In the immersive world of electronic music, DJs hold a distinct position as more than mere mixers and beat-matches. They are sonic architects, weaving intricate and immersive experiences for their audiences. And in these times when popular demand and short sets often dictate musical choices, the imperative to push boundaries and surprise listeners has never been greater.
Photo by Guillaume TECHER on Unsplash
The mark of a truly great DJ should lie in its ability to transcend the familiar. It is not about playing the same tired hits on repeat, but rather about daring to explore uncharted territories and introduce audiences to new and unexpected sounds. The best DJs challenge expectations, shatter musical boundaries, and expand the horizons of what is deemed possible.
Renowned tastemaker John Digweed once remarked, “If you’re the biggest DJ in the world, you’re in a position where you can play stuff that people don’t know and blow people’s minds. But if you just chose to play stuff they know just to get a reaction, that’s just being lazy.” Echoing this sentiment, Mr. C recently posted: “The best DJs aren’t the ones who play tunes that most people want to hear. It’s the ones who play tunes that most people don’t know they want to hear.”
Becoming a great DJ requires a harmonious blend of passion, creativity, and an unyielding devotion to music. It calls for the audacity to venture into uncharted territories and transcend the boundaries of familiarity. While some artists may rely on playing their well-known hits in concert settings, DJs have the unique opportunity to forge their path by fearlessly experimenting with new and unconventional music. Their artistry lies in the ability to surprise and captivate their audiences, making each performance a dynamic and unforgettable experience. This commitment to pushing boundaries and prioritizing artistic expression is what sets exceptional DJs apart in the ever-evolving world of electronic music.
One pressing concern that deserves attention and that affects the DJ’s ability to let go is the tight constraint of DJ set times at festivals and events. With a mere 60 to 90 minutes allocated for DJs to showcase their craft, it’s like scrolling through Instagram content in a matter of minutes. Within these fleeting moments, we struggle to grasp the artist’s true intentions and immerse ourselves in the profound essence of music as an art form. This time restriction hampers our ability to fully explore the narratives and journeys that DJs aspire to convey, ultimately impeding the connection between artist and audience.
The Hamburg duo Adana Twins stated in a past interview with us: “It’s always something special when we play the entire night, because we get to play for a really long time and can be diverse in our selection. It’s cool because you get the chance to show different facets, and of course, you need to have more music for that. I am always happy because it gets me to look for more new music and to do so more intensively. This also pushes our sets forward more than usual, because we pay much more attention to what is happening around us.”
It is a task to keep things fresh, to surprise, and to unleash the unheard. Let the creativity flow unrestrained and allow the music to speak for itself. The world eagerly awaits the audacious voices of DJs who dare to defy Instagram sets and forge new paths. Not only will they find their own, true voices as artists, but they will open new doors for their audiences. It is in this uncharted terrain that the transformative power of electronic music truly comes alive. May the force be with you!
