I’m struggling to write at the moment. I feel like I need to put the right foot forward on my new path, which sees me overthinking to the point of not even taking the first step. So what follows is a brain dump about part of my plan.
I see this place as pretty much a dumping ground for my words and thoughts. And a great many of those still originate in the DJ world that I was part of for so long.
It’s not that I have any plans to be who I once was. On the contrary.
My need is to look at the future. I used to talk about the now — I responded to what was happening in the current moment, to pass sage opinion on the news, and to dig deeper than anyone else (remember the worxdriver I wielded for reviews?).
But in a time where innovation is rare*, I feel like my voice is to challenge convention, and be the voice that pushes against “we’ve always done it that way” and “if it ain’t broke”.
* Not the fault of the industry — DJs say they want it, but when it’s offered, but it’s turned down if it strays too far from the two turntables and a mixer format)
To be quite clear — I’m not coming for your turntables. I have always advocated for all kinds of DJing and will continue to do so. Use what suits you and your crowd. What I’m talking about is adding to the glorious melting pot that DJing has become.
But to do that requires someone who will happily look beyond what was and is, and kick around ideas of what could be.
I’m uniquely place to do this. The industry cannot tip its hand — that would be commercial suicide. And the media has to focus entirely on what’s out now, and in the space between day ones, lean into the past. Everyone loves a walk down memory lane.
But I’m unencumbered by almost anything these days, I’m free to articulate anything I want.
I am free. I don’t exist anymore. I am a relic with zero pull or do you know who am I am cards to play. I haven’t touched new piece of DJ gear in six years.
And not much has changed, hence me speaking up now.
So I’ll be filling this place with rambling thoughts of the future. I’m not trying to change minds, but simply open them to possibilities.
And this void I’ll be shouting into has a name – the Sandbox.
No, it’s not a place to build sandcastles, but comes from the computing definition of having a place to test things without connection to anything else. It’s safe — we can break or build things as we see fit.
It’s nothing more than a category on this site, simply an easily findable place where those still interested in my DJ related ramblings can find them without having to wade through my other scribbles about stuff I find interesting now.
Feel free to join in when I do. Back in the day, I didn’t have the traffic of the other sites, but I had by far the most engaged community. You guys genuinely impacted on the course of DJing with your shared thoughts.
I hope that continues. But if not, I’ll still be here regardless. I am after all only doing this for me.