Sabotage Times, We can't Concentrate so Why Should You?Sabotage Times, We can't Concentrate so Why Should You?


Disclosure Unplugged: Why DJs Need To Step Down From The Stage

by Tom Armstrong
16 July 2013 35 Comments

We need to stop treating DJs as performers if we're to preserve the original ethos of clubbing

It was revealed yesterday that Disclosure’s set at Capital FM’s Summer Ball was ‘mimed’. That is to say, the equipment they stood in front of was very obviously not plugged in. A photo was posted on Facebook of the offending incident, drawing waves of disapproval from fans and champions of ‘real’ music.

As embarrassing as it is, pouring scorn on the pair for lacking musical integrity is missing the point. The shame shouldn’t be with the two young kids making a living making garage-pop, the fault is with our current culture which hails DJs as something they’re not: performers.

The question shouldn’t be ‘Is their equipment plugged in?’, but ‘Why are they on stage in the first place?’ What exactly do the promoters and the hundreds of spectators shipped in off the back of their name expect two music producers to do? A dance routine? Put on a wig and mime Jessie Ware’s vocals to Running?

Somewhere during club culture’s journey into the mainstream, the lines between DJing, producing, and live performance have gotten seriously muddled, until we’ve gotten to a point where two boys are forced to make complete tits of themselves on stage because nobody, from the industry heads to the promoters to the fans, really knows what they’re doing there.

As a case study, let’s compare two similar music videos which highlight the problem with ‘DJ as performer’. Firstly the ultimate live band Guns n Roses’ with Paradise City. The band stand on stage in front of a packed stadium. Axl Rose, ever the peacock, struts up and down the stage, mic in hand, belting out notes only dogs can hear. Slash stands to the side, hair over his face, fag in mouth, an excitable Duff gees up the crowd behind him while Adler bashes the drums like Animal from the Muppets on speed. It’s live, it’s spontaneous, and the energy from the five musicians resonates with the tens of thousands in attendance. It’s brilliant.

Last Saturday I saw a similar music video, this time for EDM poster boys Swedish House Mafia’s track ‘Don’t You Worry’. Similar thing: stadium crowd going absolutely batshit crazy as the trio take the stage. Only this time the cut back to the stage is comparatively underwhelming to the point of comedy, as we’re faced with a sparse table, a set of CDJs and three blokes jumping in the air pumping their fists like excited European football fans. Something has seriously been lost in translation between these two performances.

When those people bought their tickets to the SHM ‘concert’, what exactly were they paying their money for? If it’s purely to jump up and down to trance-pop with thousands of likeminded people then I can’t argue with that. But the fact that is they’re being lured there with this bastardised version of DJ culture, twisted and manipulated to the convenience of music industry bigwigs, and that is a real problem. It also highlights why Disclosure have found themselves in such an embarrassing situation this week.

More….

Dancefloors Against Ketamine

Trading Mixtapes: Jeremy Underground Paris x Hunee

Disclosure, like the three maniacal baseball capped Swedes in the video, are pop stars who make their music using software on a computer - despite the apparent confusions of some promoters and fans alike - that’s not the same thing as DJing on a set of decks. It’s a different skill, different environment, different reasons. The people at an event like Capital FM’s Summer Ball are there to hear the songs they’ve heard on the radio, but you don’t make White Noise by standing at a set of Pioneers in the same way Slash plays Paradise City on his Les Paul - you just put the CD in and press play. If the music industry is going to try and peddle electronic music to rock and pop audiences, they need a more considered way of presenting it. Just sticking the pair on the stage with a set of decks in front of them is an insult to the act, the people who’ve made the effort to be there, and to DJs, who work hard to preserve their culture and don’t want to see it dressed up and sold off like a cheap whore.

That’s not to say that DJing and producing are mutually exclusive. Quite the opposite. At the the birth of the modern club, people like Nicky Siano, Larry Levan and Ron Hardy were producing and editing tracks for their dancefloors, but they didn’t put their own faces on the sleeves. When the image of the person making the record becomes more important than the music itself, then the scales are tipping in the wrong direction.

But as with most (all) things in the music industry, it boils down to money. Big names sell tickets, and tickets generate revenue, regardless of the damage that may cause to the culture they’re selling.

The reason all of this matters is because this confusion between producer, DJ, live performance and club night, is affecting the underground, which has traditionally been immune to the shortcomings of the mainstream, and sets a worrying precedent for the future. How many times have you heard someone say ‘people don’t dance in clubs anymore’, and to an extent they’re right. Of course you can still find nights where people go old school hell for leather, but in general, it’s fair to say that dancing is becoming replaced by ‘watching’ or worse, ‘recording’.

Maybe we should be looking at the role of things like Boiler Room, whose insanely popular live webcam streams encourage a voyeuristic approach to clubbing - one of spectator rather than participant. As a devout fan of Boiler Room and the positives it brings to the club world, I for one would like to see them take more responsibility and encourage wider involvement for the new generation of clubbers. Remind them that clubbing isn’t about going to watch a show - from the minute they walk through the door they are as much an integral part of the party as the DJs themselves. Put the focus on the party, not just the person providing the music. Perhaps with that attitude we can start to reclaim the fun, all-inclusive culture we fell in love with in the first place, and leave the stages to the egos.

Follow me @tomdisco

If you like it, Pass it on

image descriptionCOMMENTS

Cyrus Bozorgmehr 1:24 pm, 11-Jun-2013

Good articles - and the blurring of those lines is the core problem - but referring to these people as DJ's as you do is a classic example. DJ's ARE performers - the problem is that these people are not DJ's - they are producers. They have no business being on stage - they should either be playing a complex live electronic improvisation or making tunes for a real DJ to work a crowd with

Bread Club 1:52 pm, 11-Jun-2013

I think this article in Fact covers all the points.... http://www.factmag.com/2013/06/11/disclosure-defend-themselves-against-pulling-a-david-guetta-after-faking-set-at-wembley/ Looks like the organisers put a stop to any 'live' performance and only allowed live vocals. They intentionally looked bored and left equipment unplugged as a form of 'protest'. Much like how bands dicked about on Top of The Pops when forced to mime. There's a little more to a normal Disclosure live set than you've given them credit for, have you ever seen them live?

Tom Armstrong 1:58 pm, 11-Jun-2013

I get what you're saying Bread Club and I do understand that Disclosure's live show is more than just 'pressing play'. I don't mean to take that away from them, I'm just talking about attitudes towards DJing in a wider context which this incident seems to have highlighted

Bread Club 2:00 pm, 11-Jun-2013

Oh & they can also DJ, as a this Boiler Room vid shows and a fair few others show.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CWKC9b0Oko But being a massive fan of Boiler Room, I'm sure you knew that already ;-)

Six Axle 2:17 pm, 11-Jun-2013

@Bread Club hey i'm a fan of Boiler Room and I haven't watched that, just like I haven't watched Lee Foss' or whatever. Being a fan of Boiler Room doesn't mean you tune in even for whack djs. Frankly having witnessed the cringe-fest that was Disclosure & Skream playing b2b on BR last year I temporarily stopped watching the thing all together. More broadly, I think Tom's absolutely right to point the finger away from these lads - who fair play to them are just trying to make a living out of a fairly non-profit business while they still can - and towards a culture that sees djs as some glamorised focal point of the party. How many people just mindlessly face the dj at parties nowadays? Wasn't Simon Cowell briefly weighing up 'dj idol'? All part of the same problem IMO

Bread Club 3:12 pm, 11-Jun-2013

I'm not saying you should watch everything on there, just when you write an article built around a (non) performance by an artist, and then go on to say they are 'popstars' not DJ's, and then cite Boiler Room as a model for the future, it may be worth taking the time to make sure you're research is as comprehensive as possible. I'm not a super fan of Disclosure, but I do think there are more deserving targets when getting in to a discussion about what's wrong with dance music today.If they had been allowed to perform at this event as they had wished, I doubt they would have featured in this article, but it's remaining contents would be no less valid, and I do agree with the general principles of the article. in a similar vein, the thing that really irks me is the rise of the 'Celebrity DJ'. Something that used to be a skill that required hours of practice, dedication and a love for music, is now a way for Danny Dyer and Arg from Towie to make a quick buck in a provincial town on a Saturday night.

Tom Armstrong 3:30 pm, 11-Jun-2013

I don't think many people would argue with Disclosure making pop music - like it or not, if they're playing at Capital FM's Summer Time Ball, they're pop stars. That doesn't mean they're not talented, and nowhere in the piece do I say that they can't DJ. I saw them a few times last year and was impressed every time (I regrettably didn't go the Boiler Room set but I did go to plenty of other Boiler Rooms last year and enjoyed every one). I don't target anybody as being to blame for 'whats wrong with dance music today'. I don't think there is much wrong with dance music, we've been in a creative purple patch for the last few years, it's brilliant. Just because an article has a comments box doesn't mean you're required to start an argument

Bread Club 4:07 pm, 11-Jun-2013

Chill out Tom, nobody's starting an argument. As I say I agree with the general principle of your article, I just don't agree with the jump off point. I accept that they make a form of pop music, however all too often, pop music is used as a wide reaching, negative term, looking at the Summer Time Ball lineup Aluna George, Disclosure and Duke Dumont can probably be classed as pop, however they are a world away from other acts on the bill such as Union J or The Saturdays. I'm sorry if I've missed the gist of your article, I agree that the past few years have seen an abundance of forward thinking, creative and amazing music, but the heading of 'Why DJ's need to step down from the stage', suggests that not all is hunky dory at the moment, and as ever there is always room for improvement, in this instance by trying to move away from the deification of DJs.

Tom Armstrong 4:21 pm, 11-Jun-2013

Yeh I get you. I'm more trying to make a comment on clubbing rather than the state of the music. The reason I think that relates to what happened with Disclosure is because it highlighted the confusion surrounding electronic music and how it should be performed / appreciated. I think leaving the plug on the floor for all to see and sparking these debates was the best way they could've handled the situation they were forced into.

Matt 5:52 pm, 11-Jun-2013

they have gone to comment on how this situation was out of their control

Cyrus Bozorgmehr 6:50 pm, 11-Jun-2013

Incidentally Tom - my initial point aside - I thought it was a great article and a worthy contribution to the (I shudder here) 'EDM' debate

www.thegreenwichbarber.com 7:34 pm, 11-Jun-2013

I've no idea who the kids above are who have mimed a 'DJ/Producer' set. But as has already been said, I would think the crowd wouldn't be bothered and I too thought of TOTP when I was growing up in the 70/80's when it was mostly mimed. The article itself was timely as I'd only recently read this - http://www.faithfanzine.com/?p=1590

mave 12:59 pm, 12-Jun-2013

At the age of 43 Ive started going out a bit more to occasional club/party nights and what has struck me is that everyone faces the DJ and almost surrounds him - call me an old fart but I remember when you didnt even know what they looked like and they were tucked away somewhere - you were there for the music and everyone danced whereever not all facing the same way!

Ed Carpenter 7:15 pm, 12-Jun-2013

This article may interest you... http://www.nme.com/news/disclosure/70777

Collin L.S(d) 2:22 pm, 13-Jun-2013

To assert that going to clubs and being inert is undesirable in comparison to dancing is ridiculous. The two are no less legitimate (much as I would like to claim the former is better than the latter), and if we're to achieve any sort of progress rather than stagnation in this field, you'll have to give room for both, and I would posit that there will always be room for both (without people like you mucking things up, that is). Decrying anything other than bopping to the beat(s) is to express disapproval for experimentation with format and style. Furthermore, your strict definition of "clubbing" makes the music secondary to the practice. One should have the choice of how to best enjoy the music, and anyone suggesting otherwise, such as you have done (inadvertently or otherwise) can, for lack of a better phrase, get stuffed.

the sweettalker 4:25 pm, 13-Jun-2013

Just stop calling it EDM... people who does that is as poser as an unplugged DJ. DM was always E. We call it EM in all the world. It is its propper name. It's like Football and Soccer. If you call it soccer is because you don't really feel it in you. It's kinda pathetic

JoeJoe 5:48 pm, 13-Jun-2013

hahaha ^

Ben Murk 2:40 am, 14-Jun-2013

This article failed to mention why the stuff looked obviously unplugged as Disclosure disclosed (no pun intended) they pleaded and begged to let the event organizers Dj the set live and they didn't allow them to because they wanted to sync the visuals and audio. (as if Plastikman ever had any trouble syncing visuals, and audio) So because of this they made it obvious it was a joke by un-plugging in the master out, and also turning the EQ knobs all the way down. They just need to take a class on DXM and how its done. This is covered in detail here: http://www.inthemix.com/news/55469/Disclosures_awkward_fake_DJ_drama_We_didnt_try_and_make_it_look_like_we_were_mixing Also, if u can produce, you should be able to learn how to dj. It taught my ex girlfriend how to beat match by ear in a day, but it would have taken me literally months to get her to understand logic and audio theory.

Toton 10:59 am, 14-Jun-2013

Thanks God Wiggle is still around, a true Underground party still going strong after 18 years!

toi* 12:06 pm, 14-Jun-2013

If DJs are no performers I've probably done it wrong in each gig :p Serously.. you should try going to real clubs with some DJs that put some passion in their sets - just because there's no choreography like in a boyband doesn't mean there's no performance...

Tom Armstrong 1:38 pm, 14-Jun-2013

toi, could you give me a list of real clubs I should be visiting please?

Emma Jane 4:23 pm, 14-Jun-2013

Great articles although I don't agree with everything you say Tom, I think you make a good case and it's nice to see a well written blog shining through the sh*t out there. Keep them coming!

Alan 5:14 pm, 14-Jun-2013

I dunno mayn. It's more about the nature of the event really. I'm sure loads bands would have mimed at an event like this (with live vocals) where it's like T4 on the beach or something and the bands play only 3 tracks to a crowd full of bellends... This kind of thing has happened througout all 'pop' genres of music for decades. e.g. top of the pops back in the days when no one played live. As for the bit about SHM not doing a lot live.. People have always gone to shows to merely be in the same room as the people who make their favourite tunes. With things like this as well the whole show production side of it is much more important. I see what ur saying but just sounds like you're being a bit of a dance music DJ snob when really shit like this has been happening for the last 40 years to all kinds of music.. Who carez bruv. Disclosure agreed to do it. They can also play live so theres no question about their credibility as musicians etc. Aint no fuckin thang

Tom Armstrong 5:40 pm, 14-Jun-2013

Thanks all for reading/commenting, although I think some people may have misunderstood some points: I'm not digging out Disclosure, I'm sticking up for them. I understand they were forced to mime and I think the way they handled it was admirable. In my opinion the problem is with the culture which created the situation in the first place.

nick 8:01 pm, 14-Jun-2013

This was really good and I agree that making the DJ the center of attention is not what the art form is about. But it deserves to be said that most of Disclosure's sets are actual live performances, incorporating instruments with Ableton and electronics. A lot of these clubbers don't even know the difference between mixing tracks on CDJ's and preparing a unique, intricate performance in something like Ableton or Max. Electronic live performance should be watched and appreciated, which is why Boiler Room is such a great part of electronic music culture.

Richard Norris 9:32 pm, 14-Jun-2013

I'm always bothered by supposed notions of 'authenticity' in music, particularly an argument that says rock music = authentic, dance music = fake. For the record, the Guns N Roses video cited in the article is from a gig where G'N'R were the support group on the bill - the video is shots of the band on stage cut with crowd shots filmed when the headliners were playing, so it's hardly genuine. All genres of music employ slight of hand such as this. An evenings entertainment is no less valid if someone is playing a six string or pressing play, Springsteen is no less or more authentic than Kraftwerk. if the show is fantastic, it's fantastic. It's all theatre.

R Slicker 7:59 pm, 16-Jun-2013

You lost me at EDM.

Michael 12:19 am, 17-Jun-2013

DJ sets are spontaneous. The only DJs that don't improvise in their sets are DJs like SHM etc. I go to see DJs, I listen to their mixing skills and song selection, they are most definitely performers. Go to any underground intimate event and tell me they're not performers. You've put every single DJ into one category when there is so much more to it.

Kai 10:28 pm, 20-Jun-2013

Great article. The club culture is getting lost. It used to be that you went out to the club to dance with your friends, now people just stand there with hands in the hair looking at the DJ doing - nothing - on stage. Pointless.

Scott 1:02 pm, 27-Jun-2013

Fucking hell some people can't read. It's obvious Tom is talking about the manipulation of the DJ by mainstream culture, and is using Disclosure to highlight this point. I don't see him bashing the boys anywhere in this article. For me the article is spot on, having seen Disclosure last year at Outlook festival I thought they were brilliant. To see them on stage forced to mime makes me feel a bit sad that Capital FM (and other organisers) won't let DJs actually perform their job, they would obviously have been gutted. In my mind, a DJ should be playing music he/she thinks the crowd needs, not what the crowd wants. It makes no sense going to see a DJ/Producer solely for their own songs, the DJ should be able to introduce listeners/clubbers to new stuff. That's the excitement of clubbing/dance music/DJing.

Doughy Doe 5:01 pm, 1-Sep-2013

Real DJ's are performers. If you don't know that then don't write an article about it. Explaining to you otherwise is futile.

Pierre Mavaji 6:25 pm, 1-Sep-2013

Everyone is a DJ. What Electronic Music needs is to go back to the old school. If only turntables are made available to the DJs, we will cut out 80% of DJs who will not be able to perform without their laptop and questions about talent and performance will be put to rest. BTW everyone at a Gun'n'Roses concert faces the band, no reason to not face the artist you've paid to see, if you just wanna dance by yourself stay home and put on your favorite CD.

Stephen 5:16 pm, 10-Oct-2013

"DJs aren't performers." Let that be your skewed opinion. Traditionally, yes, but things are changing. There are DJs that only spin music (old term there) and there are DJs that produce music. There are producers who just click buttons and there are producers who actually perform their music with actual instruments. Disclosure is one of those groups that performs their music. They probably find pressing buttons and beat-matching utterly boring, so they'd rather perform their music on-stage, complete with the actual singers of the tunes (sometimes) instead. I see absolutely nothing wrong with that at all.

Chris W 12:13 pm, 11-Nov-2013

Saw this on You Tube and thought about your article http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep7IKur0ego kinda weird, I don't why it did, but felt compelled post this.

Rafa Franco 8:01 am, 10-Jan-2014

just take a read http://www.spin.com/articles/disclosure-fake-dj-set-capital-fm-mixer-unplugged/

Leave a comment

Music image description SABOTAGE

1