Hey, >>>Are we seeing the breakdown of boundaries (due to technology) between the roles of producer/remixer/dj?
I think it's fascinating that new technology, such as Ableton Live, and increased computing power are allowing us to pull audio apart and recombine in ways that are literally mind-blowing. What's still important though is inventiveness and also genuine usefulness for DJs, so in a sense the same rules apply as before, just the tools (and the sounds) change. I think an important development is the kind of set you see from Brendan Gillan or Surgeon (and others I'm not aware of), which takes place entirely in the digital domain. It's possible to hear a set now that consists of the *parts* of records you know, reconfigured and augmented with a new twist. So you have the same recognition factor, but it's 'new'. Weird. And cool. Also, the technology is a boon to new artists, especially how it's so easy to obtain illegal cracks of software (not that I condone that of course). When the new software is written that can let people express themselves differently we'll hear it pretty soon in the clubs. (Interested people should check out a program called Bidule, by Plogue Software, which allows you to connect different program's inputs and outputs together and route it around with VST plugins etc., kinda like Rewire from Propellerhead. The possibilities are staggering.) So I guess with that in mind the boundaries are being made more fluid, but I think the boundaries are still there, and it'll be interesting to watch the DJs/producers who straddle the boundaries and deliver unexpected delights in their sets. The recognition factor coupled with new sonics, increases in computer speed and storage (ten thousand tracks in your box?) is making for very interesting times indeed. What's important is people rising to the challenge and offering music that fully utilises what's possible, and courageous DJs who don't give a f*ck! Peace, Andrew
