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Who's more talented? The DJ or the Producer?

Thread Summary

Posted by laggy
Oct 23, 2011 19:26:38 GMT -5
We're talking electronic music here.

Hypothetically, there's a great DJ- he spins great music, and does it well. Pretty well versed in turntablism, does great mixes and smooth transitions. But he plays all music recorded by other producers.

Then there's a great producer. He's really excellent at creating his music masterfully in production software. Really great stuff. But when he plays his music live, he's just running his pre-produced music on his laptop, and basically just fine tuning and tweaking with some effects knobs.

I realize there are plenty of artists who fit into neither category, but these are your 2 choices. Please pick one

Who is more talented? And for whom do you have greater respect?

And please explain your reasoning
Posted by ncbst3
Oct 23, 2011 19:29:57 GMT -5
still debating my answer..."talent" is pretty subjective and I think both instances require some talent
Posted by summerteeth214
Nov 7, 2011 1:30:35 GMT -5
Obviously producer, but I disagree with the hardly "live" thing. Most producers do a lot live, you just can't see it because they're doing it on computers and all sorts of electronics hardware
Posted by NotMitchelBade
Nov 7, 2011 15:48:44 GMT -5
Cool idea for a vote. I'll be the first to go with the DJ, but only by a narrow margin. What impresses me about it is the fact that it's done live, in real time. It blows my mind that it can be done so well in real time. A good example would be Special Disco Version at Moogfest.

I'll be honest, I was pretty much tied and only went this way because I felt like it needed someone to rep it.

Also, summerteeth, I think that you're missing the point. Obviously a lot of producers do tons of stuff live, but this is only referring to those who don't.
Posted by jpbrez
Nov 7, 2011 15:59:01 GMT -5
i can't vote on this because of how torn i am.

to me it takes a lot more talent to be a great producer than a great DJ. to put together a brilliant or beautiful composition of music rather than learn the mechanics of live spinning is a no brainer (IMO).

BUT if we are talking strictly live setting than of course the DJ wins as opposed to the producer that just comes in and pushes play.

DJ Shadow is the correct answer. amazing producer with mind warping tracks, who mixes and remixes his own stuff live AND spins other artists' tracks. listen to his 2007 bonnaroo set and then listen to his all vinyl DJ set from halloween 2009.
Posted by flanzonyc
Nov 7, 2011 16:47:20 GMT -5
Answer: Actual musicians!
Posted by mc
Dec 2, 2011 13:32:52 GMT -5
^^ so the producer? Because any producer that is worth enough to be playing live is definitely a "musician"
Posted by Zappatical
Dec 2, 2011 13:35:15 GMT -5
Where is the Mix Master Mike option?
Posted by Scrog
Dec 16, 2011 0:38:45 GMT -5
Which one has more chicks onstage?
Because, I go with the other one, the one with more chicks needs something to make their music look good.

Honestly, I have more respect for the one who can do it live.
I look at risk factors. To me it would be easier, to mix stuff together in a studio, with the option of making a mistake and not ruin the party. Screw up live and the record skips.
In other words, doing things live are harder and more stressful.
Posted by nictheweenie85
Jan 20, 2012 10:57:22 GMT -5
If I wanted to listen to someone play records I'd go to my grandmothers.