Joel Zimmerman, perhaps better known by his handle - deadmau5, is one of the biggest names on the EDM scene and has been for a while now, and I like many others will happily state that he is one of my favourite producers. I love his music, his kicks and percussion are probably the tightest I've ever heard and I love that I will recognise his music purely based on that. For a guy who is humble to the point of being dismissive about his musical abilities, he writes some amazing melodies. Ignore the 4/4 beat, ignore the vocals, ignore that mau5head that has become a global brand. Listen to the chords and melodies in songs like Strobe, Raise your Weapon, Get in the Cart, Pig and Bleed. Whether he knows or acknowledges it or not, he has an understanding of music and an ability that allows him to so beautifully convey emotion through his self made synths - don't even get me started on his technical proficiency! Just watch this video of him making his latest track 'The Veldt', 16 hours straight, broadcasting live to fans... and the sheer pleasure and joy on his face as he listens to it in full. That's what I'm talking about, that emotion is what he makes me feel through his music.
However it is not just Joel Zimmerman the Producer that I admire, I admire him as a person. So many times I have heard people call him an asshole, so many times I've seen people get up in arms on the internet about something he's tweeted or blogged, or said in an interview. Most recently Joel outed the Button Pushers of the EDM scene and seems to have hit a nerve. Well, quite a few nerves belonging to quite a few people. So much so, as usual, people have taken to the internet to voice their anger. Others like A-Trak, have felt it necessary to justify what they do. It seems that Joel has unwillingly started somewhat of a flame war. This is part of what I admire, Joel says what he thinks. He is honest. It doesn't matter who he is talking to, some kid on the internet, or a magazine or even Madonna and her PR people. He believes in something and he'll stand up for it. So what if he comes off as an asshole sometimes, at least he has conviction and isn't pretending to be what the majority want him to be.
Sure, it's not everyone who is content to push play. Joel knows that, he's stated that, but it doesn't take away from the fact that he is right! Every man and his mau5 seems to be a DJ these days, so many times I've watched guys jump up on their desk, dive into the crowd, screw around on stage, and all the while the mix keeps going. Sure, it's true that if you're syncing lights, pyrotechnics, video or whatever to your set it might not be always possible to mix some parts live, but it's this act that is being adopted by the majority and undermining the hard work and dedication of others. The fact is for every 'real' DJ out there today, there'd be another 50 who have just jumped on the bandwagon to get some attention and their slice of the EDM money making pie. For heavens sake, Paris Hilton played a DJ set this month!
The sad thing is, like it or not - Joel has contributed to the Massively Marketed Cruise Ship, that is sinking fast (as he calls it) that is EDM. Because his music is so good, because he has engaged such a large audience - it became more popular than ever. What happens when something becomes popular? More people try and do it, and more people try and make money from it. The positive I take out of this is that like most things I've seen, once the whole flavour of the month/year/decade thing wears of, the true artists like Deadmau5 will still be there, still producing some amazing work.
Who knows, maybe I'll even be among them one day.
Oh, and in case you've missed this - I like deadmau5.
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