Real skills vs technology with Laidback Luke

In this episode, Laidback Luke joins us to talk about his 30-year career and how he's stayed at the forefront of DJ technology throughout this time, championing new features and systems when no-one else believed in them and always looking for ways to push the culture forward. He talks about more than gear, though, covering music, mental health, how the scene has changed, and what the future holds.

If you enjoy this podcast and you can, please do give us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. It really does make a difference.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

00:14 Episode overview

02:15 - Luke's artistic reinvention & Dimmak Records

04:40 - "Dance music hit age 7 and never grew up"

06:19 - Then vs now: from dancing crowds to phones

07:36 - Why this generation feels so alone

08:33 - DJ gear evolution: producer to tech pioneer

12:48 - Can a CDJ-4000 keep up with AI?

15:16 - Most pro DJs want familiarity, not innovation

19:08 - The truth about DJing on vinyl

22:16 - Mentoring legends: Avicii, Afrojack & changing times

26:19 - Mental health & escaping hustle culture

29:04 - "Lockdown made me appreciate touring again"

30:51 - What drugs & phones did to dancefloors

35:32 - Teaching evolution: from forums to structured courses

38:37 - The DJing fundamentals that never change

45:55 - Luke's one piece of timeless advice...

Want to get your question answered on an episode of this podcast? Digital DJ Tips course owners get to ask questions in their student-only group. Your first step to getting involved is to buy a DJ course, so come and join our community at https://www.digitaldjtips.com.