“DJing is
equal parts technique and selection. A good set is like a convincing speech:
the message is as important as the delivery. The magic happens when the tracks
are assembled in front of (and in reaction to) a given crowd.” says A-Trak...
A firm statement
by the world renowned DJ who - no doubt a very credible figure in the current
music scene - takes time off from what he does best to carefully stamp his
authority & deliver a truly outstanding article: “Don’t Push My Buttons”;
without insulting anyone but instead covering all angles of the spectrum,
stating things how they are & highlighting both positives & negatives
aspects, something that holds an incredible amount of merit for me personally
& frankly should appeal just the same to the entire Dance Music industry..!
The
acclaimed Turntablist/Music-Producer goes on making reference to the Dancing Astronaut - a blog dedicated to the EDM world - that recently, featured an entry
titled “Dance Music Has Gone Mainstream But It Doesn't Have To Sell Out”, criticizing DJs - in general - within the EDM circuit for their overly consistent &
perhaps even very predictable track selections; accusing them as such, of
having become too complacent during their sets. To be precise, the writer actually
stated in the entry that: "What worries me is not that DJs are simply
'pressing play' but that they're pressing play on the same tracks in the same
order night after night after night."
A-Trak
agrees & says: “After any big EDM festival, look up the DJ playlists.
They're frighteningly similar. This scene is turning into a caricature.”
“Real DJing
lives when you witness someone play for hours and take risks, reading the crowd
and surprising them at the same time. On festival stages, it makes sense to use
fool-proof equipment and put together a spectacular show. In today's context,
wouldn't it be fair to say that the holy grail is a live performance that has
the flexibility to integrate true improvisation? That is the ultimate win-win.
To the DJs who choose to bypass the LED screen arms race and stick to their
decks, I respect that too. Just make sure you give your audience something new
every night. If you want to play David to Deadmau5's Goliath, earn it.
Challenge yourself to challenge the crowd. And to all the new fans just
discovering this genre, come to the shows with an open mind. Don't just wait to
hear the songs you already know. There's a reason you're not watching a band.
DJing is still at the cutting edge of new music. Let yourself be surprised.”
If I may
add here - in my very own humble opinion - people need to understand & realise
that the whole situation is not like listening to radio, it’s not just a
concert or a show - regardless of any production & staging that is involved
- it’s an experience; & let’s be honest, even during a concert of any
a-list band or electronic act - who at a large extent have already rehearsed their
show extensively, one never actually sees &/or hears the artist who’s live on
stage, play their entire album(s) start to finish without any special impromptu
performance, including others’ classic hits &/or new forthcoming unreleased
material..!
In essence,
to all fellow Dance Music performers out there (artists, DJs, musicians, electronic music acts): it’s our duty to learn the craft & respect the art &
industry we represent; master what it is we are going to offer & never
cheat our audience..! To all the fans, music-lovers, club & event-goers:
learn to be open-minded, appreciate the entertainer & their art-form as
well & always embrace the idea of going on an exciting journey through a variety
of sounds (new & old); don’t just expect to deal with jukeboxes..!
1 luv,
peace & music-beats d(-_-)b
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