BTD013 - Bill Brewster: DJ History, New Book, Philosophy Of DJing, State Of The Dance Floor

Bill Brewster is a pivotal figure in dance music; renowned as a DJ, writer, and music historian whose career spans journalism, performance, and curation. With a career spanning 40 years, he co-authored the seminal book Last Night a DJ Saved My Life with Frank Broughton, a definitive history of DJ culture, and wrote How to DJ (Properly), offering practical guidance for aspiring DJs. Also: The Record Players & How to DJ Right. Brewster also co-founded Djhistory.com, a vital online archive for dance music narratives, he is the host of the Bill Brewster Podcast with over 700 episodes.

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In this episode, Robert & Bill discuss Bill’s work, DJ history, philosophy around DJing and dance music and more.

OUTLINE:

0:00 – Introduction

3:45 – Bill’s DJ Origin Story

9:03 – Northern Soul, Soul Boys, Rave Culture

13:13 – DJing, Ego & Vanity

15:54 – The Educational Role of the DJ?

20:43 – How Bill DJs (Spoiler; no preparation)

22:48 – The Lord of the Dance

33:12 – Modern Night Clubs in Decline?

37:33 – What is the Soul of Disco Trying to Accomplish?

44:25 – Is Dance Music Still Counter Cultural?

47:58 – The Dance Floor is the Star

49:25 – The UK Import Obsession

57:22 – “Disco Sucks” Phenomena, How Do DJs Be Less Picky

1:03:19 – The True Power of the DJ & Enthusiasm

1:07:01 – NO REQUESTS

ON REPEAT, GUILTY PLEASURE, UNDER THE RADAR

On Repeat: Teddy Pendergrass – You Can’t Hide From Yourself (Dmitri from Paris Edit)
Guilty Pleasure: David Essex – Rock On
Under the Radar:
Sheena Easton – 101 – David Morales Def Mix
Austin Ato – Control

https://youtu.be/JSaAViJeC-M