I agree, Im a club/event/wedding/mobile/whatever DJ... Most of us in the clubs still use technics, serato, MacBook pro, etc...I just can't see myself using a rack to dj, or CDs or vdj ... I feel like I wouldn't be working if I used those. Nothing against those guys, but I actually mix my songs, transition, blend, and scratch to set myself apart from the "traditional dj". I kno the controllers can do some funky stuff and the cdjs are similar but I won't be as effective.
I am also a guy who mixes, scratches, transitions, blends, etc, and I can tell you without hesitation that you are going to get shown up by someone with a 19" controller. You can do a million tricks, scratches and mixes on turntables, but controllers and CDJ's can do all that AND a ton more. So the only way you would be setting yourself apart is by acting like those old guys who refuse to use email or computers. What you are describing, sorry to say, IS the "traditional dj". Now it's about unlimited effects, live mashups, blends and remixes, 4 decks, EQ tricks, etc. There is just so much you can do now, that just two songs back to back (even with scratching and juggling and all that) just isn't going to cut it today. You HAVE to be innovative, because that's what being a GOOD club DJ is all about. You need to give them an
experience. MAKE them come back there to see YOU.
So saying that you wouldn't be as effective is just saying that you don't want to try to. I bet you can do every single thing you could do on some 1200's on an NS7. I am using the only controller I think comes closest to actual turntables (the ns7) as an example, but there are other controllers that beat it in just about every other area. But if you used an NS7, not only would you have all that turntable feel you love, and what you are comfortable with.... but that puts you in all new territory too... now you can mix just like normal, but add effects. Learn to use midi.... if you expect to keep up and be relevant, I don't think you have much choice. The key is doing it on your own terms.
@Scott
A "hip-hop DJ" is a specialized kind of DJ. You only DJ at hip-hop clubs, events, etc., and you play primarily hip-hop and not much else. A hip-hop DJ is just like I said... part of the hip-hop c
culture. Just because you play hip-hop, does not make you a hip-hop DJ. Where I am from there is a clear line drawn between 3 different club types.
You have your dance/techno/house clubs. You have your hip-hop clubs. And. you have your mainstream/top40 clubs. They all usually require a DJ who specializes in that realm of music. The Trance DJ will not know hip-hop (besides radio stuff). The Hip-Hop DJ will not have any clue about House. The mainstream/top40 DJ will know a little of both, but nothing really deep into either, usually just sticking to billboard stuff and the popular old school songs like "Baby Got Back".
Remember, this is how it is where *I* live. I have no idea how it is anywhere else really, except for a few out of state places I spun at a couple times. I have been out in chicago several times, but the clubs that we went to were also like that.... they all stuck to one of those 3 archetypes. My favorite clubs are the kid that have multiple DJ's on multiple levels (or rooms) and you have a ton of different styles and music all in one place. THAT is the kind of place my city needs, badly.
.... I wonder how much it costs to start up a club like that? I am still friends with a club owner I used to work for...
Nahhhh, too many headaches lol.
