Feature: The cult of the classic

Feature: The cult of the classic

21 January, 2010 | 10.39AM

• Written by: Terry Church
• Filed under: Music News: 20 years of dance music, technology

In the beginning there was Jack. And Jack had a groove, and from this groove came the groove of all grooves. And then Jack forgot about the first groove, because the new one was better.

This is how dance music developed, for much of its 20 plus years. DJs only looked forwards - they were obsessed with the future. For proof, we need only look at the vernacular of the scene that has permeated every level, from club flyers, to music reviews, blogs, and DJ speak.

Forward thinking. Future-leaning. Revolutionary. Progressive. A multitude of phrases to describe basically the same thing: the new.

That last one of course, became a whole sub genre that seeked to distance itself from that which came before. It wasn’t house, it was progressive house, and it was a state of mind.

Then one day, Jack, while viciously throwing down on his box, looked towards the past.

The return of classic dance music is a conundrum indeed, yet for the past few years, more and more DJs have been playing more and more classics.

Yesterday’s beat preoccupies us now, not tomorrow’s. What caused the paradigm to shift?

I threw that question out to a number of DJs, both experienced jockeys and new spinners, to try and understand the cult of the classic. I also posed that question on Twitter, to see what general dance music fans think.

Below are all the responses, but before you read them, I’d like to throw in my own two cents (for what it’s worth).

The main points

Music goes in cycles, common belief dictates. And whilst much of the classics movement can be explained by the return of house music; techno, drum & bass, and trance DJs are also looking back. Although, there are a lot more house classics than other genres, because it is one of the oldest sounds.

Some will point out that digital databases have re-opened long-forgotten back catalogs, enabling today’s generation of DJs to discover dance music’s roots.

Coupled with the democratization of new music, which allows anyone with an internet connection to get the freshest music at the click of a button, DJs are no longer able to differentiate themselves from the competition by having the newest records.

There is no limited edition, in a world where anything can be copied. Globalisation too, destroyed any semblance of individuality that DJs from different countries had.

Playing an old vinyl record long out of print is now more unique, than playing a brand new release, particularly if it hasn’t been added to the digital global library yet.

Others may argue that DJs are playing more classics simply because new releases aren’t as good.

Whilst it’s no doubt true that technological progress and increased accessibility to computers has led to a plethora of amateur producers releasing a deluge of uninspiring work, it’s dangerous to write off all new music entirely. Future anthems are still being made and released, and it’s important we, as DJs, find them.

An alternative view

I’d like to offer my own alternative explanation, if you’ll bear with me.

Beauty is that which is missing from our own lives. In the digital age of dance music, where multiband-compression, side chaining, and digital FX is the norm, is it not feasible that we find the limitations of yesterday’s studio, and the innocence of analogue-created dance music, charming?

The world we live in today is very different to the days of Chicago house, Detroit techno, and acid house. Technology now surrounds us at every level of our lives, from communication, to media, work, home, and relationships. 

As we career headlong into the future uncontrollably, can we be forgiven for clutching onto the past?

ATFC

How often do you play classics?

Every time I play.


Why are DJs playing more classics today?

There simply aren’t as many good songs around as there used to be, and if you’re a DJ who likes to play a few vocal records you need to dig a little deeper.

The drums on older records tend to be the problem, which is why so many updates and bootlegs have appeared over the last couple of years.


DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Previously you could set yourself apart as a DJ by being super upfront and getting on as many promo lists as possible. Now that’s not the case. Anyone can trawl the net and get hold of the top 20 most popular current tracks which will make them sound like a million other DJs.

Playing a mix of old, new, and in between, shows a little more depth, knowledge and history as a DJ. 


What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Jaydee ‘Plastic Dreams’

Dyed Soundorom

How often do you play classics?

There are always classics in my box, simply because I still love those track and I don’t see the point of not playing them.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

There so many releases these days, and with this house revival so many producers are producing in the same way. So I guess lots of DJs went back into their old collections, which is good as this is why we collect records.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Because I think it can be really boring. I’ve collected records for almost 12 years, and I will always go back into my collection.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Chez Damier ‘Can U Feel It’ (MK Dub)

Kreon

How often do you play classics?

Exclusively.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

My opinion is that new tracks are good but they don’t have the strong analog production. It’s a really different mixdown in the digital era, as few people use analog mixers nowadays, so it’s hard to achieve really good and loud productions.

Plus I happen to be a vinyl addict and I love to change my DJ set by buying some old stuff from Discogs.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

I think it’s boring. A good DJ set must have many styles along with a good flow between genres. I don’t think that anyone can achieve a big peak by playing only new tracks, and that’s what makes a good DJ.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Off the top of my head:

MD X-Press, Mike Dunn ‘God Made Me Phunky’

Phonique

How often do you play classics?

Always.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

Sometimes old tunes fit perfectly into a set of brand new tracks, and sometimes they are good at just highlighting the newer stuff.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Because its not about new or old, it’s about good music. And if everyone is playing brand new tracks, it sounds fresher to play an old track.

You hear brand new tracks all the time in good clubs, so it’s more special sometimes to play a classic as long as it still fits into the set.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Rhythim Is Rhythim ‘Strings Of Life’

Ben Rymer


How often do you play classics?

Every set.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

A lot of older tracks were made with analogue and outboard equipment so they have a bigger sound which translates better to large rooms.

Dance music is also more polarised due the minimal sound. People who play older records tend to do it as a reaction against the overtly digital nature of the sound.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Dance music is so throwaway that it’s good to remember killer older tracks.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Armand Van Helden ‘Witch Doktor’

Shonky

How often do you play classics?

For me, there are two different kinds of classics. The first category includes all the classics that everybody knows from Innercity ‘Good Life’ to Paperclip People, and Basic Channel.

I play those types of classics less often. I think it’s more complicated to find the right time to play them.

In the second category I would put all the tracks that you have collected during the years, which you can still play. I think I will always include these tracks in my DJ sets. They are a part of my style and are less obvious than the big anthems.

I played deep house in ‘98, and some of those old tracks are still amazing. The Gemini tracks, and some of the Kerri Chandler tunes, are still bombs.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

Our music goes in cycles. It was more minimal before, it’s deep house now, and it will probably be more electro soon. I don’t know, but I think it’s always nice to use the past and add it into the present.

It doesn’t mean that because it’s old, it’s bad quality. Sometimes an old track can make the difference between you and another DJ, as it makes your session more original, especially if you play some of your oldies.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Personally I don’t want do it, although I totally understand DJs who only play new tunes. For me though, the point is to mix different times, different sounds, and different textures to bring different feelings to my DJ sets.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

It’s always hard when someone asks you for your favourite tunes, not because you don’t want give it to them but just because it’s hard to choose only one from all the catalogs. But right now, I’d say Gemini ‘How Can I’.

Gemini is an old Chicago producer who has really influenced me. I love all his work, it’s deep, classy, and trippy.

Gemini ‘How Can I’

Dan Ghenacia

How often do you play classics?

Always! There is a unique vibe in classic tracks, no reason to forget it.



Why are DJs playing more classics today?

Maybe to find an identity. There are a lot of very good records today, but a lot of it sounds the same. Also it’s partly nostalgia, plus it’s just fun.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Boring! You need to use your music collection all the time. You collect records for years. It would be stupid not to use your collection.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

François K ‘Hypnodelic’

Riva Starr

How often do you play classics?

Almost all the time, if I play more than the standard 1.5 hour set.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

I think it’s always interesting to play a bit of old dubs. Modern music wouldn’t exist without the old. Plus a lot of old tunes are still fresh sounding.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

I’m not that kinda “exclusive tunes” only DJ. Brand new dubs have obviously the main role in my DJ sets but my challenge is to find old records that no one knows, and that still sound fresh!

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

There are way too many. Here’s one, but I couldn’t give a definitive list:

The Bucketheads ‘The Bomb’

Mike Vamp

How often do you play classics?

Every time. Just the ones that I know people have a good feeling for.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

It’s a must for a long standing DJ to show his/her knowledge, but it also helps them to differentiate themselves from others.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

New Order ‘Blue Monday’

Alex Celler

How often do you play classics?

I play old tracks, not just classics, in almost every set I do.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

There are many reasons this is happening. One of the main reasons is because during the last five years there has been a wide availability of back catalogs via online shops and people have had access to them, whereas that was not possible a couple of years ago, unless you went to a record shop.

Also, another big reason is the fact that 15 years ago, it was mainly professionals who made music, not amateurs with computers, thus the quality of tracks published was - compared to today - better. Not everyone could afford synthesizers or samplers, so not as many bad tunes were released as today.

There are great tunes today of course, but you have to look through tons of music to find a good one, and if you look you ‘ll find that they are mostly made by professionals! Also, after the minimal house and techno era of 2002 - 2007, we had a huge revival of house music, so many people went back to their catalogs to find inspiration and tunes to play.

To sum up, I would say that people really feel that there’s always going be a certain level of quality when looking at music from the past, simply because back then - as I said - house music was made not just by anyone, but by people who were really serious and professional about it.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

For me it’s not about playing only new or old cuts, it’s about painting a picture, a trip through music, and one has to use any means to achieve that. Also, a well selected old track (generally speaking, not just a classic anthem) can sound as fresh and current as any new one.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Impossible to choose, but I do love:

A Guy Called Gerald ‘Voodoo Ray’

Anthony Collins

How often do you play classics?

I would not say it’s an essential part of my set, but I do play some as it gives a rough and raw edge to the mix, or brings a more soulful vibe depending on what kind of old house you’re playing.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

A lot of it as to do with DJs following a trend. But also I have to say that a lot of the music which is released today which is so called house does not live up to what used to be called house.

A friend of mine, Crazy Larry in New York, found a great name for this new house that everybody is playing - ‘half house’. I think it’s the perfect way to describe it.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Because with the Beatport generation, everybody can get hold of the new stuff, so a great way to set yourself apart, is by playing old undiscovered gems.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Terence FM ‘Feelin’ Kinda High’

Simon Baker

How often do you play classics?

Every set pretty much, I always have though.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

Well I have been buying records since the early 90s, so I’ve always had a pretty solid collection to choose from. More recently, I think the main reason is that house music has come full circle again, so the thing that sounded great in 1993 for example fits perfectly with the sound of now.

It’s funny, because I have been playing some old Todd Terry stuff in my sets recently from 1993/94, and I get kids asking me what it is. This is the stuff that first got me into this kind of music back in the day.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

Originality. There are so many DJs playing the same records! They will see their favorite DJ’s chart on Beatport and will just take all of those records for their sets.

Many DJs probably play similar tracks these days, but it’s nice to have those gems in your set that stand out and get people talking! I am not shy of playing records that have been out for a while.

New and old is always where my head has been at. It keeps things interesting in my opinion.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

Too many to mention, it would be impossible for me!

Silicone Soul

How often do you play classics?

In a four hour set, we normally play at least four or five tracks that are more than ten years old, some are even 20 or 30 years old. And we usually like to drop a few old favourites at the end of the night too.

Why are DJs playing more classics today?

I don’t know exactly. There will always be a nostalgic element to selection for any DJ. Also I suppose there has been a greater re-appreciation for more ‘classic’ sounds, production techniques and track styles, particularly in the deeper house and dubby techno scenes.

For us, a great track is always a great track, it doesn’t really matter if it’s two months or 20 years old.

I wouldn’t say that it’s a particular recent phenomenon to play older tracks. The production of music has obviously changed significantly over the years, for good and for bad, so older tracks do tend to sound a little ‘weaker’ or quieter when compared to, and mixed with, a lot of the more heavily compressed and maximized tracks of today.

Though a quick boost, re-master, or re-edit, or even a little gain on the mixer, normally does the job, and there is loads of software out there that can do this easily for you.

DJs used to only play new records. Why don’t they now?

I suppose some DJs might be seeking more individuality, as now it’s relatively quick and easy to find the latest hot tunes digitally. Whereas, it’s a lot harder and time consuming to trawl through old record collections and/or convert them to digital, to seek out that special one for the party. 

For us, the joy is blending those old tracks that you love and that mean something to you, with the newer tracks that are fresh and exciting. That’s definitely one of the great things about DJing.

What’s your favourite dance classic of all time?

It’s a tough question, as there are so many, but one that we’ve played recently is:

T-Connection ‘Do What You Wanna Do’

Twitter Chatter

I also posed the question of why DJs are playing more classics these days, to my Twitter followers. Here are the best responses:

Beatport’s Classics Sale

From now until Monday (25th January), all classics content from the last decade is on sale at Beatport, which means you can pick up all of the classic hits that you may have missed from the last 10 years for just $.99/€.99/£.79 each.

• (18) Comments
• (3996) Views