BTD013 – Bill Brewster: DJ History, New Book, Philosophy of DJing, State of the Dance Floor

Bill Brewster is a pivotal figure in dance music; renowned as a DJ, writer, and music historian whose career spans journalism, performance, and curation. With a career spanning 40 years, he co-authored the seminal book Last Night a DJ Saved My Life with Frank Broughton, a definitive history of DJ culture, and wrote How to DJ (Properly), offering practical guidance for aspiring DJs. Also: The Record Players & How to DJ Right. Brewster also co-founded Djhistory.com, a vital online archive for dance music narratives, he is the host of the Bill Brewster Podcast with over 700 episodes.

In this episode, Robert & Bill discuss Bill’s work, DJ history, philosophy around DJing and dance music and more.

OUTLINE:

• 0:00 – Introduction

• 3:45 – Bill’s DJ Origin Story

• 9:03 – Northern Soul, Soul Boys, Rave Culture

• 13:13 – DJing, Ego & Vanity

• 15:54 – The Educational Role of the DJ?

• 20:43 – How Bill DJs (Spoiler; no preparation)

• 22:48 – The Lord of the Dance

• 33:12 – Modern Night Clubs in Decline?

• 37:33 – What is the Soul of Disco Trying to Accomplish?

• 44:25 – Is Dance Music Still Counter Cultural?

• 47:58 – The Dance Floor is the Star

• 49:25 – The UK Import Obsession

• 57:22 – “Disco Sucks” Phenomena, How Do DJs Be Less Picky

• 1:03:19 – The True Power of the DJ & Enthusiasm

• 1:07:01 – NO REQUESTS

ON REPEAT, GUILTY PLEASURE, UNDER THE RADAR

• On Repeat: Teddy Pendergrass – You Can’t Hide From Yourself (Dmitri from Paris Edit)

• Guilty Pleasure: David Essex – Rock On

• Under the Radar:

• Sheena Easton – 101 – David Morales Def Mix

• Austin Ato – Control

https://youtu.be/JSaAViJeC-M

PODCAST INFO:

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

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