international news _ JONTY SKRUFFF _ 26th September, 2005
Danny Rampling's DJ Tips
Acid house legend Danny Rampling chatted to Skrufff this week about his upcoming sign-off compilation album Break For Love and passed on some invaluable advice for DJs wanting to follow in his footsteps.
"First and foremost, embrace the technology that's at your disposal now," said Danny, "Because technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, I think the whole computer based aspect of DJing is going to completely revolutionise the club scene and transform it to a higher level."
The definitive superstar DJ announced his retirement from the decks two months ago, though admitted he's been captivated by the potential of digital systems like Ableton Live in recent years.
"Okay, these programmes are still very basic at the moment, and you hear criticism that DJs are not animated when they use systems like Ableton Live, but in terms of what they open up for the DJ process, I feel that in three or four years time they'll be a complete shift in clubbing and the role of the DJ," he predicted.
"For example, three years ago CDs were frowned upon my many DJs whereas nowadays all travelling DJs are 90% CD. I'd say in three years time, all travelling DJs are probably going to be using Ableton and those programmes as they advance."
"If I was entering the DJ world now, that would be my number one priority, to make sure that I had a good understanding and could really manipulate all the technology that's available," he suggested.
Despite stressing he's had no second thoughts about giving up DJing at all, Danny remained extremely enthusiastic about the occupation, declaring 'to be flown across the world, to travel to so many interesting places and to meet so many fabulous people- it's a great experience"
"In terms of a young DJ coming into the market it's all about your belief and motivation; motivation is the most important aspect of all. If you're highly motivated and passionate about DJing then there's a lot of opportunity out there and it can happen very quickly- if you have that talent and that drive. And an element of luck as well," he concluded.
"People are catapulted into the super-league and the super-earning league, really quickly these days, there's whole global industry out there with a lot of financial opportunities and it can be very financially rewarding as well as personally hugely satisfying. What a great job to have."
Danny Rampling: Break For Love is out on October 17 on Defected Records.(Jonty Skrufff)
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