The CDJ versus controller argument has been around for some time now, but LA nightclub Cure And The Cause kicked up quite a stir this week when they announced a ban on all laptops within the DJ booth.
Since then, musicians, EDM fans, and industry professionals alike have all voiced their objections to the bizarre ban instituted by nightclub owner Kenny Smith. Techno legend Richie Hawtin can count himself as one of the artists who voiced his displeasure, while fellow techno superstar Seth Troxler sided with the LA club on their decision.
Most ridiculous rule ever!Stifling creativity by limiting an artists own personal approach is a step backwards. https://t.co/ppqSWDzK5O
— Richie Hawtin (@richiehawtin) June 2, 2016
@richiehawtin@Mixmag the hard part is beat matching. Even a lot of guys in our class.If the sync is on your an entertainer, not a dj.
— seth troxler (@sethtroxler) June 2, 2016
LA-based publication Magnetic Magazine reached out to Kenny Smith for further clarification on the reasoning behind his laptop ban. Here’s what the club owner/DJ had to say about the new rule:
“The problem lies with the opening DJs (mostly), many of them show up with a laptop and controller, and that’s all they’ve ever used. That’s a problem. They don’t know what to connect with our Pioneer system; they have no clue what they’re plugging in or what plugs they’re taking out…Midnight is not the ideal time to turn the mixer off, pull it out and start guessing which port to plug your Traktor into.“
DJ purists, who seem to be in the minority, would probably side with Troxler on his comments about the use of the sync button, while Richie Hawtin seems to be coming from the more public perspective. Either way, we can see the merits of both arguments, but we’re curious to hear from more DJs regarding this ongoing discussion.