I don't have access to decks anymore, but I'm definitely down to submit tracks of various genres. I still have some obscure vinyl rips that I'd be willing to submit for sure.
Oct-22-2013 14:47
ziptnf
Programming your future
Registered: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
I could expand this idea even further.
Suppose 10 people sign up and each person submits 3 tracks.
That's 30 tracks that I have that I could randomly assign to each submitter, so that it's not too easy. Instead of getting a bunny basket where it's like 3 generic trance tracks, you're likely guaranteed to have 3 different styles from 3 different people who all have different tastes.
I think 3 tracks to submit per person is a good idea. And I assume there will be 2 groups of people: one group submitting tracks, the other mixing them in sets?
I would also encourage that people submit only tracks from their personal collection.
Oct-22-2013 14:59
ziptnf
Programming your future
Registered: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Nope, if you submit tracks, you will be participating.
However, I can't stop people just like in the regular competition from bailing. Although you are a loser and a douchebag if you choose to drop from the competition after you've been assigned your tracks
Well as I mentioned, I can only do the submitting, as I don't have any decks to make a mix with. Moreover, I haven't mixed a set in like 3-4 years. Am I discounted from the competition then?
Oct-22-2013 15:18
ziptnf
Programming your future
Registered: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Do you have any friends with decks, or any software you can use? Because it would really throw a wrench in the operation if you could only submit and not mix.
I've never used software, but perhaps I can try. It may be a disaster though. We'll see, maybe I'll just opt out, then. Wish I could submit some tracks though, but whatever you guys decide the competition should be like, I'll act accordingly if I join.
Oct-22-2013 15:37
SYSTEM-J
IDKFA.
Registered: Sep 2003
Location: Manchester
Instead of assigning tracks to people, how about we just go the whole hog: everyone submits 3-4 tracks and they go into a big master pool that is like the DJ's "crate" for the set. Then each person gets to use whatever they want from the crate to play a 60-80 minute set, but can only use tracks from the crate. It will test the old adage that you can give two DJs the same box of records and they'll each create something totally different. We could perhaps allow DJs to use one "wildcard" track that isn't from the crate to add an extra dimension.
The main obstacle here would be the chances of everyone submitting wildly different stuff and the crate being effectively useless. It would require careful thought from everyone when submitting tracks to pick things that will be useful to their fellow DJs - pick something way left of field and you won't find it crop up in anyone else's mix. I do think the majority of DJs here operate within broadly similar territory - house/techno/prog/breaks - so it could work, but I doubt it'd appeal to those who don't operate inside those boundaries.
I think the only thing that could be a downside of that is exactly what you pointed out - people won't like what's in the "crate", and will therefore be more likely to drop out. At least if you're assigned the tracks, you are required to use them or else your challenge fails. There's also the issue that suppose 5-6 tracks in the "crate" that are utter bombs, most people will choose those tracks over others.
So in all reality it comes down to two different challenges:
1) Submit 3 tracks of different genres, they get placed in the "crate", and 3 tracks are randomly assigned to the contestant without them receiving their own tracks they submitted.
2) Submit 3 tracks of similar genres, they get placed in the "crate" and everyone gets a free-for-all on creating a mix using only those tracks plus a wildcard.
Which one would you guys be more interested in? Should I create a poll?
Originally posted by ziptnf
I think the only thing that could be a downside of that is exactly what you pointed out - people won't like what's in the "crate", and will therefore be more likely to drop out. At least if you're assigned the tracks, you are required to use them or else your challenge fails.
But that could merely lead to the same scenario - people get given three tracks they hate or couldn't fit in with anything... and drop out. I think an advantage of what I've proposed is everyone will already have all their tracks. I think a big reason why people drop out of genre challenges is because they're forced to spend a huge amount of time finding and acquiring tracks. Give someone a ready-made crate of shit and even if it's way outside the comfort zone, they can mix it together and have a go straight out of the box.
Granted, I just made up my idea on the spot so it's definitely not perfect and everyone can chip in with suggested tweaks. I think it would require a collaborative mindset where all the players are thoughtful in their selections, but it fits with my experience of meeting other TA DJs in real life, because we'll always end up playing each other tracks and going "What do you think?" or "How would you use this track?" If we ended up with 10 or so DJs who know each other's styles and are broadly compatible, I trust people to put interesting tracks into the equation. My biggest worry is not with people dropping out, but with it turning into something of a circle-jerk activity between chums.
