It's no secret and there's no question that electronic music is experiencing it's biggest growth ever right now. For those of us who are deeply rooted in the scene, we've seen many of our peers react to all this to varying degrees. While some completely embrace it and believe we are on the precipice of a golden age, others act as if they've lost their children to alien abduction. So yeah, growing pains. One of the central issues to this has been the issue of pre-planned sets. Different from pre-recorded (which I personally do not condone), pre-planned sets still take a lot of heat. The reasons against them are obvious, if not a little dated, and it's high-time we let you know why pre-planned sets are alright.
The Digital Crate System
It's Just A Strategy
Scratching, Finger Drumming, and Live Instrumentation
Scratching, finger drumming, live instrumentation are all part of the game now. It's not uncommon that a DJ will throw in some scratching or some live sampling, and that's awesome. It adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Seeing Pretty Lights perform with Adam Deitich on the drums (now of Break Science fame) was a thing of beauty, and was that pre-planned? Of course it was. The idea was implemented and then executed, but the final manifestation of it? Improvised on the spot and the magic of music essentialized. araabMUZIK? Say what you will about his production, but his live sets are pretty cool as he mashes his APC like a madman. But do you think he's randomly choosing songs that fit the moment to drum to? Nope, he's got his routines, his practices, just like scratch champions A-Trak and Craze, they've got their plans. Ask them and they might downplay it or outright deny it, but the proof is in the pudding.