SUMMER IS OVER, WHAT'S THE ISSUE?
There are several reasons why we might need to define the criteria for concluding that "this" is the song of the summer. Perhaps what's needed these days is to delve into the specialization of the styles that make up our beloved electronic music, even within the subgenres themselves, which are particularly sensitive in the House sound, for example. But there are other factors that leave us in October without a clear idea of what the "hit" of summer 2009 was. The only thing I'm sure of this summer is some good news for me: www.davidgausa.com is now up and running, so feel free to comment on what makes us so imprecise in choosing this summer's song. Or if you really know, tell us what it is!
(Article published in the October 2009 issue – no. 141)
It was published on September 1st, a little late, it's true, although now nobody remembers it... As I said in the September 1st post: 'My new blog is finally published, the road has been long, very long, but thanks to NOW, and David Satorres, not forgetting to mention the direction and supervision (and everything else...) of yours truly... (...) Music, Playlists, Events, News, Reflections, Videoblog, Media... Come in and enjoy! And leave your comments...'‘
Well (again), I must thank everyone who made the development of this site possible, especially Pau Costa (one of the 'bigwigs' of Not Only Webs, www.notonlywebs.com). Among many other things, this blog was created so that YOU can share your opinion, yes, you can… share your opinion, have your say, give your most sincere opinion… At the moment, I'm actually a little 'sad' because there haven't been many comments on the first three articles, all of them fresh off the press, which covered topics like DJ arrests, the true role of Ibiza today, and the tribute to and defense of Spanish products in the world of electronic music. Anyway, I'm staying positive and aware that everything is a process, and I must continue to encourage you to share your opinions.
Like all 'risky' projects, I know it's a long road; it will take months for things to really take off. But I'm so enthusiastic that I was surprised there weren't any comments on my first post, where I talked about the police action and the arrests of several DJs… What's going on? Don't you want to share your opinions? I encourage you to do so from now on! Come on! That's the only way we'll make this section something truly constructive and different. I'd like to thank Didier and Alfonso, among others, for their respectful and courteous comments. Without them, this wouldn't be possible…
MY (SUTIL) EDITORIAL
Wanting to continue with topics I think are interesting for everyone, October gives me the opportunity to reflect on the end of summer and, with it, consider what the 'Song of the Summer' has been. It's clear that if we consider the 'real' song of the summer, judging the 'masses' as the general public, it might be a Spanish pop song, the catchy tune that plays with everyone's beer, or maybe Pitbull's 'I Know You Want Me', but not for those of us who call ourselves Clubbers, those of us who, aside from working in this industry (or not), seek a musical environment separate from the globalized concept of 'the masses', not because we think we're different, but because we believe that to have a good time, you shouldn't listen to what everyone else is listening to, but rather select what you like and make it your own.
I believe it was in July when I received an email from Agus Arbol, asking some of us professionals to tell him what we thought was the song of the summer. With his permission, I'm going to copy exactly what I replied, as it's perfect timing to share it: 'Regarding your question, I honestly think that this year the song of the summer (in relation to the Dance/Electronic-Club world) is one of those years that hasn't been defined. To put it more clearly: I think that this year, so far (today is August 4th), no song/track has yet been labeled the song of the summer.'.
There are years when it's very clear (see Stardust year 'Music Sounds Better'), but this summer, I modestly think not (…) Another thing I would like to comment on is that perhaps before, when there wasn't such a wide range of musical styles that worked on a massive level, there was a 'single' theme, but nowadays, each style has its own, even in a big label like House, its sub-divisions each have a theme (House, Club/Progressive/Deep/…, Techno, etc…)'.
Now that I'm rereading my words after more than a month (today is September 14th), I see I wasn't too far off the mark… I don't know if Agus has published anything about it in this same issue (since it's difficult to stay connected with our busy lives), but I did manage to listen to the WDM special that Luís López did from Ibiza. There, he asked a number of resident DJs from Ibiza clubs or promoters the same question, and, interestingly, except for a couple of cases, none of them agreed on the same track… One said the latest David Guetta song, another the new Chris Lake track, and of course, many of them chose their own. The one that was 'most' discussed (repeated, I think, a couple of times by different DJs) was Michel Cleis ft. Toto La Momposina's track 'La Mezcla' [Cadenza/Strictly Rhythm]. But… what's been happening lately with 'Songs of the Summer'?.
I found it hilarious to see Ibiza Sónica's ad for this very publication: 'Protect yourself from the song of the summer,' ha, ha, ha… (Of course, they're referring to the song of the summer in relation to upbeat, party music), but… Is it a good thing that this label is ending (even for the underground and club scene)? Is it beneficial for clubbers and the health of electronic music in general that the song of the summer can no longer be labeled? Undoubtedly, things aren't 'what they used to be,' maybe that's for the best… or maybe not.
You know what to do: share your thoughts at davidgausa.com! Your opinion is key to building and rebuilding what we love so much.
These
Articles are published monthly in the Spanish magazine Deejay.
I invite you to get it at the newsstand of your choice or its edition
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Here is the website: www.dancepress.es
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