Today, DJ’s are more and more using other kinds of tools to get a mix done.
Some use laptops and midi controllers, others use a laptop controlled with regular CD-players and turntables. Not every dj wants to spend a lot of money buying turntables, records and CD’s. So when you just use a computer for playing music, there’s no need for another turntable or CD-player anymore. To get hands-on control over your computer, there are small all-in-one DJ controllers with the same functions found on regular mixers and CD-players. This way mixes can be done the traditional “turntable” way. Now you’re not playing CD’s anymore, you control your software in your laptop and mix mp3′s. A big advantage for starter DJ’s and cheapo’s because less gear is needed, saving space and money. This way of DJing is not yet accepted  by the main scene, because of the micro looks of the controller and the overall feel of it during mixing.

It’s a big step for DJ’s to use other controllers than the traditional ones. DJ’s are very conservative about new gear. They just want to catch up with the leading industry standard to make sure the art of mixing is done like the pros.  They also have to be prepared for the gear they gonna use on stage. Practicing for performances is useless if the gear you’re using on stage is differs.

Besides the various different ways mixing is done today, the art itself is changing too. Some DJ’s use programs like “Ableton Live” to trigger samples and loops, sometimes with added external effects, keyboards and pads. No more blending records or songs, the DJ is remixing music right before your eyes on stage.  This way of performing brings the DJ act to a whole new level. The concept is not new; There always have been sorts of Live acts in dance music. While a DJ mixes records, a live act is “producing”  on stage, using drum computers, synthesizers and samplers. There are many acts performing live bringing lots of studio gear to the stage. Nowadays a laptop with the right software can replace much of the extra gear, so all you need is a controller to get easy access to the program. With virtually any kind of sound, song, sample or loop at your fingertips, possibilities are never ending. Add the art of mixing with it and there it is: a new kind of performer. The DJ becomes an artist who not
only plays music, he’s creating it, live!

To Me
I like the way DJ’s keep evolving,  especially for the music. it’s a big plus for an artists if he finds his own way to create a massive performance that crazes the crowd. I like big creativity and unique sounds.
Don’t know yet wich way I’m gonna take it, just doing some experimental try outs in my studio. But, I really think there always has to be some kind of skill or talent to it, otherwise there’s no challenge in it for me. I’m not just a plain button pusher working with click-track and auto quantize, that’s not art! At least make a surprising mix filled with effects and gimmicks.
I realized not every DJ Booth has room for an advanced setup or possibilities to connect your gear to the club’s sound system. Sometimes there’s no room for anything at all! That really sucks, making a dj limited to the club’s gear only! Today’s DJ’s use much more! Since there’s always a chance my next stage isn’t ready for my multi gear setup performance, I only use a laptop controlled by the club’s turntables.
Beau.

Filed under: DJ Talk
by Beau