Aussie DJ making the pilgrimage to Burning Man 09'

Jamesen · Post by **Jamesen** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:22 pm

Hello Everyone. My name is Jamesen Re. I am an Australian DJ making the pilgrimage to Burning Man this year. After years of hearing about it I will flying over to share some Aussie love.

Was wondering how one gets the opportunity to perform there?

Thanks

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:24 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya.

There is another thread here posted by another DJ looking for a stage too. There were some links on that thread to info as to how/where it's done.

JK

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:48 pm

I added a sticky thread in 2009 art and performance for artists seeking stages.

Artemis · Post by **Artemis** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:53 pm

welcome to eplaya

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Fri Jan 09, 2009 4:29 pm

Jamesen, welcome to eplaya. Any camps springing forth from Aus. that you could hook up with? Check out the theme camp listing from 08, many have their own websites and you may glean some info from them.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:50 pm

Are you taking any of your equipment, or is that just ridiculous at this distance?

There are dance camps that set up a dance floor; my impression is that they have more djs than they know what to do with. I could be wrong. You could go to the "main site" (http://www.burningman.com) and poke around. There should be a link to last year's placed camps. This list has contact peoples for the various camps. Look for dance camps, and write them a nice email: I'm so and so, and I'm coming to burning man, how did you get djs for your camp, can you recommend anything for me to help me in my search, yadda, yadda, yadda. They might say "fuck you" they might give you good advice, whatever. If you bring enough equipment so that you can plug into someone's sound system, you might be able to turn a bar camp (for instance) into a dance camp for a few hours.
I'm sure there are other ways, and it's no use asking me for any more, because I'm one of the snotty brats who makes nasty remarks about djs. Esp. Burningman djs. Get used to it, there are more like me.

Medium · Post by **Medium** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:21 am

Yeah, my friend and I (both) dj's will be brining CD decks, mixers, and a MAudio MIDI controller but no sound gear. You're welcome to use our equipment but we're still looking for a stage... It's also our first time but we're not worried. We're pretty sure everything is going to work out without a plan...

Post by **Elderberry** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:52 am

Medium wrote:We're pretty sure everything is going to work out without a plan...

Now that's a scarry thought.

JK

klondike_bar · Post by **klondike_bar** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:12 am

be careful to saran wrap everything until use. that should keep most of the dust out of the electronics

Medium · Post by **Medium** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:12 pm

Thanks for the tip on the sand. Yikes. We're looking at making reservations for a camper, pretty pricey really, but I guess you have to spend money to make money (or in this case to be able to fly 3/4 of the way across the country, drive a few hundred miles and then give away tons of stuff as gifts to people you've never met - all while on the search for that elusive mysterious meat of the playa -- bacon!!!)

Any more thoughts about how to get connected with the community of dj's

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:52 pm

There are a number of threads with good advice on how to protect the gear from the dust AND the heat ... and sadly, theft. The eplaya search function kinda sucks, but keep at it and you can find them. Mostly in Q&A forum.

Note, it is DUST, not sand. Usually like pervasive talcum powder, now and then pretty hefty and gritty, but definitely dust. It gets into everything. You may want to find the threads on how to keep the dust out of your RV if you're renting.

Bacon with chocolate-stuffed Oreos and Cheez-whiz. Mmmmm. Fats of the gods.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:49 pm

Yes it is dust. Everyone hears "desert" and thinks "Sahara" or maybe "Gobi." Not only is it fine and infultrative it's also caustic (basic, opposite of acidic) and if it gets inside electronics it can corrode wires over time. So really, be conscious.
Does your set up plug into regular speakers easily?

Medium · Post by **Medium** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:03 am

Our setup would plug into any type of amplified sound system, even a basic home stereo setup works in a pinch. Amplifiers are way too heavy to bring on an airplane or we'd bring more gear. Anything with a standard RCA input can work for a DJ that has proper DJ gear with them. We usually carry a LOT of adapters and cables to bridge to whatever is available. We may even purchase an FM transmitter so we could send the signal to a standard radio :) We could run a little (very local) radio broadcast...

anthony paul · Post by **anthony paul** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:48 am

That would be pretty awesome. Good tip with the wrapping of the gear too. That will come in handy.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:05 am

fuck all that stuff....all you need is a Victrola and some boxes of 78's...

Oh, Devolve already.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:02 pm

Uh Simon, does that mean your trading in your Oreck for a broom?

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:11 pm

fciron · Post by **fciron** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:22 pm

I think Cryptofishist's first post contains a real gem of advice.

Approach people asking for advice on how to do things. If you just show up out of the blue asking to spin at their camp you are asking for a favor; if they say no then the conversation is over and you have learned nothing. People are often more willing to give advice than to make a commitment, so an oblique approach will not only help you learn the process but it allows you to start conversations that may become invitations down the line.