31. Human Life
"The more other music lovers and DJs get involved the better the scene will be overall."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has evolved quite a bit since I was first introduced to it years ago. The really great news is that here in the US, dance music is as big as it’s ever been. If you are a 16-year-old in the US, chances are you are listening to electronic music, which is great. This really wasn’t always the case… even five years ago most people in the US saw dance music as being only for druggies or whatever. The open attitude to this music really has opened doors to a new resurgence, which I am all for. Kids may start listening to more commercial dance music, but eventually they get older and their taste matures.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
When I first started DJing, it took serious time and knowledge to locate new and exciting tracks on vinyl and in many cases promos would be limited for months, so only a handful of DJs would have a certain track. Now that all music is instantly available online, I think it can give a false sense of accomplishment to DJs that are just starting. Just because you found a ripped YouTube version of a track that isn’t out yet doesn’t make you a good DJ! Obviously the real fans of music know the difference, but surprisingly promoters and club owners don’t always seem to get that concept. Luckily, as I said, there are still parties out there keeping a high level of quality, but it’s more the exception than the rule.
How are we going to make the scene better?
I am personally getting involved in hosting and promoting events that focus on quality talent and proper music. The more other music lovers and DJs get involved the better the scene will be overall. On the record side, I think in general labels are moving more toward a model where they don’t give out promos months in advance, they seem to be starting to promo releases on the day they are released to the public. This is very different from the way things used to be, but I think it can work.
32. Jack Stat
"Well known DJs tend to play the same stuff (hits) all the time and often don't have the courage to face the crowd with new influences and interpretations of sound. "
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture changed a lot in the last 15 years or so. Around here [in Germany] kids don’t really pay attention to who is playing most of the time. You have the superstars like Guetta, which serve the mainstream, but I’m not sure if this is still DJ culture or just pop culture. And you have the local DJs, which get a lot of bookings, because they are cheaper, local people know them and for the booker they are a safe bet. Between this two extremes, DJ culture has lost lots of its interesting parts unfortunately.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Even well known DJs tend to play the same stuff (hits) all the time and often don’t have the courage to face the crowd with new influences and interpretations of sound. So it is harder to keep up evolution of sounds and styles.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Keep on producing, keep on playing, keep on having fun doing this — things will change and we have to go along with this.
33. Jay Cunning
"DJing has been opened right up from the days of two decks and a mixer."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
In a very positive place, with the advancement of digital technology the tools for DJing has been opened right up from the days of two decks and a mixer. Unfortunately, there are still very narrow minded views around this among the traditionalists who see this as “cheating,” but the additional tools it gives DJs to be creative is endless and, used right, can produce amazing results.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Trendy wankers who DJ for fame and not music.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Legalize taser guns.
34. Jazzy Eyewear
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I see it going down, being the media and capitalism controlling trends and Beatport being a complete monopolies ruled by favoritism and associates.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The best paid DJs using computers and Traktor scratch with the sync bottom engaged and the whole set without even using headphones at all. No wonder you can see DJs mixing four (virtual) decks simultaneously. That’s disturbing.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Being a real artist. Many DJs don’t know music at all, they don’t play instruments, they don’t understand harmony, they don’t write songs, lyrics, they just don’t know anything about music. Now my question is, how can you be a doctor when you don’t know anything about medicine? For DJs: learn, study about sound, mixing, engineering, mastering, music history, all these things are in direct relation with the art of DJing. As far as venues and booking agencies: work harder in exposing real talent who deserve to be exposed. DJ sets: could be more fun if the DJ would also play some live instrument/s or live PA while spinning. Just seeing a guy stand up behind two decks mixing from two CDs or a USB key is not much fun.
35. Jesse Rose
"Turn off the lights, take out the tables, don't sell bottles and invest in sound!"
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
In TV ads for washing-up liquid.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Diplo!
How are we going to make the scene better?
Stop trying to make everything as big and cheesy as it can be… turn off the lights, take out the tables, don’t sell bottles and invest in sound!
36. Jesse Voorn
"I think many clubs and promoters these days want more than just a DJ. "
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has exploded the past few years. It’s everywhere, in every part of the world, in many musical genres. There are a lot of DJs out there and that is also partly because it’s much more accesible then before. No expensive and heavy vinyl, but CDs, USBs or a laptop. DJ culture had gained a full place in the music world. Twenty years ago, house music came up and established itself in music, now DJs have established themselves within the pop star/rock star world the same way. It seems to be going more toward pop music. Dance is blended with many styles at the moment. Though I think many clubs and promoters these days want more than just a DJ. Therefore I think good concepts have good chances to get big!
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I think one of the worst is actually also one of the best, that all music is available to everyone. For me, I love that my music is available for everyone and that everyone gets easy access to it, but the dark side, is that many DJs play the same records. And on top of that, lots sounds the same as well, which makes it sometimes a little boring too.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Stick to your own sound, what you think is massive. Don’t imitate.
37. Joe Bermudez
"If you're going to charge $100,000 per gig, in my opinion, you should be able to back it up on stage and read a crowd."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has never been bigger. I never thought I’d see the day where Urban Outfitters has Deadmau5 dolls for sale. For teens, it’s a way of life. Despite the fact that radio in the US was hesitant to embrace EDM, they instead turned to the Internet to find music they were interested in. They are so passionate about this genre that you often see them singing all the words to songs before they are even released. Dance music is to them is what hip-hop was to the generation before them.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Because of its massive popularity, everyone wants to be a DJ but few seem to have put in the time to be a proper one. Even some of the biggest “DJs” in the world right now are not very solid behind the decks. They are amazing producers that were forced into it as way to promote their product and bring in extra revenue. If you’re going to charge $100,000 per gig, in my opinion, you should be able to back it up on stage and read a crowd.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Simply go out and have fun! Every event you attend makes it easier for another one to happen. Support the scene and especially your local resident DJs. These guys are on the front lines every weekend educating crowds and building a solid foundation for bigger names like Tiësto and Skrillex to come through and perform in your city. They are working hard to better your overall nightlife experience so please don’t forget to show them some love once in awhile
38. John “Quivver” Graham
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
"In a way it's great that so many more people are being introduced to EDM but it also means that now more than ever everyone wants to be a DJ."
In the U.S. it definitely seems like DJ/EDM culture is more mainstream than ever — which has its positives and negatives. In a way it’s great that so many more people are being introduced to EDM but it also means that now more than ever everyone wants to be a DJ and with all the technology available anyone can be, no skills required. but then that same technology gives DJs the freedom to be more creative with effects/sampling/looping, etc.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I think trends themselves are disturbing…. as soon as a sound/genre becomes trendy everyone jumps on the bandwagon and it gets over saturated and loses all the appeal that made it a trend in the first place.
The most disturbing thing I’ve heard lately is about Simon Cowell’s search for the next big DJ show… Just what the world needs! Like I said earlier, DJ culture going mainstream has its negative consequences.
How are we going to make the scene better?
I think from a DJ and producers perspective we just need to love what we do and be passionate about the music we play and produce. The DJs I really respected and listened to the most over the years had (and still have) an obvious passion for the music they play.
39. Johnny Pluse
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
It’s in a good place from a musical and production point of view, There is lots of good music and savage producers coming up. The global recession is a key driver in this; like punk in the ’70s and ska in the ’80s that DIY attitude is back. The digital age has helped also with whole Genres of music starting on sound cloud, like ghetto funk and moombahton. It’s cheap to make a tune and pop it up on Juno and get paid for it. Not like a few years back when you were losing your stones on vinyl.
So it looks good on paper but you’re basically playing to low numbers at gigs because no one has any money. I think this is good in a way because it will get rid of the superstar DJ and people will want to DJ for the music and not for ladies and moolah.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The refix, remix, mash up trend is getting a bit out of control. I’m very of guilty of this myself, but we need to push original music a bit more. People ripping tunes from YouTube and playing them out, that’s not putting anything back into the scene and the audio quality is muck.
That R&B-Euro dance trend….I’m just so sick of it and I’m sick of everyone asking me to play it. The sad thing is people follow names not music.
How are we going to make the scene better?
I’m gonna try and push original music more, cut down on the refixes and not give out as much as I just did.
40. Jonty Skrufff
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
Very healthy overall, though in a state of radical change in virtually every way. From a technical point of view, the possibilities offered by the likes of Native Instruments, Pioneer and Ableton are revolutionary. And just as cheap synths spawned acid house (and before that cheap guitars punk and indie rock), I’m sure new waves and new scenes are inevitable. Combine that with the Internet, mobile phone innovations and apps, and we’re facing a perfect storm of incredible momentum.
In terms of superstar DJ culture, it’s also a wonderful thing in terms of finally normalizing rave culture which should open all sorts of new doors worldwide.
On the other hand, there’s also a real split between pop-dance music and “underground” dance music (a.k.a. house and techno), with the two worlds having less and less interest and connection with each other. Sure some crossover (either way) but I see this gulf continuing to widen.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
N/A
How are we going to make the scene better?
By supporting and encouraging innovative bold producers and DJs and those who are doing it for love and (hopefully, though not necessarily) money. And by going out dancing and making friends regularly.
41. Joshua Heath
"We, as performers, creators or listeners, must keep our standards high. Quality never goes out of style."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I think electronic music in general is going through a transitional phase. The lines between genres have become blurry, which is a good thing. With the vast amount of music and technology available to us, the concept of a performance is evolving — for the performer and the audience. If both sides embrace the change it has positive potential for everyone.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The unfortunate flipside to advancements in technology and social media is that it breeds laziness. It’s become easier to DJ and easier to produce. We, as performers, creators or listeners, must keep our standards high. Quality never goes out of style.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Spend your energy supporting what you believe in, rather than hating what you don’t. Make quality control a priority. Buy your music. Be yourself!
42. Juan Maclean
"Deep melodic house has come back into fashion full force, and for me, as someone who has played that style for years, it is the greatest time of my career to be out playing in clubs all over the world."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJs are truly the new rock stars. Dance music culture has exploded and is infecting even the Top 40 commercial radio crowd. Instead of buying a guitar and starting a band, kids are wanting to DJ. And let’s face it, you get paid more and get more girls as a DJ.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I’m wary of ever resurrecting this debate, but as a DJ who mostly plays vinyl, I find the advent of laptop DJing have been a very damaging trend in terms of quality control. I should preface this by stating that I know some amazing laptop DJs, but the fact is the medium lends itself to laziness and has made DJing too accessible. If you take DJing seriously, it is a craft that needs to be learned from more experienced people in the field over time. I played in my living room for two years before I ever dreamed of getting in front of people.
How are we going to make the scene better?
In terms of pure volume, the scene has exploded over the past few years. This has lead to an awful lot of mediocrity. I think the bar needs to be raised once again, somehow. There was a built-in standard before digital mediums, because playing vinyl is a very difficult thing to learn. However, I am optimistic. It is a very exciting time; deep melodic house has come back into fashion full force, and for me, as someone who has played that style for years, it is the greatest time of my career to be out playing in clubs all over the world.
43. Junior Sanchez
"House, techno, EDM, electronic music, whatever you call it! It's dance music."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has exponentially grown so vast and huge as far as the art (or some might say lack there of) and music. I think it’s vibrant and healthy, some might disagree and say the art form is lost because of whatever reasons that might be, but I look at it that it has evolved. Turntablism will always be a art form but with technology today. DJing has become a perspective per on how one grows in the culture in there generation; I grew up mixing records, never even touching the platter because that’s how I saw some of my luminaries do it. So I mimicked like any kid would. That’s my experience. Now today kids are exposed to Serato, Tracker, SD card, USB sticks, CDJs… there are so many options to how one DJs and I think it’s a personal discovery and if people decide to look back in reflect on what the origins are, like most kids do, as they get older they like to find out facts and history. About DJing and its craft, then that’s amazing in a nutshell. DJing is a generational thing now, you cannot approach a 14-year-old kid with a laptop, tap him or her on the shoulders and say, “Hey kid, you’re doing this all wrong, you need records and a turntable!” They’re gonna look at you like you have two heads and four eyes. The kid will discover it for his or herself as he or she’s knowledge will grow and if it doesn’t…so what! Because if all he or she knows is a laptop and a program then so be it! that’s whats real to him or her!
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
We need them, trends, you need them to write about them… whatever the kids or media need to classify things. It’s a vicious cycle that will always be here. But at the end of the day, they all fall back to good music — house, techno, EDM, electronic music, whatever you call it! It’s dance music.
How are we going to make the scene better?
We don’t! We just live through it and remember it like disco, speed garage, dutch hardcore, hair metal, glam rock, death metal, happy house, trip-hop, ambient…and the list goes on!
44. Kate Simko
"I think there's potential for the culture to grow, but only if the music evolves faster than the lifestyle/party aspects."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I’m finding that it’s really different depending on the place. There’s still a stigma against DJ culture in the states, most people don’t take it very seriously. In Europe I love seeing older people at clubs, [hearing] tasteful dance music in cool shops, etc. I think there’s potential for the culture to grow, but only if the music evolves faster than the lifestyle/party aspects.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
DJing using sync with no decks or mixing.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Support good music and keep music at the forefront of what this scene is about.
45. Ken Christensen
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture is at its height in terms of the amount of people actively blending music. It has broken fully into the American mainstream as it did with the rest of the world a decade ago. Dubstep being the leader of the pack. When someone is paid $75K to play one gig, you know the tables have shifted.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Traktor and Pioneer changed DJing permanently. When I started you either had the natural or practiced talent to not only beat match but to blend in key. Now auto key and sync make DJing possible to the masses. We went from a few thousand [DJs] to millions over night. There are not enough clubs and active dancers to follow the trend. DJs with talent are dismissed. The fact that my 69-year-old mother can DJ says a lot.
How are we going to make the scene better?
N/A
46. Kevin Saunderson
"Whenever you put the music last and yourself first that’s what I have a problem with."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has evolved. When I think about when we first started, we started with people like Larry Levan and Ron Hardy — DJs who did edits of tracks and who had very good mix skills. Back then they played marathon sets for ten hours or more whereas today it’s more hi-tech — from the CDs to the digital to the technology of Serrato, Traktor, Ableton — and the sets are shorter. The technology has made it a lot easier to DJ but at the same time as someone who appreciates technology — as much as I like vinyl — the technology keeps me going. My youngest asked me to teach him about music and [my kids are] practicing and playing around with it because it’s almost natural progression being they’re my kids. But it’s something they do because they love music too. I’m not sure if they will ever be serious with it. But it’s gotten to the level where anyone can do it, and it’s much easier than 20 or 25 years ago.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I think when a DJ is all about showmanship and not skills or music, well, that annoys me. We have DJs who just dress up in an outfit and look cool to the crowd, or they dance and make moves, and the DJing isn’t important. Whenever you put the music last and yourself first that’s what I have a problem with.
How are we going to make the scene better?
I think technology kind of dictates this. How do we use it to create tracks and bring them into your set and how it can inspire you to get an idea for the dance floor or whatever changes you need to make. Technology will help us better put the parts and pieces of the puzzle together.
47. King Yoof
"DJs that play a mix CD — WTF?"
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I think it’s constantly growing what with new technology available now to people who are trying to progress the culture. Nowadays kids are becoming more technical and this also helps with them getting into production and at a very affordable prices.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
DJs who rely on the sync function in laptops…that is not DJing! You are a human jukebox. It was only the last couple of years I started using CDs before it was vinyl and dubplates but that because the music was starting to only be released on digital and I have no problems what format you want to play on but please at least learn basic beat matching. Also, DJs that play a mix CD — WTF?
How are we going to make the scene better?
It’s simple…education!!!
48. Kissy Sell Out
"Everyone's making music now and the strict conventions of electronic music have been completely forgotten it seems. You can make a drum step triple time techno tune now and no one will bat an eyelid!"
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
Things are in a state of accelerated evolution at the moment. When the electro boom happened five years ago it was the first time that blogs dramatically changed the way people found out about music. But now such Internet phenomena are so over-saturated that things are moving in all directions with geeky computer people having more to offer breakthrough musicians than record labels can now.
It’s definitely exciting! The EDM explosion in the US is proof of that! Everyone’s making music now and the strict conventions of electronic music have been completely forgotten it seems. You can make a drum step triple time techno tune now and no one will bat an eyelid!
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Some people are becoming millionaires very quickly in the music industry, but meanwhile smaller club nights and labels are going bankrupt which isn’t a very stable breeding ground from which music can be spawned and nurtured.
I think there’s perhaps a danger that many of the big success stories are coming from the same handful of powerful websites. The reason that’s a possible negative is because it seems to be a regression from the people powered blog movement that did so much good for niche music scenes a few years ago.
Only a few years ago people were going to number one in the charts over in the UK accidentally. This was because the major record labels started to lose their grip on consumers due to file-sharing and, most profoundly, because people suddenly embraced the sense of “choice” and bought music they liked rather than music they were told to like. This rebellion era has gone a bit quiet for now. Social networking sites are now full of big money campaigns which scream louder than the competition.
Yeah sure, a musician’s Facebook fans are real, but it’s no accident that a certain big name appears at the top of your Twitter page or at the side of your Facebook profile. People have to make a living of course, and selling advertising space on social networking sites seems a very logical step, but let’s not dumb down the infinitely versatile resources we are all wired into.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Embrace cynicism again and don’t forget where things come from. The top selling artists on iTunes are the end product and don’t represent the nursery of musical ideas that the end product evolved from. Be a fan of the scene not the individual. It’s so much more fun that way!
49. Kris Menace
"Through the power of social media, the barrier between my audience and myself is broken down. We communicate better and have made a hell lot of new friends."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture has become a mass by product of the industry and our time. It’s not about art or ability anymore, unlike the early days where folks did it for sheer pleasure, joy and because they believed in something. I might come off as being overtly sentimental but those were the halcyon days. These days, a lot of guys I know start DJing because they want to be famous, make out with a lot of girls and make a ton of cash. It’s all pretty fickle and without any staying power. Lots of kids get blinded by the hype and today’s technology pretty much allows everybody to be a decent DJ even if there is no talent lurking in there at all. The word “DJ” has become part of our throwaway lifestyle and fast technological development.
The vibe is that there is no more real value to music anymore, especially if you’re just starting out. It’s pretty much impossible for a new artist to make any sort of money off their recordings. It’s an entitlement attitude the modern music listener has and they want it all for free. Why pay? Technology allows us to download whole album from a blog within seconds and maybe you even don’t even listen to it, it just gets lost in your hard drive. Back in the day — God, I’m old — I recall waiting in great anticipation for a favorite record of mine to drop and driving all the way to the record store to get my hands on a copy after saving up for it. It was something personal and special.
Today as a producer of electronic music, you need to start DJing to be able to make a living. but not all producers are good DJs. There are many producers who started doing fake live sets or fake DJ sets to be able to get income and thats another point why the value of music gets lost. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are many positives to be gleaned from our current state of affairs. I think the world’s become smaller and more connected. In a way, my music gets heard by more folk now than before and through the power of social media, the barrier between my audience and myself is broken down. We communicate better and have made a hell lot of new friends.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The trend is that fresh creativity and quality is fast disappearing. Everything’s really trend based at the moment, the press is always ready to jump on a new genre or hot act, but we overlook the long term development of quality artists and DJs. I get sent a ton of promos all the time but rarely discover tracks where you can feel that they are made with love, where you can feel that the artist really had fun to make the track.
Currently, the market is teeming with free music from thousands of producers and services like Spotify, Last.fm, SoundCloud, etc. It’s something that anyone can do and can give it away for free to promote themselves. Of course, it’s also great, as amazing new talents have the chance to produce music, but it also makes it hard for the real musicians who have to make a living out of it.
Also, major labels these days only pick up on hype, music which is already made big by independent labels, as they don’t have the balls to sign new music anymore. A&Rs for the majors don’t take risks anymore and everything is geared toward making a profit. I’m just waiting for someone to develop a “hit machine” app, where you say what you want and it creates the track by for you with random hit patterns. If that comes out I definitely stop making music, and I’m sure it will come!
How are we going to make the scene better?
To be honest, I don’t think that’s possible anymore. It’s the natural evolution and a normal progression of time, growing abilities, globalization, and development of technology. there will be better and better apps, more upgrades, more and cooler software, making it easier for the normal user. More people will start making music and this will overload and finally crash the market in a post apocalyptic sense.
We are all so used to free music now that there won’t be any turning back. the priorities are different nowadays. its about having an iPhone or other trendy gadget that has value. if you buy a CD, it’s worthless. My new album just got released and I found approximately 50 links after an hour of going online in stores all around the world, spread by bloggers. Well, of course you can say that this is PR, but if you are not going on tour you won’t make any money out of your work and that’s sad when you invested over a year of hard work, investment, love, sweat and heartache.
I personally don’t have a problem to share my music for free, as I´’m happy when my music gets spread around, and people have the chance to discover it, but i also do have two kids I got to take care of. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my inherent love of music, my rational mind should have told me by now to stop writing and producing music when all this Napster stuff started but I might be wrong and the problem will be naturally fixed by itself. Fingers crossed!
"Let's never forget that while trying to define ourselves by our interests in specific genres, events, eras, technology, etc. that this scene started out on a code of love and respect for each another. "
50. Lea Luna
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I love the fact that EDM is taking the main stage. I have been into pop music since DJ culture rejected it, and into DJ culture before pop labels even knew it existed. I also love the fact that it has become anyone’s game. It’s no longer just for whoever has a load of money to spend on analog studio time like it used to be. The technology is getting more fun and easy. It makes it harder to shine through the masses, but more fair. I see that a lot of purist DJs are worried about the blending and blurring of all music cultures, the plasticity of EDM’s popularity and “celebrity” DJs, and the implementation of laptop technology where beat matching skill used to be mandatory. All I have to say to that is listen to how much better the breakthrough music has become instead of your own mouth, grandpa! Pop stars like Madonna who embraced dance music early on unlocked the door for the major success and growth of our culture, and then in came artists like Skrillex and Swedish House Mafia who kicked the door clear off the hinges. I think it’s awesome, but I understand that not everyone likes popularity and genre-bending like I do. Those people are in an empty warehouse somewhere growing old.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I embrace all trends. Let art be art, and let people be diverse. As long as your trend doesn’t contain some kind of cruelty, I’m cool with it. Just respect that I’m only into blonde-bass personally (just kidding).
How are we going to make the scene better?
Let’s never forget that while trying to define ourselves by our interests in specific genres, events, eras, technology, etc. that this scene started out on a code of love and respect for each another. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to protect my fellow artists and myself from Internet slander and harsh criticism. Everyone is entitled to an educated and eloquent opinion, but if you aren’t doing anything for the scene but being rude, you might consider trying to produce and release a track, throwing a successful event yourself, inventing your own EDM fashion, etc, before you dig into the people who get their hands dirty and put forth effort in our scene. Know what you’re talking about and how the industry works, and keep the criticism constructive. Otherwise you are the antithesis of what this scene is, and therefore have no true part in it.
51. Lenny Dee
"It should be about the music and talent, but too often promoters and big booking agencies control what people get to hear."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I think it’s great that its getting a lot more attention, especially in the USA.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Corporate money influencing the music. It should be about the music and talent, but too often promoters and big booking agencies control what people get to hear. Record labels are not taking chances and being more musically creative.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Get back to the music. Electronic music has a great depth to its history and lot of different flavors and genres are not taken into account. There’s a lot more out there than the commercial form of electronic Music people in the USA are getting to hear. It’s also really important to give new talent a chance. Have some vision so people get to hear what’s next, not just what’s popular right now.
52. Luke Solomon
"The animosity toward the mainstream pop DJ is creating a fierce reaction, which is not a bad thing. "
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
It’s in a really odd place. There is the old-school approach of being a music selector that can beat match, program and take people on a musical journey through genres, and then there is the new “DJ.” Or the well skilled Traktor or Ableton user that adapts their own music with other peoples to create a new interpretation that happens to be the length of a DJ set. And then you have the celebrity DJ that happens to play music on his laptop as an added bonus. This is more geared toward pop stardom, and has adopted the term DJ as part of a general description of their job. I think these three instances have mutated the term disc jockey and created a series of divides amongst the purest, the new school, and those that are refusing to adopt the accolade “pop star” as “DJ” is way cooler.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The pop star DJ is definitely the most disturbing and upsetting. I can understand musicians that become pop stars based on vocal skills and or/actual musical talent. Even if you can’t equate with it, at least you know that there is a level of effort and learning that has gone into the end product. Turning yourself into cash collecting machine that literal presses play on a computer and stands with your hands in the air, is just plain embarrassing. I cannot equate with it one bit in the same way as I had a problem with Milli Vanilli (manufactured ’80s duo) that were simply a face to someone else’s music.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Ultimately, I have always seen it as “us against them.” That’s pretty much my mantra for life. I think that cultural extremities need to exist in order for a reaction to happen. Without them every thing and every one would be middle of the road. Punk occurred because people couldn’t stand mainstream pop any more, or what it stood for. The same cultural blip is happening now to an extent. The animosity toward the mainstream pop DJ is creating a fierce reaction, which is not a bad thing. Although I do think that negative media chastising is not the best approach. I think the better approach is to make yourself greater at what you do so that you may be recognized for having an actual skill that can educate those that know no different.
53. Mark Farina
"Focus on having good sound systems at parties/clubs and, whatever genre, it will help."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
Ever changing, evolving and devolving.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The loss of the art of true DJ mixing.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Focus on having good sound systems at parties/clubs and, whatever genre, it will help.
54. Martin East
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
Way too easy to be a DJ now. No learning curve. Relationship between practitioner and laptop is way to central at too many gigs.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
R&B and hip-hop singers making house tracks. They wouldn’t know house if it bit a chunk out their ass and spat in the hole.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Copy South Africa. Place is alive with love for house music. Most exciting place to play right now
55. Martin Eyerer
"Now it's easier to produce and release but the amount of releases increased so much that it takes probably the same time to become more famous."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture is on a high level right now. It’s really popular becoming a DJ and they are kind of the new rock stars. You can see that on the fact that there’s the first DJ casting show on TV soon. Of course this commercialization rings also negative sides with it but that’s usually the case when things become more popular.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The biggest problem today is the overflow of music. As it’s getting easier and easier making your own productions with pre-produced loops and software what is good on the one side is that DJs and upcoming producer flush the market with stuff that sounds not bad but on the other hand it all sounds the same. So it’s harder and harder to cause attention and also it’s harder to find good stuff. The result of this development is that most customers buy productions from label or artists they know already and this is not good for the development of music.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Spending more time in productions skills in order to deliver better quality and outstanding music. If we work in media we should give unknown producers and labels a chance by giving more attention. Last, but not leas,t being patient and not expecting a huge career after two releases on smaller labels. A few years ago it was maybe harder to release music so it took longer to become famous. Now it’s easier to produce and release but the amount of releases increased so much that it takes probably the same time to become more famous.
56. Matt Edwards (Radio Slave)
"At the commercial end of DJ culture I would say we're at the point where things are at their worst."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
This really depends on which part you’re looking at. Overall, I would say there is a huge interest in electronic music right now and the industry is at a point where it’s full of powerful, money hungry people who know exactly how to exploit this situation. So, at the commercial end of DJ culture I would say we’re at the point where things are at their worst. The music is bad (if you can even call it music). The DJs aren’t even doing anything on “stage.” And I say “stage” as it’s very rare you will find any commercial DJ performing in a club where they would have a DJ booth and why do they need a booth? They just need props like pyrotechnics and maybe even a cake. Basically it’s a horror story, and I hope it’s ends as quickly as it started.
But saying that, on the flip side I would say that the underground is having a great time right now. DJs are finding that playing records is actually fun and leaving their computers at home and there’s still a demand for vinyl. I’m extremely lucky and privileged to be based in Berlin where DJ culture and the club scene is built around good music and amazing clubs. It’s not so driven by fads or the latest trends and the DJs who are residents at say the Panorama Bar or Berghain are real DJs with a great knowledge of music and they know how to rock the party for 6-12 hours.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
That dance music and DJ culture is now becoming just a commodity.
How are we going to make the scene better?
I’m not a violent person, but I would say if you killed a few key people things might get better!
57. Memory9
"the fact that anyone can carry around thousands of tunes and pop them into Serato, is creating a kind of DJ hyperculture in which musical ideas travel really fast, sub-cultures merge and morph freely and loads of great people get exposure."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
I think for many the DJ game has become that of constantly sifting through immense quantities of very good and interesting music literally being released on a weekly basis, and tracing a coherent trajectory within that to define a sonic trademark. It’s fair to say that DJ culture as a whole has been immensely accelerated in recent years, and relies massively on the Internet as a means of constantly sourcing new tunes as well as the main arena to establish a rep. That, with the fact that anyone can carry around thousands of tunes and pop them into Serato, is creating a kind of DJ hyperculture in which musical ideas travel really fast, sub-cultures merge and morph freely and loads of great people get exposure. I imagine there will be differences between various genres of music, but I think that it’s a fairly consistent fact, especially for younger DJs. It’s and evolution of sorts.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
I do find that the downside to the super-connected DJ world is that it is making music more and more disposable. Sometimes, a new musical fruit is dangling off the internet tree and it gets eaten up before it’s ripe, faster than it would have done before this combination of insatiable thirst for innovation and global access information became a thing. In the short run more people will definitely hear the stuff, spin it, be influenced by it in their productions, but this also makes it difficult for music to stick, for people to really want to engage an artist’s vision, or to develop that special relationship with a record, a tune. I don’t know if I find this quite disturbing, but I do think this can be a problem for producers wanting to sharpen their vision as well as for DJs trying to define their own sound. Subcultures just come and go really fast.
How are we going to make the scene better?
The best way to make sense of all this is for a DJ/producer to think of him or herself as something of a designer, not just as an artist. If you can develop a method by lateral thinking, then you make the rules and join the dots as you see fit. I love the way the way architects, industrial designers or fashion designers are comfortable with the constant re-definition of their aesthetics within some sort of cloud, always aware of their surroundings and the state of the art. I think that’s the way forward. I am not saying to embrace disposability, or to just follow trends. But I do think that Philippe Starck is a better model than Beethoven for musicians these days.
58. Midnight Magic
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
There are so many great DJs the world over — especially in New York and everywhere we hear eclectic selection. DJing has remained one of the best, and most fun, ways to expose people to new musical ideas.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
Common among Serrato/Traktor DJs: playing 20-30 seconds of a song! That’s got to stop.
How are we going to make the scene better?
We like to play whole jams when we DJ. The outro can sometimes be the best part.
59. Mike Huckaby
"Don't get caught up in the hype of only playing the newest music you can find."
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
Growing at an ever increasing rate.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
The disrespect for the past regarding technology, buying music and musical research.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Don’t get caught up in the hype of only playing the newest music you can find.
60. Morten Trust
Where do you see DJ culture right now?
DJ culture in general seems to be doing better than ever. It has an enormous audience compared to just a few years ago. However superstar DJs with MTV videos, stadium gigs, etc. come at a cost.
In your opinion, what is the most disturbing trend?
That the underground scene is so fragmented. Some only listen to minimal, others are deep house purists, etc. instead of everyone getting together and enjoying good music. I personally like a lot of different genres.
How are we going to make the scene better?
Good question! By making and playing good music I guess. And by doing it with love!
Mike Huckaby is such a legend. He didn’t rise to the bait, just lets it pass and keeps on teaching the kids…
radio slave is thebest
With nearly 2 decades behind me beat matching with two ears and a mind, my stance is old school as my hands hold onto new technology. It’s never been a better time to know the art of the mix, as those with the talent will always rise like cream to the top. Where we are is in a huge cul-de-sac moving round and round, until the visionaries take back the vibe and begin to lead everyone down the next few miles of the journey. So it’s up to those with the talent and heritage to teach the new school a few things about what it means to be a selector of the finest blends. I accept this challenge.
Absolutely amazing compilation. Thank you!
speaking from my point of view i can say alot bout “edm” which in my view is a crock of shit made up by big money men to commercialize a style of music for the masses.ive been a dj from the age of 13 starting with vinyl over 17 yrs ago.when the hard house fad of noize came about i gave up for a few yrs as i became annoyed by muppets wanting loud banging shit that was just wofull to listen to.djs like sneak timo mass,sasha digweed have been there done that and still drop mind blowing sets the way it should b music for the people by the people not aoki and his cake and guetta with his well fake djn weve all seen the youtube videos lol.now i have stoped useing vinyl and made the move to production and i use ableton live to do live techno sets for me you cant say vinyl or digital is wrong its what the dj/proformer brings to the table no gimics stage dives cake throwing it allways has and should b about the MUSIC because with out that your just a human jukebox