Bedroom DJ (Beginner's Guides (Ominbus Press))

This book does nothing at all to encourage women, who really are into their music, into DJing. I don't have a problem with her not being very technically minded, most of us women aren't. I didn't expect her to be a wizard on the decks straight off, in fact I preferred her not to be. But the least I expected was to read about someone who had a real passion for something that I love.

I'm sure this book may be enjoyed by some people who've watched some DJ on Top of The Pops/down their local club/etc, thought it looked quite cool and fancied getting in on some of that action. However, for anyone really into the dance music scene (as a clubber or bedroom DJ themselves), this book has a couple of interesting general facts from interviewees she's spoken to, but that's really not enough to make up for the fact that this book is seriously lacking in substance and soul.


Make friends with your wheels of steel   October 6, 2003
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I started out as a bedroom DJ fiddling around with an incomprehensible array of little flashing dials and mysterious switches. I fell foul of so many of the pitfalls described in this book that I wish it had been written just a little earlier. Then I might have less grey hairs and possibly more money! This book isn't just about what to avoid though and describes the fun elements too.

The book itself is arranged nicely into sections which may allow a novice to think about the different skills in isolation therefore making each less scary and more achievable.

The anecdotes are funny and the whole book comes across as a very personal treatment of a subject which is still shrouded in more mystery than it probably deserves.

If you're an aspiring DJ or you're just curious this is the book for you - advice and encouragement in equal proportions, with all the necessary warning signs for good measure!


Practical and funny   September 4, 2003
Katherine Kirkham (London United Kingdom)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I actually never considered myself possibly as a DJ til I read this book - I mean, how the hell do you start? All the experts seem to be born with inherent knowledge. Basically, it seems such a closed (and male) world. The real strength of this book is that it makes it seem possible. Piper takes us through the trials and tribulations of a 'normal' person trying to start out, talking to the experts and realising that they were 'normal' people too, trying to break into this abnormal world. And it's damn funny too. Not heavy, not preachy, not 'I'm so clever', just a give-it-a-go guide.


Spinnin' the decks   September 3, 2003
Helen
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is a fantastic book for anybody starting out playing, anyone interested in the scene and the world of professional dj-ing or anyone who just likes an entertaining read. I found her style readable and funny and, to my amazement, thought the interviews were engrossing as well. Piper Terrett seems to have a gift for bringing the best out of the Djs she talked to - funny anecdotes as well as usable advice and tips. Apart from anything else, it feels good to hear about women in dj-ing - both the beginners and the success stories, but this book is very much for anyone - even those like me who restrict their bedroom dj-ing to listening.