I have written a blog on the current state of EDM. It mainly focuses on the dj world prior to digital technology and compares that to older methods. It's just an introspective piece of literature and you may find it an interesting read.


http://tehmeadowlands.blogspot.com/...ate-of-edm.html

___________________
http://www.thatexposureshow.com

Last edited by bith on Feb-09-2006 at 23:01

I think whoever wrote that needs to realize that it's just music. Go with the flow. Music is ever changing, that is the only thing constant about music is change. I personally don't see a blur with big names and people like myself. The big names will still get the CD-R's of unreleased tunes before any of us.

and this is why I choose to maintain a safe distance from standard EDM. as technology increases the rate of information transfer, everything starts to bleed together. not that everything sounds the "same". just that once a track is released, it can be reproduced instantaneously rather than having to wait for the vinyl. e.g. everyone starts playing the same shit cause it's "popular" at the time. I stopped listening to prog, house, trance, etc. cause every DJ just essentially played same tunes in a given year. just a different remix. I mean how many Delerium - Silence remixes came out? Innocente? Iio - Rapture? I mean remixes are unique in their own right but for real. I'm tired of the same shit day in and day out. these days most DJs are so fucking lazy they are just broadcasting someone else's music and not even working the wax so to speak. even for those that produce, it all just sounds the same. the same sounds effects and samples manipulated slightly different so you think that it's a new song. oh wait, that's the drugs talking. so to finish off, and to pre-empt all those haters that are gonna say "you think it all sounds the same since you don't know how to appreciate it" fuck off. if you knew me you would know not to say that to me.

my opinion of modern mainstream electronic music.

___________________
a roll of the dice
and it never comes up right
before me this gold
veneered luster of pyrite
smiting me... perhaps just spite

quote:

Originally posted by monkchichi and this is why I choose to maintain a safe distance from standard EDM. as technology increases the rate of information transfer, everything starts to bleed together. not that everything sounds the "same". just that once a track is released, it can be reproduced instantaneously rather than having to wait for the vinyl. e.g. everyone starts playing the same shit cause it's "popular" at the time. I stopped listening to prog, house, trance, etc. cause every DJ just essentially played same tunes in a given year. just a different remix. I mean how many Delerium - Silence remixes came out? Innocente? Iio - Rapture? I mean remixes are unique in their own right but for real. I'm tired of the same shit day in and day out. these days most DJs are so fucking lazy they are just broadcasting someone else's music and not even working the wax so to speak. even for those that produce, it all just sounds the same. the same sounds effects and samples manipulated slightly different so you think that it's a new song. oh wait, that's the drugs talking. so to finish off, and to pre-empt all those haters that are gonna say "you think it all sounds the same since you don't know how to appreciate it" fuck off. if you knew me you would know not to say that to me. my opinion of modern mainstream electronic music.

Wow Fong, it is time to go back to Sweetwater and drink some beer tonight, you need to unwind a bit and find you zen center!

As far as it all being the same and everyone playing the same tunes... Ya there is a bit of that, same old, same old feeling in EDM but it depends on what you listen to... Major DJs either produce their own stuff or get the song well before the rest of us... Once it shows up on ASOT or GG, then sure it is ripped to high heaven and everyone needs it, plays it, likes it... But you do not hear that in mainstream music?!? 50 Cent comes out with a new song and that is ALL you hear ever hour on the radio...

So you do not like the music that is out right now in the EDM world, find some lesser known DJ who is creating new stuff. Most of my music collection is DJs that no one has heard of... Keeps things from getting too old, listening to the same Digweed sets for weeks on end!

As a blanket statement, I feel most trance/house DJs, amateur and professional, are too obsessive about exclusive tracks. Everyone is always trying to beat each other out for the freshest, newest track. To me that's only half of what a good DJ is about. Personally, I would be more impressed with a DJ taking an old track and putting a new spin on it. Do something more than beatmatching the track because that's just the basics. A DJ shouldn't even be playing in public if they can't beatmatch. Many DJs (even superstar ones) end their practice there and sadly the impressionable bedroom DJs are thinking that's all you need. Newflash: there is no artistry in beatmatching. There's why I'm glad there are DJs like Phil K, Zabiela, Jonathan Lisle, Richie Hawtin and even Sasha, in some respects, that strive for something more than human jukeboxes.

So in response to the blogger, people don't need new technology like Ableton Live to give their sound uniqueness. People need to think more outside the box and be more creative.

quote:

Originally posted by Scottaculous As a blanket statement, I feel most trance/house DJs, amateur and professional, are too obsessive about exclusive tracks. Everyone is always trying to beat each other out for the freshest, newest track. To me that's only half of what a good DJ is about. Personally, I would be more impressed with a DJ taking an old track and putting a new spin on it. Do something more than beatmatching the track because that's just the basics. A DJ shouldn't even be playing in public if they can't beatmatch. Many DJs (even superstar ones) end their practice there and sadly the impressionable bedroom DJs are thinking that's all you need. Newflash: there is no artistry in beatmatching. There's why I'm glad there are DJs like Phil K, Zabiela, Jonathan Lisle, Richie Hawtin and even Sasha, in some respects, that strive for something more than human jukeboxes. So in response to the blogger, people don't need new technology like Ableton Live to give their sound uniqueness. People need to think more outside the box and be more creative.

exactly. beat-matching is fundamental. not the icing on the cake. artists need to learn to create their own niche, not ride the coat-tails of their predecessors. this is why I listen to weird obscure producers that no one has ever heard before, because they are UNTAINTED. most mainstream music produced electronically is the same sound effect, frequency, or synth. over and over again. most of the music I listen to has lots of live instruments or samples lots of live instruments. not that live intruments are necessary for a good track but I would rather listen to a song that sampled donkey farts for a melody than some cheese shit produced by the likes of Tiesto or Corsten. no.. wait. Corsten is semi-bearable. production only though.

___________________
a roll of the dice
and it never comes up right
before me this gold
veneered luster of pyrite
smiting me... perhaps just spite

just FYI:

bith = Chris Meadows

___________________
http://www.thatexposureshow.com

quote:

Originally posted by Pete K I think whoever wrote that needs to realize that it's just music. Go with the flow. Music is ever changing, that is the only thing constant about music is change. I personally don't see a blur with big names and people like myself. The big names will still get the CD-R's of unreleased tunes before any of us.

There's nothing wrong with someone giving their views on the music scene and how it's evolved since "the glory days". Chris is just making an observation. If it's "just music" then maybe you're in the wrong forum.

On the topic, I totally embrace new technology but at the same time, I'm still nostalgic. I don't think just some kid with a laptop should be playing in big clubs even if he does have lots of talent. A DJ who doesn't know how to work a turntable is not a DJ IMO. When I see guys using only CDs or laptops, I assume a large percentage of the music they play has been downloaded for free without their ass leaving their seat. There is something about finding unique records that nobody else has, new or old.

I have lots more to say about this but I'm feeling lazy today.

___________________
Greg's Soundcloud

quote:

Originally posted by Scottaculous There's why I'm glad there are DJs like Phil K, Zabiela, Jonathan Lisle, Richie Hawtin and even Sasha, in some respects, that strive for something more than human jukeboxes.

Amen,you should check out Tom Middletons sets,very original and abstract

quote:

Originally posted by Pete K I think whoever wrote that needs to realize that it's just music. Go with the flow. Music is ever changing, that is the only thing constant about music is change. I personally don't see a blur with big names and people like myself. The big names will still get the CD-R's of unreleased tunes before any of us.

It's just music? Not to me. To me it is much more than just music. It's how my brain is wired to operate, it's how I get my fresh air when I can't really get fresh air, it's how I get rid of headaches and it's how I enjoy my free time.

And you're right - the big names will still get unreleased tracks before us. But I was attempting to point out was that the gap is much smaller than it used to be. The way it used to be was you had to wait for either promo copies to come out on vinyl or wait for the full release. Now - even if they are in full release in MP3 format - they still come out much much sooner than before.

And on another note regarding promos, etc:
One of the things I am trying to do in my spare time is contact and create a relationship with artists I admire and enjoy listening to. In the process I have found many great artists who not even the big names know yet. That's what I meant when I said that technology is blurring the line. I wasn't saying that you or I are the same as a big name, I was pointing out that there are only a few things that separate us from them.

In a sense, I was dispelling the myth of the worshipped dj. I mean, they're human and so are we. When they play a record it sounds the same as when you or I play it. It's personal stamp you put on a record or a track that makes it different and how many people know who you are that makes a difference.

--------------------------------------

quote:

Originally posted by monkchichi everyone starts playing the same shit cause it's "popular" at the time. I stopped listening to prog, house, trance, etc. cause every DJ just essentially played same tunes in a given year. just a different remix. I mean how many Delerium - Silence remixes came out? Innocente? Iio - Rapture? I mean remixes are unique in their own right but for real. I'm tired of the same shit day in and day out. these days most DJs are so fucking lazy they are just broadcasting someone else's music and not even working the wax so to speak. even for those that produce, it all just sounds the same.

The first thing I have to say to this statement is that I'm saddened your view is so negative and that you feel like there's no room to grow your tastes. Anyone who says everything sounds the same or there isn't any good music out there isn't truly listening. You're calling the djs lazy - I'm calling you lazy. There is so much talent in this world and yeah, it may take a bit more effort to find good music because of all the other crap out there - but you aren't seriously going to let that stop you from enjoying music are you? It's just like anything else - the more you work for it, the more rewarding it can be. The fact that you mention iio or silence proves to me you don't search for new and interesting things. That shit came out forever ago but that does not mean its bad music.

To your comment on people not working the wax - well, this is true. But what is a dj supposed to do? Aren't they supposed to play songs? A great dj will always try to put a personal stamp on a track, but at the same time, great djs play the tracks they play because they are good already. So yeah, sometimes djs might just play the track - if its good its good. Putting a personal stamp on things is another reason for the rise of programs like Ableton. It allows you to skip the step of beatmatching and go right into the mix with tons of effects and options of samples to play right at your fingertips.

And BTW: I do not play stuff because it is popular. I play tracks as I discover them, no matter how old they are. I don't look at the Balance Record Pool every few weeks and hunt down every track. Charts are tools to guide you in the right direction and a list of things that sound great right now - by someone ELSE's opinion, and it is based on sales.

-------------------------------

quote:

Originally posted by Xyzpdq0121 So you do not like the music that is out right now in the EDM world, find some lesser known DJ who is creating new stuff. Most of my music collection is DJs that no one has heard of... Keeps things from getting too old, listening to the same Digweed sets for weeks on end!

All I have to say to this is AMEN.

--------------------------------

quote:

Originally posted by Scottaculous So in response to the blogger, people don't need new technology like Ableton Live to give their sound uniqueness. People need to think more outside the box and be more creative.

This is very true Scott. But one of the reasons why people think "it all sounds the same" is because almost everyone uses the same tricks of the trade. Sure, everyone puts their own style or spin on a trick but it's still a trick. That's one of the reason's why Sasha took up the Ableton flag - because he met so many djs who basically did exactly what he did. But instead of putting down his passport he took the time to learn something new and brought the studio to the club, in a sense. But you are right - people do need to think more outside the box.

--------------------------------

quote:

Originally posted by KristineClub On the topic, I totally embrace new technology but at the same time, I'm still nostalgic. I don't think just some kid with a laptop should be playing in big clubs even if he does have lots of talent. A DJ who doesn't know how to work a turntable is not a DJ IMO. When I see guys using only CDs or laptops, I assume a large percentage of the music they play has been downloaded for free without their ass leaving their seat. There is something about finding unique records that nobody else has, new or old.

Greg,

I'm glad you're opening up to new technology and I completely understand you're nostalgic. And I completely agree, some kid with a laptop better not be performing in "my" place. People that use Ableton have no excuse for sounding the same, and they have no excuse for being bad performers. If you use Ableton you had better blow the fucking roof off or I'll be let down. If I can sound manually like you sound with Ableton then we have an issue to attend to.

Now keep in mind, not all digital songs are gotten for free. I spend a good bit of money on online record stores and label-run stores searching for and paying for MP3s. I will admit I do use programs like SoulSeek to search for a wide variety of artists and songs - but I use it as a preview. If I find something I like - I will search for a way to pay for it. In this part of it, you need to seek a balance.

___________________
http://www.thatexposureshow.com

quote:

Originally posted by monkchichi I stopped listening to prog, house, trance, etc. cause every DJ just essentially played same tunes in a given year. just a different remix. I mean how many Delerium - Silence remixes came out? Innocente? Iio - Rapture?

Ok, I know what you mean, Fong, but I have to agree with Chris here. Silence? Innocente? Rapture?? Are those what you consider to be Progressive tunes? That's all straight commercial Trance. Of course that shit's gonna get played out! Yeah, a lot of DJs that come to town play all of the same shit, just maybe different remixes, but you can't let the music be spoon-fed to you, you have to do a little bit of digging. It's cool that you listen to music that isn't recognized by most but just because you hear a few tracks from one genre get played out, it shouldn't be a reason to abandon that genre alltogether.

quote:

Originally posted by bith I do not play stuff because it is popular. I play tracks as I discover them, no matter how old they are.

Same with me. I actually start to like a track less if it gets popular.

The only time I ever even hear other DJs is when I go out to see them. I very rarely listen to other DJs' mixed sets because I don't want to sound like anyone but me. Really, the biggest thing that influences me is being around my friends who are DJs.

I just don't think people realize how much music is really out there. You don't have to have the newest tracks to be a great DJ, there's tons of old stuff that people have probably never heard that will still blow their minds. I don't understand why everybody's so stuck on release dates. Nothing pisses me off more than when people know an older track that I play and they come up to me and say, "hey man this is a good track but isn't it like over a year old?" Yeah, it is. So what? You just said that it's good, right? Why should it matter when it was made? Like Chris said, good music is good music and if it's good, I'll play it.

___________________
Greg's Soundcloud

Last edited by KristineClub on Feb-11-2006 at 18:32

Tis a glorious time to be in love with music.
Never before has such a quantity and quality been available to mankind as now.

I enjoy alot of the stuff people are doing with their computers right now, even the older computer stuff I've been finding lately has been great fun. I am just thrilled that there is so much of it available for free download, legally! There is so much friggin stuff out there, that no single person has any hope of hearing it all, there is always more to find, every time I go looking I stumble upon something I like that I had never even heard of before.

I like digital because there are no decent record stores around me, I feel like I can finally participate in this scene in spite of the region that I live in. There is so much great stuff floating around cyberspace, it is rediculous. I couldn't care less what a DJ does to make the sounds in a club.

The club industry seems to be suffering, the music industry seems to be falling apart, but I dont give a fuck about these industries, the music itself is really good right now. The clubs are sucking quite badly though, with their fashion and their prices, going out seems to be all about looking pretty and standing in line for the drink special these days, like nobody shows up for music anymore. I'm ok with this though, I have plenty of music and plenty of firends to enjoy it with, I dont need to go to a club, any sort of gethering around loud music and people will satisfy me.

Say what you will about ableton, about digital media, and any of that, but these kids on their computers are doing incredible things. I still like vinyl sets too but I dont demand to see it when I go to a party. The only rule of music is that I must be astonished.