Are DJ Jesus Poses Acceptable?

Phil Morse | Founder & Tutor
Read time: 2 mins
Last updated 26 November, 2017

Jesus pose
Is this kind of behaviour acceptable behind the decks or is it a little… childish?

We’ve all seen it. More of us than might admit have actually done it. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about already, but if not, picture this…

A DJ drops some dramatic breakdown and turns to the crowd, eyes half closed, raising his palms to the sky. He stretches his arms out, throws his neck back, and stands there, fingertips twitching every so slightly to invite the crowd to scream some more, apparently totally transfixed by… what? The music? His own glory? Thoughts of his pay cheque?

Mr C, legendary London DJ and ex-member of 90s pop/house act The Shamen, thinks such DJs (and the rank and file rave-goers who dance in formation, all turned towards the DJ box, transfixed by such antics) need to take a long hard look at themselves.

Here’s what he had to say yesterday on his Facebook page (we’ve edited it slightly):

“I’m feeling a little rant is in order. Just my opinion, but DJs that stand in the DJ booth with their arms raised in the air to make the crowd cheer are fakes and charlatans.

“It’s no more than a cheap trick to make the crowd scream which will both feed the DJ’s ego and gain the said charlatan popularity, which in turn earns more $$$… and the sheeple that scream at this behaviour need to take a long hard look at themselves in a mirror and ask themselves why it is that they’re screaming? Wake up sheeple!

Mr C
Mr C: Prefers to be a hell raiser, rather than an arm raiser.

“Now here’s a novel idea. Why not let the music and the delivery of it speak for itself and we’ll then see how much screaming ensues. Me, I’d much rather see the crowd really getting down, dancing with each other (not facing the DJ), being totally immersed in the music and completely captured by the groove, than see the crowd standing like sheep, looking at the DJ in adulation and screaming at these cheap tricks.

“When the atmosphere in a club is electric and the crowd are on a magical journey that is sexual, psychedelic, playful and fun, it’s because the DJ is doing his or her job correctly in helping likeminded adults celebrate life with integrity and passion.

“Like I say, just my opinion. ;)”

Do you prefer club nights where the DJ and crowd seem to blend together, and it’s not really about DJ worship? Or do you just love to join the rank and file and scream at every breakdown? How much adulation should the DJ seek like this from his or her crowd? Where does DJ enthusiasm and performance cross into something else?

In short: Are Jesus poses acceptable?

Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments or in our accompanying Facebook update. Ever engaged in a little too much Jesus posing yourself? Do you find yourself feeling a little God-like when it’s all going your way in the booth? Do you even sport the Jesus look? Now’s your chance to confess your sins!

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