The debate about the relevance of vinyl in DJing has been a longstanding one. With the rise of digital DJing and the proliferation of software controllers, many have questioned the need for vinyl in modern DJing. But what do some of the biggest names in the industry think? Do they believe that vinyl is still a necessary tool for DJs to prove their skills?

The Old School For legendary DJs like Carl Cox and Danny Tenaglia, vinyl will always be an integral part of their craft. In a recent interview, Cox emphasized the importance of vinyl in developing a DJ’s skills, saying, “Vinyl teaches you how to beatmatch, how to mix, and how to program a set. It’s a skill that you can’t learn with software alone” [1]. Tenaglia echoed Cox’s sentiments, adding, “There’s something tactile about vinyl that you just can’t replicate with digital. The feel of the records, the sound of the needle dropping – it’s all part of the experience” [2].

The New School On the other hand, some of the biggest names in modern EDM, such as Martin Garrix and The Chainsmokers, have grown up in a digital age and don’t see the need for vinyl in their performances. Garrix, in particular, has been vocal about his preference for digital DJing, saying, “I love the flexibility and creativity that digital DJing allows. I can focus on making music and performing, rather than worrying about switching between records” [3]. The Chainsmokers’ Alex Pall also weighed in on the debate, saying, “We’re not trying to prove anything by using vinyl. We’re just trying to make the best music possible and perform it in a way that connects with our audience” [4].

The Middle Ground Of course, not all DJs fit neatly into either the “old school” or “new school” camp. Many, like Armin van Buuren and Sasha, have found a middle ground that incorporates elements of both vinyl and digital DJing. Van Buuren, in particular, has been known to incorporate vinyl into his sets, often using it to add a unique, nostalgic touch to his performances. In a recent interview, he said, “I love the sound and feel of vinyl, but I also appreciate the convenience and flexibility of digital. For me, it’s about finding a balance between the two” [5]. Sasha also echoed this sentiment, saying, “I think vinyl is still an important part of DJ culture, but it’s not the only way to DJ. I love using digital tools to create new sounds and textures, but I also appreciate the tactile nature of vinyl” [6].

So, is vinyl really necessary for DJs to prove their skills? The answer, it seems, is a resounding “no.” While vinyl will always hold a special place in the hearts of many DJs, it’s clear that digital DJing has become an integral part of the modern DJ’s toolkit. Ultimately, whether a DJ chooses to use vinyl, digital, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that they’re able to connect with their audience and create a memorable experience. As the EDM landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain – the debate about vinyl’s relevance will continue to rage on.

References:

[1] Carl Cox, Interview with DJ Mag, 2020

[2] Danny Tenaglia, Interview with Mixmag, 2019

[3] Martin Garrix, Interview with Billboard, 2020

[4] The Chainsmokers, Interview with Forbes, 2020

[5] Armin van Buuren, in an Interview with EARMILK , 2020

[6] Sasha, Interview with Resident Advisor, 2019