But Is It DJing? A Postcard From The Borders Of The Craft

Ah, the age-old debate: what truly defines a DJ? Especially in today’s technologically advanced world, the borders are sometimes hard to spot.

A recent take on this question emerged from discussion in our DJ community when one of our students, John, shared an intriguing story about a wedding DJ. The DJ in question wielded two phones hooked up to a mixer, seamlessly running pre-mixed tracks — and it raised John’s eyebrows. Is this DJing, or merely a modern-day jukebox with a pulse?

Let’s explore this topic by first diving into a little DJ theory and practice. Then, we’ll share some opinions from the community around the topic, taken from the comments in the live chat and also on the recording of the video that today’s article is based on.

So what exactly does it mean to be a DJ in the 21st century? Well, one thing’s for certain – things are often not quite as they seem…

The DJ’s Dilemma: Performance Or Pretence?

John’s story shone a light into a growing area of our ever-evolving art form. If you’re a regular around these parts, you already know DJing is about more than just playing tracks: It’s about reading the room, adapting to the crowd, and skilfully taking people on a musical journey, live. The challenge is in mastering your gear, timing your transitions, and managing the energy level of the room.

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So before we “judge” this wedding DJ, let’s think for a little about what being a DJ nowadays involves. We could list:

• Knowledge and mastery of your equipment, whatever its form
• Curating a playlist tailored to your audience’s needs
• Seamless transitions that adapt to the moment’s vibe
• Creating and managing the energy level in the room
• Creating excitement around yourself as a “brand” – are people excited when they know it’s you playing?

These elements have always defined DJs, of course, yet the line blurs as technology evolves. The introduction of pre-mixed music, smartphone DJing apps, and AI raises new questions about what DJs actually do. Are we redefining DJing, or is it a departure from its roots?

Reminder: Digital has changed everything

The onset of digital platforms and smart tech tools has undeniably been democratising DJing for the last 20 years, empowering more people to explore the craft without traditional barriers. The wedding DJ in question here apparently was doing a great job, and people were enjoying the show. Therefore, arguably, he was displaying all the attributes we just listed.

Yet, DJing with two smartphones plugged into a mixer and using pre-mixed tracks challenges conventional perceptions. As technology morphs the craft, there is considerable scrutiny and skepticism from purists who argue that live performance is the soul of DJing.

Even in our community, which is more forward-looking than most (it’s in the name, of course, Digital DJ Tips) traditionalism and tech coexist somewhat uneasily.

Many DJs hold firm that real-time mixing remains the crux of genuine DJing. DJ Nik G says: “Playing pre-mixed sets is akin to miming. It’s the nuances of beatmatching and tempo riding that set a DJ apart.”

However, Tim reminded us that DJing’s evolution often springs from humble beginnings. “I learned on basic gear handed down from my grandfather. It wasn’t about the tools but how creatively you used them.”

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Meanwhile, others see value in the shift — as long as the result moves people. Brandon L put it succinctly: “Famous DJs often use pre-recorded mixes. It’s about reading the crowd, and if you’re doing that and responding, you’re DJing.”

Yet, the debate also raised ethical questions about the authenticity of DJing without live performance. This prompted dialogue on AI’s role and its impact on future practices. Farebrotha foresees “AI holographic DJs revolutionising the scene,” whereas others worry it might further erode the human touch integral to live gigs.

DaddaPsy perhaps captured a universal truth: “The audience doesn’t care about the tech minutiae. They care about how it sounds and their favourite tracks playing.”

What do you think?

As the tech continues to advance, the core question remains: Are you connecting with your audience and crafting memorable experiences? After all, whether you’re a purist defending the turntable or a digital pioneer exploring new tech, the essence of DJing is in its spirit and impact.

Read this next: 7 Myths About DJing That Hold People Back

The art of DJing continues to evolve, and maybe maintaining authenticity and artistry within your practice is what’s important. We’d love to know what you think, so share your thoughts and stories with us!