This abbreviation corresponds to the word disc jockey, which could be translated as record operator. Thus, a DJ is the person who is dedicated to mixing or playing music from different sound sources.
Although in Spanish it can be translated as DJ, this term is not commonly used and when used it has a derogatory connotation, since a DJ is an unprofessional DJ with little recognition.
In musical terminology, a difference is made between the DJ-producer and the DJ. The first is the one who creates the bases and rhythms of an original musical piece and the second is the one who reproduces the music already recorded and his activity has the objective of entertaining an audience. From a technical point of view, the DJ uses various resources, such as groove, remix, breakbeat or scratch.
The phenomenon is directly related to technological evolution and new electronic music genres
The first DJs appeared in the 1920s when radio became an entertainment-oriented mass media. At that time the word DJ became popular, which was the radio professional who made the selection of records for the broadcast of musical programs.
Around 1940 the first mixing consoles appeared in Britain, consisting of two turntables, an amplifier, a microphone, and several speakers. Around 1950 in the USA they introduced two turntables as a technical novelty.
In a few years, popular festivals incorporate DJs, who have become authentic promoters of all kinds of musical events with large audiences.
Starting in 1960, new mixing systems were incorporated, such as the CMA-10-2DL, beatmatching or slip-cueing (the latter technique consists of placing the hand on the record while it continues to rotate).
With disco music the DJ acquired a new dimension and in all the clubs he became the real entertainer of the night. In the 80s the musical themes were mixed with programmed machines and in this way a new musical genre emerged, techno. Currently DJs are true stars of electronic music and other genres, such as house, trance or dubstep.
The present of the DJ world
Some artists are true media idols and a benchmark for mass parties around the world. Various rankings are made about them: the most famous, the richest or the most listened to.
Photos: Fotolia - Fenix_live / Raman Maisei
