Column: Playing the Silent Sound of Music
by Aloysius Jackson
(Photo: Aloysius Jackson)
He is so used to scratching his records. Until recently, when someone needed to party, dance, drink, and simply have fun, they would call on DJ Lo to provide what drives any function, music.
Coronavirus has postponed all social gatherings and functions which includes clubs.
“Although I am a carpenter by day, DJing plays a big financial role in my household,” said DJ Lo Jackson. “I use that money on the side to pay for things like gas, food, the cell phone bills, and emergency money when needed.”
Local clubs like My Place and Canton are just some of DJ Lo’s most consistent gigs in Columbia, SC, when he is not DJing a wedding or a private event. He DJ’s at both at least twice a week. At club My Place alone, 150-200 people come out to socialize when DJ Lo is on the turntables.
DJ Lo uses all types of music when he has a gig. His collection of music contains R&B, hip hop, reggae, soca, dance, and mash-ups.
DJ Lo understands why the clubs have closed down and people have canceled events, it is just “inconvenient and unfortunate,” he said.
Although many DJ’s have been temporarily put out of work, many still set up their turntables and DJ on Facebook live on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 9-11 PM. He can be found at DJ Lo Jackson on Facebook.
“DJ’s post their Cashapp’s when we go live,” said Lo. “Fans and followers can send tips for song requests just like they would if they were in the club.”
Since Lo has been laid off from the entertainment world he has had plenty of time to practice his mixing techniques and work on his scratching. When DJing, just like in the music industry, there are always advancements in genres. For a DJ there is always new equipment and technology to learn how to use.
“I’ve been DJ’ing since I was 11 years old, I am 45 right now,” said Lo. “If you don’t DJ for some kind of radio station then there’s nothing you can really do.”
Hello reader! Its me, Aloysius. I Hope you enjoyed this column. Leave a comment if you’d like! I hope you are well & safe.
