Juggling is the terminology used within the Reggae and Sound System culture when describing the technique a DJ will use to present and mix songs together. This technique became popular in the late 80’s and early 90’s when Sound Systems adopted the two turn table culture as apposed to the original one turn table set up. This allowed the DJ to incorporate turntablism mixing, beat-matching and scratching. The MC will compliment the music and performance by introducing songs timely with the drop of the verse and chorus in a slick smooth radio presenter style. This can be done as a duo or a skilful solo DJ / selector. Popular Sounds and Selectors credited for the juggling technique are the likes of Stone Love with Rory and Billy Slaughter, Bass Odyssey with Squingy and DJ Mark and King Addies with Babyface and Tony Matterhorn.

DJ in sound system culture has two meanings, it can either be an Artist “Deejay”, based on his style of delivery (a modernised version of “Toasting”) or the traditional meaning being someone who plays a live music mix. The DJ in a sound system can also be the Selector but my view is the selector is the brains behind the music who determines the crowds response through selecting what is played and when, where as the DJ is more responsible for how the music is presented to the audience and you find not every DJ can do both.

Regularly you’ll see a DJ play a song and it doesn’t move the crowd but then your at another party and a DJ plays the same song and the crowd goes wild!!!! it’s all down to timing, presentation and being able to read and understand the audience.

I always encourage DJs to think out the box, there’s an enormous catalogue of music across the whole world which is constantly growing so there is no excuse for DJs to be playing the same songs as everyone else. We all have been guilty of it at some point during a set, where you loose your way a bit and draw for the safety zone collection (note: if your not a DJ and you’re a party-goer these are them songs that you hear every time you go out lol).

Where it became a cause for concern for me was when I attended a event and each DJ played a half hour set and each of them played at least four of the same songs as the DJ before (smh). Technology has changed the process of releasing music, making it a lot easier to get music out with less processes involved. The unfortunate thing is it has increased the quantity of music we get but decreased the quality and as a result songs today have a lot shorter lifespan.

It’s unfair to tarnish everyone with the same brush as there is still quality music being produced but unfortunately being in such a crowded environment they get mixed up with the others and don’t achieve their full potential especially when they don’t have backing from any influential bodies or cooperate organisations such as labels, publishers and national radio.

It may sound cliche but my stance is quality over quantity and therefore I had to take a timeout to reevaluate how do I best go forward. Being missed by my supporters and constantly asked when will I be back I recorded a 60 min live mix in conjunction with Applewood Studios called “Juggling with a Difference” and put it out on youtube.  The focus of the mix is to create a compilation of good music with no boundaries or restrictions of being strictly new music, throwbacks or a specific genres. Reggae is my foundation so everything I do will always have a Reggae basis but creativity allows us to explore and fuse different elements and influences. The mix was well received and patterned my programme going forward.

Listen to the Audio Mix on Soundcloud

Watch the Video Mix