Real dj's??

[DaniH]

I got into a lengthy and heated conversation over vinyl vs mp3's/software. The argument was that you are not a "Real DJ" unless you spin on vinyl records. I disagree with that statement.

I started out on cd's and then moved to vinyl. I love vinyl overall but I believe you should use whatever you can to mix, anything. I now use my Axiom to mix as I sold my tables for production essentials. Whenever I get the chance to use vinyl I do.

My question to you is, what do you think a "real dj" is??

I know push button mixing has a lazy approach but if you can keep the crowd happy and dancing it doesn't matter what you are using??

[Aciphecs]

Well I guess I consider anyone that plays music a DJ- radio, wedding, stripclub, electronic, etc. Almost anyone can do it, with the right equipment and songs.

Now beatmatching is another story. There in lies the talent and anyone who uses vinyl MUST know how to match beats, and keep them in sync in order to be successful and respected. In the electronic, bass driven music that is (wedding DJs don't have to worry about how YMCA and Shout mix )

Computer programs, laptops and controllers have made all this really easy for the modern DJ. While it still takes skill to select, mix and transition tracks the programs take the beatmatching out of the equation, allowing more time for creative use of the controller, effects and what not.

I understand your friend's view, but it is flawed. I've seen plenty of "real DJs" trainwreck the hell out of a mix and "laptop DJs" do nothing but click away at the mouse. And I've seen both types kill sets and use their gear like it should be, they own it!

I'll be honest though, I do have much more respect for a DJ that spins vinyl these days as it is not an easy job. It's usually a sign that they might be around my age too I recently went back to college and was talking to a kid about music and he said he was a DJ. I asked "Do you spin vinyl?" he just looked at me as if I was speaking another language. Then I said "Your laptop?" and he nodded. Man I'm getting old!

[neotechtonics]

is that argument similar to "you're not a real musician if you play synth instead of a "real" instrument?" seems to me its only the people on the one side of the fence shouting profanities at those on the others because they are being pretentious??? YES it takes alot more skill to mix vinyl.. YES beatsync on software takes almost no skill.. but software mixing.. even CDJs open up a whole new world of possibilities to the DJ allowing in my opinion far more room to be more creative and musical. I use software to DJ (virtual DJ) and i've used CDJs before and tried mixing vinyl (it was an absolute fail but it was the first time i ever tried mixing and didnt know anything at all at that stage) If someone is going to use software they should get a controller. I've seen DJs simply plonk tracks into a playlist and click automix, mouse is a no-no.

my opinion: a real DJ is someone who (regardless of equipment or software use) knows how to read a crowd, select the right music, mix correctly and creatively, keep the music dynamic and flowing while controlling the energy of the crowd. and using all the tricks at his/her disposal to get creative when appropriate. A real DJ is a performer.

[loopson1]

In regards to you question "REAL DJ", Check it out let me know what you think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTdPrV24HxE

[Aciphecs]

Dude, don't double post. Not cool

[loopson1]

Not familiar with system

[loopson1]

I inadvertently pressed new topic instead of post reply, Sorry again DUDE!

[bassman60]

Regardless of the format used, the skill of the DJ comes down to his/her ability to use sounds to interact with the crowd. I use CDs and occasionally plug in my iPod and my KP3, but it's my attachment to techno, trance, thrash, and grunge which keeps me from getting gigs. :/