10 Reasons Why DJ's Over 40 Control EDM

[OxyKon]

We're not blind; hell, we make sure we keep our ears to the street, searching out the new talent that can't legally buy beer... or even vote in America. When you're realistic about the EDM scene, especially in America, you have to admit: The older DJs run this shit. The same DJs that were headlining raves in the 1990s are still going strong in 2013, and if you told some of your friends that legendary DJs like Carl Cox or Fatboy Slim were coming to town, we imagine many of them would be making sure they'd get their tickets. With so many considering EDM as being the music of the youth, why is it that so many adults have a hold on the scene?

1. They own the labels

Many DJs started their own labels from the ground up, and know how to work these imprints like oiled machines. These days, the vinyl-buying public for dance music continues to get smaller and smaller, but one of the most important things of the "good old days" is that a label owner had to make sure they had a great tune on their hands, as pressing vinyl wasn't expensive. You waste funds getting a shitty single manufactured, you could lose your distribution deal, which would be death for some trying to make a mark in the music business. Just think about it: Pete Tong, Tiesto, Goldie, and others run some of the premiere labels in their fields, and many of the DJs running important EDM labels right behind them will be hitting the 40-year-old mark in no time.

2. There aren't many competitors

The list of DJs over 40 is slim. People fall off. Find different interests. Get married. Have children. Get discouraged. There are hundreds of reasons why artists find other avenues for their happiness. This business isn't kind, and these DJs have learned all of the qualities that keep them relevant. Staying power means a lot these days There are very few DJs that are still in the game that were playing records when the best EDM producers under 21 were in diapers. These DJs are tried and true, and quite truthfully part of an elite crowd.

3. They are better DJs

These days, many producers become DJs out of necessity; either they need to promote their tracks, or they make more money from gigs than they ever would from selling music. Most of the old guard started DJing because they wanted to DJ, many then becoming producers because they wanted to make a certain type of song that they weren't able to buy. Many times, you find that DJs who do it for the love of DJing end up being better DJs. Just watch the marathon sets that someone like Fatboy Slim puts on; he's just as in love with his sets as the ravers are in the crowd.

4. They have a history of greatness

Say you're a promoter with a nice sack of cash to spend on a party. Now you definitely want to make a profit; it's damn hard to stack your lineup with a number of newer artists. Even if the over 40 DJ isn't headlining, you need to have their talent on the stage, especially if you're looking to diversifying your audience. One thing we're seeing overseas is that the average age of festival goers in the UK is 30-years-old - young kids just don't have the money. Now, who do they want to see... the flavor of the month, or a DJ with name recognition that they've either seen or heard has torn a rave down?

5. They have failed

Failure is a part of success. Without making mistakes, one doesn't have a grasp on how to quickly recover. This encompasses all aspects of the industry. What promoters are shady, what venues are fun to play in, what audiences are looking for, what to do if there is a technical difficulty during a set, how to market content; the list could go on. Nobody makes it in this industry overnight, but those that have been around for decades have the uncanny ability to see trouble before it arrives and seize opportunity before anyone notices it.

6. They can spot a hit

Years of time spent listening to new music then testing these tracks in the clubs allows a seasoned vet to spot a banger a mile away, especially when it comes to tracks that have potential to work in diverse markets worldwide. Sure, any DJ can grab the Beatport top 10 and have a field day, but guys like Carl Cox have spun for millions of people on many different continents; if he says something is going to ring off in the rave, you can take it to the bank.

7. They have established platforms

Pete Tong has spent years bringing the Essential Mix to BBC Radio 1, so it made sense that when Evolution was bringing EDM to terrestrial radio they built their station around Pete's legacy, which he brings in the form of Essential Selections. When Pete puts on a record, it matters; there's usually no doubt of its importance. A younger DJ could talk a record up until they're blue in the face, but you will still need to hear it to make sure they weren't bullshitting you.

8. They have a proper education in music

When's the last time a 20-year-old spent hours in a record shop digging crates? Do they have a serious education in the records that inspired what they're listening to? Music wasn't archived 10-years-ago like it is today. Every DJ traveled down different path, and found different records that inspired them throughout their career. A DJ over 40 simply has 20+ more years of these records in their catalog. When Moby shows up at Coachella and dominates the festival with a deep electro crate and years of skill, we're sitting back and smiling. This seasoned generation has gone through tons of phases, seen tons of trends, and heard an unimaginable amount of songs. Their ear and their opinion is unquestionably sharper than someone that's fresh on stage.

9. They're a known commodity

Many new producers have solid Facebook and Twitter numbers, but who's to say they will be around in a year or so? You can bank on some of the older DJs, as their history proceeds them.

10. They can guide the next generation

We (Nappy and khal) are the OGs of Do Androids Dance. We have much to learn from our younger counterparts, as they are certainly quicker with social media trends, picking up on what the younger generation is latching onto, and have grown up with the Internet. We have grown into it. That being said, our background in music started 10 years before theirs did. We lived the changes in trends, saw the rise and fall of many great musicians, and have a catalog in our heads that's just deeper than someone a decade younger. This translates to the art of spinning records as well.

DJs were stuck with Technics 1200s and had to carry crates of records 10 years ago. We saw Serato become standard in clubs and in homes, and now controllers and CDJs seem to be the norm. Instead of fighting these changes and looking like condescending pricks, these veterans can reach out and help the younger generation with marketing, promotion, placement, and getting them connected to the venues, managers, and agents that will help them pay their bills. EDM was built on a generation that paved their own path because doors were shut in their face, because we wanted something different. The younger generation would love the help, and certainly look to their predecessors as inspirational figures in the industry.

Source: doandroidsdance.com

[russell]

ha, beat me to it. I read this story this morning but had to go do shit so couldn't post.

With so many considering EDM as being the music of the youth

Perhaps in the states. I can't say it feels that way in Europe.

[OxyKon]

yeah maybe, but you have to admit, a lot of what he talks about is very true

[GREMM1S]

Alot of that is spot on.

Alot of quick start guys in lately.