What Does DJ Culture Mean to You?
“DJ culture is far more than technique it is a living, breathing social force. To me, it is as vital to humanity as food culture, dance culture, or even, in some ways, religious culture.”
Google defines DJ culture as the art and social practices surrounding the role of the disc jockey, including techniques like beat-matching, mixing, and scratching, as well as the evolution of genres such as hip-hop and electronic dance music. While this definition is technically accurate, it feels incomplete to me. DJ culture is far more than technique it is a living, breathing social force. To me, it is as vital to humanity as food culture, dance culture, or even, in some ways, religious culture. Music has always been a universal connector, a medium through which people communicate, celebrate, and come together. Sharing music, creating spaces for dance, and fostering social music experiences are among the most powerful ways humans connect, and DJ culture sits at the center of that.
After 30 years as an event DJ, 15 years in clubs, and 20 years working as a pro audio sales rep and manufacturer, I consider myself a DJ culture ambassador. I don’t claim to be the best at any one aspect of DJing, but it’s more than a skill it’s the life I lead. It shapes my career, my family, and my everyday thoughts. DJing consumes me 24/7: the endless hours listening to music, refining sound systems, understanding what moves people, and crafting unforgettable journeys for my audiences. It’s not just a job it’s my passion and my lens on the world.
At 45, I want to be more than just a participant in the evolution of music and technology, I want to be a guide, a mentor, and a steward of the culture I love. I strive to embrace every technological change, welcome fresh talent into the fold, and help my peers make thoughtful, lasting decisions about sound systems, music programming, and the art of shaping a room full of people as an MC. Even though I still perform at 80–100 events a year as a DJ, MC, or AV technician, my heart is in preserving and nurturing this culture, ensuring it thrives for the next generation.
By: Jason Longobardo