THE entertainment industry was hit hard when the pandemic struck in 2020. 

The artists who make a living by performing for a paying audience were also brought down, along with the establishments that had to be shuttered because of the restrictions imposed by the government. 

What was thought to last for a couple of weeks turned into a couple of years. With that, these artists which are composed of musicians, actors, event hosts, production crews and club DJs had to fend for themselves. 

Naturally, a lot of negativity engulfed social media as some of these “starving” artists needed to air their grievances. 

One moment that encapsulates the character of DJ David Ardiente is when he posted a message about the gripe of an R&B singer who took a swipe at the breaks being given to supposedly mediocre artists because of their privilege.

The singer was apparently complaining at the break given to Michael Pacquiao, son of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, who is breaking into the music scene. 

Ardiente, more commonly known as DJ David, gave his own take on the R&B singer’s comment and said people should learn to adapt and not be bitter. 

“In life, we are all dealt with different cards. Some get really good hands, some don’t. Getting a bad set of cards doesn’t mean you can’t play the game. Play the game. Strategize. Don’t hate the player who’s got good cards. Don’t hate the game. Don’t be bitter. Be better. Fold and you lose,” Ardiente posted. 

Ardiente was one of a few who thrived during the pandemic. 

“Funny thing is, I actually earned more money during the pandemic than I did in 2019,” he said.

“I found a way to make things work,” he added. 

Starting from the bottom

Ardiente is a resident DJ for top venues like Versus, Reserve, Coconut Club, Chotto Matte, Bugsy’s Makati, Salaryman and is one of the current mainstays at the Palace, the biggest integrated nightlife entertainment complex in the country. To be part of its rotation of DJs, you have to have paid your dues, he said.

He remembers getting paid 10 bottles of beer for his first gig back in the early 2000s. His love for music drove him to take on a career that didn’t promise much financial security back in the day.

But he didn’t care. He took on whatever gigs that were offered. It didn’t matter if it was for a small venue or if it took him to far flung places in the country. Just as long as it got his name out there, he was willing to do the work. 

“The best way to get more clients is to meet more people. If they remember you, they will recommend you to others. That’s how you get known,” he said.

Crowded scene 

There is of course a lot of competition in his field, most especially now with the advent of new technology where DJ controllers make it easier for anyone to mix music. 

That is why it is very important that you expand “your library, your music knowledge,” which is the advantage of veteran DJs like him, he said. 

He gave special mention to the top 10 Djs he’s ever worked with and said each has a special trait that made them very successful. 

Top DJs

To him, DJ Ace Ramos for him is on the top of the list. He thinks Ramos is number one, not because of the hundreds of huge events that he’s been part of, but because of his humility. Even if people think he’s the best, he refuses to be called one. 

Ardiente is also very impressed with Martin Pulgars’s ability to play the most obscure music that still gets people to go crazy on the dance floor. Asked if he knew where Pulgar gets his music, he said: “No DJ will ever tell you that or even attempt to ask another,”. 

He also recalled how Kat DJ once pulled him out of his drunken stupor in an event, a memory he looks back on fondly. 

According to him, it’s unavoidable for anyone who gets into this business not to succumb to the pitfalls of alcohol, drugs and other vices. 

But DJ Ron Poe, the son of the late action king is the exception to the rule. Ardiente thinks Poe is the healthiest DJ he knows. He takes care of his body and rarely gets inebriated while on the job.

Ardiente rounded up his list with: Mark Marasigan, Marc Naval, Mars Miranda, Funky Avy and Xfactor, with the latter boasting of an impressive resume that involves producing and being the only DJ he knows that remixes for a very popular artist. 

He also said that there are several young DJs in the scene today that are doing well and have started to create names for themselves. 

“One thing I can say is that even if we may be already on our way out, the DJ world looks very promising and will be in good hands with these young ones,”.

The party scene, then and now 

Asked about the difference between the party goers who frequented the first superclubs like Embassy back in the early 2000s to 2010 and the GenZ clubbers now, Ardiente said the kids today love old music.

These include 90s hit Macarena and the 70s hit Dancing Queen. 

He doesn’t seem to mind playing these songs for them, as he still sees himself remaining on the scene for years to come. 

“As long as people still like me and enjoy what I play, this could go on indefinitely,” he said. 

It also is a huge plus that he was able to support his family all these years doing what he loves. 

“The most important thing to become a successful DJ is to make sure you build good relationships along the way,” he said. 

And that is David in a nutshell. 

Catch DJ David Ardiente on 99.5 Play FM every Friday night at 9pm and follow his social media for his gig schedules.