25 DJs name their best of all time
DJ EXPO 2013: What does it take to become a DJ's favourite DJ? Well, we rounded up 25 DJs and asked them just that. Who gains the respect of legends such as Todd Terry, Dave Clarke and Josh Wink? Who impresses the new breed of superstar DJs like Nicky Romero, TJR and Lazy Rich? Find out after the jump...
Nicky Romero
“Carl Cox! I feel this exceptional guy has paved the way for us youngsters. Apart from that he is someone to look up to and known for his awesome sets, not just his productions (although these are very good - no disrespect meant).
"He was one of the first great artists to put electronic music on the map and is still rocking after being on the scene for over two decades - nothing but respect. The fact that he is into motorbikes (and particularly Ducatis) helps too.”
Martinez Brothers
“Hmmm, that's a tough one. It would probably have to be David Mancuso. He is definitely one of the founders of the after-hours nightlife scene.
"He introduced the idea of promo records and record pools, broke so many of the key foundational records and did so without mixing until the wee hours of the morning. Just saying.”
Will Saul
“Phew… too many good ones to name just one. I do have a vivid memory of Francois K playing in Room One of Fabric about eight years ago. He was playing with CDs, an early version of Traktor and vinyl on three turntables and I was blown away. Mixing really quickly across many genres seamlessly.
"It was more that I remember thinking how super professional he was - all his vinyl alphabetized in the Room One booth, with his little reading glasses and loafers. It was like watching my Dad. In a good way, like if my Dad was an amazing DJ.
"I was also incredibly impressed by a Derrick May DJ set in Sheffield a few years ago.”
TJR
“I have two categories: turntablists and non-turntablists (house DJs like myself). Craze is my favourite turntablist: he's technical, creative, unique, entertaining and has attitude.
"Non-turntablist: Terry Mullan from Chicago. He mixed so many different genres of acid, disco, techno, booty, funky and breaks in a set flawlessly, as well as cutting and scratching. My biggest influence by far.”
Kramnik
“Technically, my favourite DJ would have to be Digweed. There is something about his technical style that has always fascinated me.
"But in terms of track selection and programming it would be very hard to pick anyone because that would depend on the mood. One of the problems with auto-sync is that anyone can beat-match; there is something very mystical about riding two records together, so there's a lot of technical artistry that has disappeared with so much technology.
"I also think there are too many effects in modern mixing. The best possible effect is just two great tracks coming together for the first time.”
HIIO
“Well, there are a few DJs coming to our minds, but we both think that, as a DJ, Chuckie has everything.
"He is the heart of any party, and he plays many different styles in his live sets. Chuckie has incredible management of the mix, with scratching. He can do whatever he wants on the mixing side. Chuckie makes the crowd go crazy every time! He has an incredible open mind when we talk about music.”
Josh Wink
“Francis Grasso. The Godfather of DJing. He was the first known DJ to beat-match and turned music programming into an art in the nightclub.
"He understood the importance of programming and picking up on the vibe and energy of the crowd. He used that energy and directed it back to them through the next selected track.”
Oliver Heldens
“That's a hard question since I'm inspired by many different artists from many different styles.
"But if I really had to choose I would say Headhunterz is the greatest DJ/producer of all time. I've been a big fan of his music since I was just 11 years old and I still really love his music.
"Another reason I would choose him is that, beside hardstyle, he also makes very very good house tracks. You should check it out - he produces his house tracks under the name Shilo.”