Is Switch To Digital Diluting Creative Music? Jul 26th 2013, 19:36
By Katie Spencer, Sky News Reporter
DJs have told Sky News how technology has forced artists to move over to digital as they are criticised for taking an easy ride.
In most nightclubs, it's likely the DJ will be performing using a laptop.
Virtually all of dance music's biggest names now rely on computers to perform their sets.
But with the software itself matching beats and mixing tracks, critics argue it's allowed some DJs to rest on their laurels with the technology doing all the hard work.
Big Beat pioneer Fatboy Slim, real name Norman Cook, says in the last three years he has been "dragged kicking and screaming out of the vinyl era".
The music producer told Sky News: "Literally, my management had to say 'they don't make records any more, you have to do this!'"
Speaking at this year's Exit Festival in Serbia, he admitted: "It was quite gut wrenching for me.
"It was like saying goodbye to a girlfriend or an ex-wife, but then the new shiny model seduces you by allowing you to take your whole music library on the road with you!"
For performers like Fatboy Slim, the changes in technology have meant learning new techniques to excite the fans.
According to DJ Mag's Mick Wilson, it's what DJs do with the technology which makes the real creative talent stand out.
He said: "In one respect it has dropped standards because (the technology) is so accessible. But you still have to put time and effort into your craft.
"You've got to learn the tools of the trade, then once you've mastered them, like how to mix properly with effects, that's the difference between a good DJ and a bad DJ."
Mr Wilson – who has been a DJ for more than two decades – says the technology can be used to really enhance a performance by adding live loops and even syncing up light shows to individual songs.
He added: "In the old days you were very limited, but when laptops came along it was designed to make life a lot easier, the way you use it depends on whether you're using it creatively or just standing there."
Music producers Daft Punk recently spoke out about how new technology has had a negative effect on dance music, with albums hastily put together in "airports and hotel rooms".
But many of today's big dance acts say they've little choice but to move with the times.
Will Kennard from Chase & Status told Sky News: "Everyone wants to bring vinyl back but the reality is it's a nightmare from a working point of view, the way we play music you just can't really do it these days."
A sign that young music fans are keen to keep one foot in the past can be seen in the number of vinyl sales.
Research by ICM found that under 25's are buying more records than any other age group.
Evidence of its resurgence in popularity can be seen at Stoke Newington's new Vinyl Library.
The not-for-profit lending service has been open less than a month but co-founders Sophie Austin and Elly Rendall say they have been inundated with donations from enthusiasts and record labels.
"We've had a few DJs come and play tunes, young people, even people in their 80s" says Sophie.
Elly puts the huge interest they've had down to one important factor.
YOUR COMMENT
