Crowd-Pleasers vs. Artists — Can Pinoy DJs Have Both?

Crowd-Pleasers vs. Artists — Can Pinoy DJs Have Both?

The Philippine DJ scene is a dynamic mix of crowd-pleasing performances and a burgeoning movement of DJ-producers focused on artistic expression and original music. Promoters often prioritize packed venues, sometimes at the expense of originality. This presents a challenge for DJs who create original music or remixes.

While commercially successful DJs are often celebrated for their ability to read a room and curate sets that keep the party going, there’s also significant value in original music production. This raises a question: can Pinoy DJs excel in both areas?

The answer is a resounding yes. DJs who primarily play other artists’ tracks excel at crowd control; their skill in selecting tracks to maintain the energy is itself an art form. This requires a keen understanding of music, pacing, and audience engagement. Meanwhile, DJs who create their own music can develop unique sounds and styles, fostering deeper connections with audiences and building community identity.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a DJ-Producer

Advantages:

• Developing a Unique Sound: Producing original music allows DJs to express their creativity and establish a distinct artistic identity.
• Stronger Audience Connection: Original tracks often resonate more deeply with audiences, creating a stronger connection between DJ and listener.
• Increased Earning Potential: DJ-producers can diversify their income through music sales, licensing, and royalties.
• Artistic Fulfillment: The creative process of music production offers a personally rewarding experience.

Disadvantages:

• Time Commitment: Music production is time-consuming, which can be challenging for DJs with busy performance schedules.
• Financial Investment:Producing music often requires substantial investment in software, equipment, and studio time.
• Technical Skill Acquisition: Music production requires learning technical skills, a potential barrier for DJs not interested in the technical side of production.

This duality sparks an important conversation: How can we balance commercial success with the development of artistic creativity in the Philippine music scene? Should the focus remain solely on performance, or should we actively encourage more DJs to become producers?

This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about uplifting the local scene, inspiring exploration, and fostering a more diverse and dynamic artistic landscape. It’s about empowering audiences to expect more variety and creativity.

While the emergence of Pinoy DJ-producers is ongoing, it represents a positive trend. It signifies a shift towards valuing both individual artistic expression and communal experiences.

Iloilo’s Dimas is a prime example of a DJ-producer who balances crowd-pleasing sets with his own original tracks. While building a career takes time, there’s no need to rush artistic development.

Many Filipino artists already successfully blend commercial appeal with artistic integrity. DJ Young, Mat Olavides, Nerf, Parnassvs, Funk Avy, and Ian Sndrz are just a few examples of this successful balance.

The question of whether DJing is merely a hobby without original production lacks a simple answer, but the ongoing conversation is crucial for the growth of this art form in the Philippines.

Read also: Filipino DJ-Producers Still Pushing for the Breakthrough