2008 Woodie Awards
The people you know... Demetrius Johnson
Johnson gets down as part-time DJ
By: Stephanie Kiszczak
Issue date: 11/3/05 Section: Culture
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Hailing from Little Rock, Ark., Johnson was eager to leave his hometown behind when it was time for college. While his mother insisted he apply to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, just five minutes from his house, Johnson wanted pursue an audio degree elsewhere.
"I felt that I had a big city mentality from basically a small state," Johnson said.
He didn't feel like bogging himself down with recruiting letters of recommendation or writing a series of essays, so he opted for a college with a less complicated application process.
"I came to Webster because the application process for Washington University was too long," Johnson said, adding he completed step one of the process, but held off on advancing to step two.
"I wanted to go to school in Atlanta first," Johnson said. "It's a hot bed for music and I wanted to be in that whole atmosphere. But, it didn't work out because the schools didn't have audio programs."
At Webster, Johnson began working toward an audio production major with a minor in broadcast journalism. After getting a taste of what it's like to swap beats as a deejay, he's changing his major to broadcast journalism in the spring.
D. J. the DJ
It wasn't until a couple of deejays entertained the crowd at the graduation party for Webster Groves High School that Johnson considered being a deejay. Intrigued, Johnson approached the deejays for more information. They worked for TKO DJs, on Manchester. Johnson took down the number and called about applying for a job.
"Within two weeks, I was hired," Johnson said.
In addition to the usual application and interview, Johnson was drilled on his music knowledge and familiarity.
"They test your knowledge in music, they get an understanding of what you know," Johnson said.
Johnson had to list at least five songs from six different genres of music.
"I totally blanked out on disco and Motown," Johnson said. "I had songs in my head, but I just couldn't recall."
A series of questions, including Johnson's ability to program a home VCR, followed the test. Despite a lengthy application process, Johnson wasn't worried.
"I don't go into an interview nervous or anything," Johnson said. "If I'm gonna get the job, I'm gonna get the job."
Employees of TKO DJs earn hourly wages and tips, Johnson said. Pay starts from the time a deejay leaves the office, sets up and goes to the event. Set-up pay is usually $6.50, but jumps to $10 an hour for the actual event.
Like anyone, deejays enjoy a little extra cash in their pockets.
"Deejays get upset if they put their energy into shit and people don't tip," Johnson said. "You put all your hard work and energy into making the event fun and they don't want to pay."
Johnson continued, "It's not putting gas in my car and McDonald's in my stomach."
Music master
Johnson has been a deejay at several swim team banquets and country clubs, high school dances and wedding receptions. He works on campus as well, having made an appearance as deejay for Dancing through the Decades at this year's homecoming. Word spread of D.J. the DJ, as his friends like to call him, and jobs keep lining up.
"I just got a call from Mindy Berkowitz and she was interested in me doing something," Johnson said.
Johnson said he gets a good laugh at people getting their groove on at wedding receptions.
"People get drunk at wedding receptions and make an ass out of themselves," Johnson said.
At first, Johnson said he was surprised when eight- and nine-year-olds requested "Get Low" by the Ying Yang Twins, but got used to it pretty quick after seeing the elderly rock out as well.
"The fact that old women would get out there and dance to 'Get Low' is funny," Johnson said.
For his gigs, Johnson totes a standard sound system with two CD players, a tape player, a mixing board, microphone, speakers, amp, light bar and disco ball. Subs and fancy lights follow, depending on what type of event he's working.
"I'm a connoisseur of music," Johnson said. "I don't know what that means, but I like it."
Lotta laughs
There are three types of deejays: low key, moderate and outgoing, Johnson said. A low key deejay plays music, but doesn't talk or interact with the crowd. Moderate deejays announce the event and encourage audience participation. The outgoing deejay does all of the above, is energetic and ensures the audience a good time.
"They're dancing along with the guests making sure they're having fun," Johnson said of the outgoing deejay.
A self-proclaimed shy guy, Johnson said he switches from a moderate to a more outgoing deejay for a particular event.
"I like doing outgoing but I probably prefer moderate," Johnson said. "Most times, I'd rather not be there. If I'm at a high school party or a college party, I'd be an outgoing deejay because people like that."
Johnson said there are ups and downs to swapping beats. While events take up most of his weekends, Johnson meets a variety of people and walks away with quirky stories to tell.
Although he's only been a deejay since this past July, Johnson said he was always interested in being a deejay.
"I always wanted to be a deejay," Johnson said. "I always wanted to learn how to scratch and mix on tables."
Johnson said he listens to a variety of music, including rap, country, American Top 40 and music from the '60s.
"I've always been a fan of music," Johnson said. "One day, I would like to own my own record label."
Johnson, who's been rapping for five years, is currently working on an album.
"It's just a hobby, an outlet for me to speak my mind," Johnson said.
He is also in the process of rapping a song for The Equalizers, a CD of various artists by two producers, one of which is a Webster student.
"They make the music and I just write the songs," Johnson said.
For now, Johnson will focus on improving his skills as a deejay. His next event is a soccer club party Nov. 5.
"Deejaying is an art so you can't just play music randomly," Johnson said. "It's got to flow."