Let's Talk About DJ-ing, Turntablism, Controllerism, & DJ Shiftee

A huge argument in the EDM community, spear-headed by Deadmau5, is that most major "DJ's" and artists just "push buttons."  Here's a great link if you want to read more on the beef.

DJ Tech Tools > Deadmau5 "Just Hit Play"

Although the two have come closer and closer together due to technological advances DJ-ing/Turntablism and Controllerism are still very different.  Traditional DJ's who still scratch vinyl records and use 1 or more turntables and a mixer can be referred to as "DJ's" or Turntablists.  DJ's who use Digital DJ tables, MIDI controllers, etc, in conjunction with an electronic music source, can be referred to as Controllerists.

The term DJ (aka Disc Jockey) has been thrown around a lot in the EDM community.  Although my opinion does not hold as much value as other's might, I would like to keep a separation of performance styles.  Think of it this way.  Using a film camera allows you to get the highest quality pictures possible, but relies on the operators skills.  You can adjust aperture and shutter speed, and change lenses and filters, but your options are slim in comparison to a digital camera.  With a digital camera you can adjust many more options than just aperture and shutter speed.  You can edit on the fly and modify the picture.  You can take hundreds if not thousands of pictures versus only taking thirty or so on a film camera.  However, using a digital camera limits your quality level.

I respect both performance styles though.  Those artists which can manipulate the vinyl and make it do crazy things are amazing.  On the same token, artists who can simultaneously mix four songs together, taking a bass from one, a synth from another, the a capella track from another, and a fourth to mix in later also warrants my respect.

I bring this up because I recently discovered DJ Shiftee, who touring right now.  He has been involved in DJ culture for years; he has participated in DMC (Disco Mix Club) DJ Championship since 2004 and was crowned World Champion in 2009.  He actually teaches how to DJ at both Tisch School of Arts and Music Production and DJ School, Dubspot.  He has ventured across both performance styles and holds an impressive resume with both.  If you don't believe me, check out his Grownstep mixtape. Enjoy!

DJShiftee.com > DJ Shiftee Grownstep (download from the soundcloud embed)