Rob Swift on the Rise of Software Use with DJs

Rob Swift of the legendary dj crew X-Ecutioners recently made a post on his website that has become somewhat viral on Facebook (at least among deejays) and for good reason. The post not only makes a good point on the over reliance of software among deejays, but it also makes a good commentary on humanity's dependence on technology as well. I just acquired Serato myself last month and I understand that djs as well as most other artists has to adapt to the changing times but I thought it was pretty wack that DMC now allows the use of midi controllers in their competitions. Serato I can understand, but midi? Here's an excerpt from his excellent rant:

"...We, the human race, have become too dependent on machines. Our life stops if our home Internet service is disrupted. I bet YOU, the person reading my words right now, only memorized 2 to 3 of the phone number stored in your cell phone. I remember a time, not too long ago, when life was lived outdoors amongst family and friends and not on your Facebook page. I remember a time, not too long ago, when you’d memorize the majority of the phone numbers in your address book. I remember a time, not too long ago, when YOU, as a DJ, relied on your sense of rhythm, timing and coordination to figure out a way of altering sounds or words off a turntable.

Young DJs, please do not rely on software or midi controllers to help you achieve “perfection” because in doing so, you’re actually using the machine as a crutch. Thus, in your pursuit of the “perfect” set, you’re failing to exercising your brains, becoming a slave to your midi controller or lap top. Please guys, let’s keep the button pressing to a minimum and focus our attention on the God given ability we all have to use our hands and minds to create the unthinkable. Perfection is unattainable. Even machines encounter glitches. GREATNESS is what you should strive for."

You can read the full post here: http://www.djrobswift.com/