VIRTUAL DJING
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| The next's generation DJ consloles |
With every technological advancement there is both anticipation and
fear as to how change will impact one’s life and work. This has always
been especially prevalent with the DJ community.
The
introduction of digital formats, streaming, and stems has led to
apprehension by many but overall acceptance in the long run. At the end
of the day, DJing rarely subverts from its basic principles: to mix one
or more tracks together in a conscientious flow of rhythms and sounds.
With the introduction of virtual reality technology, we are witnessing the next era of DJ technology, one that exists in a new, interactive online world
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| A typical DJ set up nowadays |
Tribe XR
Tom Impallomeni is co-founder of
Tribe XR, which launched on Oculus Quest September of last year to great
reviews. It focuses on helping aspiring DJs become performers, and
ultimately creating a new roster of talent.
“Right now, if you
want to become a professional DJ you have to buy hardware, or you have
to go and get apps, or go to DJ school,” says Impallomeni. “We recognize
that by using VR you can train people on virtualized versions of real
equipment. You’re getting access to virtualized versions of equipment
worth around $6,000 — CDJ equivalents — for just $20, plus a headset,
and headsets are so cheap now.”
One question DJTT(DJ Tech Tools) posed to all the firms was as to whether or not they foresaw a future in which virtual reality DJing could become a substitute for the experience we have now. A long shot maybe, but would it be ever transpire that within our lifetime we would see someone in the booth with just a headset and some hand controllers?
Impallomeni emphasizes that DJs should not be fearful of new technologies. Tribe XR’s goal is to complement, and augment what is currently available. Their technology already allows you to perform in virtual environments and play in real life scenarios. It seems that this future is already here.
