Is this the same Carl Craig and Kevin Saunderson I know?... Didn't Kevin Saunderson get his start playing fraternity parties? And Saunderson is definitely a "party DJ," his productions are often party type tunes as well. I'm not demeaning this, I just mean, the records are meant to function on the dancefloor, to get booties shaking out there. Not necessarily for people to sit and stroke their chins and go "wow that's so far out" - at least, such records would be in the minority. I do think Carl Craig plays to the crowd and the party too, sure he does it in his unique way, but I highly doubt it is the no compromise thing you imagine. American music just isn't purist like that. It's not considered some kind of "high art" here. Somebody like Carl Craig does projects that are more and less commercial, more or less danceable, from Designer Music or remixing Tori Amos to Innerzone which would be a more artistic less commercial type project. And didn't people just mention that CC is playing a Beyonce track, can't get much more mainstream than that.
I think your idealism ignores the reality the DJing, on the level you are speaking of, is a business and DJs are hired to entertain crowds. I don't know what you mean by student gigs but I don't see what Gloria Gayner has to do with anything. I would also say, most up-and-coming DJs in the US often have to pay dues when they get started and play all kinds of house parties, stuff with their friends, etc., where people did not come to hear techno. Yeah maybe it is different when they get to be superstars over there in Europe and people are booking them hoping to hear a style they are known for. In fact, there might be a cultural difference in this between Europe and the US. In mmany/most places in the US if you want to DJ at all, you better be able to make an average person who doesn't know s**t about good house/techno be able to dance or have a good time with the music you play. Or else you play at a super underground party, but there are probably only 15 people there, so while it has its place it won't pay any bills. I think a good DJ has a good give/take, they can draw the crowd in without pandering or just making things into a cheesefest. Detroit techno was never this super-artistic style that some people make it out to be. I mean take Jeff Mills (sorry Yussel, but it's a good example in this case), sure he presents himself as doing this conceptual art thing now, but THE WIZARD was not some conceptual art project, it was the hits of the day played in a super-funky, outrageous style - in other words, party music! ~David ---------- Original Message ------------- Subject: RE: (313) Kevin Saunderson & Carl Craig last weekend in London Date: Thu, 6 May 2004 18:35:52 -0000 From: "Robert Taylor" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> "you seem to have this idea that DJs only like the type of music they are known for playing. That's so far from the truth it hurts. Almost all of the DJs I know listen to very little dance music outside of the club." I agree so that's not what I was saying - I just meant that DJs like Carl Craig and Kevin Saunderson (the kind we discuss here) are not 'party DJs' and aren't expected to play records that "ordinary people relate to" - they won't get booked at a student gig and get asked to play Gloria Gaynor - at least not in Europe -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 5:34 PM To: Robert Taylor Cc: David Powers; 313@hyperreal.org Subject: RE: (313) Kevin Saunderson & Carl Craig last weekend in London don't tell me what kind of DJs we discuss here. you seem to have this idea that DJs only like the type of music they are known for playing. That's so far from the truth it hurts. Almost all of the DJs I know listen to very little dance music outside of the club. Acquaviva, while sometimes veering into cheese terrritory, has always been known for dropping in something fun and familiar and a little tongue'n'cheek during his sets. and the original "electric Avenue" is the f**king jam! ##################################################################################### Note: Any views or opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Channel Four Television Corporation unless specifically stated. This email and any files transmitted are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thank You. #####################################################################################
