Which clubs particularly influenced you?
Clearly Robert Johnson in Offenbach. In 2016 we went there almost every weekend. There I heard international DJs like Mall Grab and Nina Kraviz for the first time and wondered how they manage to take every person in the club on their musical journey.
The DJ scene is often described as very male. What experiences have you had as a woman?
Unfortunately, there is still no equality in the scene. Many clubs and promoters often book FLINTA artists* to put themselves in a good light instead of truly promoting equality. Then they are usually surprised that we “play really good music and have something.” Why? Because we are women? Although there is progress through FLINTA collectives, parties and workshops, we are far from there.
How can the new generation of DJs help break down barriers and create a more open and inclusive club culture?
In my opinion, it is particularly important to promote diversity in programs and musical styles. When I record a set, I also try to play pieces by women or lesser-known artists. The creation of safe spaces is also important: DJs and clubs should be committed to taking measures against discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, as well as appointing contact persons for those affected and providing space for exchange.
How a New Generation of DJs is Getting Involved in the Music Scene
The landscape of electronic music has evolved drastically over the past few decades. A new generation of DJs is taking the scene by storm, bringing fresh influences, innovative styles, and a keen understanding of technology to the table. These young artists are shaping the future of dance music in ways that were previously unimaginable, while drawing from the rich history of electronic music that has been building since the 1980s. The rise of this new generation of DJs is not only a result of their musical talent but also of the ways in which they interact with their audiences, the platforms they use to distribute their music, and the ever-evolving culture of dance music.
The Role of Technology in Shaping the New Generation of DJs
The technological advancements of the past few decades have played a key role in shaping the current generation of DJs. While early DJs used vinyl records and turntables, the advent of digital music production software, DJ controllers, and other electronic tools has opened up new possibilities for aspiring artists. Programs like Ableton Live, Serato, and Traktor have made it easier for young DJs to create and mix music from their own laptops. This accessibility has lowered the barriers to entry for anyone with an interest in DJing, democratizing the profession in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Additionally, digital platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and Bandcamp have made it easier than ever for DJs to share their mixes and tracks with the world. Aspiring DJs no longer need to be signed by a record label or have access to traditional distribution channels in order to build a fanbase. Platforms like these allow them to release their music directly to their audience, often bypassing traditional channels entirely.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter also offer DJs the opportunity to engage with fans on a personal level. These platforms allow artists to share their behind-the-scenes process, connect with fans directly, and build an online community that transcends geographical boundaries. Through TikTok, young DJs have found viral success, utilizing short-form content to showcase their creativity, skills, and musical projects to a massive audience.
Influence of Globalization and Accessibility
The rise of the internet and social media has also allowed the music industry to become more global. With online platforms, DJs can now connect with fans from all over the world in real-time. This global network has led to a fusion of genres and influences, as DJs from various countries share their local sounds with international audiences. Genres like house, techno, trap, and dubstep have crossed borders, creating hybrid sounds that are constantly evolving.
Young DJs are also taking inspiration from other forms of popular music. While previous generations were heavily influenced by disco, jazz, and rock, today’s DJs are incorporating a wider variety of influences, such as hip hop, pop, reggaeton, and even classical music, into their sets. This has led to the creation of genre-blurring tracks that push the boundaries of what is traditionally considered electronic music.
Many emerging DJs are also breaking through regional barriers and embracing global styles, allowing them to explore diverse and innovative sounds. For instance, producers and DJs from countries outside the traditional dance music hotbeds, such as the U.S., Germany, and the UK, are making their mark with fresh, new sounds inspired by local and international cultures. The fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with techno or Latin influences with house music is an example of how young DJs are expanding the boundaries of dance music and exploring new sonic territories.
A New Approach to Live Performances and DJ Culture
The live performance experience has also undergone a significant transformation. Whereas traditional DJ performances in clubs often consisted of an individual behind a booth mixing records, today’s performances are highly interactive experiences that involve elaborate visual elements, live production, and audience participation.
Many young DJs and producers are now incorporating live elements into their performances. Rather than just playing pre-recorded tracks, many are combining their DJ sets with live production, where they manipulate sound in real-time, adding layers, creating soundscapes, and even improvising. This live production element is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a DJ and is creating a new performance dynamic.
The concept of DJing is also evolving. While in the past a DJ’s role was primarily to mix tracks together to create a continuous flow of music, modern DJs are increasingly focused on crafting an overall experience for the audience. Many young DJs are using their platforms to create immersive shows that include visual projections, lighting effects, and other sensory elements that heighten the audience’s connection to the music. Events like Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Electric Daisy Carnival have become massive spectacles that involve synchronized light shows, huge screens, and 3D visuals that complement the DJ’s set.
In addition, the rise of live-streaming platforms such as Twitch and Mixcloud Live has allowed DJs to perform for a global audience from the comfort of their own homes or studios. These platforms provide young DJs with the ability to connect with fans in real-time, receive feedback, and gain new followers, all while performing live from virtually anywhere.
Diversity and Representation in the DJ Scene
Another significant development in the current generation of DJs is the increasing diversity of artists. In the past, the DJ and electronic music scene has often been criticized for a lack of diversity, with predominantly male, white, and Western performers dominating the stage. However, a new generation of DJs is challenging these norms, bringing more voices from different racial, gender, and cultural backgrounds into the spotlight.
The rise of female DJs, in particular, has been a major factor in changing the face of the industry. Artists like Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, and Nina Kraviz are leading the charge and proving that women have an undeniable presence in the DJ scene. This shift is also reflective of broader trends in the music industry, where women and non-binary artists are increasingly being celebrated and recognized for their contributions.
In addition, DJs from different ethnic backgrounds and countries are bringing their own unique styles and influences to the global stage. For example, DJs from Africa, South America, and Asia are playing an increasingly prominent role in the global dance music scene, injecting their music with regional flavors and rhythms. This diversity is not only enriching the electronic music genre but also reflecting the multicultural nature of the world today.
Conclusion
The new generation of DJs is more diverse, innovative, and tech-savvy than ever before. With the rise of digital tools, social media platforms, and live-streaming, young DJs are creating music and performances that push the boundaries of electronic music. They are redefining what it means to be a DJ, integrating live production, visuals, and audience interaction to craft immersive experiences. The impact of globalization and technological accessibility has also allowed these young DJs to fuse genres and break down barriers, creating new sounds that appeal to diverse audiences worldwide. As this new generation continues to rise, it is clear that they are shaping the future of dance music, and their influence is only set to grow in the years to come.
