Djing in New York - by Eva J Egolf (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

DJing isn't just about mixing tracks; it's a social process, an urban history, and a radical form of community learning in the heart of New York's club scene.

DJing in New York offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how underground Electronic Dance Music DJs in New York learn their craft, build careers, and navigate the ever-shifting world of nightlife.

Through immersive research, Eva J. Egolf reveals how DJing is more than a technical skill--it's a deeply social process, rooted in friendships, enculturation, and access to professional networks. From honing beatmatching techniques to navigating the politics of club culture, these DJs rely on community as much as individual talent. Situating DJ learning within broader conversations on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities, this book expands our understanding of popular music education and the role of electronic music in shaping urban cultural history. It will be an illuminating resource for music educators, scholars of EDM and club culture, and those fascinated by the intersection of music, identity, and underground nightlife.

Review Quotes

"A much-needed study of DJ learning processes, the book is also a valuable document of recent New York City club scene history, and will appeal far beyond its intended academic readership."-- "Ethan Hein, NYU"

About the Author

Eva J. Egolf earned a PhD in Music Education from New York University. She lives in the Bronx and teaches elementary school band in New Rochelle, New York.