Threatening the leader of trancecrackers everywhere
May 30, 2007 2:13 PM Subscribe
It's been said before that trance, and DJ Tiësto in particular, are evil. Some may've taken that idea a little too seriously.
Where's the PLUR, man?
posted by TungstenChef at 2:29 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by TungstenChef at 2:29 PM on May 30, 2007
I knew we'd never be freed from the tyranny of the trance crackers!
posted by flaterik at 2:41 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by flaterik at 2:41 PM on May 30, 2007
I'm glad this is a hoax, because no one should ever have a reason to think about trance music, or any form of music derived from house music.
posted by shmegegge at 2:45 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by shmegegge at 2:45 PM on May 30, 2007
That Jack Chick takeoff was pretty hilarious, though it could have been a little shorter.
posted by exogenous at 2:49 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by exogenous at 2:49 PM on May 30, 2007
A publicity stunt for a Fatah al-Islam-backed microhouse imprint, maybe?
posted by thatswherebatslive at 3:08 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by thatswherebatslive at 3:08 PM on May 30, 2007
I'm glad this is a hoax, because no one should ever have a reason to think about trance music, or any form of music derived from house music.
thanks for the words of wisdom, oh computer-gaming, sci-fi reading, mom's basement dwelling wise one.
posted by dydecker at 3:08 PM on May 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
thanks for the words of wisdom, oh computer-gaming, sci-fi reading, mom's basement dwelling wise one.
posted by dydecker at 3:08 PM on May 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
Hey, we gotta have SOMETHING to play during Spinning class.
posted by konolia at 3:15 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by konolia at 3:15 PM on May 30, 2007
Is there really an anti-*trance* movement or is this anti-clubbing/rave sentiment? Seems to me that trance in general covers a broader range of music, that isn't necessarily even electronic. Most of the ill-will I see is toward the club culture specifically.
posted by aletheia at 3:16 PM on May 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by aletheia at 3:16 PM on May 30, 2007 [1 favorite]
aletheia, I'm sure the original threat (had it been real) was against trance. But there's a lot of trance-hate in the greater dance music community, as evidenced by the faux chick tract.
So my phrasing of the post was a play on that. It's morbidly funny to imagine that the threat was based on how much trance sucks.
posted by flaterik at 3:24 PM on May 30, 2007
So my phrasing of the post was a play on that. It's morbidly funny to imagine that the threat was based on how much trance sucks.
posted by flaterik at 3:24 PM on May 30, 2007
Two things: I opened for Tiesto in Washington, DC in 2004. It was the best night of my life, no question. I don't think very much compares to playing for 3,500 people packed 3 stories high having the best night of their lives. I don't care if they did start yelling TEA-EST-OH! TEA-EST-OH! for the last half hour of my set :) At least my parents were there and I think they finally got why I was playing "that trance crap" all the time.
Secondly: Tiesto explains how he produces.
The first time I met him was in 2001 when he played in DC for the first time. He was just wandering around the dance floor before his set and no one recognized him. He hung out with my friends and I for about an hour and talked about music. He was just thrilled someone in America knew who he was. After my set opening for him though, he was surrounded by groupies and hangers on and didn't talk to me at all, and obviously didn't remember the previous time we met (but who would?)
posted by empath at 3:27 PM on May 30, 2007 [4 favorites]
Secondly: Tiesto explains how he produces.
The first time I met him was in 2001 when he played in DC for the first time. He was just wandering around the dance floor before his set and no one recognized him. He hung out with my friends and I for about an hour and talked about music. He was just thrilled someone in America knew who he was. After my set opening for him though, he was surrounded by groupies and hangers on and didn't talk to me at all, and obviously didn't remember the previous time we met (but who would?)
posted by empath at 3:27 PM on May 30, 2007 [4 favorites]
"The Dutch DJ has been voted as the world's best for the past several years."
Somehow, no matter how many times I hear this, I have a lot of trouble believing it. It sounds like it's just a marketing slogan. Why didn't I get a vote?
posted by tehloki at 3:49 PM on May 30, 2007
Somehow, no matter how many times I hear this, I have a lot of trouble believing it. It sounds like it's just a marketing slogan. Why didn't I get a vote?
posted by tehloki at 3:49 PM on May 30, 2007
Paul van Dyk was voted the world's best last year. It's a popularity contest run by a UK clubbing mag. UK clubbing is dominated by trance, thus the trance djs dominate.
posted by empath at 3:57 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by empath at 3:57 PM on May 30, 2007
thatswherebatslive: "A publicity stunt for a Fatah al-Islam-backed microhouse imprint, maybe?"
Is Muslimgauze going to be one of the first artists (admittedly, not microhouse)?
This brings to mind one thought I had while at an Amon Tobin show, just enjoying the vibes, and really pondering how sad it is the contrast between this and the Taleban.
The deathwish of suicide bombers, the hatred of creativity by Islamic Fundies and contrasting that with secular dance culture and the love of life and music. The universal energy... Pantheistic and Shamanistic vs their Monotheistic worldview. Dunno, just an interesting juxtapose, IMO.
But a hoax? Damn shame.
posted by symbioid at 4:23 PM on May 30, 2007
Is Muslimgauze going to be one of the first artists (admittedly, not microhouse)?
This brings to mind one thought I had while at an Amon Tobin show, just enjoying the vibes, and really pondering how sad it is the contrast between this and the Taleban.
The deathwish of suicide bombers, the hatred of creativity by Islamic Fundies and contrasting that with secular dance culture and the love of life and music. The universal energy... Pantheistic and Shamanistic vs their Monotheistic worldview. Dunno, just an interesting juxtapose, IMO.
But a hoax? Damn shame.
posted by symbioid at 4:23 PM on May 30, 2007
Deep Dish, who are currently in the Top 5 most popular djs are Persian, and I assume, Muslim.
The first week that Buzz in Washington DC opened after 9/11, Deep Dish played with a gigantic American Flag unfurled on the other side of the club. The first song they played was called "Freedom"
posted by empath at 4:45 PM on May 30, 2007
The first week that Buzz in Washington DC opened after 9/11, Deep Dish played with a gigantic American Flag unfurled on the other side of the club. The first song they played was called "Freedom"
posted by empath at 4:45 PM on May 30, 2007
Paul van Dyk was voted the world's best last year. It's a popularity contest run by a UK clubbing mag. UK clubbing is dominated by trance, thus the trance djs dominate.
Sorry, but this is simply not true. DJ Mag's poll is about as accurate as most internet polls (ie not very) and it is dominated by the DJs who run campaigns for votes, not popular DJs. DJ Mag itself is not even particularly trance-heavy anymore - it reflects the shifts in British dance music. And to say that trance dominates UK clubbing is simply not accurate. Trance dominates in North America, Holland and Asia but it's not that popular in the UK anymore.
posted by dydecker at 5:00 PM on May 30, 2007
Sorry, but this is simply not true. DJ Mag's poll is about as accurate as most internet polls (ie not very) and it is dominated by the DJs who run campaigns for votes, not popular DJs. DJ Mag itself is not even particularly trance-heavy anymore - it reflects the shifts in British dance music. And to say that trance dominates UK clubbing is simply not accurate. Trance dominates in North America, Holland and Asia but it's not that popular in the UK anymore.
posted by dydecker at 5:00 PM on May 30, 2007
Most of the ill-will I see is toward the club culture specifically.
Most of the trance ill-will I know of comes from those into other electronic music genres. The trance scene is not representative of either the rave or club scene, at least not where I'm from.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:01 PM on May 30, 2007
Most of the trance ill-will I know of comes from those into other electronic music genres. The trance scene is not representative of either the rave or club scene, at least not where I'm from.
posted by oneirodynia at 5:01 PM on May 30, 2007
In case anyone's interested in Tiesto's actual words in empath's YouTube link, it's roughly as follows:
This track [unintelligible, maybe "'Tragic?'" or "'Trash it?'"] I made by myself, just with the computer. And then when you play it at a hall... [supposedly meaning "in front of a crowd"]
I started making my own music in '96 - up til then I was only deejaying. I decided I wanted to make music of my own to spin, so I familiarised myself with the process and slowly built up my collection of gear.
-Can you read sheet music?
No. I did learn some back in the day - it's called playing the recorder (!) - but no, I haven't really got that skill anymore. But you don't really need it for this type of music. I just play by ear; all of my music is based on intuition. And that's why I feel that it doesn't matter whether you make music using a computer or a guitar or a piano, it's purely about... [clip ends]
From the logo and accent of the interviewer, this must be from Flemish TV.
Oh and empath, I'm a huge music geek but not too big on electronic dance music, but I sincerely bow before your brush with DJ demi-deity.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:23 PM on May 30, 2007
This track [unintelligible, maybe "'Tragic?'" or "'Trash it?'"] I made by myself, just with the computer. And then when you play it at a hall... [supposedly meaning "in front of a crowd"]
I started making my own music in '96 - up til then I was only deejaying. I decided I wanted to make music of my own to spin, so I familiarised myself with the process and slowly built up my collection of gear.
-Can you read sheet music?
No. I did learn some back in the day - it's called playing the recorder (!) - but no, I haven't really got that skill anymore. But you don't really need it for this type of music. I just play by ear; all of my music is based on intuition. And that's why I feel that it doesn't matter whether you make music using a computer or a guitar or a piano, it's purely about... [clip ends]
From the logo and accent of the interviewer, this must be from Flemish TV.
Oh and empath, I'm a huge music geek but not too big on electronic dance music, but I sincerely bow before your brush with DJ demi-deity.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 5:23 PM on May 30, 2007
oneirodynia: same here. I don't associate trance with raves/clubs, or DJ culture, though I realize there's a whole chunk of trance music that serves that crowd. In fact, much of the trance I've been exposed to seems to despise that world just as much as non-trance electronic music. I wonder though why the hatred from other forms of electronic music-- maybe a perception of it being less intelligent? It seems to me that trance music in a broad sense lends itself to being a useful supplement to other (IMHO, more important activities). Not to cause a whole debate about the function of music, but I tend to be *more* skeptical of other forms of music that carry further messages. The "trance dance" whether today or a thousand years ago, is certainly useful in ways beyond idle entertainment.
posted by aletheia at 5:30 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by aletheia at 5:30 PM on May 30, 2007
I wonder though why the hatred from other forms of electronic music-- maybe a perception of it being less intelligent?
Yeah, I don't get this. Caveat: I am a fan of electronic music. Shit, I'm a fan of most kinds of music, really. I just don't know anything about electronic music. I could tell a Tiësto from a mug of coffee. I listen to it mainly on my own, and have never been to a rave. I don't know the names of many artists making the music, and I kind of don't care who makes it as long as it's good - after all, I get the impression a lot of producers tend to be pretty anonymous and empemeral.
Anyway, my point?
House: Dumber than trance.
Hardcore / gabber: Dumber than trance.
Drum n Bass: Not particularly smart.
Breakbeat: See Drum n Bass.
IDM: Smarter than trance, but this shit still ain't Shostakovich.
I don't get the whole idea of ranking DJs, giving them awards and shit, either. This isn't golf, it's music. Enjoy it, don't turn it into a sport.
posted by Jimbob at 5:43 PM on May 30, 2007 [2 favorites]
Yeah, I don't get this. Caveat: I am a fan of electronic music. Shit, I'm a fan of most kinds of music, really. I just don't know anything about electronic music. I could tell a Tiësto from a mug of coffee. I listen to it mainly on my own, and have never been to a rave. I don't know the names of many artists making the music, and I kind of don't care who makes it as long as it's good - after all, I get the impression a lot of producers tend to be pretty anonymous and empemeral.
Anyway, my point?
House: Dumber than trance.
Hardcore / gabber: Dumber than trance.
Drum n Bass: Not particularly smart.
Breakbeat: See Drum n Bass.
IDM: Smarter than trance, but this shit still ain't Shostakovich.
I don't get the whole idea of ranking DJs, giving them awards and shit, either. This isn't golf, it's music. Enjoy it, don't turn it into a sport.
posted by Jimbob at 5:43 PM on May 30, 2007 [2 favorites]
If it makes you happy, Jimbob, there's a Russian psy-trance producer who goes by Psychovsky.
posted by redteam at 6:58 PM on May 30, 2007
posted by redteam at 6:58 PM on May 30, 2007
goodnewsfortheinsane: It was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. Awe-inspiring and humbling to be at the center of everything, particularly since I really hadn't 'earned' that gig the hard way and I wasn't remotely ready for it. I can't imagine doing that 4-5 nights a week like some of these guys do. I can't imagine what that does to your self-image. I couldn't even look up because I was terrified to even see people watching me. After I was done, I hid in the VIP room and drank myself into a stupor because I felt like I had come out of a warzone or something.
I dunno. Not like playing other people's records is that hard to do. But I think if I had been up there jumping rope with that many people in the crowd, I'd have felt the same way afterwards. I was really not cut out for it :) i'm much happier playing for 20 people in a bar. Glad I did it at least once, though.
People can make fun of Tiesto all they want, but he's out there playing gigs like that 4 or 5 nights a week, playing his own music, not other peoples, and he brings the same energy and connection to the crowd every time. He gives the people what they want. That ability to move thousands of people like that is a rare gift.
House DJs may be more serious, but IMO, they don't take the same risks that the big name trance DJs do. You don't get much respect from your peers for playing music that is as blatantly cheerful and emotional as trance is. It's a lot easier to get gigs and get respect if you play 'serious' house music.
posted by empath at 8:36 PM on May 30, 2007
I dunno. Not like playing other people's records is that hard to do. But I think if I had been up there jumping rope with that many people in the crowd, I'd have felt the same way afterwards. I was really not cut out for it :) i'm much happier playing for 20 people in a bar. Glad I did it at least once, though.
People can make fun of Tiesto all they want, but he's out there playing gigs like that 4 or 5 nights a week, playing his own music, not other peoples, and he brings the same energy and connection to the crowd every time. He gives the people what they want. That ability to move thousands of people like that is a rare gift.
House DJs may be more serious, but IMO, they don't take the same risks that the big name trance DJs do. You don't get much respect from your peers for playing music that is as blatantly cheerful and emotional as trance is. It's a lot easier to get gigs and get respect if you play 'serious' house music.
posted by empath at 8:36 PM on May 30, 2007
As a one-time house dj, and big fan of techno along with quite a bit of other EDM, I never really thought of it as being more "serious".
I guess there is some of that in the fact that most trance is too cheesy for me. But I also hate cheesy house and techno.
But mostly it just totally stopped making me move. Too flat, too many breakdowns, just... trying too hard with those damn overbearing melodies.
It's also no fun to spin, which doesn't help its case to me.
There is quite a bit of very cheerful house, so it's not just that.
IMO YMMV etc.
posted by flaterik at 9:06 PM on May 30, 2007
I guess there is some of that in the fact that most trance is too cheesy for me. But I also hate cheesy house and techno.
But mostly it just totally stopped making me move. Too flat, too many breakdowns, just... trying too hard with those damn overbearing melodies.
It's also no fun to spin, which doesn't help its case to me.
There is quite a bit of very cheerful house, so it's not just that.
IMO YMMV etc.
posted by flaterik at 9:06 PM on May 30, 2007
Is there really an anti-*trance* movement
Yes. It's called Drum and Bass. At least, several years ago, everyone I know who was into DnB thought that way about it. Quite a fan myself, but I prefer the Goa / Psy stuff.
posted by vbfg at 1:36 AM on May 31, 2007
Yes. It's called Drum and Bass. At least, several years ago, everyone I know who was into DnB thought that way about it. Quite a fan myself, but I prefer the Goa / Psy stuff.
posted by vbfg at 1:36 AM on May 31, 2007
I like the DJ Tiesto - In the dark (Dirty South Remix), that is all.
/down with the kids
I shall now share my latest epiphany about IDM. There is a great simularity between 'intelligent dance music'/electronica and some African percussive music. In particular I am thinking of cuban rumba. Check an album by Tata Guines and tell me that it is not like aphex/luke vibert/plaid/whatever. The thing that I think is the main distinction is that rumba comes from a background where people knew nothing but poly-rhythm, and IDM comes from a background where people know nothing about poly-rhythm.
Obviously, a Guy Called Gerald got there before me somewhat when he used African rhythms on the seminal Black Secret Technology album, but I am concentrating more on the skitish beats of IDM than the rolling beats of drum and bass.
Yes, I should get my own blog.
posted by asok at 3:45 AM on May 31, 2007
/down with the kids
I shall now share my latest epiphany about IDM. There is a great simularity between 'intelligent dance music'/electronica and some African percussive music. In particular I am thinking of cuban rumba. Check an album by Tata Guines and tell me that it is not like aphex/luke vibert/plaid/whatever. The thing that I think is the main distinction is that rumba comes from a background where people knew nothing but poly-rhythm, and IDM comes from a background where people know nothing about poly-rhythm.
Obviously, a Guy Called Gerald got there before me somewhat when he used African rhythms on the seminal Black Secret Technology album, but I am concentrating more on the skitish beats of IDM than the rolling beats of drum and bass.
Yes, I should get my own blog.
posted by asok at 3:45 AM on May 31, 2007
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I noticed that I hadn't really heard anything from here since "Hips Don't Lie" but I had no idea. Damn terrorists.
posted by ND¢ at 2:24 PM on May 30, 2007