Controllerism: A Conversation with DJ Edge
You might remember us featuring one of DJ Edges controllerism mixes a few months back. (Original link here: http://drivenbybeats.tumblr.com/post/8230885549/djedgecontrollerism). We were fascinated with the concept of controllerism, and the possibility of adding another layer of sound manipulation within electronic music. We decided to pick DJ Edge's brain more and dive deeper into the topic: ___________________________________________________________________
DBB: What is controllerism? DJ Edge: Controllerism is the art/practice of manipulating audio in the way the artist desires, usually through the use of a computer, (one or more) MIDI controllers, and sometimes even turntables. Since technology is always changing, controllerism can be seen as a way of paying homage to turntablism. DBB: How do you think it adds to the overall DJing experience? DJ Edge: In my personal opinion, it adds to the experience because the DJ isn't just fading between tracks, he's changing audio in real-time! Plus, it also looks like you're doing something haha. DBB: Who are some prominent artists who practice controllerism? DJ Edge: Some of the most prominent artists would be Ean Golden, DJ Shiftee, and DJ Craze. The latter two combine turntablism with controllerism, which leads to some pretty awesome performances! DBB: How popular is controllerism in EDM? DJ Edge: I don't think controllerism is very popular at the moment, but the scene is growing constantly. I don't think that it's easily implemented in EDM, but rather in other situations, such as DJ battles and extremely short sets ( less than 30 minutes long). In the area where I live (Ventura County, CA), I haven't seen or heard of anyone else doing controllerism routines/sets, so there's a possibility that I'm the first DJ to do so haha.
DBB: How did you get started and what made you decide to start practicing controllerism? DJ Edge: I personally got started DJing in late 2009, but didn't start playing shows until the Summer of 2010. Some people will hate me for this, but I originally started with just my laptop on Virtual DJ, but moved on to Traktor Pro a couple months later after getting my first controller. Since then I've upgraded to Traktor Pro 2, added a few more MIDI controllers to my arsenal, and haven't looked back! When it comes to it, I believe that Virtual DJing is a great way for DJs that are just starting out to learn the basics, but you have to move on to other software eventually. I've used CDJs and vinyl before, but the two seem to hold me back. It's pretty much impossible to do my controllerism routines on CDs or vinyl haha. I first started getting into controllerism when I discovered Ean Golden and DJ Shiftee, I saw them using Traktor Scratch Pro, which was what made me switch to Traktor. But when I saw Ean in a YouTube video, I saw him with a controller I've never seen before - the Midi-Fighter. I've been fascinated ever since, and although I do not own one (yet!), I have mapped some of my controllers to do similar functions that the Midi-Fighter has, e.g.: cue-point juggling, effects, looping, etc. DBB: Anything else you would like people to know? DJ Edge: Two things; -You'll get into any of my shows for free if you bring me pizza, pasta, burritos, or all of them. I'm not joking, I love food haha. - Since I rely heavily on technology, I prefer to call myself a Digital Jockey. _________________________________________________________________________ And there you have it! Connect with DJ Edge via Facebook @ http://facebook.com/dj.edge.official