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. 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