#ngaingai

“Let’s Go TO-KYO!”  [Part 03]  (This is a series of blog entries that will focus on my experiences with the Tokyo Apache during the 2010-2011 season) [Part 01 | Part 02]

By the end of our first homestand, I started to get a feel for the games and time seemed to slow down a bit.  I also realized that the same fundamental DJ skills transferred over from the clubs: empathy, adaptation, foresight, and decisiveness. 

My core DJing philosophy was a familiar friend in a new venue.  (I don’t consider technical ability, song selection, or beat-matching as important because seriously- you’re not pro if you can’t do these in your sleep.)

The funny thing was, after a career spent building hype and tension, I also learned how to KILL hype.  Usually this is a huge no-no at events and gigs but as a basketball DJ, you don’t want people cheering for the other team when they make a last-second 3-pointer to bring a 2nd overtime.  Maybe I should add responsibility to the list too- they don’t call it home-court advantage for nothing.

No question, I made a ton of mistakes (never play the uncensored version of Enrique’s “Tonight I’m Loving You”.. in front of the company president.. on children’s day) but this was, by far, the most satisfying gig I had done in a VERY long time.

"Let's Go TO-KYO!"  [Part 02]  (This is a series of blog entries that will focus on my experiences with the Tokyo Apache during the 2010-2011 season) [Part 01]

Turns out, they actually hired this old guy to come in, sit down, and push play on some pre-made mixes during the games.  Yea.  So slight blow to my ego aside, I kept up my relations with the staff and patiently waited for the situation to implode.

After a couple of weeks, my predictions came true and the old guy got himself fired leaving the door wide open for an true DJ to come through.  So after a short delay, I finally got my turn and signed on with the Tokyo Apache- making me the first (real) DJ signed to a Japanese pro sports team.  Awesome~

Now, I’ve been spinning at clubs and events for almost a decade now so I’m pretty comfortable behind the decks but I have to be honest- I had NO IDEA what to do as a live in-game basketball DJ. 

They told me I was in charge of “crowd pump”, playing songs during the downtime,  and playing songs for the cheerleaders.  Easy enough, right?  Yea, once you learn to watch the players, watch the referees, cue up a song, feel the atmosphere, cue up a back-up song, listen to 2 sets of headphones, cue up a second back-up song, interact with the crowd, listen to the announcer, communicate with the director, and dance AT THE SAME TIME.

Live events are awesome and I learn best when it's on the fly.  There are so many things to keep track of that all my senses were completely occupied throughout the entire game.  My first couple of games completely flew by and the 4th quarter buzzer sounded before I could catch a breath.  It's the perfect job for an impulsive multi-tasker.  Why didn't I ever think of applying for this type of job before?!

"Let's Go TO-KYO!"  [Part 01]  (This is a series of blog entries that will focus on my experiences with the Tokyo Apache during the 2010-2011 season)

In January, I was presented with, no doubt, the most unique (and unforeseeable) DJing opportunity of my career.  It was the chance to be the first DJ ever signed to a Japanese pro sports team..  to be the official DJ for the Tokyo Apache.

Let me just put this out there: I am a HUGE basketball fan.  It’s really the only sport I follow.  Coming from NY, I grew up going to Knicks and Nets games (even Liberty games!) and I used to have a massive collection of basketball cards (I wonder if they’re worth anything now…) so the chance to be a contributing member of a pro basketball [entertainment] team just blew my mind.

I HAD to get this job.

Only, I didn’t…