"I'll give you my perspective looking at the NYC scene. The salseros here love the older rarer tracks they've never heard of. It challenges their musicality, as opposed to hearing Rebelion for the millionth time. The older the better, and with a lot of flavor. Age and race don't play a part in music choice. Whatever you do, DON'T blend tracks. Give them a second to get out of their dips, say thank you and move on. The very hard core spots will have a healthy blend of cha cha, and some of the less hard core will throw in bachata and merengue."
Another Observation
"A DJ should play music for the crowd and not for himself. Have experienced a DJ who insisted on playing 'his' kind of salsa music even though there was no one dancing. When given feedback, he actually said it was good for us to be educated to learn to enjoy that music! He didn't last very long after that.
A DJ should also be open to comments and requests. DJ Xavier who spins at Salsa Havana on Fridays, and DJ Lee who spins at Little Havana on Saturdays are top-notch when it comes to accomodating requests from the floor - if they have it and there are no other requests pending, we'll get our song within 2-3 songs. Xavier will always have my gratitude for playing my 3 favourite songs 80% of the Fridays that I've been there.
There have also been times when I've been near the DJ console when I've realised the song is too fast / loud when it starts, called the comment to the DJ, and had it fixed straight away. That's great, because these DJ's don't make it a pride thing, like "I know better than you and who are you to tell me what to do" like one other DJ that I've encountered.
A good DJ also reads the crowd - and does not have the floor empty for more than 1 song."
...
"Oh, and I agree with KP - make sure dancers can hear the ending of songs."
SalsaTO's Observations
A DJ's music has the same value as a craftman's tool has - priceless, with years worth of acquisitions. That music reflects the DJ's own character and attracts a given crowd of dancers. It is that DJ's livelihood. Dancers and other DJs must respect this.
Dancers should not blindly ask the DJ for a copy of a given song. Asking for the group name and title of the song, so one can find it on one's own will establish a relationship of respect with the DJ. In a rare instance, the DJ may actually make a copy. If so, respect their wishes and do not copy it to Facebook or send it to one's entire email list. That DJ is entrusting one with something for one's own enjoyment. It is not something to be given away to the world.
DJs also need to respect other DJs. When two DJs share a night, the night does not have to be a clash of egos. The crowd picks up on this and it leaves them very uncomfortable. There are enough dancers and crowd for everyone to share. Make it a might to remember for the crowd and the venue owner by showcasing the best way to work the crowd.
When CDs are left out for cuing, a professional and honest DJ will not steal that other DJ's CDs, music and threaten their livlihood by copying them onto their laptop computer.
Sooner or later that theft will come back to haunt the thief. The salsa scene is not huge. That music, especially hard to find or unique tunes that were stolen will be heard elsewhere and word will get back to the DJ who suffered the theft. Being labelled a thief or being dishonest is not good for anyone or the scene. Eventually, the dancers find out. Promoters will find out too, and gigs may disappear.
If that DJ steals music, what else will they steal?
A DJ ignores the founding principles of Facebook or "the Six degrees of separation" - everyone is connected - at their peril.
