09.24
source: synthopia.com
Well folks, it was only a matter of time until this new gadget came out. Richie Hawtin, a minimal techno master from the UK who is always a leading force in DJ technology, has just developed a new software called TwitterDJ which broadcasts what track is being played during a DJ’s set every 30 seconds (or longer intervals if you wish).
This is has the possibility of revolutionizing the DJ world.
What does this mean for aspiring DJs?
To expand on what the product website says, aspiring DJs will be able to track the set of any DJ out there using the app and learn how the DJs build their sets, what tracks they use, approximate length of each track played, etc. This will provide invaluable lessons on professional techniques, especially the construction of a set to fit a particular crowd. It will also allow for more music-sharing between the top DJs and the bottom feeding newbies who are trying to build up their collection with the biggest and hottest tracks.
While in some genres, such as trance, tracklists tend to be readily available for most recorded mixes, this is not necessarily the case for techno and house DJs who may play obscure records or hidden gems. If TwitterDJ goes into mainstream use, fans of any genre will be able to track DJs in that field and check out what tracks are being played by the masters of that niche. Of course, a DJ who does not want to share this information (I’m assuming) will have the option of hiding the track names.
For an example of the app in use, see Richie Hawtin’s Twitter.
Loss of Privacy/Records
The downside to this application, I would say, comes mostly to the professional DJs. No longer will they have a certain sense of mystique and excitement surrounding them if the audience is able to track what they are playing on their phone while they’re in the club! Many DJs may wish to hide or conceal the tracks they are playing so that they can have a sense of freshness and mystery. Without this, the DJ loses power in the club and may be reduced to a mere iPod which can do special effects and mix tracks.
The DJ thus stands to lose some respect from the audience of his tracks are immediately disclosed. Furthermore, a DJ touring the world who may not have the chance to change up his/her set every day due to a busy schedule may seem redundant and uncreative even though he may be playing in Greece one night and China the next, to completely different audiences.
Music Sharing
Of course Beatport, in their analysis of this software, has already begun to get excited about the integration of purchase links. Imagine having your iPhone in the club, hearing a track, tracking it on the DJs Twitter profile, then buying it right there on the dance floor to listen to on the ride home!
Furthermore, if websites are able to use tracking methods to create aggregate charts and show which records are the hottest during a particular week or month, a whole new electronic music chart system will be created for us DJs and listeners to track and feed off of. A possible downside to this comes from the economic theory of availability (My term; not sure of the real name). Take, for example, YouTube. When one goes to YouTube, on the whole, one is typically more likely to check out a video that has been viewed by many others versus one which only has a few views. After all, those many others must know what they’re doing, right?! Well if that cycle repeats itself thousands of times, then that video gathers a ton of views not because of its actual greatness but because of this availability effect.
The same thing can happen with music, thus reducing the chances of new or unknown tracks penetrating the market because the market is dominated by a repetition of support for only the top tracks.
Licensing
Another issue that this software brings up is the payment of licensing and royalty fees to the owners/producers of tracks played for profit at clubs. The TwitterDJ website mentions the fact that this software will make the tracking process much easier, however it may also make clubs and DJs reluctant to use it if they are low on funds or don’t wish to participate for other reasons. Is this a good or bad thing? It remains to be seen, but if clubs or laws make this software or something similar compulsory at the DJ booth, it may give the EDM industry a serious financial boost, as well as of course the DJs making the tracks.
The Future?
Well we have seen 2 huge developments in the DJ software/hardware realm in the past couple of weeks. The TwitterDJ application, as well as the Pioneer CDJ 2000 making its way onto the playing field.
As you can see by the issues I brought up for both items, there are pros and cons to consider for both. However, if implemented on a mass scale, they will surely have serious implications for the world of electronic music, including music sales, DJ techniques and methods, and fan involvement.
How exciting it is to be part of such a digital revolution!
© 2009, M Silin. All rights reserved.
