Why Old-school DJs Are Complaining and You Should Too
After a slow and difficult push, the Electronic Dance Music scene is exploding exponentially in the United States. Not long ago DJs were confined to dark rooms hidden from view and were looked down upon by most of the music community. Now they are the new rockstars and headliners; main stage and front and center. EDM is now a billion dollar commodity, but that in itself is not such a bad thing. I remember dreaming of the day I could live off of music, that is more possible now than it has ever been.
There are more opportunities to play our music, to get paid, and to make a name for ourselves doing what we love. How can anyone be mad about that? What's the problem? Well...
Like any industry, when the money starts flowing in it attracts people that are after it as their priority. Add attention and fame to the mix and you can get a pretty nasty breed of person mucking up the works. At one time art and passion for the music was overwhelmingly the motive of DJs and producers (for promoters it is a little more debatable), but now we see more and more that money, fame, and less than admirable intentions are what drive a lot of people to our EDM world. The balance is shifting and the art of the music and the dance floor are suffering as a result.
Beat matching tech, gimmicks, and reliance on playing popular music have become the common definition of what a DJ does. It is no wonder that this seems like an easy source of money and fame. The truth of the matter is that these qualities are irrelevant to the art of the mix and in what makes a DJ worth seeing and worth the ticket price. To better understand, let's take a look at some of the bigger complaints coming from the old-school and why the new-school should care.
(http://djseanray.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/65ea729ea589.jpg)
David Guetta and Swedish House Mafia
It doesn't take much digging to find out how old-school head DJ Sneak feels about these guys. He's called them out for their showmanship antics, elaborate stage setups, and more importantly, for getting caught playing pre-produced sets and not actually DJing during their shows.
First of all it is important to separate the concept of DJ from producer, they are not the same thing. While I applaud these guys for their production skills and developing an accessible sound that attracts lots of people, this does not mean they have the right to charge massive amounts of money to see them press play while they jump around. This would be like paying ridiculous sums to James Cameron to jump around on stage while watching Avatar (actually maybe I would pay to see that). Seriously though, producers either need to put on a live show like Orbital, Daft Punk, Chuck Love, etc., or develop actual DJ skills before they step on stage. Unless, of course, you like paying a premium for gimmicks instead of music and talent.
**Disclaimer – I have seen Steve Angello of the Swedish House Mafia on his own play a great 8 hour set and actually mix, so I know he is at least capable, again it's about what you are paying to see, demand more. I also know playing pre-recorded sets is nothing new and has been a necessity now and then for DJ's playing nightly on tour, but to use this as a default is unacceptable.
(http://djseanray.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/x-factor-front.jpg)
DJ X Factor
Now, in all fairness the verdict is still out on this one as we don't really have all the details or what the contestants will be judged on, but based on Simon Cowell's propensity to monetize talent it's likely this show will do more damage than good. It will further push and expose people to the idea that DJing is more about the show than it is about the music and the art. At one point DJing was about bringing new sounds to the floor and making them hits, now DJ's play the popular tracks to make themselves hits. They are glorified jukeboxes in fancy packaging with laser shows, not artists.
Just to be clear, I am not anti-showmanship. It's all part of the bigger artistic package when done correctly, but there has to be art at the core. I am anti-showmanship to cover up a lack of talent. Hopefully this show won't support that, but I am skeptical. We'll have a better idea when the judges are selected.
(http://djseanray.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/0907-dj-paris-hilton-ex.jpg)
Paris Hilton
I will try to keep the vulgarity to a minimum on this one. Remember not long ago when there was a bit of a scuffle with Paris and a certain house DJ because he wouldn't play a hip-hop song? Remember all those top-40/hip-hop clubs she was frequenting (even when she wasn't being paid to be there)? Remember how she has never once mentioned or was seen at any house related event until recent press surrounding her new publicity ploy boyfriend Afrojack? Now all of a sudden house music has always been a passion of hers? What does Paris Hilton and a cow's colon have in common?
This is the epitome of jumping on the decks for the money and the fame bandwagon. Everything she has done to date has been because she saw it as popular and a way to be famous for the sake of being famous. Do we really expect to believe that passion and art will play any part in this catastrophe in the making? At least I have a new term to call people who aren't DJing for passion and art. Paris Hiltons. Don't be a Paris Hilton.
The Point
For all you music consumers out there, I appreciate you, I really do. I just want you to be an educated consumer. Know what it is your hard earned dollars are supporting. Be patrons of art, not ATMs for the money hungry.
You would be DJs, producers and promoters: Create art, don't just press start. Contribute something to the world and to the people, don't just look to take their money and attention. Let's be amazing together.
http://notyourjukebox.com/
Quote from: club2club on 21/05/12, 20:22
Paris Hilton
I will try to keep the vulgarity to a minimum on this one. Remember not long ago when there was a bit of a scuffle with Paris and a certain house DJ because he wouldn't play a hip-hop song? Remember all those top-40/hip-hop clubs she was frequenting (even when she wasn't being paid to be there)? Remember how she has never once mentioned or was seen at any house related event until recent press surrounding her new publicity ploy boyfriend Afrojack? Now all of a sudden house music has always been a passion of hers? What does Paris Hilton and a cow's colon have in common?
This is the epitome of jumping on the decks for the money and the fame bandwagon. Everything she has done to date has been because she saw it as popular and a way to be famous for the sake of being famous. Do we really expect to believe that passion and art will play any part in this catastrophe in the making? At least I have a new term to call people who aren't DJing for passion and art. Paris Hiltons. Don't be a Paris Hilton.
nude please ;)
BOOM!!
+1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
Bring back the passion please, underground revival !!!! *tepuktangan*
@club2club : gw kira picture yang lo attach itu foto elo de
http://robcifre.com/2012/05/11/the-clowns-in-our-edm-music-scene/ (http://robcifre.com/2012/05/11/the-clowns-in-our-edm-music-scene/)
Some more reading material guys....
Enjoy :)
http://www.ishkur.com/articles/trancecracker.php (http://www.ishkur.com/articles/trancecracker.php) #joke #butsadit'strue
(http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/ab194/phuture89/chick_end.jpg)
gimana kalo ini http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/guetta-reckons-that-staying-underground-killed-dance-music (http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/guetta-reckons-that-staying-underground-killed-dance-music)
Bring back the underground pls! *piss*
(http://www.billboard.com/photos/stylus/2107059-paris-hilton-afrojack-guetta-617-409.jpg)
coming soon to Jakarta in one deck together..b2b set playing pre-recorded mix
ooh and you guys should read this one too:
http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/wannabee-dj-prince-harry-is-fan-of-underground-house (http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/wannabee-dj-prince-harry-is-fan-of-underground-house)
Quote from: nandi_binus on 22/05/12, 10:30
ooh and you guys should read this one too:
http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/wannabee-dj-prince-harry-is-fan-of-underground-house (http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/wannabee-dj-prince-harry-is-fan-of-underground-house)
royal beats yo ;D
it's all about choices. love it or leave it 8)
Quote from: 7 on 22/05/12, 11:49
it's all about choices. love it or leave it 8)
agree... :D
Love it or leave it, You better gain way
You better hit bull's eye, The kid don't play
If there was a problem, Yo, I'll solve it
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it
(http://www.billboard.com/photos/stylus/2107059-paris-hilton-afrojack-guetta-617-409.jpg)
guetta : i fok heer...
afrojack : me fok her 1st..
Quote from: Gober on 22/05/12, 11:55
Quote from: 7 on 22/05/12, 11:49
it's all about choices. love it or leave it 8)
agree... :D
Love it or leave it, You better gain way
You better hit bull's eye, The kid don't play
If there was a problem, Yo, I'll solve it
Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it
(https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtg977L3f4GScmwtn4gLi0X9fDOkQff4KnJzMJS6Q_w1FVioShGg)
hahaha bangke lo pur, nemu aje...
setuju banget nih ... nowdays bullshit gimmick is more selling than quality music .... bring back the underground please and fuck off american commercialism
take it easy , don't be too seriously .. swallow it n have fun *piss*
yaaa, ada baiknya ada buruknya, ambil positifnya aja hehehe.
Quote from: 7 on 22/05/12, 11:49
it's all about choices. love it or leave it 8)
Red pill ? Blue Pill ? Red pill ? Blue Pill ? Red pill? Blue Pill ??
Red Pill !!!! :-* :-*
Let's see how deep the rabbit hole goes *piss* *piss* *piss*
Quote from: Ucil on 22/05/12, 19:54
Quote from: 7 on 22/05/12, 11:49
it's all about choices. love it or leave it 8)
Red pill ? Blue Pill ? Red pill ? Blue Pill ? Red pill? Blue Pill ??
Red Pill !!!! :-* :-*
Let's see how deep the rabbit hole goes *piss* *piss* *piss*
Maap oom, kmaren saya krem warnanya....pecah juga sama anda bung #melipir
(http://www.access-jesus.com/images/who-cares-about-me.jpg)
;D
masing-masing udah ada kuenya lah...buat yang nyaman dengan scene mainstream ya silakan. buat kita yang emang cocok di underground, it's our job to keep the underground scene elite 8) *piss* ;D
Quote from: dedoSixteen on 22/05/12, 09:28
gimana kalo ini http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/guetta-reckons-that-staying-underground-killed-dance-music (http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/guetta-reckons-that-staying-underground-killed-dance-music)
What has happened in the music industry? Business happened. The goal is to make money. Most people start off real and then become this bubble gum pop artist to start to appeal to a bigger demographic. Ever wonder why everyone always says 'yeah I like so and so but his/her stuff isn't as good as when they first came out'. There is a reason for that. Money and the labels that basically own the artists now control the artist, the music and the image. taken from the link below
Quote from: Ucil on 22/05/12, 08:33
http://robcifre.com/2012/05/11/the-clowns-in-our-edm-music-scene/ (http://robcifre.com/2012/05/11/the-clowns-in-our-edm-music-scene/)
Some more reading material guys....
Enjoy :)
Quote from: 7 on 24/05/12, 10:44
masing-masing udah ada kuenya lah...buat yang nyaman dengan scene mainstream ya silakan. buat kita yang emang cocok di underground, it's our job to keep the underground scene elite 8) *piss* ;D
betul sekalli om 7... let's just worry about doing the things that truly make you happy as a DJ, everything else is irrelevant... keep that record spinning baby!
Quote from: 7 on 24/05/12, 10:44
masing-masing udah ada kuenya lah...buat yang nyaman dengan scene mainstream ya silakan. buat kita yang emang cocok di underground, it's our job to keep the underground scene elite 8) *piss* ;D
agree !! :)
dari interview lama, tapi mewakili gw bgt ;D
Skrillex won a Grammy; thoughts?
[laughs] Good for him. Yeah, I feel absolutely no connection to that music anymore. That's just a successful musician winning an award. It's cool.
-Ben UFO
*bgs*
another good article actually.. apakah edm akan bernasib sama seperti musik ska beberapa tahun yang lalu? ketika booming secara cepat, diperas habis-habisan; dan dibiarkan mati..
http://m.inthemix.com.au/features/53105/Is_America_killing_dance_music?page=1 (http://m.inthemix.com.au/features/53105/Is_America_killing_dance_music?page=1)
the Wall Street rag makes the worrying prediction that, "as EDM and its related events continue to grow, an audience may be developing that wants nothing more than predictable, middling entertainment."
"I won't mention any names, but I've been listening to a lot of mainstage sets from these new DJs and I found the first hour of their sets is unbelievable. They play two, three minutes of every track and it goes absolutely crazy. But after an hour, they've played all their hits and you see the crowd just going flat," Armin told ITM.
"I don't know. It's a big debate. I was brought up in the days of Sasha & Digweed, Carl Cox, Judge Jules, Paul Oakenfold: these huge sets that build and build. I guess people don't have the patience for that anymore. We live for the quick fix... I try to lure people into something more beautiful than just that quick fix of all the big hits. I don't want to be a jukebox at a festival."
"That's why we ended up with Guetta, Afrojack and all that shit. It's because we just didn't take people with us. We decided we'd be completely underground, and completely cool. It's created a situation where mass appeal went elsewhere."
makin buruk aja perkembangan nya kalo gini :-\
sangat sangat memprihatinkan :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Hidup Tipe-X!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55bXiEanG_A&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55bXiEanG_A&feature=related)
anjinqqq.. tipe-x jadi boyband?? wtf??
hahahaha
i'm not gonna press the play button, sayang bandwith sayang bandwith... ;D
gua denger lagu itu pertama kali di acara RCTI, kerennya pas semua boyband selese main mereka nyanyi lagu ini. hahaha. those guys got balls...
"But after an hour, they've played all their hits and you see the crowd just going flat" - ini yg membuat scene rnb mati beberapa tahun yang lalu.
Quote from: Gober on 19/06/12, 23:14
"But after an hour, they've played all their hits and you see the crowd just going flat" - ini yg membuat scene rnb mati beberapa tahun yang lalu.
cudnt agree more, we live in an instant generation, embrace it or you may left behind..
pendapat gw aja sii..
sebenernya udah keliatan kok trend-nya.. everything is digital, everything is instant, mungkin (I hope it doesn't happen anytime soon) di suatu hari nanti kita liat orkestra musik tidak lagi membawa instrumen2 musik, tapi semuanya pake laptop masing2 atau tablet.. pemain biola tidak lagi memainkan biola, tetapi mengeluarkan suara biola-nya dari laptop, they still play it live, tapi tidak perlu menggunakan biola.. so does pemain saksofon, pemain gitar,.. etc
that might look crap, but that may be the future, and what we all see here now is how people is shifting..
lo bahkan bisa menyanyikan lagu walaupun lo udah ga ada lagi di dunia..
Erwin gutawa membuktikan itu pas konser Chrisye kemarin, dia nyiptain lagu baru buat Chrisye, dinyanyiin sama Chrisye sendiri tapi Chrisye-nya udah ga ada.. he made it by compiling Chrisye's word from other songs.
as for EDM, gw setuju sama Indra.. kita bisa bilang bahwa itu mainstream, itu komersil, tapi kita juga harus akuin kalo penggemarnya banyak.. jadi yaa masing - masing udah ada bagiannya, udah ada kue-nya.
Idealis sih bolehh, but when it comes to money, when it comes to business.. selera pasar tetep akhirnya jadi prioritas
the trickiest part is bagaimana skrg idealisme yg lo punya bisa diterima oleh selera pasar, itulah yang dicari.. jadi lo tetep bisa educating crowd lo, musik lo tetep didengar tanpa lo harus menurunkan kualitas musik yg lo punya..