Episode 7

What defines a DJ’s skill or mastery? Some may judge by their professional profile—where they’ve DJed, the festivals and marathons they’ve been invited to. Others might point to the applause after a well-crafted tanda.  

For me, true DJ excellence is something more subtle yet powerful. It’s when, after a track ends, experienced DJs, seasoned tangueros, or regular dancers come up to ask for the name of the song or orquesta. Or when you see a wave of people pulling out their phones to Shazam a track, captivated by something unexpected.  

And often, it’s not a brand-new song or a lesser-known orquesta, but a rare version of a famous track—one that dancers have never heard before. For years, I’ve explored the vast world of tango music, searching for these hidden gems that are rarely played on the dance floor. Some sound familiar, while others transform the experience entirely.  

In my view, the true artistry of a DJ lies in choosing the perfect moment to unveil one of these rare treasures—creating a sense of magic that lingers long after the music fades.  

𝑬𝑿𝑷𝑳𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑲𝑺 𝑽𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺  

In this episode, we explore a fascinating aspect of tango DJing—how the same song can take on completely different personalities depending on the orquesta that recorded it. Some tracks have been recorded multiple times, each version bringing unique nuances in tempo, phrasing, and emotional depth. As a DJ, understanding these differences allows you to craft tandas that resonate with dancers in unexpected ways.

To experience the variety, intensity, and evolution of tango, let's take the Vieja Recova tango as an example. This track has been recorded three times, each version reflecting a distinct tango era:

• 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒑𝒐 (1930) 

• 𝑱𝒖𝒂𝒏 𝑫'𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐 (1942)

• 𝑶𝒔𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒅𝒐 𝑷𝒖𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒆 (1950)

Most dancers are familiar with Pugliese’s version, but personally, I rarely hear anyone playing D'Arienzo’s interpretation and never heard anyone playing Firpo one. Yet, to my taste, they are equally beautiful. Their unique styles capture the essence of different tango eras, offering a fresh experience for both listeners and dancers.

Depending on the event, the crowd, and the mood on the dance floor, as a DJ, you can surprise your audience by choosing the right version at the right moment.

Try listening to them back-to-back and discover how each one speaks to you!

𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑫𝑱𝑺  

As a DJ, your ability to distinguish these versions helps you create tandas that are fresh and meaningful. A less common recording can surprise dancers, adding variety without straying too far from familiarity. It’s all about choosing the right balance—something familiar, something unexpected, and something that fits the energy of the night.  

So, next time you're crafting a tanda, take a moment to explore different versions of a track. You might just find a hidden gem that makes your set truly unforgettable.  

#tango, #TangoArgentino, #tangodancer, #milonga, #milonguero, #tangodj