The Dj Aesthetic

This thesis provides an examination of Disc Jockey (DJ) technology, technique, and aesthetics. The history of popular dance music is explored in an attempt to demonstrate the role that technology has played in the development and future of the DJ aesthetic. Criteria for evaluating and producing Disc Jockey Music Technology is pursued in order to define the fundamentals of dance music and the essence of an authentic DJ performance.

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It's all about the scratch in Groove Music, award-winning music historian Mark Katz's groundbreaking book about the figure that defined hip-hop: the DJ.Today hip-hop is a global phenomenon, and the sight and sound of DJs mixing and scratching is familiar in every corner of the world. But hip-hop was born in the streets of New York in the 1970s when a handful of teenagers started experimenting with spinning vinyl records on turntables in new ways. Although rapping has become the face of hip-hop, for nearly 40 years the DJ has proven the backbone of the culture. In Groove Music, Katz (an amateur DJ himself) delves into the fascinating world of the DJ, tracing the art of the turntable from its humble beginnings in the Bronx in the 1970s to its meteoric rise to global phenomenon today. Based on extensive interviews with practicing DJs, historical research, and his own personal experience, Katz presents a history of hip-hop from the point of view of the people who invented the genre. Here, DJs step up to discuss a wide range of topics, including the transformation of the turntable from a playback device to an instrument in its own right, the highly charged competitive DJ battles, the game-changing introduction of digital technology, and the complex politics of race and gender in the DJ scene.Exhaustively researched and written with all the verve and energy of hip-hop itself, Groove Music will delight experienced and aspiring DJs, hip-hop fans, and all students or scholars of popular music and culture.

The DJ stands at a juncture of technology, performance and culture in the increasingly uncertain climate of the popular music industry, functioning both as pioneer of musical taste and gatekeeper of the music industry. Together with promoters, producers, video jockeys (VJs) and other professionals in dance music scenes, DJs have pushed forward music techniques and technological developments in last few decades, from mashups and remixes to digital systems for emulating vinyl performance modes. This book is the outcome of international collaboration among academics in the study of electronic dance music. Mixing established and upcoming researchers from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Australia and Brazil, the collection offers critical insights into DJ activities in a range of global dance music contexts. In particular, chapters address digitization and performativity, as well as issues surrounding the gender dynamics and political economies of DJ cultures and practices.

Damn Son Where Did You Find This? is the first book ever to focus on the cover art of the modern US hiphop mixtape. A visual world that reached unseen levels at the turn of the millennium, uncensored, unregulated and extreme, it is a the most anarchic of all genres of graphic design.Freed from major label guidelines, lawyer opinions and moral hindrances the designers featured in this seminal book are truly unique - something that is hard to come by in today's global world of intertwined visual tendencies.Along with 500 cover artworks from designers KidEight, Miami Kaos, Mike Rev, Tansta & Skrilla, including interviews with artists and DJs which tell the stories of how they slipped into the hiphop mixtape industry.They take us through the creative process, how visual trends have come and gone, moral hazards and how designing mixtape covers changed the trajectories of their lives.This book is a document showing the work of five extraordinary Adobe Photoshop wizards who day after day, get up, draw up an epic scene centered around one or more rappers, and finish it off with blazing typography, all in the matter of a couple of hours and for as many hundred dollars.Created by graphic designer Michael Thorsby, and media producer Tobias Hansson

No detailed description available for "Remix Theory: The Aesthetics of Sampling".

This qualitative research explores how social relations and intersections of popular culture, technology, and gender present in performance DJing. The methods used were interviews with performing disc jockeys, observations at various bars, and live music venues. Interviews include both women and men from varying ages and racial/ethnic groups. Cultural studies/popular culture approaches are utilized as the theoretical framework, with the aid of concepts including resistance, hegemony, power, and subcultures. Results show difference of DJ preference between analog and digital formats. Gender differences are evident in performing DJ's experiences on and off the field due to patriarchy in the DJ scene.

A “lucid, comprehensive guide” to becoming a club DJ “from beat matching to promotion to not going deaf” by the authors of Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Rolling Stone). Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton wrote the definitive history of the DJ in Last Night a DJ Saved My Life. Now they share their extensive knowledge of the creative and technical aspects of DJing in this clear, accessible, entertaining guide for all aspiring jocks. How to DJ Right covers every aspect of DJing from establishing a music collection and a distinctive sound, to elementary record-spinning, to the complex skills of scratching, hot-mixing, and beat-juggling, as well as the unique art of creating an evening of sound that is perfectly timed, balanced, and unforgettable. Diagrams throughout make phrases, beat timing, and song structure comprehensible without a background in music theory. The authors also include recommendation lists on everything from the best (and most fun) songs to practice with, to the best sources for building a library of disks, CDs, and MP3s. For those who want to turn pro, the authors give sage advice on the vagaries of the club and music business. Enlivened by short quotes, anecdotes, and photos of famous DJs such as Grandmaster Flash and Derrick Carter, How to DJ is the definitive book for anyone who has ever considered becoming a DJ.

The full eBook version of FutureDJs: How to DJ in fixed-layout format. FutureDJs: How to DJ is the ideal resource for anyone interested in the alchemy of mixing records. Perfect for the aspiring student with no prior knowledge as well as DJs looking to extend their skills and explore new genres. This complete guide covers all the technical foundations for DJ-ing in any genre or style, from fundamental skills such as beat-matching right through to using effects, scratching and beat-juggling. Featuring clear step-by step instructions, stunning diagrams, at-a-glance guides to genres and packed with comments from professional DJs, this book will inspire and guide you through the creative and thrilling techniques required to become a FutureDJ. Every skill can be practised over and over in a range of genres from House, Techno and Trance to Grime, Trap, Hip-hop and Drum and Bass. 'At last, a comprehensive and authentic book on the art of DJ-ing. The FutureDJs team have delivered a must-have book for anyone aspiring to become a DJ or enhance their existing skills.' Mark Brown (Cr2 Records) 'This brilliant handbook will help you to develop your skills, musical understanding and sense of what makes DJ-ing unique, exciting and important as a modern musical skill. Dig in and enjoy.' Dr Pete Dale

The world's first credible and comprehensive guide to DJing. All styles, all levels from beginner to advanced. Packed with hints and tips from the world's greatest DJs. The craft: What makes a great DJ? How does a DJ create so much energy and emotion? The insight into the art of playing records. The masterclass: Advanced techniques for experienced DJs. From the amazing moves of turntablism, to FX, EQing and harmonic mixing - even how to use three decks.