I only ask this because almost every great producer of modern techno that I listen to on a regular basis (Ricardo Villalobos, Richie, Dubfire, et cetera) seem to be more of a DJ than they are a “composer.” I’m just wondering if there is any chance that one might produce really good techno without having to be a world-class DJ. What is it about DJing that makes those producers’ studio works so high in quality anyway?
Curious…
I look at techno very differnt to most other types of EDM
I know this may sound pretencious but its not mean’t to be but I consider techno a musical artform which is mean’t to push the barriers, sure there are some boundries as much as an artist may paint on a canvas. So a good techno produer should be looking at new ways to express thenselves using differnt sounds fx etc etc - sometimes it works sometimes ist does not
Most of the names you just mentioned probably DJ more for the money to make a decent living and to sell their music and label - as your average techno producer or any edm producr is very unlikely to get rich selling his music alone
But to answer your question - I would say no - you need to listen to music and analyse how it is done - takes alot of practise - listen to DJ sets and even go and see good djs in clubs and watch how the crowd react but all that is still not going to make you a good producer
The only thing is practise, experiment and don’t be afraid to get your tunes out there
I went with yes. I don’t think it is impossible to make great techno without being a DJ, but I think it makes it much more unlikely.
DJing teaches you things that you can’t learn are very difficult to learn.
I don’t think any of the three you mention DJ just for the money, them and Jeff Mills, Derick May etc DJ because they love it.
Well I agree that Djing can teach you new skills but would still disagree that you MUST be a dj to be a good producer - which was what the poll suggested
If you don’t agree Ant I’ll get the Tooting Popular Front to egg your house 
Times have changed, if your breaking into the scene these days releasing top tracks will naturally get you gigs. Djing alone is not enough anymore
Richie hawtin as plasikman and dubfire as part of deep dish have been producing tracks for decades
You need the whole package these days
Ant… what does being an experienced DJ teach you that is very difficult to learn if you don’t do it?
[quote]slender (07/04/2011)[hr]Well I agree that Djing can teach you new skills but would still disagree that you MUST be a dj to be a good producer - which was what the poll suggested
If you don’t agree Ant I’ll get the Tooting Popular Front to egg your house :)[/quote]
As a champagne socialist I am used to a good egging from the Tooting Popular Front, but I take your point.
[quote]TheAnt (08/04/2011)[hr]
As a champagne socialist)[/quote]
Hmmm - champagne socialist + ANT short for Tony + Profile picture obscured by mask + Lives in London = Welcome Mr Blair
Sorry Ant, I know that way way too far :P:D:hehe:
[quote]TheAnt (08/04/2011)[hr][quote]slender (07/04/2011)[hr]Well I agree that Djing can teach you new skills but would still disagree that you MUST be a dj to be a good producer - which was what the poll suggested
If you don’t agree Ant I’ll get the Tooting Popular Front to egg your house :)[/quote]
As a champagne socialist I am used to a good egging from the Tooting Popular Front, but I take your point. :)[/quote]
dont i have a say in that ? 