to learn your limits and try not to overdo it

[@FilippoPhilippMeoni]

Finally someone talk abouth something that nobody say! Thank you for this documentary!

[@tablemannersdj]

A great insight into the world of a DJ. Really enjoyed this no holds barred look into what we do. Great video

[@djpirano787]

I understand the madness, but I still wanna do this at a higher level. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿✨

[@rahplayszeke07]

Beautiful doc. I'm happy to see this being talked about more. Mental health is def something that is being talked about more as resources to self care become more available. Kudos DJSounds

[@ISNOTDEAD11]

Rahmell Brown health problems just indicates a greedy DJ. You don't need to be at every gigs but I guess money makes people do a lot more than what they're capable of....

[@huky1916]

I feel like I needed to hear all of that, thank you!

[@imdjc4]

It was hereditary for me. As children, dad hosted a monthly jazz show and it influenced us boys to want to become djs too.

[@loftzonellc.5775]

We Are Loftzone Family

[@Binx75075]

I used to be a club promoter back in the day & I was fortunate enough to be able to meet the DJs/Producers whose music I've been listening to for years. This gives me a first-hand look into how their lives are on & off the stage. Thank you for that. I never knew how lonely being on the road can be. In the documentary, they mention that when the performers go from the stage & on tour to going home to quiet that it could lead to depression & drugs & I can see how life can lead that way. DJ AM for example... lost several friends to ODs & it's sad how quickly your life can spin out of control.

[@bFABIO]

38 years feeling this. True. And we down everybody kills.

[@djkoilive]

This is amazing and I am going to share it with everyone I know. Thank you so much for this!

[@DjNikGnashers]

Loved the intro, and all of the DJ's explaining the emotional reasoning for wanting to DJ, getting all arty farty, and then Carl Cox comes on and just says 'I was breaking the needles of my parents record player so I had to get a paper round and milk round to buy my own" hahah true British grit right there, no bs. This is exactly how I bought my first two belt drive BSR turntables in 1980, and battery powered mic mixer from Tandy's, and thus started my own DJ journey. 42 years later and I'm still dj-ing. There is a massive difference between my generation (and the previous one too), and the reasoning for wanting to be a DJ, to the past 20 years where it seems the vast majority of people want to be a DJ just for the glamour, the ego boost, the 'cool factor' and not really for the true passion of wanting to express something in a unique and personal way to a crowd. Not all modern DJ's are like this of course, but the vast majority are simply sheep who all do the same thing in exactly the same way and play the same tunes. B o r i n g ..... It saddens me when DJ's want to be the centre of attention, because the more a DJ does this, I feel the less important the actual music they play becomes. The best years were when the DJ was just a dark mysterious figure in the shadows, and the music meant everything.

[@jackmercer4244]

I loved my Radioshack Realistic DJ mixer, it had a crossfader, too. Imagine that ...ha ha

[@jackmercer4244]

I started in 1980. Now I spin at the parks for free, and I have my back to the audience ha ha.

[@Eugguy190722]

The film quality and production makes me feel like I'm watching all the unused remnants of a new Pioneer DJ product.

[@rossgardiner3744]

Savage

[@alfredoacostabeneficiaryak3239]

i was a dj during the disco era and the beginning of the hip hop explosion. when my daughter was born, i knew it was about her from that point. i made the decision to stop playing. it was at the time the hardest and easiest at the same time because i knew what it was back then as a dj. never home always playing somewhere or always practicing. never really involved with people too much except you immediate family and those who were there with in the crew. but once my daughter came, that was it...but now i'm going back to djing...a little older, a little wiser, with a daughter who's now a musician and is never home always playing and around only those she is with in that life and her immediate family. sound familiar? lol....i know...its my fault....

[@nohresponse]

How is it going with your life, my man? Beatiful life history Congrats

[@alfredoacostabeneficiaryak3239]

@@nohresponse Doing well...I'm spinning 2 days a week on 2 different channels and I'm on Mixcloud and Soundcloud....Daughter still doing her thing. I'm blessed and highly favored...always positive and cutting off negative people in my life to maintain positivity....

[@EveningEcho89]

I saw Ben Pearce last new years eve in Dublin. He was excellent, hope he finds some peace in his life.

[@SD-kp1yk]

Great video. O how the Mondays Sucked once things sucked you in!!!! almost 50 and still love the Music

[@SkeleMusic]

the great DJ D-Unity recommended i watch this. its really great!

[@z1losk8er]

this video helps!! it really helps my mental state. thank you whoever made this!!!

[@WeshWesh64men]

what a massive and nice documentary. Even bedroom deejays should be interested by that.. To be myself a bedroom dj and only being able to have a few dates a year, it's incredible how difficult it is to stand out of every other deejay that are mixing. It's a weird feeling of being there and saying to yourself like, man, am I good enough for this, or even that if you want to have a little bit more notoriety, how hard it is. A lot of friends just stops. There's just not enough support, not enough feedback, not enough peoples d-that believes that you can do it... Living in a small town, it is another difficulty that came on the table and that adds to an other difficulty ect ect.. The techno/house scene in France (let's not talk about Paris, its just a very small portion of France) is still really underground and if you are not known, nobody comes to see you, you are just alone in front of your mixer, and you are still a bedroom producer .. I truly hope that love of music and efforts will put us in front raw in a few years. Able to discover new things and new ways of working.

[@hang-sangitch]

This is a genius documentary. Down to earth. A look at the reality of the dj life. A good vibe to put out into the world. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@quinlancam9049]

Great documentary. RIP Avicii.

[@daveparadice]

Excellent, real issues exposed. Fascinating piece, well done!!

[@joshmash1635]

Love how real this was! Thank you

[@darius.motazed]

Well done production from track selection all the way to the interviews. You guys made a solid crack at mental health issues and showed the "real" toll being a DJ can have on ones life.

[@dj_sobia]

Love music, Be a great dj and do wt u love! BUT u gotta know wt u have to be aware of and u gotta know wr is ur stop point! DON’T ever do drugs and stay connected with ppl u love and they love u! Have some rest in between every period (u know ur strength) Have fun and do ur best ❤️🙏🏽!

[@CARLOstudiosessions]

wow what a documentary, thanks for delivering this!

[@djceddy6945]

Wow such great insight of our DJ Lives! Even the big stars experience hectic times! I just loved this information shared. Thinking about you who you are at the centre of the universe is still priority! I love that message. The hectic lifestyle for sure if not aware. Music is the still our medicine from the beginning. Thanks DJSounds.

[@jan-niklasmeier8315]

Amazing to hear this point of view. Well done guys, well done!

[@pauli_phonic]

Wow amazing documentary, I love it !

[@MicheleAnesi]

The dark side of djing. Thank you DJsounds!

[@timpell]

Very very good documentary. Really paints the bigger picture.

[@andreagiudici9006]

Amazing documentary. Thank you

[@chicoveryfine]

Awesome documentary! I'm glad the psychological toll of this lifestyle was addressed. It can make you or break you!

[@bruno3000]

Superb documentary, keep up the good work guys. Also the music was on point!

[@theefragmen4243]

Thank you for this documentary, all to many times we forget that DJs are human, we’ve seen the cost with Avicii passing

[@GeorgeKafetzis]

Loved this . Very well put together

[@KevinMaleesha]

Great documentary dj sounds. Good job!

[@Tonydjjokerit]

It's an education to say the least.A very informative video which say's those who wish to be DJ's must do it for the right reasons

[@tonysmith5878]

I'M IN LOVE ALREADY.

[@jeroenski3487]

Amazing documentary. I love the open way everybody talks about their challenges.

[@rodneyratcliffe7749]

RESPECT TO ALL DJS!!

[@Gbeebaby]

Love this! Finally a great documentary on what real life djing hardships are! Hopefully you guys can make one about women in djing and the struggles and the good they have to come across ❤️

[@smickyjackson594]

Yes Im a female dj. Gotten pretty called for Im always on the go. I rarely leave the tri-state area and stillvfeel all these same pressures. Its hard to say no, drugs n alkie always around...now add in three kids! Work all nite and sleep during school times and chores, bed and back to work! I play 7 nights a week!

[@djpollyester]

DISCOWORM D.J. LOVES THIS DOCUMENTARY,,,,, SAN FRANSISCO 2020

[@LeonEdwards1976]

Enjoyed this, thanks for making it. Subjects that need to be spoken about, nice one djsounds.

[@Rossboe1]

A good nights sleep and sunshine is the cure all. I was a bit depressed the other day, not from hang over or drugs, and I had 9 hours solid, woke up to a 28C day, and I was loving it. Thats Australia for ya. It might be a bit different in the U.K where every thing is poxy all the time, but, that was my experience. Peace in the Middle East.

[@ruppellsbooden8917]

cocaine is a hell of a drug

[@helomusicc]

This made me realize a lot, Thank you

[@theofficialbeatitude]

just watching this makes me anxious

[@rodrigoms75]

All these difficulties are also present in other careers, one very important thing was said there: Family support and principles.

[@karimelzein9115]

Really awesome to watch.. Cheers for the track list.

[@topofthemornintoya]

Laurent Garnier summed it up: ‘The plus is so much more than the minus, we can’t really complain’ The TM’s have the hard job!

[@murielruiz4821]

Very enlightening. Thank you for this.

[@thewraithize]

Morillo's an absolute legend. He was the first superstar DJ

[@junglisticlaboratoryunderc1818]

and it all started in the underground

[@dannyrampling]

Excellent documentary we all go through it one way or another in the industry.

[@lifecamerakaran]

Absolutely brilliant watch. Kudos to everyone involved in making this. I'm going to check out The Underground Sound of Paris now.

[@Ethnikmanofficial]

Saw it at the Amsterdam dance event - great documentary!

[@jrgenfoss6795]

verry good dokumentary. I felt like comming home, if some understand.....dj-27 years

[@LeroybrownLR3mk02]

Great docco. MH problems were the reason I quit back in 2002 just as I was offered what could have been a big break.

[@joa8508]

Watching this in 2021, it’s heartbreaking to hear what Erick M said on starting a family soon. The dangers are real, stay safe folks. RIP Erick🙏🏽

[@STOPLISTENANDTHINK]

Nah he was a serial assaulter

[@shweetbeat]

What about us Ravers who goto clubs Friday to Sunday and having to go back and sit in a lonely room. Go to work Monday morning, lack of sleep and not say a word till Thursday then do it all again "WHY WE RAVE - SLAVES TO THE RAVES"

[@BenPearceDJ]

They would be treated exactly the same by any mental health professional. The isolation after a party is a massive part of the reason why it can affect our mental health so much. The reason why this is targeted at people who work in the industry is surely because of the links of pioneer/DJsounds to the industry and to highlight a deep seated issue through some well known people. If it's talked about it's more likely to be accepted by society and more help will be available for those who suffer with it. :)

[@shweetbeat]

Of course, its all part of it, for some it even becomes the norm. Alcohol and Drugs plays a massive role in this. You cut out that you cut out the scene, sad but true. Part 2 Documentary - "WHY WE RAVE - SLAVES TO THE RAVES". Get club promoters involved, people who run things behind the scenes and club goers. These are people who come across the minority but make up the majority in the scene. This documentary is an excellent demonstration as to how this lifestyle can actually affect someone and that not everyone is invisible as they look on the outside. Great to see people actually come out and talk about it.

[@BenPearceDJ]

The research recently conducted found no correlation between those suffering with mental health issues and drug/alcohol use. The factors behind someone working in music are detrimental to mental health. To push together these two things is not helpful to either cause. There's a lot of people who can contribute to this talk, of course they should all be heard but this is a step in the right direction. It is, it's a small cross section but massively important in bringing this talk into the consciousness and the normality of everyday life. It needs to be ok to discuss it amongst anyone, nobody should feel alone.

[@Funky1ism]

Ben Pearce what i dont understand is, its commonly known that lack of sleep, or a disturbed day/night rythm is killing for mental health.. but, when i see touring schedules of some dj’s i am knocked off my feet, playing 4-6 gigs in 3 countries in one weekend. Why do they choose to do this? A human can not keep up with that for a long time i think. Why not take on less gigs and be healthier?

[@BenPearceDJ]

Agreed it is a lot. I think a lot of people recognise the fragility of the music industry. There's no guarantee you'll be getting gigs next year so it's a lot of making the most of it. I'm trying to be more healthy in my schedules now but actually not getting many gigs at the moment, trying to work it back up. It's a really difficult question to be honest and of course it all depends on the individual. It's more about knowing your limits and the warning signs.

[@mjamusicswitzerland]

Thanks good to see also the otherside 👍🇨🇭🎧🎶

[@smickyjackson594]

Yes Im a female dj. Gotten pretty called for Im always on the go. I rarely leave the tri-state area and still feel all these same pressures. Its hard to say no, drugs n alkie always around...now add in three kids! Work all nite and sleep during school times and chores, bed and back to work! I play 7 nights a week! Sure I need therapy but no time....

[@SalamatiMusic]

Great documentary. I can relate so much.

[@ΓιαννηςΜιχαλουδης-ξ1ξ]

Excellent Video!!!Great Job!!!

[@123poling]

This is SPOT ON. Thank you.

[@josephkamaru523]

Loved this one

[@ConsultancybyAlex]

Great documentary! Important topic!

[@givetordlove]

Immense respect to @pioneerdj and @djsounds for this video!

[@riverthinman4782]

Every dj has a battle with himself, with the punlic and than with the darkness from club industry. Every dj arrive in a wick point when he dont know what to do and in what directions have to go on.are a lot of dj which take 10000 euro in 2 hours but they are dead inside because all they wanted is to be famous and rich. There are real artist which dont have gigs because the industry of music and clubs doesnt give them a chance and they dont believe they are capable to be djs. B traits is one of my favourite dj with a nice character. I admire her for what she is and for all effort , energy and devotion for music. The real dj artist always bring positive vibes yo the public even when they are not in good shape as Villalobos. I have more than 20 years of clubbing and I can say everythings changed in worst. I begin to go in clubs in 96-97 , I begin with all kinds of electronic music (ambient, idm, chicago house, progressive, trance, techno, electro-breaks, detroit-techno) are no artist on the scene just djs playing they re favourite tracks. How Richie Hawtin use to play in the 90s and what play now or Marco Carola, oriented for money not for the love of music. Enough, to much words for nothing.

[@P_____]

Excellent documentary!

[@markthepunter1865]

Fantastic show

[@grooveshackrecords]

Great documentary

[@StalvartJohn]

Thanks for the this beautiful documentary.

[@PauloSantos-rx4ix]

Must see doc. very important message.

[@GorgonsEye]

Djs are the 20th and 21st century's bard

[@tonysmith5878]

TO MAKE THE PEOPLE DANCE AND SCREAM!!!!!!! SALUTE TO YOU ALL.... CONTROL THE CROWD.

[@leylafashion]

I got to see this at the screening! It was very interesting to see !

[@TheYeooww39]

Great watch!

[@jogonjoneth]

very intersting documenatary

[@philip-at-tube]

Very well made, this documentary. 👍

[@duchessofdub]

Thank you for this video I understand what is being said!