REFLECTIONS - YES, BUT... [THE DEEJAYMAGS - PART TWO]

YOUR (SUTIL) EDITORIAL

Today, your opinion will bring color to Sutil's Editorial…
This is a summary of the comments received in the REFLECTIONS section of www.davidgausa.com.

Enric:
‘'In my opinion, I clearly believe that the Deejaymags don't reflect reality. Just look at the winners for Best Production and Best Remix, for example. Among the nominees for Best Production were David Tort, Coyu, and Edu Imbernon, among others. They've had an amazing year, earning the respect (even more so, in David's case) of international critics. Henry Saiz was nominated for Best Remix. His remix of "Lamur" is simply fantastic. And I'm not the only one saying this; anyone who has closely followed the international music scene knows it's true.'«

Ultimately, it surprises me that DJs and producers like the ones I've mentioned (and there are many more) haven't received the recognition they've had outside of Spain. Why? I'm still trying to figure it out. Is Spain different? Perhaps that's why Nacho Vidal hosted the gala ;-)’

Jorge_Jaén:
‘'(…) Regarding the Deejaymags, I'll say that I personally don't question whether they're fair or don't reflect reality. What I do find fair and real is that the Clubbing-Electronic-Deejay sector has an event of this kind, which, as time goes on, grows in importance and impact. What we all need to do, those of us who LOVE Electronic Music, is support them, and if we offer criticism, let it be constructive, as only that will allow our sector to move forward. For many years I've been hearing and reading that this country needs unity to generate synergies that will help our sector grow. But the truth is, it's not happening, and that's a shame. Personal ego is given more prominence than the collective good, which is why words like yours (from a "Top" DJ, at least in my opinion) supporting the other DJs at these awards are so appreciated (…). Let's criticize so that DJs can grow, not to harm one of the events that makes our sector "grow".

Obviously, as with all awards, it's very difficult for everyone to agree completely. I, of course, also have my disagreements, but not with the winners, since, like you, I think—and firmly believe until proven otherwise—that everything is "legal." My controversies center on the nominees. For me, some are missing and others shouldn't be. Clearly, there would be as many lists of nominees as there are fans in the industry, and it's very difficult to create a list that would please 100% of electronic music fans.«

Eve:
‘'(...) One of the main ideas you develop concerns the nature of Deejaymags, and whether they can
To consider itself a true reflection of the club scene? I dare say clearly and unequivocally, NO. Because the results are not fair. They are legal, of course. But what guarantees that legality is solely an accurate tally of the votes, when I am convinced (and I include myself) that few people know all the candidates, or that not everyone has the necessary knowledge to vote in all categories, and yet, it costs nothing to cast a vote randomly. Nor do I see clearly the criteria used to distinguish between Tech-House, Electro-House, Progressive House…’

(…) Now then… is it a good thing that these awards exist? Absolutely YES. Because beyond the individual promotion of the nominees, there's the promotion of the sector itself, which needs to raise its profile with all audiences, expand its market, and project an image of professionalism that transcends the perceptions of those unfamiliar with the industry and who hold preconceived notions, some negative, some disastrous. It's about ensuring that the words "DJ" and "artist" are not seen as antagonistic, and this is the right path to follow. Elevating the status of the industry benefits all its members, even if some of them aren't actively involved in the process… These are the ones without any formal training, but who were in the right place at the right time. They're the ones who rose through the ranks thanks to a well-distributed flyer, a persistent patron, or a good hookup. But if one thing is undeniable, it's that longevity in the DJ booth is only achieved through passion and dedication. You can have them and fall along the way, but you can't endure and not have them.

Perhaps my final thought should be that awards (and not just the Deejaymags) should be held more openly; that would be useful. An insular use of awards only benefits the winners, and even then, only slightly.’

Nico:
‘'Honestly, I'm increasingly surprised by your section and the courage you have to address certain topics, especially considering they're published in Deejay magazine. (...) This debate will be endless, and everyone will have a point, since it's clear that large segments of clubbers don't see Deejaymags as their thing and completely ignore them. On the other hand, those who listen to the radio and follow the more commercial DJs, (...) those who advertise in the same magazine... are the ones who ultimately end up voting. I've read that something similar happens in the World Top 100 votes. Many trance DJs appear above DJs who work harder and earn more to perform, since this style attracts younger people, who are more interested in voting, unlike adults who have a bit more musical maturity and yet don't vote, or do so less frequently.' (…) The results would be very different if, for example, a vote were held at Sonar or in the Monegros desert upon entering the venue. (…) Therefore, I agree with those who think that Deejaymags reflect a reality, perhaps the reality of the younger crowd or those most influenced by marketing, (…) but in no case the opinion of all those who consider themselves clubbers or, I would like to think, those who have more discernment.

We've all been kids and seen how much our tastes have changed (how many of you are called 'recycled'?). Those who voted for certain songs or DJs would surely have done differently if they were older or had more musical knowledge. And here's the crux of the matter: the lack of musical knowledge. That explains the results. Some might be annoyed that I consider the results poorly judged, but it's my opinion, and from what I've read in the previous comments, we're all in the same boat. (...) Also, I see there's a lot of fuss about self-voting, something I'm sure many people do to get votes. (...) Before I forget, the worst thing of all is that a porn star is hosting a gala like this. Who could have come up with such a crazy idea? Unbelievable... It's things like this that put off those of us who have good taste, and there are quite a few of us. Anyway, David, I hope it encourages you that some of us are leaving comments on your thoughts...‘
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I don't think I need to add much more, and you have no idea how happy that makes me!! And not because I'm 'lazy', but because this way we get to know your opinion, which is just as valid, or even more so, than mine. Also, something unusual: a girl has shared her opinion in this very 'male-dominated' world, and that makes me even more excited!!