Tune Raider says it’s ‘Not the destination, but the Journey’

I’ve been DJ Tune Raider for longer than I probably imagined when I first started.

Longevity in the end is what any of us want from the work that we do in this life, be it an artist or musician, corporate or otherwise.

In the world of electronic music and DJing, one’s life span can be limited; is age just a number or is it how you live it?

I remember coming into the scene as a little pip-squeak, fresh 19 years old, with 3 CDs and wanting to learn. I had this grand idea I would be up on the decks in no time at all. I had no clue what this journey would entail or how the whole structure worked until I was pulled aside by the scruff of my neck and was taught by my elders.

I will never forget the wise words I was told that it would take me at least 4 years to reach a big stage and that I must enjoy the process, because I would earn my right to be up there, and also that I would grow at the correct pace in order to handle it. There’s nothing worse than being at a party and the DJ isn’t experienced enough and thus the dance floor is flat and bored. Running before you can walk is a DJs worst nightmare and I feel strongly that laptop taught DJs will suffer this in the long run.

A rite of passage

My first Vortex gig on CDJ 100’s

It is a rite of passage and only if your heart is true you will you make it, this is what I truly believe.

No amount of money or marketing tricks will allow you to ‘leap frog’ yourself to the top, because the energy of the moment when you are alone and in the driver’s seat, those moments will define you – you are only as good as your last set. I can tell you honestly that this is still relevant for me today. I know when I get complacent I still screw things up, perhaps play the wrong track or miss the mix, or get sucked into the ego of the moment and then something slips out and you have to save the mix – still grounding you and humanising you.

Evolving your sound and staying relevant are ways to keep going, but how do you know if styles are changing or if you are just running after the latest thing?

I know my views on using a laptop as form of mixing might seem oldskool.

I just struggle with the idea of letting technology do my job for me.

Already, as a DJ, I am playing another person’s creation, so if I’m not mixing then what am I doing other than just being a jukebox? I have spoken to a few DJs who have been playing for years and some have even reverted back to mixing on the decks because they say laptops are boring….

Where is the line drawn between being stuck in your ways or standing up for what you believe is right or works best for you? I hold no judgement, each to their own I say; I only speak for myself here.

But on the other hand if I personally had access to advanced DJ equipment, perhaps I too would play using a laptop? Am I just stuck in my ways?

Embracing the ‘next gen’ s also something us older DJs have to get used to.

I remember one had to be invited onto a stage, and the amount of respect that we would have for the decks would create such pressure and anxiety that it would push you to be the best you can be. I remember getting kicked off stage because I was a girl, and look what that created…. but nowadays any Tom, Dick or Jane is a DJ.

How do we train the next gen to be ready to take the reins and keep the energy and respect alive?

How do we keep the old ways but still evolve for the future?

Or should we even care?