Big Shot State of DJ Culture 2012 Survey: 90 DJs Speak Out

[Rizko Pradana. A]

Like it or not DJ culture is all grown up. Starting out in warehouses, basements, lofts and clubs in the '70s and '80s, and evolving into massive raves one-offs, festivals and global tours in the late '90s and '00s, its long and winding road has set the stage for a new generation of formidable talent and musical innovation. If you consider where DJ culture is at the moment, it's hard to see things cooling off anytime soon: DJs are gracing the front covers of old guard print magazines, scoring movie soundtracks, touring with shows boasting fantastic production and even squabbling with each other on social media like reality TV stars.

The mainstream's heightened interest in DJ culture has once again brought it to the crossroads. Knowing the cyclical nature of pop culture we've been wondering how it will all play out. When the pendulum swings back — and it no doubt will (simply reference every musical fad over the past 40 years) — what might the ramifications be?

Hoping to gain more insight we conducted interviews over a three-month period with 90 DJs of varying profiles playing a range of styles based all over the world. Our intent was to get a first-hand, unedited view about the state of DJ culture in 2012 from those who make their living in the DJ booth. We asked each DJ the same three questions: Where do they see the culture? What are its most disturbing trends? How are we going to make the global scene better? The comments (listed in alphabetical order below), like any quality DJ set, were intriguing, enlightening and entertaining.

We would like to thank all of the DJs who participated in this article. It is our hope that their views will open a wider discourse in the community we've been a proud member of since 2003.

1. ANDREA OLIVA

"I am happy we still have an amazing scene here in Europe, like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the UK."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

Well, everything became so big! I just hope all the young guys, especially the big commercial acts who became famous in one day (in the States), care about the "culture" and try to teach the same young kids about it! There is so much history behind the techno and house scene, and it's so frustrating when DJs tell the wrong stories... I mean imagine a country that has a history and one day someone comes with his new fame from nowhere and start to tell a total different story, the older guys who know the real story will eat him! So I just wanna say respect the culture... Don't make everything a huge sell out — we are still a kind of movement so go out and find the real history behind our scene.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

I don't know why the trance guys say nothing? I mean they made a whole kind of music for themselves which was big! Now trance is like gone with the wind and people today think it's house...it's weird! All those melodies, harmonies, big snare roles in the break of the track, etc. this is trance even if it's more rhythmic now and maybe 5bpm slower but its still trance, but this is not house! Some guys have influenced the kids so bad, they made confusion for their own interests. And the industry is clever — they see a trend if good or bad, they jump on the train and give them (the kids) to eat what they wanna eat, this is the trend... For me the trend goes to the wrong direction... I am happy we still have an amazing scene here in Europe, like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the UK.... we know what we want to eat in these places!

How are we going to make the scene better?

Separate those guys in dance acts and don't call them DJs or producers because it has nothing to do with house, techno or trance! Make only dance festivals or only house, techno and trance festivals! Do you ever see a Big Mac menu at McDonald's with fresh homemade pasta, bolognese as a side dish, everything on one plate? It just doesn't match together! Big Mac is big Mac and homemade pasta, and bolognese with fresh basilico are two different things!

2. ANDREI OSYKA (DROOG)

"I think the general quality of DJing has gone down primarily because of the shear quantity of people claiming to be DJs. "
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

I think the general quality of DJing has gone down primarily because of the shear quantity of people claiming to be DJs. Like a lot of things that come with the digital age you have to dig deeper. But I think for a DJ like myself I'm the most I've been excited about music, and I've been DJing for the last 11 or 12 years. The volume of interesting music that I find myself playing is really thrilling, and I'm excited about it. I would say it's both the most exciting time and slightly a scary time because now people like Paris Hilton are trying to be DJs. There's some problems here, but I would encourage those who feel like they have the knack and feel like they have true ability to definitely go for it. Even though I've seen a lot of shit out there, I'm seeing young DJs doing some really cool, interesting things predominantly as a reaction to the crap out there.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

The misuse of technology: Traktor and Ableton are amazing technologies but unfortunately they're often in the wrong hands. New technology in the wrong hands can really be problematic. There's also a whole new generation of people jumping on the DJ bandwagon and sniffing around. Cream rises to the top pretty much, especially in our less commercial genre. Those who are truly talented and have their heart in the right place are succeeding. I think in the bigger picture of things I'm not too pessimistic.

How are we going to make the scene better?

We have to be genuine with everything you do. With us we have a slightly bigger platform and more people are paying attention, so we really have to stay true to our sensibility in the same way we were when nobody knew about us as critical as ever while maintaining that quality control and taste level. I think the more we grow and people pay attention, the more we stay true to ourselves and we believe in what we do, then that will be our contribution and hopefully that's contagious in its own way. You can achieve a greater level of success while still doing what you do.

3. ANDREW EMIL

"It's a good thing that 'electronic' music is so big, but with that also comes the diluting nature of mass appeal."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

DJ culture is, as far as the US is concerned, the largest it has ever been. I mean you have "DJs" that came out of the woodwork a few years ago playing at the Grammys. I grew up in a time where you really had to work for to get your name out there and get gigs. It's a good thing that "electronic" music is so big, but with that also comes the diluting nature of mass appeal (i.e. loss of individualism, lack of experimentation, creation of more product based things and not art, etc.).

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

Entitlement issues that children have; thinking a music career is a sprint and not a marathon; not respecting the game of making a solid discography and performance resume; just thinking because you can have access to a million songs does not make you a selector. Experience makes you a selector. After many years of perfecting your craft is the only way you get amazing at it. So leave the performance arena to the "amazing ones." A lot of tracks that come out today are either what I would call "demos" ten years ago or just a total lack of creativity. Loss of art and individualist imprints leave a very uninspired crowd in the wake of that kind of output. Quality control needs to come back home! If you don't want your music to be disposed of. Stop making disposal music!

How are we going to make the scene better?

First step: Keep making great art in hopes that it will become more successful as there are more fans of house music than ever before.

Second step: Try to educate the masses about the history of this thing called house. If you get inspired by the past you will tend to have more respect for the future and take your time to craft excellence.

Third step: Take you time to create great art. It will have a longer shelf life and will be revered in the future as well as now. Create everlasting pieces so that when the trends come and go, as they always will, your work will stand the test of time. Future classics!"

4. ANGEL ALANIS

"Pre-recorded sets. If you're going to do it at least be honest about it."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

It's gotten much broader and it's reaching out to so many more people who were not exactly big fans of it or just did not know. The technology has improved so much that being a DJ is more accessible.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

Pre-recorded sets. If you're going to do it at least be honest about it. Steve Angello and the like should at least try to put some work into it. I'm sure most people don't care since it's just a name up on stage. What's next? Hologram DJs? Anyway, bring a fucking flute or something or juggle while your 60-minute CD plays out.

How are we going to make the scene better?

Better? I have no idea.

5. ASHLEY BEEDLE

"It's not about being a superstar on a stage, it's about making a party."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

DJ culture is dying as an art form.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

It has become very easy for people to "DJ" due to technology, but technology doesn't make a DJ. DJs need personality and know how to select and program a journey.

How are we going to make the scene better?

The only way to fix this is looking at who came before us, understanding music and presenting it to those who want to learn. It's not about being a superstar on a stage, it's about making a party.

6. ATNARKO

"The most disturbing trend is the idea that you have to stand behind the decks looking as wasted as possible (while usually playing bad) to be cool."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

I think it's a really exciting time for electronic dance music in all forms. There are many more possibilities then there were a few years ago as a DJ. I enjoy the challenge.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

Besides the "DJs" that fake it the most disturbing trend is the idea that you have to stand behind the decks looking as wasted as possible (while usually playing bad) to be cool.

How are we going to make the scene better?

We can make it better by working hard and using our creativity to the maximum potential. Make music you believe in. Play music you love. Don't be afraid to reach out or leave your comfort zone.

7. BEAT ASSASSINS

"It would be nice if from time to time if acts broke through because they are totally sick on the decks."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

Completely in the hands of the producers.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

No one breaks through anymore for being a great DJ. It's all about being a great producer. Therefore it would be nice if from time to time if acts broke through because they are totally sick on the decks. I have in the past gone out clubbing to check out a new act because their tracks were amazing, only to find someone behind the decks who can't DJ or (worse) using software to mix their tracks for them.

How are we going to make the scene better?

Good question. It's not an easy thing to change but YouTube could play a big part. I'd like to see a magazine or large blog/website have some serious contacts run a DJ competition. Not a DJ competition whereby you send in a mixtape and win a warm-up set at blah blah night. No, I suggest DJs upload a YouTube video of themselves DJing in their bedrooms (not live) and the footage must clearly show the decks. This way DJs can demonstrate mixing skills and scratching (if they scratch) and the format they play off, CDJs, Serato, vinyl, etc. — no software mixing allowed. Plus the competition should be about genres — in this competition we are looking for the best drum 'n' bass DJ, in this one the best dubstep DJ, the best house etc., so DJs win on merit and not one what's the most popular music. Check out this footage of DJ Sleeper, and you will see the kind of footage I'm talking about. The winner should get some proper booking at some events within their genre; I'm sure that could be arranged. Judging (well it's up to the organization running tings) but I suggest at first by the website — final ten go to public vote (maybe).

8. BERGER
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

As the music industry's "It" girl. And future episodes of where are they now? or Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

Fist pumping, checking in, tweeting and posting in place of dancing on the dance floor.

How are we going to make the scene better?

Give it a Zooropa meets Tommy meets The Wall overhaul.

9. BREAK SCIENCE

"No trends really disturb us, because all trends eventually die."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

DJ culture is now a culture of producers that make their own music, instead of just playing other peoples original tracks. It's a growing culture of musical composers who are feeding off of each other to create the sound of the future.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

No trends really disturb us, because all trends eventually die. It's all about timeless music.

How are we going to make the scene better?

All the producer/DJs on the scene have to keep developing their craft to insure a true renaissance in modern, electronic music.

10. BRETT JOHNSON
Where do you see DJ culture right now?

The names may change but the party is the same.

In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?

Not dancing.

How are we going to make the scene better?

Depends where you live. Free things....






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