Instagram/@deadmau5
Deadmau5, the electronic music producer, has introduced an innovative touch screen controller tailored for him and the artist explains that he was fed up with the standard equipment used in the recording industry that brought him inconveniences, so he decided to create a performance system that was unbeatable in every aspect. He’s going through this transition, and the artist, whose real name is Joel Zimmerman, just revealed a small section of the full property set, stating that he was making sure everything was “locked down” even though he had to choose a selection of controls that were initially “a little shitty.”
Advertisement
This aforementioned change is the final chapter in the Deadmau5 saga that has been running for decades and the live electronic music performer has always been the one to improve technology. He did not abandon the limits set by the machines of the time, he always devised new ways of doing it. Those who managed to adapt to the new hardware still had to suffer the same stress as before, which is one of the factors contributing to Deadmau5’s huge online following. The new setup bears the fingerprint of the OSC/Pilot software you’ve been using for several years, but this time it’s made to be easier to use and touchscreen controlled.
One observer put it best when he said: “I enjoy that you finally caved and switched to CDJs after so many years, you figured that shit out quickly, basically proving your point that the modern DJ is unsophisticated, you got bored of its limitations and said screw it, I’ll build an even better system myself. Giga chad move.” The author of this review draws a parallel between an artist who has acquired the ability to seize tools and then surpass them through custom engineering.
At the time the custom controller came out, past comparisons were made among tech-savvy musicians. One more comment identified it as “Reminds me of Daft Punk and their Lemur JazzMutants,” which is a reference to the famous duo’s reliance on custom apps when performing live. This desire to have high-tech musical instruments in the performer’s toolkit puts Deadmau5 in the same league with a long list of artists who not only play their signature instruments but also consider them as such. On the other hand, one person commented that the whole project fits into a particular artistic philosophy: “Brian Eno always said he felt more like a systems engineer than a musician. I think there’s something Brian Eno spiritual about this.” This commentary has already positioned Deadmau5’s upcoming techno inventions as part of his artistic process and not simply a technical hobby.
The mixed reactions of the audience were the result of their surprise and the entertainers’ fun mockery. Everyone always has something different to say about the artist: one was, “I don’t know how you’re able to do so many things… this is crazy, coding your own software for live, the cube, mau5ville, so many things,” and another was, “damn, I could never figure out how to map the tracks for different songs on the same button and now you put out this incredibly updated version.” The first person is probably baffled simply because they can barely keep track of the many activities going on with the producer employing a variety of advanced techniques. Another person added humor to the situation by joking: “This is going to be difficult after a few Coronas,” meaning that the complexity of the setup will require very precise control.
For others, the new was simply something that brought something even greater. One long-time Deadmau5 fan said, “I remember watching a video of the touchscreen during Arguru @ Earls Court 2011. Always changing the game,” indicating that this new controller is simply the latest version of long-term technological experiments that began more than a decade ago. The post also sparked optimistic speculation about upcoming gigs, with one user asking: “Test pilot b2b cirez d again please,” expressing hope that the new team could result in the return of a much-loved collaborative moniker.
Advertisement
Deadmau5’s decision to switch to a new performance system is not only a statement of him as an engineer and programmer, but also that he is a musician simply playing the role of an artist. Furthermore, you will not be limited by the tools available and this is your unwavering determination to customize every aspect of your craft. This new production is not only a new piece of equipment but an artistic declaration of independence and a continuation of the search for the impossible in live electronic music performance. The artist is likely to have greater control and spontaneity during his shows, thus maintaining the already high expectations of innovation that will inspire his peers and the public throughout his entire career. Bryan Adams was also part of an outstanding event with the artist.
