After some discussion at Digital DJ Tips HQ this week, we decided to ask for your opinion about the use of mobile phones on the dancefloor. Are you OK with people using them while you DJ? Do you check your phone when you are spinning? Should they be flat-out banned from clubs?
We’ve all been there, either behind the decks or in the crowd when a bright light pops up from hip-height as someone impulsively decides they have to fiddle with their mobile. If you really need to get in touch with someone, you can always make your way to the toilets or the smoking area; it’s much quieter there as well.
Whether dancing or DJing, I find this distracting and it disrupts the collective energy of the crowd. When I’m playing, I turn my phone off and won’t turn it on until I am packing up. How can I be fully focused on my performance otherwise?
A company called Yondr is tackling such issues and is picking up in popularity among performers. Upon arriving at the venue they lock your device in a special pouch and unlock it again at the end. If you do need to use your device, you can go to a designated area where the use of phones is allowed. Importantly, your device is kept on you at all times. Seeing as people often can’t be trusted to follow an honour system, this looks to be a good solution. What’s your take on it?
Have you had any issues with people using phones at gigs? Do you look at your phone when you are DJing? Is Yondr a good solution? Let us know in the comments below…
Christian Yates
