THE DO-IT-YOURSELF DJ

   

Djing has become a global phenomenon since its birth in the 1980’s, when the integration of technology, dancing and a passion for vinyls formulated into a unified concept.  According to the Redbulls Thre3Style weblog post, “A History of Djing Part1: Sound System Culture,” Djing’s roots trace back to Jamaican Soundstages culture around the 1950’s.  Originally DJs would play at parties, utilizing American Rhythm & blues vinyls with amplifiers, turntables and portable sound systems,  Since music in the 1950s was not readily available, DJ’s would go to almost any means in order to create an extensive record collection.  In contemporary Djing the most memorable “mash-ups” (the interweaving of one or more songs in order to create a new beat) are valued over the amount of music a DJ can dish out.  The art of DJing has converted from techniques of collecting, to know-how in editing and mixing. This technological way of artistic expression is what Philly Grown sponsored DJ Adrian Hardy & Manny Romano feel is progressively becoming tasteless. 

     Since the time the Activision video game “DJ Hero” hit department store shelves, dedicated “gamers” believe that they have mastered the art of Djing.  A turn of a knob, scratch of a vinyl here, and a flip of the lever, has increasingly been deemed Djing.  To University City locals, Adrian Hardy & Manny Romano, emerging concepts, such as turntable simulations, are completely undermining the talent and determination it takes to be a credited live DJ within the industry. 

    I recently was asked to attend Marmont Bar’s one-year anniversary celebration where Adrian Hardy & Manny Romano are well known for bringing in a steady crowd.  Upon entering the Old City steak house I was surprised at how a smaller venue, such as Marmont Bar, could hold so many eager DJ Adrian Hardy & Manny Romano fans.  Spotting DJ Adrian at the front of the room, I tried to acknowledge him with the standard wave but was denied any form of reciprocity, leaving me in a state of slight embarrassment.  Quickly, I realized he wasn’t ignoring me, but was too zoned into setting up his equipment that any interruption would most likely be detrimental to his show.  This is a prime example of how Adrian is one of the most dedicated, non-main stream DJ’s in the industry.  When most DJ’s would be using their popularity to flirt with the “hot babes” surrounding their booth, Adrian is strictly dedicated to his work and is rarely tempted by such distractions. 

    By the end of the night, not only was I adorned with painful blisters from dancing, but I realized that Adrian and Manny are masters at fusing together sexy beats that are their own creations, as well as popular music many of guests expect to hear.  A strategy they use in order to keep their crowd moving, but also subtly add a little of their own flavor to the mix.  After a brief conversation about how they felt the night overall went, Adrian righteously told me, “Whether it is Lady Gaga Power Ballads are my most prized possession a Nelly Furtado mash-up, the crowd is always on their feet!” 

    To sum DJ Adrian Hardy & DJ Manny Romano up briefly, Dave Chiavaroli, owner of Marmont Steak house and Bar revealed to me exactly how he categorizes two of his favorite previous employees, “There are three types of DJs, the ones who play what the audience wants, the ones who play what the audience hates and then there’s Adrian and Manny.”  If you would like to find out exactly what type of DJ Adrian Hardy & Manny Romano are, you can find all of their upcoming events at www.lotismedia.com.