A DJ Manifesto
Chicago house music DJ Andre Harris has been rocking dance floors in the city and around the world for many years. He's a true legend on the scene known not only for his abilities in the DJ booth but also for his prowess in the studio. Lately I seem to gravitating even more so toward the music and remixes Harris has been putting out on his Innate Soul Digital record label and in fact gave him a 2008 Plez Award for his remix of "Truth Hurts" by Bernard Badie featuring Dajae (see the last issue of BOI, #01.09).

Another fantastic effort from Harris in 2008 was his "10 Things Not To Say To A DJ," a track that many house DJs own and so desperately want to play, not just because of the message it imparts but also because of the song's KILLER groove. While some of you more conscientious clubbers and bar patrons actually respect the work of a DJ and enjoy the musical ride they provide, there are many of you who cluelessly go to the DJ booth and say some of the craziest things or make requests that, in a DJ's mind, are laughable, at times utterly ridiculous, and on occasion just plain rude.

So what shouldn't you say to a DJ? Well, I'm not going to give out the entire list from the song (you should go to Beatport.com and Traxsource.com and buy the track to support Mr Harris), but for the sake of a more harmonious relationship between DJs and patrons, here are some of the most important ones (with Harris's comments following):

#1 - "Play something good. Something we can dance to." The DJ has to play for more than just one person. So what you may hate may be another person's favorite song.
#3 - "I don't know who sings it and I don't know the name of the song, but it goes likes this." Please. Please, please, please do not sing for the DJ!
#6 - "I want to hear it next!" The only people who can get away with this statement are the people who write the DJ's paycheck. Plus, more often than not, the DJ already has the next song already cued up and ready to go. We do not have time to look for your favorite song.
#9 - "Everybody will dance to it if you play it." Half the time I hear this, no one goes to the dance floor except the person who asked for it. When they realize they are the only one who wanted to hear it they bail off the dance floor. You ask the DJ for a song and don't dance to it, expect the DJ to ignore your requests for the rest of the night.
#10 (The MOST IMPORTANT!) - If you are at a club or an event that does not play any hip-hop, DON'T ask the DJ "Do you have any hip-hop?" Just go out to your car and turn on the radio or go home and watch MTV.
Bonus #11 - If you ask for a song and the DJ says, "I just played it," do not say "Well, I just got here." It makes absolutely no difference at all. If you want to hear your song next time, then get there earlier. We don't have time to listen to your stories.
Bonus #12 - "Is this the only type of music that you play?" If you go to a Chinese restaurant, you wouldn't ask for Italian food. Rock clubs play rock. Alternative clubs play alternative. House clubs play house. Etcetera, etcetera. Go find a club that fits your style.

Now do not be confused and think that this list is the "be all, end all" with EVERY DJ out there. Depending on the venue, the event, and the individual DJ this list may contract, expand, or vary. However, the next time you feel the need to speak with the DJ, maybe think about this column and determine whether what you are about to say could be on this list.

You can find out more about Andre Harris and his music at www.andreharris.com or www.myspace.com/andresmusic .