The Evolution Of DJ Culture
In 1935 the term “disc jockey” was used to describe the first radio announcer to become a star, Martin Block. Since then the disc jockey or “DJ” has been defined in as many different ways as there are now styles of music, technique, performance, and technology. I became a DJ nearly thirty years ago and I have seen the culture change and evolve in many ways. From my humble beginnings playing at family parties, making mix-tapes for dance routines, and travelling as a performing artist and entertainer through the nineties, I have witnessed how DJs affect and influence a generation of fans and dance music enthusiasts all over the world.
The culture associated with being a DJ is one of unique style or fashion, extravagance, excess, and fame. Today some of the most successful and heralded DJs are idolized by millions of fans worldwide.… Read the rest
Vestax VCI-380 – Serato ITCH DJ Controller Review
Since the beginning of DJing and DJ culture Vestax has been heavily influential in evolution of the art form. With the advent of turntablism and controllerism they have consistently had a presence with products like the PMC series battle mixers, PDX series turntables, and the VCI range of controllers. A host of incredible DJs and turntablists, including Q*Bert, Carl Cox, DJ Krush, Johnny Fiasco, and Rafik, have endorsed their products for years, choosing the Vestax range of mixers, turntables, and controllers as their weapons of choice. The quality and reliability of the Vestax product is undeniable, and their technologically advanced design and versatility is… Read the rest
Controllerist – Breaking the Mold – Part 2
There are a few different schools of thought that exist these days in the DJ universe when it comes to using a DJ controller. I touched on some of these in Part 1 from my own point of view and personal experiences having made the switch just less than 2 years ago. The debate over the use of a DJ controller versus using either turntables with vinyl, CDJs with CDs, or a DVS has provoked much thought and discussion over the past few years, but continues to gather momentum as controllers evolve and become more prominent among touring professional DJs.
To be fair, the founding father of controllerism, Moldover, is considered to be more of a pure controllerist rather than a DJ. He created the art form, based on the need to perform and live produce… Read the rest
Controllerist – Breaking the Mold – Part 1
It is amazing, but not surprising, the reaction I get when people see me using a controller. Even with the world wide popularity of EDM and DJing, as well as the countless varieties of related products that are on the market, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding what DJs do when we play music. However, it is not surprising because, being a DJ for over 2 decades, I have seen this same reaction before when just using turntables and a mixer. It’s the DJ circle of life, seriously. I am often asked which is better, turntables or controllers?
As I travel abroad in my journeys playing dance music, I find myself being an ambassador of the culture that we all know and love. I am always happy to talk about music, gigs, incredible DJs, EDM artists, mixing tricks, and techniques. Inevitably the conversation… Read the rest
Hercules DJ Control AIR Review
A few days ago Hercules stopped by the office to drop off a 4-MX and DJ Control AIR for us to review. The Hercules DJ Control AIR is a two deck DJ controller which stands for “Adjustment by InfraRed”. It retails for under $200, so aspiring DJs can pick one up and try it out without breaking the bank. At first, the AIR struck me as a DJ’s toy but I got to put my hands on it for a few days and dive in deep. When I came out on the other side, what I found was a controller that was actually quite delightful to play (with) and a knowledge of a DJ software that, until doing this review, I had no idea even existed.
Our resident DJ specialist, DJ MadfFlip, wrote up… Read the rest
