Algorithm Over Artistry: The Death of Creativity in the DJ Booth?

Featured image by Nicholas Palacios

In the Philippine DJ Scene, Algorithms Are Increasingly Dictating Which DJs Rise to the Top

A troubling trend is emerging in the Philippine DJ scene, leaving many talented artists feeling overlooked. Despite possessing the skills, passion, and dedication that have historically defined successful DJs, many find it difficult to gain recognition and secure gigs.

This isn’t due to a lack of talent. The Philippines has a community of DJs who are incredibly skilled, meticulously selecting songs and practicing countless hours to create exhilarating sets. They are masters of beatmatching and crowd control, deeply understanding music’s power to connect people.

However, the music industry is changing. Traditional measures of success are fading. In today’s social media-driven world, follower counts and engagement metrics heavily influence a DJ’s visibility. DJs are learning that talent and passion alone aren’t enough to guarantee success.

Factors like online popularity, industry connections, and a carefully crafted online presence are increasingly important in determining who gets noticed. This creates a difficult situation for aspiring DJs who may lack the resources or desire to focus on social media strategies. This imbalance is creating an unfair playing field and raising questions about the value of hard-earned skills.

The Algorithm’s Influence

Social media algorithms, which favor content that maximizes clicks, likes, and shares, exacerbate the problem. DJs with large online followings tend to attract attention from promoters and venue owners, regardless of skill level. This leaves talented but less “influential” DJs overlooked. This prioritization of online popularity undermines the previously established merit-based system in the DJ scene.

The consequences are far-reaching. The entire Philippine music scene risks homogenization as DJs feel pressured to prioritize generic, crowd-pleasing music over innovation. This could stifle creativity and the rich diversity that defines Philippine music.

We need an open discussion about the values guiding the DJ profession. Should talent and dedication take a backseat to algorithms and connections? How can we find a balance? It’s crucial to ensure skill and commitment are still valued in this digitally-driven era.

Addressing this isn’t solely the DJs’ responsibility. The entire music community—promoters, venue owners, and fans—must work together to create a more equitable environment. By supporting DJs who prioritize artistry and innovation, we protect the future of Philippine DJing and recognize the value of skills beyond social media metrics.

The path forward is uncertain, but the core of DJing lies in the music, the passion, the skill, and the dedication to the craft. By emphasizing these values, we can build a fairer system and ensure the Philippine DJ scene remains a vibrant cultural force.

Read also: Beyond Social Media, How Can a DJ Cultivate a Thriving Career?