I will be 70 years old next year. I couldn’t care a less what people think of my age. I play the right tunes! People have fun! (I’ll probably slow down when I get older)
As an older DJ that has a lot of grey hairs, I’ve learned to keep a low hair cut. When my hair grows out the grey is very noticeable. I just had a gig tonight and made sure to have my wife give me a quick haircut before I left the house. Other than that, I try to go to the gym consistently to make sure I am at least in good physical shape.
As a 52 yr old balding disabled dj who works weekly with younger audiences, does bars, weddings and corporate I may not always get instant cred based on my looks but I earn it. That's imo better than handing it to you. Couple years ago I was setting up in a club, kid came by and said :what's your dj name "statutory rape", if was funny so I laughed at it. 4 hours later I'm packing out, that same kid came back double fisting long necks, hands me one and complimented me apologized for the joke. I turned him, that was fun BTW, what's a dj supposed to look like anyway? 75% have that perfect face for radio lol
I think it's less about what a DJ is "supposed" to look like than it is being appealing to your clientele. I'm not having any issues, but if someone is & feels there is age discrimination of some kind involved, maybe it's time to update your look a bit? A person could also have a "vintage" look that's super cool if you are young, but if you are older, many may assume that your 80's metal head look isn't something that you recently adopted, but something you've been hanging onto since the 80's & are reluctant to change. That look or assumed mindset may not be appealing to a 20-something year old potential client. Again, if you are getting plenty of work despite looking like a Molly Hatchet roadie, rock on. However, if you are feeling like a younger clientele isn't even considering you anymore, I feel like it's wise to look at any & all of the possible reasons why
@briansredd no issues for me, yet lol. Still doing weddings for 20 somethings and getting kid referrals from graduation parties. Just know the music and be cool, not rocket science
That's reality, when you're in the entertainment industry, your looks and physique are your main investments especially you're at the center stage. Thanks for always having a relevant topic. This is not just a DJ channel but also a motivational one.
Shortly before i turned 40 i realized i had to change up how i present myself as a dj. I knew i was getting to the age where i was old enough that i could be most of my crowds dad, and the persona i had been using for years was going to give me creepy uncle vibe. I knew I'm not that guy, and didn't want to come off as that guy, so i made a choice to present myself differently, and settled on what i like to call "your friends cool dad." The guy that can create a fun environment, listen to and encourage these kids to be the best they can, and generally be non-judgemental. Now I'm 45 and since i made the change I've had more work and stayed more busy than i ever was when i was in my edgy 20's.
I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 after 20 years in the biz and lived on wom referrals. After I lost 40 pounds and my hair was not full anymore, the referrals dropped a lot, I saw the writing on the wall and retired 2 years later.
I’ve turned 45 this year, before covid I was in bars and nightclubs and now back doing weddings, I always clean shave and trim my hair before a gig i even put moisturiser on my face to help tighten it up just to take off a few years 😂
Perfect video. I am an older DJ and have a routine to stay younger. I got to the gym for cardio and sauna. And aloe masks a few times a week. I don't look my age and don't share it with a client. Unless they are looking for an older DJ. Hehe😂
i only dj now for people i know.I got 2 class reunions this summer.i dont charge as much as i should but i know the people and will enjoy being there along with playing music and they could care less of what look like and how old i am.they will care if i keep the right kinda tunes rolling and not a jag...
Same thing happens in the bar industry. You get 2 employees start off at age 21, guy and a girl. The guy is bussing, the girl is working on the shooter bar. 5 years later, she’s assistant manager, gets the best shifts on bar, he’s a doorman, maybe head doorman. 5 years after that, he’s managing the place and she’s off at a less popular club.
This is Brill - im 63 soon- have maybe 4 years to go till i get my UK pension , I'm still doing it albeit its harder standing up for 6 hours and the tinnutis , aching back , - i need an asistant really to carry my gear :) - apart from some grumpy clients i do really enjoy it , sorry to hear about your stroke
I definitely feel like I set myself up to fall into this trap. When I started DJing at clubs, I was 32 and still hot and dressed the part, setting that precedent for appearing in public. I’m turning 40 this year and very much aware of my aging and appearance. I know 40’s isn’t old per se, but it’s not like being 20 or 30 something. What’s worse, I got into the game kinda late and don’t have as much experience as other DJs my age, so I feel a bit lacking in that area (your Imposter Syndrome video also really struck a chord with me), but I am practicing and honing my skills and learning new ones. And still dressing up for gigs, but making changes that are more “age appropriate.”
I think some markets can be a bit more youth-focused. However even at my young ol' age of 50 now I am not seeing a whole lot of negativity towards experienced but older DJs. I am sure it exists, but not to the scale that it's somehow putting me out of business. In the end we work all this till we've lost it all. I honestly hope I am still rocking it into my 60s and even 70s. I'll try to stay healthy and as relatively fit as I can be. And I know there aren't as many DJs with a deep encyclopedia-level knowledge in music which still gives you and I a competitive advantage. :)
This is something I've been thinking about in the last 5 years or so. When I don't get hired for a potential gig, I wonder what the reason or reasons could be when I've exhausted all of the "normal" possibilities. For context, I'm 10 years older than you.
Same thing happens in the car world There are a lot of female content creators doing car content and they get all the views because when they work on vehicles they’re in skimpy outfits… except for Emelia Hartford she’s legit.
Juicy M is a stunning knockout, but has serious skill and personality as well. But I think as she ages she will get less of the big festivals, because i think those show producers see image with her over her skills it is a shame. But who knows, she may also be able to retire by 40, so she won't have to worry about it. I also see a lot of Twitch streamers (DJs), one is a male with serious skill, one is a beautiful girl wearing tight clothes or next to nothing but a very average mixer...The man has 38 viewers, the girl over 1000 viewers.
"Receiding hairline"... ... Your hair is ok. I'm 38 and I have to do a buzzcut without a comb because I have a landing strip on top. So now I could pass as a military dude instead of old guy.
There are a few things we can’t escape and one of them is Growing Old. As for men vs women, in their younger years the woman may get gigs that the man. It’s the wow factor or Eye Candy sure the young man may have better skills but the woman would probably get the gig because she would attract more business. But as the years go by some women age gracefully and some don’t and that goes for the men, who may get a bigger belly and the turkey neck. So now with older age more the 90% of the time now the gentleman will get the gig. One place I don’t think beauty matters is for the Wedding DJ., the one place beauty may or does are bar gigs and Club gigs. The Beautiful young Lady Dj will get the gig because she will attract more business. Again one thing we can’t stop is the aging process, but we have learn how to deal with it. One last thing is if the female DJ starts dressing as if she was in her 20’s you will have people start saying look at her she’s try to look young, remember people can be cruel with their commitments. All I can say is Looks don’t make a Good DJ, so to all the female & male DJ’s is keeping practicing your skills as a DJ don’t let the Looks get you.
I will be 70 years old next year.
I couldn’t care a less what people think of my age.
I play the right tunes!
People have fun!
(I’ll probably slow down when I get older)
As an older DJ that has a lot of grey hairs, I’ve learned to keep a low hair cut. When my hair grows out the grey is very noticeable. I just had a gig tonight and made sure to have my wife give me a quick haircut before I left the house. Other than that, I try to go to the gym consistently to make sure I am at least in good physical shape.
I went with it as i do old school! 67 years old and I go by the name "Grandfather Flash!"
As a 52 yr old balding disabled dj who works weekly with younger audiences, does bars, weddings and corporate I may not always get instant cred based on my looks but I earn it.
That's imo better than handing it to you.
Couple years ago I was setting up in a club, kid came by and said :what's your dj name "statutory rape", if was funny so I laughed at it. 4 hours later I'm packing out, that same kid came back double fisting long necks, hands me one and complimented me apologized for the joke.
I turned him, that was fun
BTW, what's a dj supposed to look like anyway?
75% have that perfect face for radio lol
I think it's less about what a DJ is "supposed" to look like than it is being appealing to your clientele. I'm not having any issues, but if someone is & feels there is age discrimination of some kind involved, maybe it's time to update your look a bit? A person could also have a "vintage" look that's super cool if you are young, but if you are older, many may assume that your 80's metal head look isn't something that you recently adopted, but something you've been hanging onto since the 80's & are reluctant to change. That look or assumed mindset may not be appealing to a 20-something year old potential client. Again, if you are getting plenty of work despite looking like a Molly Hatchet roadie, rock on. However, if you are feeling like a younger clientele isn't even considering you anymore, I feel like it's wise to look at any & all of the possible reasons why
@briansredd no issues for me, yet lol. Still doing weddings for 20 somethings and getting kid referrals from graduation parties. Just know the music and be cool, not rocket science
That's reality, when you're in the entertainment industry, your looks and physique are your main investments especially you're at the center stage. Thanks for always having a relevant topic. This is not just a DJ channel but also a motivational one.
Shortly before i turned 40 i realized i had to change up how i present myself as a dj. I knew i was getting to the age where i was old enough that i could be most of my crowds dad, and the persona i had been using for years was going to give me creepy uncle vibe. I knew I'm not that guy, and didn't want to come off as that guy, so i made a choice to present myself differently, and settled on what i like to call "your friends cool dad." The guy that can create a fun environment, listen to and encourage these kids to be the best they can, and generally be non-judgemental.
Now I'm 45 and since i made the change I've had more work and stayed more busy than i ever was when i was in my edgy 20's.
I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2005 after 20 years in the biz and lived on wom referrals. After I lost 40 pounds and my hair was not full anymore, the referrals dropped a lot, I saw the writing on the wall and retired 2 years later.
It's easier now more than ever to remain relevant longer and keep yourself looking younger.
I’ve turned 45 this year, before covid I was in bars and nightclubs and now back doing weddings, I always clean shave and trim my hair before a gig i even put moisturiser on my face to help tighten it up just to take off a few years 😂
Perfect video. I am an older DJ and have a routine to stay younger. I got to the gym for cardio and sauna. And aloe masks a few times a week. I don't look my age and don't share it with a client. Unless they are looking for an older DJ. Hehe😂
This happens on TV ads or even meteorologists on tv! I find myself getting up at 5am just to see what she’s wearing today!! lol
I M 58 and rocking a club and Mobil . I do cover my grey
I don t look 58.. you are right about the Mustache.
Part of it is in ypur head also
i only dj now for people i know.I got 2 class reunions this summer.i dont charge as much as i should but i know the people and will enjoy being there along with playing music and they could care less of what look like and how old i am.they will care if i keep the right kinda tunes rolling and not a jag...
I love listen to your life experiences and wise reasoning and understanding others. Wish you from my heart all the best!
Just keep your chin up Brian… ALL of them!!!
You are so bad. lol
Same thing happens in the bar industry. You get 2 employees start off at age 21, guy and a girl. The guy is bussing, the girl is working on the shooter bar. 5 years later, she’s assistant manager, gets the best shifts on bar, he’s a doorman, maybe head doorman. 5 years after that, he’s managing the place and she’s off at a less popular club.
Generalizations but some truth to this.
In my area, Lex is the best known DJ and he’s like 57, has white facial hair. He’s got charm and charisma. They call him the mayor of George Street.
You’re a good man Brian…
Well said Brian.
This is Brill - im 63 soon- have maybe 4 years to go till i get my UK pension , I'm still doing it albeit its harder standing up for 6 hours and the tinnutis , aching back , - i need an asistant really to carry my gear :) - apart from some grumpy clients i do really enjoy it , sorry to hear about your stroke
Good stuff, thanks Brian👍🏼
I definitely feel like I set myself up to fall into this trap. When I started DJing at clubs, I was 32 and still hot and dressed the part, setting that precedent for appearing in public. I’m turning 40 this year and very much aware of my aging and appearance. I know 40’s isn’t old per se, but it’s not like being 20 or 30 something. What’s worse, I got into the game kinda late and don’t have as much experience as other DJs my age, so I feel a bit lacking in that area (your Imposter Syndrome video also really struck a chord with me), but I am practicing and honing my skills and learning new ones. And still dressing up for gigs, but making changes that are more “age appropriate.”
40 next month, totally feeling it too. I'm not beautiful but my sound selection is :) haha
Female "DJ's" are all the rage . They dance around and try to look pretty. Some can play/produce, but most are eye candy.
When I gained weight I lost a lot of gigs believe it or not people it's sad to say but looks can get you gigs
I did a big gig for sxsw this year and hit the gym hard. Lost alot "Dad bod" weight. Now made the gym part of my daily routine.
When you're young you want to look older........
I think some markets can be a bit more youth-focused. However even at my young ol' age of 50 now I am not seeing a whole lot of negativity towards experienced but older DJs. I am sure it exists, but not to the scale that it's somehow putting me out of business.
In the end we work all this till we've lost it all. I honestly hope I am still rocking it into my 60s and even 70s. I'll try to stay healthy and as relatively fit as I can be. And I know there aren't as many DJs with a deep encyclopedia-level knowledge in music which still gives you and I a competitive advantage. :)
This is something I've been thinking about in the last 5 years or so. When I don't get hired for a potential gig, I wonder what the reason or reasons could be when I've exhausted all of the "normal" possibilities. For context, I'm 10 years older than you.
If your a guy you get no love .She has nothing but looks that’s it Talent lol
Shout outs to Alan
Same thing happens in the car world There are a lot of female content creators doing car content and they get all the views because when they work on vehicles they’re in skimpy outfits… except for Emelia Hartford she’s legit.
Juicy M is a stunning knockout, but has serious skill and personality as well. But I think as she ages she will get less of the big festivals, because i think those show producers see image with her over her skills it is a shame. But who knows, she may also be able to retire by 40, so she won't have to worry about it.
I also see a lot of Twitch streamers (DJs), one is a male with serious skill, one is a beautiful girl wearing tight clothes or next to nothing but a very average mixer...The man has 38 viewers, the girl over 1000 viewers.
"Receiding hairline"... ... Your hair is ok. I'm 38 and I have to do a buzzcut without a comb because I have a landing strip on top. So now I could pass as a military dude instead of old guy.
There are a few things we can’t escape and one of them is Growing Old. As for men vs women, in their younger years the woman may get gigs that the man. It’s the wow factor or Eye Candy sure the young man may have better skills but the woman would probably get the gig because she would attract more business. But as the years go by some women age gracefully and some don’t and that goes for the men, who may get a bigger belly and the turkey neck. So now with older age more the 90% of the time now the gentleman will get the gig. One place I don’t think beauty matters is for the Wedding DJ., the one place beauty may or does are bar gigs and Club gigs. The Beautiful young Lady Dj will get the gig because she will attract more business.
Again one thing we can’t stop is the aging process, but we have learn how to deal with it. One last thing is if the female DJ starts dressing as if she was in her 20’s you will have people start saying look at her she’s try to look young, remember people can be cruel with their commitments.
All I can say is Looks don’t make a Good DJ, so to all the female & male DJ’s is keeping practicing your skills as a DJ don’t let the Looks get you.