Where do you think the Digital DJ will lead to?

[DJ Doc Z]

Where do you think digital DJ'ing will lead to? How much more advanced can it go? Will vinyl DJ's eventually have to switch over? In the latest issue of Remix Magazine one well known DJ (forgot his name) would like all DJ's to be digital because it would make us the "norm" and it would be easier to get music from the labels. Plus, after doing some chatting with some labels, they too wish digital was the "norm", because they could have a song produced and have it to all registered DJ's in minutes and, their costs would be minimal. What are your thoughts?

[DJ Scott]

Foremost advantage for me at present is easier loadins. Huge library at my figertips. Easy, nearly instant access to any song. Bottom line is providing the client with better customer service. Better interaction, instant request que ups. And if I get the, every once in a while, "You didn't play my request" crap...I print out the Log playlist and show them. Less hassle that way. As for technology progression?
There will always be something that someone dreams up that will catch on. Most likely it will be super fast internet hookups so that I can leave my music at home, log into my server and download my tunes as I need them.

[Cpt Rick]

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Actually though, it should lead to a time when DJ's aren't always necessary, as unfortunate as that may sound. They will always be necessary from the personal standpoint, but not always physically have to be present.

I've already tested software and hookup solutions that will lead to the DJ being able to run multiple shows at once without leaving the studio, and yet be interactive enough to satisfy the crowd, and most importantly, the client.

From a developers standpoint, the technology is already there, it's the moral question that gets in the way - e.g. Do you basically turn the whole show over to the venue, or do you work with the DJ's to keep them in business (I'm a DJ, so I think you can figure where I'm leaning).

I understand I'm coming from a philosophical viewpoint here, but it's one that I personally struggle with every day as I incorporate more and more features and functionality into software and hardware.

As Scott said, the first generation of software has just made things easier for the DJ, the next generation may make their physical presence unnecessary - Who knows...

[MusicMixers]

Cpt Rick hit my major concerns and reasons I have avoided going digital. I do believe it will weaken our industry and anyone with a PC will think they can DJ just like any Pro. For roughly the cost of hiring a top pro anyone will be able to buy their own set up, library and be ready to "dj".

I hear market prices for hiring a pro DJ are heading down in many areas (and they definately seem to be doing that here)and have to wonder sometimes if we may be responsible for our own demise with newer and cheaper technology.. Just my thoughts and concerns... The digital revolution could lower our earnings... When you used to lug several thousand CD's then the public knew you had a lot invested and never considered trying to do it themselves....

[JX2 Productions]

Well, i think that digital dj'ing is great. We do it here at JX2 Productions and it is a big hit. It is so much easier to just pop everything right up on the screen and then we use a few laptops for people ot look at the playlists. But then there is another question. "How legal is it?" We are doing it, but is it really legal? We use it with 6000+ songs and we have to worry about getting caught.That is why we are trying to switch over to cd's but we dont have the money. I definately do think that digital dj'ing will take the lead and eventually there won't be a need for us real dj's. However, another thing stands in the way, and that is who is going to really go out and rent the equipment etc. to do it themselves? So there is a pos and neg in it. I love the digital stuff and think that it will take over within the next few years.

[DJ Doc Z]

I see quite a bit of concern about people buying their own computers and doing it themselves. The way I feel is either way they will not be stopped and technology will never stop. I remember people saying that when cd's came out because all you need is compilations and anybody could be in business. You still need sound and lighting equipment plus the most important is... music don't make the dj. How many of us know other dj's that really have no clue what they are doing? I am sure those people are not running computers, they are probably running either cd's or vinyl. It takes more to being a professional dj than just having music. Us professionals have the right equipment, right personality, the right knowledge as to which song to play when and where and that is what makes us different. For us, whether we are using vinyl, cd or computer, we would not change professionally. It is just that the computer makes our job easier and frees us up to be more socially professional.

[MusicMixers]

Hey, you get no argument from me, it is the general public you need to convince. When most believe that the music does make the DJ you just have to do your best to "sell" them... And, going digital is MUCH cheaper now than the CD's as a previous poster just mentioned.