This thread is not meant to be an emo "waaa, theyre making fun of my toy" thread. Its purpose is to discuss in length the issues we face as controllerists.
First, what do we define as a controllerist? Is it anyone who uses a midi controller instead of the norm of CDJ/TT? Or do we say its anyone who uses the midi device in their own customized fashion? Is the guy with the Herc RMX and VDJ a controllerist? (not bashing you guys, merely trying to figure out at what point are we labeled as such)
Second how do we promote our brand of DJing? How do we get people to take us seriously given the influx of "Microwave DJ's"? This past weekend I set up my rig and some raver kid is like oh man I want one of those, and I get DJ's looking at me funny all the time when I show up to perform. How do we get past all the accusations of us not being real DJ's? Whenever a promoter asks me, so do you use TT or CDJ and I say MIDI they are extremely confused.
I think this "prejudice" is a real issue. Im aware that vinyl guys treated CDJ guys in the same light, but now we have to deal with it in the same vein from two sources, perhaps even more.
I always try to focus on how their is no right or wrong format for DJing. Our purpose is to entertain the crowd. I try to emphasize to my peers that I enjoy what I do and always try to show them why its a legit form of DJing.
So with that said, here are ways to show that controllerism is legit.
1) Tell them to youtube Ean Golden (may not work for all scenes, but its a great start)
2) Debunk the auto sync myth. Sure you can press sync and it may work, but show them what happens when you put the effort into beatgridding, its a much tighter mix. Demonstrate how you can beat match in a traditional by ear style.
3) Show them a fun and simple routine that they could do on your setup but cant do on their Turntables. cue juggling is always fun.
4) My favorite is to do a 4 deck mix and show them that with controllerism you can truly create a sound that is your own with out having to do a live PA.
5) Customization! I think the biggest power with controllerism is customization. You can choose how crazy or simple you want to go.
I find that when I keep a cool head, brush off the insult and snide comments and do what I do best, that I become one step closer to bridging the gap.
So lets hear what you guys think about controllerism and the issues we face and how to deal with it.
I would like to hear Ean tell us how he dealt with his entry into DJing via MIDI was it difficult to become accepted amongst his peers? Does prior sucess have anything to do with it?
I hope I was able to bring up an interesting topic that will help spark some ideas in how we can move forward professional amongst our peers.
This is Animus, Im a MIDI fighter.
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