Apt. 5H Podcast | DJ Self and Rob Swift debating the pros and cons of digital DJing vs Vinyl

[@monkiferr]

I can appreciate the message Rob is trying to communicate here. Unfortunately, some people will never understand the feel of mixing on turntables. It’s organic… it feels completely different. We live in a society where instant gratification is the norm. No one wants to work for things. Turntables are work. Controllers are instant gratification for people.

[@djrobswift]

@@monkiferr What you wrote is very true.

[@daeloshow]

That part. And DJ Self is one that will continue to make excuses for the type of “DJ” he really is vs what he wants others to think.

[@SpinThis]

100% so organic. I started learning beat mixing back in the early '90s on a Pioneer CD player without pitch control and a Technics 5 disc changer with a rotary pitch control. So one pitch control between two decks. When I finally saved up enough money to get two CDJ-700s and DJM-500 mixer (with BPM readout), it become almost too "easy" since I was so used to using my ears and twiddling one knob back and forth. I ended up selling that CDJ set and going all in on vinyl with a a pair of 1200s in the late '90s. I haven't touched a pair of CDJs since. You develop a special relationship with turntables that is impossible to replicate with CDJs. And for those using DVS, turn on needle jump mode in Serato if you use relative mode and see how heavy handed you are.... you get a real appreciation for what vinyl DJs, especially battle DJs, were able to come up with.

[@TampaRedd]

​@@SpinThis Right! People forget/underestimate/don't know that you had to develop a light touch when using turntables and had to pick songs that were somewhat similar because you only had +/-8% pitch control.

[@alexislee9829]

I'm a 55yr New Orleans native and fan of Rob Swift n the Executioners. The person who taught me to mix was from Queens with a crew called New York Inc...back in 1983 in da N.O. Because of them and this culture of specific techniques, I have been able to continuously dj for 41yrs from the passion of the art form. I dj because I love it, and as a business owner, the money from it simply became an added Blessing. Going from crates to laptops helps my old ass back, but does not take away from the craft. The craft should never be disrespected, so I still practice cutting, scratching, and beat juggling to feed my soul.

[@djrobswift]

@@alexislee9829 “The craft should never be disrespected.” 💎

[@georgemoore8577]

I'm from New Orleans. I started in Adana Turkey with no help. I salute you my brother. I graduated fro 35 in 1981.

[@Djn3mesis1]

Great convo and definitely something that needs to be discussed for others to think about for long term goals.

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

It's really hard to listen to this, since the other guy is always interrupting with really weird passive agressive questions and remarks.

[@o0_The_Real_Deal_0o]

I think Rob showed a lot of patience here, probably gained from being a teacher.

[@DisavowedProductions]

I love this conversation! I come from a vinyl background and still turn to vinyl when I want that hands-on control over the music. That said, I don’t entirely agree with Rob that new technology hasn’t led to new techniques. With modern mixers featuring cue-point buttons, looping, or even STEMS, there are possibilities that just weren’t available on traditional vinyl. The technology has evolved to let DJs manipulate multiple elements in countless combinations. While the original turntable was never meant to be used this way, the influence, creativity, and vision of DJs brought about new tools-drum machines, effects, samplers, and more-which helped shape new sounds in every genre. All that said, I 100% agree that if you want to be a DJ, you should learn the fundamentals and know the history. Respect its origins while pushing the craft forward. The DJ is like a music engineer, breaking barriers and reflecting their own style through the music they love. Much respect to Rob for sharing his knowledge and passion for this “unnatural” art we call DJing. Great conversation, and please keep sharing this history for the next generation of DJs!

[@derred723]

what possibilities? Name a technique? Cause you can loop. Cue points were set with paper dots. Not new. Stems? We've been mixing instrumentals since day one.

[@DisavowedProductions]

@@derred723 You’re absolutely right that DJs have been innovating with techniques like looping and mixing instrumentals for decades. What’s exciting about modern advancements is how these foundational techniques are being expanded upon with new tools. For example, traditional cue points often required physical markers like paper dots, but now, digital platforms like Serato or Traktor allow DJs to set, save, and recall multiple cue points instantly, adding flexibility for live performance. Stems technology takes mixing instrumentals a step further by isolating specific elements-like vocals or drums-directly from full tracks in real-time, allowing DJs to create on-the-fly mashups or remixes without needing pre-made instrumental versions. Another modern technique is finger drumming with controllers like the Midi-Fighter, which enables DJs to perform rhythm sections live, blending DJing with live production. These tools unlock new creative possibilities, bridging the gap between traditional DJing and live performance.

[@DisavowedProductions]

In my opinion, finger drumming, tone play, word play, pitch shifting, these are the evolved techniques of this new era.

[@djrobswift]

@@derred723 Based on some of the comments in this thread, it’s clear that some DJs believe that using stems (acapella mixing) and looping (based on clock theory) are modern DJ techniques. This highlights why there are no iconic DJs emerging from the era of controllers. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@janicechalmers1664]

Oh it’s lovely to watch him wriggle and try to get the better of the argument.Haha.Absolutely no way man because there is nothing that Rob Swift doesn’t know about the culture and history from its conception.Give up man you will never get the better of Rob the master Swift.💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿🔥🔥🔥❤️🙏🙏🙏

[@SuperRuss26]

I hear you Rob. Love these kind of debates. Always been turntables all the way for me.

[@mackbazile]

The advent of the CDJ is an innovation of the TurnTable. It wasn't meant to replace the turntable. CDJs Mimic the entire turntable experience and take it beyond. It's to be appreciated, not criticized. My man Rob is splitting hairs a bit. This coming from a TurnTable DJ.

[@bombading1215]

I've seen what he is talking about happen. I was at a club and this DJ was supposed to go up for her set and would not do it because she only mixes on CDjs and they only had turntables. Someone else had to go up and mix. She went up with her laptop and was asking for the CDjs. She literally said " I've never mixed on turntables".

[@djrobswift]

Thank you for sharing that anecdote. Hopefully, everyone on this thread who comments that the hypothetical I presented Self with is "highly unlikely" to happen reads what you wrote. Respect.

[@GoD_Quake]

I started on vinyl, then was an early adopter of CDJs, then adopted controllers. Now I use all three regularly. Each has their benefits and weaknesses. I will always love to use vinyl, and will never stop, but there are times when a digital controller is useful. What makes a DJ is using your skills in any and all formats to execute a your artistic vision. And hopefully, if you’re doing it well, you are entertaining people with your artistry.

[@andrewkeller2842]

Carrying crates SUCKS… but I’m glad i did it… because it showed (me) how much I truly loved djing. Honestly, I truly love all aspects of mixing records together… from the act of manual beat matching to scratching to making mix tapes… all of it. And amassing my own personal database (in my brain) all sorts of aspects of each record in my collection (which got rather large over time)… tbh it is a Zen like state compared to how it feels to DJ on DVS, controller, etc. I’m 50+ now, and haven’t done it in a long time… and damn do i miss it.

[@4loopsessions]

Very well said to the guy with the blue hat. I agree 100% with everything you say. Techniques have diluted. Its a shame

[@djbigsmooth470]

I appreciate the discussion - and always appreciate the historical context brought forth by Rob. It seems like what exists is the "task" of DJ-ing... and the "art" of DJ-ing. You have painters that paint walls, and you have painters that paint the Mona Lisa. One is doing a job, the other is an artist. Both can co-exist. But I can understand why many from the 80s are put off with the shortcuts provided by technology.

[@FinesseTheChallenger]

I have Dj'd with people who used controllers and never learned how to use a turntable, and it is NOT the same (not to say there aren't any good controller Dj's because there are) it sounded like a jukebox was mixing the audio...very robotic or everything was dropped on the one... there was little to no variety. However, the Dj's that I grew up with learning on turntables and then moving to controllers have a much more natural or organic sound when mixing. I personally use the Rane12MkII's & 72MkII, yes, it is a controller but, it's the closest thing to actual turntables I have experienced at least IMO. I'm with Rob on this one.

[@AnthonyThomas-o4l]

Those are house DJ's that never learned anything because there is nothing to playing house.

[@In_A_Different_Fashion]

Dope convo

[@ChikPeezNRice]

I'm from the Bronx, 1982 mixing on a turntable was a thing, nowadays the controller is a different thing. If the same person is old enough to have had the opportunity to use both that person truly has skills.

[@jadenjr]

I hate that “well I’m from Brooklyn” opener. Like, who cares my man, what does that have to do with the topic at hand or the price of tea in china. Shut him down Rob, and this also applies to audio engineering as well

[@markn6731]

Seen you a few times in Toronto back then integrated in a D&B show. Always enjoyed your work. Appreciate to hear you speak on the topic, well said, big up 👍

[@cueyork8179]

As a somewhat “newer” DJ & being older, I really enjoyed this discussion, I truly understand both view points 💯

[@CJScratch]

great video !!!

[@curtisgreaves5792]

i really enjoyed this

[@BoChosen]

What I learned from this post is, I'll never trust a DJ Self set... WORD. 😂🤣😂🤣💯

[@djrobswift]

😂 That was funny!!

[@pjalton]

@@djrobswiftI saw your body language. He is not a “bridge” between the generations

[@daeloshow]

@@pjalton😂

[@daeloshow]

What did he call it, a smash DJ?! 😂

[@mixit247]

I need to learn to make a serato face .. but on a more serious note Rob Swift is absolutely on point. I have always separated DJs in two classes: Mixerologists and Scratch masters. Mixerology has less than ten techniques while scratch masters created over a hundred technics of using a record on a turntable. I am not saying mixerologists are not DJs because they are however you can't compare them.

[@bigwesmusic]

Robbie standing on business!

[@djclubberlangley]

"A DJ who relies on AI to cover up their inability to perform the basics, such as mixing by ear, is ultimately devaluing the essence of DJing."....Great conversation. I am proud to have never dj'd anything except vinyl since 1998.

[@AnthonyThomas-o4l]

Nope, it's moving things forward. This idea that A.I or any technology is a threat to the legacy of turntablism is ridiculous on it's face. In another generation it won't matter because you'll have health issues to deal with. I started only on 1200's never had belt drives or any of that BS = 1986

[@UONeal]

I'm glad that I began and learned on vinyl... But if you're only using vinyl you're missing out and getting left behind... Go watch a craze routine... Or anything Jeff has done in the last 20 years...A track... There's nothing wrong with playing on vinyl... But if that's all you're using your limiting yourself severely

[@djclubberlangley]

@@UONeal I got left behind decades ago which I'm also proud of. As soon as I saw cd mixing I gave up on moving onto another format (I am that old) My love is bashing out proper UK hard house on vinyl and keeping the lost art which is my USP. I'm glad you think that there is nothing wrong with playing vinyl though :) Cheers.

[@djclubberlangley]

@@UONeal I have been mixing since 1998 when I played at some amazing venues in London. Best memories of my life that can't ever be replicated and djing vinyl is my passion.

[@georgemoore8577]

The old heads who adjusted to the technology are the real geniuses. I started out in 1980's and went thru every new phase in DJ'ing. The basics are not known today.

[@bryanwarner561]

Mad respect for Self however, I'm riding with Rob Swift on this one. I have been DJ'ing since '85 and Swift is right, no technique has been invented since CDJ/controllers and software became available.

[@djrobswift]

Respect.

[@chuckanthanio]

Turntables, CDJs, and controllers are DJ tools of the trade. I believe all pro DJs should know how to use all available tools of the trade on a moment notice. I am with you, Rob Swift.

[@deanivan3951]

Salute!

[@itsamedjmario]

i love the calculator analogy.. 💯 Facts Rob !!...

[@djrobswift]

🗣️📣

[@dresatterfield4489]

This is a great conversation

[@namelesswon]

Making mistakes and improvising, ingenuity and imagination is at the heart of hip hop culture. By taking away those opportunities by offering a digital button or a solution is missing the point. People used to walk across the Grand Canyon on tight ropes and the crowd were amazed, someone came along and missed the point and built a bridge. The only thing of any worth is carrying my record collection on a stick but there are still thousands of tunes not digitised and I would say that has little to do with hip hop turntablism anyway. You can buy any color spray paint today and paint in a designated graffiti spot maintained by your local council. I would say that this is not graffiti and nothing to do with hip hop. It looks like it, smells like it but in essence it is ratified, condoned and controlled by authority and capitalism. The essence of bombing has been removed ie: self individuation and theft and criminal damage - by its own form anti capitalist and anti corporate advertisement brainwashing. Graffiti and urban stencil cunts these days is stolen valour, same as tik tok DJs.

[@priyonjoni]

9:40 debunked. He is showing a Krewella without RCA's plugged in. That is because they are using HID mode with traktor to mix live. That does not require any RCA connectivity, only USB which is also cleaerly connected in the same photo. It's very similar to how you don't need RCAs when connecting a Rane Twelve. People have been able to do this with Serato Scratch Live since 2007 when the first HID CDJ came out, the CDJ-400.

[@georgemoore8577]

Myself, DJ Xcurious, and DJ Tut .started DJ'ing together in Turkey at the NCO club in 1987. Long before they started doing it the states

[@i.n.c.fromthetopropes3465]

They re both making significant points. Ultimately you can make a great meal with a microwave and a George Forman but dose that make you a chef? Specifically if you can't use a stove and oven?

[@djductape]

My friends used to make fun of me back in the day saying, "I can push the buttons faster than you". I would argue... It doesn't even work like that. Now, it's all pushing start and cue buttons haha.

[@gwashington8556]

Made respect Rob Swift he made me get turntables to learn the roots of djing. However most new music is made digitally not on vinyl

[@kevinyoung1345]

I understand what Rob is saying, and have the highest respect for turntable DJs who can mix, juggle and scratch on turntables. But, the argument Rob is making is the SAME argument musicians to discredit the craft of making Hip Hop music by using samplers, drum machines and such. Musicians say that hip hop isn't "real" music because so much of it used recorded instruments that live musicians played, and they simply put that snippets of past instruments on repeat and consider it "music" as if the producer or DJ did something special. Many musicians don't see the specialness of being a DJ who is simply manipulating music that past artists created with their mouths, feet and hands. And I understand their argument as well, that Hip Hop is rehashing and mashing up music that musicians created. And even if a Hip Hop song uses drums, in most cases its electronic drums using a computer or machine...so they're not "real". Thus, as much as Rob doesn't fully respect the newer DJs who make "music" with computer-enhanced software and equipment, a lot of musicians don't respect Rob Swift (no matter how "skilled" he is manipulating music with 2 turntables), because many respect musicians who master an instrument way more than a DJ manipulating said music. So, as much as I love Hip Hop and the art of mixing and scratching, I'm not classifying a turntable master (a turntablist) in the same category as some of the best musicians who mastered an instrument. To some degree, the recreation of music and creating a new "sound" using a turntable is not that different than the recreation of music and creating a new sound using CDJs or computer software. If it sounds good to my ear, I don't care how its created. Yes, it gives me chills at times when I see a DJ nail the most perfect beat juggle, just like it gives me chills when I hear the perfect piano solo or guitar solo. And sometimes when I hear music created using a computer or sampler, it gives me the same chills. I appreciate Ninth Wonder's Fruity Loop production just like I respect Marley Marl's production, just like I respect Madlib's production slicing up old R&B, blues and jazz tracks to make a new "sound" based on an old sound. And when it comes to Hip Hop, I'd rather hear samples manipulated with scratching and mixing than rappers over live instruments. Yes, I like The Roots, but that overall live instrumentation sound with hip hop doesn't resonate with me like a well sampled track, even it only took the producer 10 minutes to create the beat. :)

[@DisavowedProductions]

I’d have to disagree with the premise that DJs or turntablists don’t stand on equal footing with traditional musicians. The DJ isn’t just manipulating prerecorded music; the DJ is the foundation of an entire genre-Hip Hop-and beyond that, a revolution in how we create, consume, and appreciate music. Let’s not forget: there is no Hip Hop without the DJ. It was the DJ who took existing records, dissected their rhythms, and innovated entirely new sounds and techniques to create something unprecedented. Those records were never used in the way the DJ utilized them to birth Hip Hop. No band, no singer-songwriter, no soloist came close to what DJs like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, or GrandWizard Theodore did to establish the culture. The essence of Hip Hop lies in this repurposing and reinvention, a process that laid the groundwork for countless new genres. Without the DJ, the entire music industry as we know it wouldn’t exist. DJs played a pivotal role in shaping pop music, promoting artists, and even influencing how we consume music. They were the first to blend tracks, break new records, and build audiences-long before streaming or playlists existed. The modern music landscape owes its existence to the DJ. From radio to the club circuit, DJs connected artists to listeners, making the music industry the multi-billion-dollar powerhouse it is today. Any musician who doesn’t understand this should revisit the history of music and its evolution. As I imagine Rob would probably say..."go back and learn your math". The DJ’s role isn’t just about playing prerecorded tracks-it’s about innovation, promotion, and redefinition. It’s not just about the beat juggle or scratching; it’s about reshaping how we experience sound. Without the DJ, music would have stagnated in the 1970s. The creative energy of genres like house, techno, drum and bass, and Hip Hop owes everything to the ingenuity of DJs. DJs are as vital to music as any instrumentalist. They’re the ones who took the old and made it new-often with nothing more than turntables, mixers, and an incredible vision. And to your point: if it sounds good to your ears, then the craft behind it deserves equal respect, whether it’s a piano solo, a flawless beat juggle, or a perfectly sampled track.

[@djrobswift]

You don't know what you're talking about @kevinyoung1345. You don't know enough about DJ culture to know if we make music or not: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJWkeKV_fpWoptUsi=ppOQY1aEGATsPDEO&t=25

[@kevinyoung1345]

@@djrobswift OK, that was indeed an AMAZING set indeed, where the DJ created a lot of sounds from just bits of sound. But he was still scratching a drum kick for the drums, he wasn't PLAYING the drums. Just because someone can scratch a drum (and I do love it, by the way, music to my personal ears), that doesn't mean he's like a drummer. And he's using a machine that loops what he's doing to make the sound, so of course a musician would say that's not a real musician because he's using a machine (not an instrument) to make the song. And of course most DJs can not do what he did and don't use the turntables in this way, most turntablists and producers are sampling, looping and/or manipulating snippets from prerecorded songs, to make a new song. That's still not the same as people mastering an instrument, not to many. And Rob, if you respect the guy doing this with his hands (and it was indeed a master class, Radar's set was dope as hell), but you don't consider someone on a computer, drum machine, or CDJs manipulating the hell out of them (which would include raw scratching skills AND the pressing of buttons) as real DJs because they're "cheating", I still don't see the difference. Because some who have mastered instruments would look at this Radar set and think, "He's just using foot pedals to loop a bunch of noise he's making with those turntables. And if anyone thinks that moving the pitch up and down is the same as me learning notes and this instrument, they're crazy. I play an instrument, he's playing machines." And that's exactly how you look at DJs using CDJs...they've mastered machines, not the turntables. Again, I respect the hell out of what you and Radar can create, but I've also heard some amazing music and mixes and remixes made with computers, CDJs, Serato and such, and I know that some of what comes out of those machines takes a mastery of the craft as well. And for some of that music, it's not only a master of the turntable and mixer, it's also a mastery of software.

[@djrobswift]

@@kevinyoung1345 What you need to understand is that musicians like Herbie Hancock and legendary producers like Quincy Jones have invited me to play as part of their ensembles. Therefore, your opinion or anyone else's regarding my status as a musician really doesn't matter at all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/noHMq2OlhaiSnaMsi=P7a0pPiAHXR2jTlG

[@kevinyoung1345]

@@djrobswift And what you don't understand is that I actually think what DJs produce (and I am one as well, and I use turntables AND CDJs, depending on the situation and the type of mix I'm trying to accomplish), I think it IS music. However, I believe in 2025, it can be accomplished in a number of ways. I've seen people have sets with musicians with instruments using software and it did not take from experience. Because, aurally, it sounded amazing. The DJ had mastered their craft, even if they weren't using actual turntables. And we all know that when turntables were created, actual musicians did not respect the recording of their sound. Because a machine, the turntable, was being used to recreate their live sound. And many of those musicians didn't think the turntable playing a recorded version of their masterpiece produced the true aspect of what they created, almost as if it took the emotion out of the song. The turntable was the original machine that played music, and it certainly was not used as an instrument. Hiphop DJs learned to make music from other music using turntables and another machine (the mixer), and then later DJs learned to make new sounds from prerecorded music or just from pure blips of sound like Radar did. We know that many musicians poo-pooed the turntable for being a machine capturing their sound when the turntable was created. Just as many musicians would scoff at the fact that we think Radar is "making actual music" because he can move the pitch fader up and down to change the note and manipulate the record back and forth to make some different noises (which is what scratching is to the untrained ear, it's just noise). They would laugh, because to them, a musician masters an instrument, with notes, not a pitch fader. Of course they would say that Radar mastered a machine, not an instrument. So in 2025, the latest machine is the computer, and people are mastering how to create magic with the computer AND turntables together. Sure, it's easier, but the musicians who look at DJs looping "real" musicians' work say the same thing. It's the manipulation of a machine, not mastery of an instrument. Some real drummers look at people hitting buttons on a drum machine and sneer. And certainly a lot of old-school musicians don't respect the art of chopping and sampling. To be expected. So I'm not SURPRISED at the defense of your craft in such a way, just as I'm not surprised at some drummers not respecting producers tapping out beats on a machine. I'm just letting you know that, to some musicians, your craft is simply the mastery of a machine (the turntable), it's not a musical instrument (pitch fader manipulation aside). But to me, the computer, software, and all the latest controllers, it's simply the latest machine in a long line of machines that have advanced the art of making music (from turntables, DATs, keyboards, mixers, drum machines, samplers, keyboards, and the list goes on and on). And you don't need to keep posting videos thinking you're educating me. Instead, post links to videos so I can see what other masterful creations DJs have produced. I'm a hip-hop head, DJ, and lover of music. Hec, I'm likely a little older than you, so hip-hop and all of its many art forms are in my blood too. I've seen countless videos watching DJs make magical sounds with their hands, including yours, which I do watch in awe at times. And for the record, my all-time favorite Hip Hop album EVER, #1, reigns supreme...is Common's Resurrection. Why? Because it's my favorite single collection of beats, rhymes, and scratches I have ever heard on a single album. And you know who did all those scratches on that album? Your partner in crime. Those are some of the cleanest, rhythmic scratches I have ever heard, and they fit those songs perfectly. Like you and countless others, I AM hip-hop, and it doesn't matter whether I'm sitting behind a keyboard looping and sampling, and then using CDJs to manipulate the sound I want, or if I'm using turntables for a bit more granularity. It's all music, made with machines...old and new.

[@LIL-MAN_theOG]

Ngl...when I began as a DJ i was poor...I only had a ton of cassettes, Cds and a few records...I had to learn how to do sets between the three..of which is an art all in itself with a mixer, tape decks, CD players and technics turntables...and this was around the time the first CD decks were coming out

[@anthwaxmusic]

Salute Big Homie 🫡

[@huwwackman]

Man, Rob, you have patience. Other guy saying NO, NO every time you speak. LOL. I teach DJing also., mostly to children. Put them on a controller and they pick it up pretty easy as the skill level required to function the basics is low. When they try to do the same ting on turntables, they can't. The curve is way to hard. I love new tech but get bored by controller DJ's trying to make arguments for CDJs as if its the same thing. Turntablists have skills that most are not willing to learn and then DJ culture gets watered down until models are getting gigs over skilled DJs. Do your thing and enjoy DJing, but don't pretend modern DJing compares.

[@djrobswift]

What you wrote is 💎.

[@georgemoore8577]

DJ'ing also includes Club Jocks. Cant forget the dj's out of Philly. Jazzy Jeff Cash Money, this was back in the 80's. I started transformer scratching after listening to Jazzy and Cash Money.

[@MilanFourTimesEight]

I‘ve seen a guy (the Party-Promoter) in a club in the 90s acting like DJing with turntables while the real music came from a DAT with prerecorded sets. Faking it isnt something new

[@grey5626]

You can even go back to the 1980s: "On July 21, 1989, during a live performance on MTV, the recording of a song jammed and skipped. 'I knew right then and there, it was the beginning of the end for Milli Vanilli,' said Pilatus." Albeit, what skipped? Tape (including DAT) doesn't skip, it degrades differently, maybe Milli Vanilli were using CDs or vinyl backing tracks? My guess is CDs.

[@deejaytedu]

I have explained this many times when I have been asked. The controller is conditioned by the technology available and its price. This makes it an intermediary system between the DJ and the music, which is a problem, since it is too conditioned by these aspects and will be reflected between the different controllers that one may have. Handling vinyl is direct contact, there is no intermediary system, what the DJ does is reflected directly in the sound, for better or worse. The sensation is totally different and much more immersive. Another thing is whether this matters today for the general public. The truth is no, it only matters what it sounds like and what you look like you do. Before you had to be skilled, today you just have to look like it.

[@audioauracle-dsyswpwanl-]

👀 🍿 (i began via Vinyl but I am all for the technology present day)

[@Platform28]

I hear your "what if" senarios Rob. But I hardly believe a DJ would show up at a nightcub in 2025 and their alternative dj gear there would be turntables. If so I would question the owners of the club as to why they would have "stone age" gear at their venue and would probably expect to see chalkboards and vhs players there to lol

[@diggindan1498]

TELL EM' ROB. Big up all the real DJ'S still spinning the vinyl. DJ Self is clueless 🤦‍♂

[@err0rarchive333]

No matter how far into the future we get, djing is learning to ADAPT regardless of controller, turntable, cdj. It’s like driving. Even if you willing choose automatic vs manual. It’s best to at least understand the fundamentals of manual to know your way around car, in this case, around the decks

[@georgemapp2855]

Rob should’ve told DJ self it’s a technique when you gotta use a sticker and cut it in half and place it at the vinyl at a certain point to enable that queue that’s a technique

[@cliftonrichards1954]

Afishoo Tishoo.Hes speaking facts

[@moonskyrocket]

I transitioned from turntables to the rane performer this year and whoever says controllers are just about pushing buttons have never tried one. I respect DJ Rob Swift but I would gamble my house he never learned how to dj on a controller. Also when I went to a club I always brought spare needles, headphones, cables, ... Now with the performer I bring a spare laptop, controller, ... because even if I know how to dj with records I would not bring any if I was supposed to play a digital set.

[@simonecappelletto]

the great Italian DJ Claudio Coccoluto,who was only using turntables for his shows used to say: using controllers or even cdjs is like playing with playstation, you have just to press the right buttons at the right time......

[@kBarBeats]

word !

[@TrendFWD]

Live at the Funhouse > Here We Go

[@slytown]

Depends on how you define DJing. There should be a distinction between turntablism and djing. If you define djing as just playing songs, then yes, digital folks with sync are djing. If you define it as something more physical and requiring knowledge of the music in order to mix them, then most digital djs are not djing.

[@djclubberlangley]

Nice. 😎

[@djrobswift]

@slytown, Self and I aren't debating what DJing is. Instead, we're discussing who is actually DJing when a controller and laptop are used, as opposed to vinyl. Digital DJing allows you to program the equipment to handle much of the workload, when someone uses vinyl, the creativity in the set comes from the DJ, not the Controller.

[@benji.B-side]

@@djrobswift The first time I witnessed a DJing was in 1983 at a club in Newcastle in the UK by DJ Stesh (RIP) who played Electro and Hip Hop music for us B-Boys like myself and for the Body Poppers. It inspired me to buy a used Technics SL-B20, a Realistic mixer and an old standard Hi-Fi deck that had no pitch. It force me to be creative, to figure out, problem solve, get around the limitations and to use my ears, working with such difficulties of this set up. I started using Technics SL1210s in 1987 and it felt easy compared to what I had to use in my bedroom. I have used my Technics since then, it is the purest form of DJing in my opinion. The buzz of pulling out the record from the sleeve, holding it, looking at it, feeling it is the perfect track to go next in the mix, how you will drop/blend it, is an inspirational buzz. Using your ears as the sole source of creating your own art form. The importance of understanding creativity and the art form of DJing, through decades of acquired knowledge and skill cannot be underestimated. I know exactly what you are saying Rob. Having said that, I have used CD decks and controllers for a long time, but this was more for convenience and I always disliked static platters. The aesthetics of motion was gone and although easier to use, I felt like I was cheating myself. But when the Rane Performer was released I got one because of the spinning platters and although it is not the same as using vinyl, it is a great compromise to get the benefits of creativity that Digital DJing can offer and scratch that creativity itch of DJing. I love some digital DJ's and when I see DJ's who use digital but came from vinyl, I offer the upmost respect, knowing they have went through the learning process as me and of what you describe in this interview. Big respect, peace and love Rob.

[@DisavowedProductions]

@@djrobswift I totally get where you’re coming from! I agree that digital DJing can make things easier, and in some cases, it’s possible to take shortcuts without fully knowing “the math.” But ultimately, creativity comes from the DJ’s mind, not just their hands. New technology can help you reach your final vision faster, but the idea-what you want the audience to hear-still originates with the DJ. I do have a question for Rob though: Is DJing defined by the performance (the act of mixing and manipulating tracks), or is it defined by the end result (the music the audience hears)? I’d love to hear more thoughts on that.

[@djrobswift]

@@DisavowedProductions The TikTok DJ generation views DJing as an event and is focused on the outcome playing music brings. I’m cut from a different cloth. Instead of concentrating on where my talent might lead me, I've dedicated the last 41 years to developing my creativity as a DJ. For me, the process of achieving mastery is far more important than what I get out of it.

[@MilanFourTimesEight]

Your scenario of „what if the controller is broken and there are only turntables“ is very unlikely. The controller might be broken but in 99.9% of that case there will be no turntables available anyway. Now why you really should know how to mix analog/by ear: software might analyze some track the wrong way or not precise enough and you end up like grimes not knowing how to beatmatch without the sync button.

[@vicious-nu]

I feel like Serato Stems is a really great and new tool, but it's starting to take away from the creativity and skill of DJing. It makes it so much easier to just turn off the instrumental, keep the drums and blend any 2 songs. I myself abused this for the last year and I'm no longer in love with the tool. Great tool, but it's taken away the challenge and sense of accomplishment I feel when doing a set. Maybe that's just me, but I'm looking to drastically reduce how much I use Serato Stems.

[@benji.B-side]

Yeah, I agree with all what you say. They are great but I always say, 'Less can be more' when it comes to creativity. Overkill is not a good thing in DJing. Also the technology is still not quite there yet in clean, crystal clear separation's, there are still artifacts and distortion in the stems, especially the vocals in stems. Not quite there yet in quality of sound, as playing a recorded acapella on vinyl is. Stems do have a place now in DJing, but if your sets start evolving into 'Mashup's', then that starts to feel cheesy.

[@djbigsmooth470]

I saw that coming as soon as it came out. It makes it too easy for those with no skill to sound like they are doing something. My problems are: quality is not great, overuse, mixing vocals w/ different instrumental stems that aren't in key and it sounds horrible, did I say overuse already?

[@jadenjr]

With all due respect, is Self being dumb or is he just saying dumb💩. Direct drive is the same as a controller, WTF?

[@djpeta_aus]

Can't fake having to switch records on a turntable when your track ends... What happens when Bianca "plays" that one hour set at Coachella on Turntables USING RECORDS with a pre-mix playing and a song finishes? In order for the illusion to work, she's gonna have to change records isn't she? It's not like djing with digital media where you're using control vinyl and a laptop and not having to physically change records when a track ends if you were djing with actual vinyl.

[@djrobswift]

"Can't fake having to switch records on a turntable when your track ends..."

[@rogerdjezddefreese1135]

Cue points are just a set up for a technique

[@djrobswift]

It's like putting your car in gear. Creativity isn't just setting it to "Drive," but how you navigate the vehicle in traffic.

[@rogerdjezddefreese1135]

Records where ment to be played DJ'S TOOK That mind set and manipulated records Technology help us become better

[@mattierenton701]

While I totally get and respect what’s being said, I think is a little unfair. The turntable was used in ways it wasn’t supposed to, but then with certain dj’s they are doing the same with new technology, guys like James Zabeila has been using technology for years, James Hype get a lot of stick, but he is good at what he does, pushing the current technology, and in some ways creating new techniques that you couldn’t do on vinyl.

[@djrobswift]

I don't believe you, @mattierenton701. When a DJ creates "new techniques," the word spreads throughout the community. James Hype has contributed absolutely nothing creative to DJ culture. If he has, name them and provide empirical evidence. Otherwise, you're talking hearsay.

[@rhythmron8473]

He’s 100% correct! Djing has been dumbed down! EVERYONE IS NOT A DJ!!!🥾

[@jadenjr]

Like hip hop, certain things shouldn’t fall under the banner. Like tik tok Dj, nah they should be called something like tik tok stream player or something

[@AnthonyThomas-o4l]

For new DJ's this possibly is an issue. I started on 1200's in 1986, turntables, CDJ's, Controllers, non-issue. And this constant debate about digital DJ vs Turntables is a non-issue as well. I see it as protectionism by the Black Community, protecting the legacy of the turntable DJ. Half the sh*t turntablist do can't be done in a club, the audience would voice their confusion or disapproval. Now when I do make mixtapes or mix live outside of the club, I will incorporate typical turntable tricks and scratches.

[@CrankyKong317]

Tone play is a technique that came from Serato

[@djrobswift]

You don't know what you're talking about @CrankyKong317. "Tone Play" was created by DJ Q-Bert in the early 1990s on Turntable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqishZ5uYpyihLcsi=4xfSq8DkucyFp_lt&t=299

[@CrankyKong317]

@ bro get over it technology left you in the pass move on own ur craft and stop complaining and competing with the future just do ur thing

[@djramonvaldez5753]

Self is reaching out to the fake gods to make his argument 😂

[@elevenb6967]

:17 WTF is "technicianal" ? LMAO!

[@durellteesdale7297]

Unfortunately DJ Self is a poor debater . Swift wouldn’t let him win one point in the discussion.

[@360grafics]

wich point do you think Swift should have given more acceptance?

[@gaddaitherage8204]

I started on vinyl and didn’t transition to cdjs until 5 years ago. I love the new possibilities technology offers, and I’m a staunch believer in the end goal is to move the crowd. THAT SAID, the barrier to entry is definitely lower now. I like to think I welcome noobies with open arms, but truth be told I shake my head in disgust every time I see a video of an overpaid festival DJ jumping around like a monkey and throwing cakes instead of manning the decks. So yeah, I’m a bit torn.

[@Platform28]

U could fake scratch on turntables with real vinyl easily. If the recorded sound on the record has scratching in it, and u play it, thats fake scratching even tho ur not scratching. Ive seen djs fake scratch on turntables with real vinyl. Its corny but if thats their hustle it is what it is

[@djrobswift]

@Platform28 I've read your comments on this thread, and it's like you want to play the role of contrarian just cause. You don't know enough about DJ art to have an opinion that brings true value to the discussion. You're just disagreeing to be disagreeable. I'll take you seriously if you could show me a video of a DJ faking a set like the one I've attached to my comment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5DCpKqmjLWYesksi=FB5inP5vd25kGo0c&t=42

[@Platform28]

@djrobswift im talking about fake scratching.. the track on the vinyl has scratching on it and the dj is not doing much up there he is fake scrarching cause more is happening than what he is doing. Like if the track had flare and orbits on it and he is just rubbing the vinyl with no fader movements thats fake scratching. I teach Djing in my city and have been Djing since 2000 so 25 years now so I've heard and seen a lot.

[@djrobswift]

@@Platform28 Actually, you really don’t know what you're talking about. If I gave you a record and set you up with an analog setup-two turntables and a mixer-and asked you to perform a flare, you would be unable to do so unless you already knew how. Raw creativity cannot be faked on turntables. Instead of interrupting the thread with your fuzzy thinking on the matter, listen, and learn from my discussion with Self.

[@Platform28]

@djrobswift that's not what I'm talking about bro. I'm talking about more happening then what the DJ is doing.. that's fake scratching.. if crab sounded scratching is coming out of the speakers and the dj is just rubbing the record back and forth.. with no fader movements... then he is not crab scratching.. you need to incorporate fader movements to execute a crab scratch. Hence that would be faking ur scratches

[@djheatt]

the analogy I would use is people needing to learn to ride a horse before having a self-driving car cause you no longer have to feed, saddle up scoop up poop to travel to a venue 😂. What's a dj gonna do... carry a control with them. Not one technique... auto loop, bpm key matching, Stems mixing, effects, sampling. Sounds like this guy doesn't like using computers

[@519schoolofhiphop]

Do you understand that what you and I do was not meant for us to do? ... ALWAYS appreciate the level of passion for education and respect such patience 🙏🏽 This is why we love sharing your insight with our students at our School of Hip Hop 🫡👊🖤

[@FarebrothaChronicle]

Vinyl records are no longer as accessible as they were before the advent of modern DJ technology like Controllers, Serato, Rekord Box, and Traktor. If you're aspiring to be a DJ today, you'll naturally gravitate towards the tools that are prevalent in the industry: DJ controllers. The reality is that most people won't revert to mastering turntables and vinyl; it's simply not practical in today's fast-paced environment. Instead, your focus should be on mastering the controller in front of you, maximizing its features in a way that feels comfortable. Whether that means adjusting knobs, applying filters, or utilizing hot cues instead of traditional scratching, that's the current landscape. Having grown up in the '70s, I experienced the era of turntables and lugging around crates of records, but those times have largely passed. Technology has streamlined the process; now, instead of heavy crates, you can carry a laptop filled with thousands of tracks. While I appreciate Rob's nostalgic view, the march of technology is relentless. Companies like Meta Quest, Apple, and Tribe XR are pioneering VR headsets that offer virtual DJ setups, enabling you to mix on stunning 3D turntables and manipulate effects with simple hand gestures, whether in a club or an arena. The art of DJing is evolving, and while the core principles remain intact, they are being integrated into advanced equipment. Unfortunately, it’s likely that one day, DJs may be supplanted by fully autonomous systems requiring minimal human input.

[@markh.8094]

My guy Bad Boy Bill @ 8:52. He a beast on that house and dance music.

[@jasonspeede995]

James hype does lots of techniques that can only be done with CDJ's and controllers

[@djrobswift]

Name them and support your claims with empirical evidence.

[@jasonspeede995]

I don't know the name of his looping techniques to make buildup but I know it can't be done on the turntable. I do respect your knowledge, skill and dedication to the craft so I'm not being oppositional just I thought I could add to the debate. Nothing but respect from my end.

[@jasonspeede995]

Thanks for taking the time to respond

[@djrobswift]

@@jasonspeede995 Respect returned.

[@georgemoore8577]

I agree with Swift 100%. Today's DJ is definitely watered down. No fundamentals at all.

[@kevinyoung1345]

When Rob says at the end with his A to Z analogy that "it's not really you DJing, it's the equipment", that's the same perspective many musicians have of DJs. "They're really not making music, it's the equipment." AKA the turntables. "MUSICIANS make music, hip hop just steals and manipulates it...and that's cheating."

[@j_kickz3]

excellent point! I was just talking about that the other day, it was about sampling. And I said, "have you ever tried to make a sample? have you ever taken a piece of music and completely flipped it on it's ear to make something totally different and new? Oh you haven't, then you have no opinion."

[@djrobswift]

@@j_kickz3 Neither you nor @kevinyoung1345 know what you're talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJWkeKV_fpWoptUsi=ppOQY1aEGATsPDEO&t=25

[@djbigsmooth470]

@@djrobswift I think @kevinyoung1345 is referring to sampling Lyn Collins "Think" to make Rob Base's "It Takes Two" - and similar examples.

[@klauskillski3881]

The record player was not invented by Edison. Edison's phonograph used a cylinder. The record player as we know it today, with discs, was invented by Emil Berliner. Furthermore, Edison's phonograph is based on the principles of Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville's phonautograph. You can read all about it on Wikipedia or go to a museum. This example of when the controller breaks and there are only record players in the club is unrealistic. There have been CDJs in every club for at least 10 years. Anyone with a controller can easily work with a CDJ. The contract stipulates which equipment should be on site. The organizer must then look after the equipment and get replacements in an emergency. If you tell the organizer that you are bringing your own controller, you are responsible for having a backup plan. You can also DJ with a mouse and keyboard! Nobody in the club cares how you play the music. The be-all and end-all of DJing is the choice of music.

[@grey5626]

This is a worthwhile correction! Thanks for sharing! I'm also a little bit confused at 9:52 "since 2005"? I don't know what the 2005 is in reference to as far as CDJs or DVS software. CDJs were released in the 1990s. Wikipedia claims the CDJ-500 was released in 1994; and even that was predated by similar functionality systems such as a Wikipedia making mention of a "Denon dual deck rackmount variable pitch CD player in 1993." Though perhaps more importantly the Technics SL-P50 was released in 1984 and later the Technics SL-P1200 (1986) and SL-P1300, all of which had jog wheels and I think pitch control? Albeit, I never used those personally back in the day and they were supposedly mostly only used in radio stations? Some writing seems to claim that the what appears as if it is a pitch adjustment slider was actually for seeking to specific points within a given CD track, so perhaps they didn't have actual pitch adjustment? At least personally, the first CDJs I played around with my own two hands were purchased by my friend DJ Abattoir (RIP. aka: kma, or Kevin Archibald, who passed away in 2017) in the 1990s from our mutual friend DJ Statik (Yugo Yodogawa, who previously deejayed at the likes of Das Bunker in the Southern California area and more recently has deejayed as a resident at Midnight☆Mess in Tōkyō, Japan) was working for Pioneer at the time (IIRC, mostly in their OEM automotive sales division, but he got employee discounts which he passed along to Kevin). Albeit, those early model CDJs (or as I denigrate them in the written form: "seedy-Js") did not simulate skratchin at all, I think the ones Abattoir had were CDJ-100s and instead of skratchin they had three audio FX. I don't think it was until the CDJ-1000 released circa 2001 with its "vinyl mode" where simulations of skratchin could be performed? I may be mistaken, but certainly it was still before 2005. Serato was supposedly originally released in 2004, but Serato Scratch Live wasn't the first commercial DVS system. I think that title probably goes to Final Scratch which, "was developed by a small Amsterdam-based 2-person company called N2IT in 1997-1998." I seem to recall reading somewhere that the first (presumably at the time still non-commercial) DVS prototype may have premiered at a Chaos Computer Congress (Germany's annual hacker gathering)? I don't know if that was Final Scratch or some earlier prototype. The first version of Final Scratch was supposedly developed on a BeBox and Be Computers supposedly manufactured fewer than 2000 BeBoxes, so it wouldn't surprise me if Final Scratch wasn't particularly widely known before Final Scratch was sold off and subsumed by other companies. Honestly, I always found it confusing that those commercial applications were spelled "Final Scratch" and "Serato Scratch Live" and not "skratch" as is the predominant spelling within deejay and turntablist culture. After all, it was "Skratchcon 2000" and it's "Skratch Bastid" too, not "Scratchcon" and "Scratch Bastard". So, what is Swift referencing with the 2005 date? To me it remains a mystery as far as specificity is concerned at least. Maybe it's some histrionics that like citing Edison as the inventor of the turntable, requires a bit of collective education to get better awareness about? We are after all, passing along information and even if we may not have teaching degrees, others are presumably learning from those with a voice, so it's good to be accurate when possible. On the whole and given that I too was skratchin vinyl in the 1970s, I do agree with Swift's overall sentiments. Then again, I also had math teachers who prohibited us from using calculators in classrooms. Even looking up sin, cosine, tangent values in books! (I sourced some of those to show to a friend's son several years ago because I don't think kids these days have any comprehension of such look up tables, whereas in the past, it's plausible that someone got a PhD in mathematics for publishing such research.) However, I think more recent (past few years for example) DVS' stems are kind of neat (though you can find libre/free open source implementations of similar things not integrated into DVS software), and there has been INCREDIBLE music that has been all digital "in the box" as it were for ages, stuff that has never been pressed to vinyl going back decades. Even in the early 1990s, on the WWWA Techno Jamms I was helping DJ Tetsuo Shima lug in his Amiga 2000 into the station (KSPB 91.9FM) so we could "spin" MOD (Music On Disk) files over the air. Most of those compositions have probably never been released in *any* other form than digital downloads (originally distributed through regional BBS/Bulletin Board Systems). In more recent years, DJ h0ffman et al created PT1210 (github.com/djh0ffman/PT1210) which facilitates pitch shiftin MOD files on original Commodore Amiga hardware. The name itself is clearly an homage to Technics 1200s (the 1210 variants being more prevalent in the UK where h0ffman resides) and the PT is for ProTracker, which is a venerable tracking software (sort of a predecessor to what these days would be referred to as a DAW) on the Commodre Amiga. Though I'll note: Mixxx also has MOD playback support, so you can skratch MODs (and I think S3M and other tracker file formats) using DVS control vinyl or Phase or whatever these days.

[@klauskillski3881]

​@@grey5626 Have you heard about the various controversies surrounding the invention of the DVS? Andre Rickli is a Swiss inventor who demonstrated a digital vinyl system with a large arm and a rotating disc that captured the movement of the disc and played corresponding samples from a computer in 1996. He wanted to find a manufacturer to bring his concept to market but was unsuccessful, and it is believed that Wu Tang's RZA later invested in his project and founded Wu Electronics, which allegedly took the product to Audio Engineering Society Convention in 2001 without Rickli. However, Stanton/N2IT launched the Final Scratch system in 2001, which used a different method of encoding a time code directly onto vinyl and collecting it via the stylus. Steven Carroll, the primary electronic engineer of Intimidation, claims to have designed the first digital vinyl system in 1997, encoding a record with a time code and picking it up through the stylus to control digitally stored music. He had filed a patent application for this concept in February 1998 but did not pursue it due to the challenges and costs involved in developing and commercializing the product. N2IT, formed in July 1998, launched their digital vinyl system, Final Scratch, with Stanton in 2001. Carroll believes N2IT breached his trust or stole his intellectual property, as they announced press releases and demonstrated an early prototype in 1999 before filing their patent in February 2000, which was two years after Carroll's patent application. Chris Bauer, a London-based music and video creator, claimed to have invented a digital vinyl system called the Spacedeck project in 1998, which used an SMTPE time code on a record and read it via a phono pre-amp to control digital music playback . He abandoned the project but attempted to negotiate with Stanton/N2IT in 2003, who refused to enter talks and were granted the patent for the concept in 2006. Chris's objections to the patent were based on the lack of novelty of the invention. Steve West, a well-known figure in the DJ industry, claimed that he suggested the idea of ​​​​encoding a record with a time code to a fellow student, James Russell, in 1996. However, it's unclear why West and Russell didn' t apply for a patent for this novel concept, or why they didn't attempt to prevent N2IT from being granted a patent for it in 2001. Despite these oddities, West's claims have been cast in doubt due to the lack of hard evidence to support them. There was also the encoded slipmat. a concept developed by two German engineers in 1997, which aimed to control the speed of digital music via a turntable disc using a coded slip-mat and a reader. However, it did not function well and was never commercialized. I don't know if you're allowed to post links here but just search for "RZA The Replicator" or "Dj Rafik on The Replicator" on KZbin. The other stories are less documented and their sources can only be found on archived websites. So you can classify them as legends or gossip. Another interesting Rabbit Hole is the invention of the TTM and the software that draws TTM in real time. You have to be aware that in today's times, there are rarely universal inventors who invent everything themselves. The research and development departments and the institutes that conduct basic research have large teams that share the research. We all stand on the shoulders of giants

[@o0_The_Real_Deal_0o]

Maybe instead of calling controller Dj's a "DJ" it should be "BJ" (Button Jockey) The "D" stands for Disk after all. Just put it in it's own class.

[@djrobswift]

@@o0_The_Real_Deal_0o I would sign off on that idea if it were up to me.

[@oxohashoxo]

If you name it it exists, tiktok deejays... I mean I don't use Tiktok so... I guess they don't exist, to me.

[@LarryMorales77]

I understand the origins bit. I learned on vinyl. I'm all for technology tho. The point of this discussion almost sounds like you can't be creative with controllers because you dont know how the OGs learned to DJ. It's like saying if you didn't learn how to drive with a Ford Model T then you're not a real driver. A new DJ is going to learn how to use their controller. When they get better, they will eventually learn the importance of manual beat matching because the software and hardware aren't always 100% accurate. The scenario of going to DJ at a club and you're only option is a couple old dusty turntables will most likely never happen. Just like if you go to rent a car and they only offer manual transmissions.

[@moonskyrocket]

Well said, Larry.

[@djrobswift]

You don't know what you're talking about, @LarryMorales77. It's more like heating up a microwavable meal doesn't necessarily mean you know how to cook on a stove.

[@skeennah1927]

I do like the 'belt drive', 'direct drive' theory, of Djing being made easy, that was a good one.

[@djrobswift]

Regardless of whether you're using belt drive or direct drive turntables, you still need to physically handle the vinyl to start the music with proper timing and engage your ears instead of relying on a laptop screen. This makes the belt drive analogy somewhat flawed when you consider the process of pure DJing.

[@skeennah1927]

@ I also agree, I got my first Technics 1210s in 1993, playing Drum and Bass, and Uk Garage through till about 2005. I then got back into DJing, around 2020, buying the Rane One, and now the Rane Perfomer. I personally like the tactile feel of a spinning platter, and using anything else is like sex with a condom, good, but not great!

[@thortczodtcrhodie6364]

AGAIN, people HATE CORNY Shawn Wayans. I agree with them.

[@shaundon8661]

Who gives a damn? Turntables and controllers get the job done. As long as the people at the venue are enjoying themselves that’s what matters. You a sick individual if you walk in a place where someone is DJing on a controller and you talk sht because you a vinyl DJ. People need to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. If technology makes it easier to learn a craft then so be it. My dad was avinyl DJ in the 70’s,80s lugging around crates of records, mixers, turntables, amps, and speakers to do gigs. I told him ain’t no way I would have been a DJ back then. I salute all those that did their thing back then and have nothing but respect for them. But at the end of the day do what’s best for you/yall and mind the business that pays.

[@djrobswift]

I understand that many view DJing as a "business that pays," but for me, it goes much deeper. That’s why some people might not appreciate it. I see DJing as an art form rather than a way to make money. I create my art for myself and choose to share it with others. Those who resonate with it will understand, while those who don’t may not. Either way, i’ll always respect the process of DJing over people and money.

[@AshKru]

Grew up on 1200s learn this before try new tech Word. You’ll be more creative

[@djrobswift]

@@AshKru Agreed. 🫡

[@atrufriend2u]

ROB is bugging and narrow minded. Controller DEEJAYS are doing live sets! Not every deejay is faking it...YES, there are some who have fake the skills but THERE ARE GENIUNE deejays doing live sets on controllers. EVEN some of the greatest deejays are using controllers, as the don't have to carry loads of records.

[@DocHalliday]

Self needs to stop interrupting people...

[@booch2912]

Digital DJ is like an artist using photoshop

[@daeloshow]

DJ Self is so unaware. Swift wasted his time with this clown, always press play from the 1, air horn style DJ.

[@irritablysavvy]

Most DVS DJs now use silent cue so that's kinda the same as pressing the play button. Technical turntablists are just as painful to watch as synced up key matching DJs. I would argue that turntable DJs aren't prepped to play on CDJs either with all of the user preferences and hidden settings. At the end of the day, the ear is what matters. The mechanics are kinda whatever.

[@djrobswift]

@irritablysavvy Unless you can do what I do on DVS, you have no creative right to argue, "Turntable DJs aren't prepped to play on CDJs either." kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmnEpnxvi92Xps0si=dzqTMm8B2qxqLdwC&t=242

[@tonykellydjt2805]

This guy makes no sense. A dj doesn't have to be a tech. This guy is living in the past! A dj plays music...period! No such thing as a technical only dj. A turntable is not a musical instrument. It won't make you a musician. It's all technical when you're learning. You can always fake the funk even with tables. Cassettes and reel to reel used while the tables moved. This guy thinks too highly of himself.😅 Djing with vinyl is not rocket science! Beatmatching is not difficult to do once you understand the basics. I played on them all! Stop making it into more than what it is.

[@djrobswift]

Social media platforms like KZbin give users like @tonykellydj2805 a false sense of authority on subjects like DJing, which they know nothing about. Until you can do what I do, you have no business commenting on the musicianship involved with DJing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2iZY4uZir96a8ksi=eznDuKi5goqh4aaT&t=205