Parvati Magazine October 2014- Equilibrium | Page 22

MUSIC

BASEMENT JAXX
Junto

R

ecently I was at a technology focused music industry trade show in Toronto showcasing EDM and Hip Hop, and how technology is driving this industry. There were so many
incredible new innovative tools, yet I left wondering whether all this brilliantly sophisticated,
yet easy-to-use software and hardware makes for better music.
Billboard’s pop charts are filled with mediocrity. Beatport’s Electronic charts are filled with
EDM hits that demonstrate a lack of musicality. One panel featured two young Canadian
beat makers using a program called Fruity Loops. The attendees in the auditorium were
jumping out of their seats with enthusiastic adoration. Not surprising since media outlets
like the influential Pitchfork had glowingly reviewed one of these artists. I found the whole
experience devoid of musicality, lacking in musical sensibility, training and understanding.
The most popular artists in this genre at this time are Skrillex and David Guetta. In my opinion,
they could arguably be seen as noise and/or melodic mediocrity.
Thankfully artists like Basement Jaxx bring balance to electronic dance music by showcasing excellence in sound synthesis, combined with an element of satire. It is this creativity that