03 – New Technology vs. Art
Some forms of art don’t require any tools at all—artists can use their voices or facial expressions to convey their creativity. Other forms of art, however, only became possible after the invention of certain technology.
For instance, when pencils were invented ages ago, the art of hand-drawing was consolidated; the same applies to musical instruments for composing songs and computers for creating digital art.
New technology enables the creation of new forms of art. And as we’ve emphasized in the previous article: “Art has no expiry date.” The key point to understand is that the evolution of technology will NEVER REPLACE forms of consolidated art; instead, it opens doors to CREATE NEW types of art.
Consider this: even though people can now produce stunning digital drawings or computer-generated films, this hasn’t replaced the beauty of a hand-drawn picture or the dynamic energy of a live theatre performance.
Artists may use more advanced tools—like a higher-tech pencil to enhance their drawings or theatre performances that incorporate digital lighting and sound effects—but these technological advancements do not replace the essence of the original art form, which was only possible when certain tools were invented.
The tools may change, but the soul of the art remains. It’s worth repeating: “Art has no expiry date.”
It’s important to highlight the difference between the evolution of technology in the arts and in other professions. Consider airplane pilots or doctors—fields that have advanced tremendously over time. When we look at the past compared to the present, the progress is undeniable. However, these are not artistic professions; they require adherence to strict rules, leaving no room for creativity or artistry. In these fields, the evolution of technology is essential, as it minimizes human error, improves quality of life, and saves thousands of lives. This is fundamentally different from the evolution of technology in the DJ environment. We cannot simply compare technological advancements in these areas and assume the same principles apply to DJing. If technology evolves to replace human involvement in the Disc Jockey Art, it kills the art entirely.
Therefore, the same principle applies to DJ Art. The unique ability of a DJ to surprise the crowd—and surprise themselves—can never be replaced by new technology. DJing as an art form has been around for decades, and it became truly consolidated when Technics introduced turntables with pitch control in 1979. With two turntables and a mixer, DJs could create non-stop music, keeping the high energy flowing on the dance floor, seamlessly blending songs from different artists, helping the crowd forget their daily routines and transcend through music.
The tools may advance, but the art of captivating and educating a crowd through music—something that began long ago—will always remain at the heart of the DJ’s craft, independently of any new technology. Remember, new technologies only create new forms of art, they don’t replace consolidated form of arts.
So, no matter how technology evolves, it will never replace the core artistry of DJing, which has already been consolidated.