Introduction
Despite the rich and diverse musical landscape of the 1980s, many DJs tend to play generic and mainstream hits rather than delving into the lesser-known gems from that era. This article explores the reasons behind this trend and highlights the work of DJs like Carl Cox, Joris Voorn, and Satoshi Tomiie, who have successfully brought forgotten classics back into the spotlight.
Why Mainstream Over Underrated?
When DJs perform, especially in the context of old school music, it is often a golden opportunity to showcase their extensive music collection. However, a common approach is to choose the easiest and most familiar tracks. Many DJs insist on playing 100% new material or reserve the classics for the end, ensuring that the most popular and recognizable songs dominate the playlist.
Take Carl Cox, for instance, who has an 'enormous collection' and occasionally revisits these treasures during lockdown sets. Similarly, Joris Voorn infuses his sets with classic tracks from the 1980s, making him an exception in the industry. Voorn's approach stands out because he understands the importance of respecting the classics and bringing them back to life, much like Satoshi Tomiie's deep dive into Chicago and New York classic house.
Exposure and Appreciation
People's lack of appreciation for great music often stems from limited exposure. Unlike intellectual rigour, great music is accessible and can be enjoyed on multiple levels, from visceral to ephemeral. Listeners can take what resonates with them at their own level. In contrast, the familiarity of well-known hits is what typically draws audiences to a DJ set. This familiarity is a factor that playlist curators heavily rely on for their audience.
DJs are aware of this dynamic and play to it, programming familiar music for the majority of their sets. However, this reliance on familiarity means that listeners are less exposed to the broader spectrum of music, including underrated 80s artists. This creates a cycle where the less known tracks become even less known, as the playlist is dominated by the familiar and popular.
The Professional Context
The music industry's demand for listener satisfaction can create challenges for DJs who want to explore lesser-known artists. As listenership is often a key factor in determining a DJ's earning potential, the inclination is to play music that people are most likely to enjoy. This can result in a reluctance to take risks with music that is less familiar to the audience.
Some DJs, like Joris Voorn and Satoshi Tomiie, are willing to take this risk to bring forgotten classics back into the spotlight. For most, however, the pressure to conform to audience expectations means that these talented artists and their music continue to be overlooked. The industry's focus on what attracts immediate attention at the expense of historical and cultural significance is a significant barrier to rediscovering and appreciating rare underrated 80s artists.
Conclusion
The primary reason why many DJs stick to playing mainstream 80s hits rather than exploring the vast array of lesser-known artists is not a lack of awareness but a combination of audience expectations and professional constraints. However, the work of DJs like Voorn and Tomiie shows that there is room for change, and with enough exposure, these overlooked artists can find their place in the music landscape.