DJ FORMAT

The goal is to deliver a captivating 20-minute performance that highlights participants' skills, personal style, and ability to engage the audience, akin to performing as a headliner in a club. The format celebrates the diversity of electronic music, embracing genres like house, techno, and ambient, with tempos ranging from 110-180 BPM.

Schedule

The competition is scheduled for April 11 at 2:00 PM and will take place at the SAE Soundbox in Hall 11, located within the MusicOneX area at Messezentrum Frankfurt.

Hardware

All participants can use their own hardware (please get in touch beforehand to agree on the number of gear) or use a standard DJ setup, consisting of four CDJ-3000s and a DJM-A9 mixer from Pioneer. Everyone has the opportunity to work with as many decks as they want. It is allowed to use the sync button, but this should only be used to gain more playing freedom or to let off steam creatively with other technical tools such as effects, pitch and sample shots.

During the performance, the DJ software used will be displayed on a screen so that both the audience and the jury can see which technical components are being used. The use of additional hardware components outside of the DJ set provided is not permitted

Criteria

The broad spectrum of electronic music is reflected in its incredible diversity, which is why the criteria for a DJ competition in this music genre differ from those of a turntablist. We have therefore endeavored to create a basis for evaluation that takes all these aspects into account.

All variations of electronic music encompassing the trendy house and techno genres with a steady tempo range of 110-180 beats per minute will be considered for this competition. In addition, ambient tracks with a slightly slower tempo of 110bpm are also encouraged, along with any type of acapella, loop, or one shot sample that can enhance a DJ set.

The set should have a strong dramaturgical structure, taking listeners on an immersive journey. While scratching is less prioritized, the focus is on creating a danceable, crowd-responsive experience. Judges will assess technical proficiency, effective use of effects and loops, mix harmony, and narrative cohesion. Participants are encouraged to enhance their sets with acapellas, loops, and samples.

• Musicality

  - Structure and harmony

  - Cleanliness in the DJ mix

• Technique

  - Handling of buttons, fader, disk and knobs

  - Utilization of audio effects, loops, remix deck

• Styles

  - Build up, drop & transition

  - Groove techno & fast mixing

  The icing on the cake is your performance on stage. But don´t feel intimitated as we are not aiming for a topless dance Barbie or a new Salvatore Ganacci. You just need to be in your flow and captivate your audience.

  The aim of the 20min performance should be to play as a headliner in a club and use these 20min of an elevator pitch to showcase your skills and your personal trademark.

  During the showcase, the hardware performance will be projected on an LED wall, allowing the audience and jury to observe the creative process in real time. After the set, judges will discuss the concept, track selection, and artistic vision with the participant.

  Judges

  SAE Institute

  Zardonic

  TBA

  Prizes

  1th winner: AIAIAI Headphones & a gig in Ibiza (TBA)

  Registration

  Showcase your work by submitting a 15min dj mix along with a link to your social media profile to hi@electronicmusicart.com. The top three contestants will be notified. Participation in the competition is free and open to all.