Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader Ep.135 Calvin Harris vs Chicane - who's wrong? + How to Follow a Terrible Headliner
May 22, 2025
Dive into the challenging world of DJing with insights on how to follow a lackluster headliner and revive a crowd. The heated debate between Calvin Harris and Chicane over musical originality raises questions about sampling and influences in the industry. Discover strategies for successful warm-up sets, adapting to audience energy, and the thrills of festival vibes. Plus, explore the resurgence of dubstep and hear about legendary sample thefts that have shaped music history. It's a rollercoaster of sound and scandal!
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Calvin Harris’ Riff Defense
- Calvin Harris defended his track by showing a detailed tutorial of creating the lead guitar riff himself.
- Chicane's claim of copying is weak since the riff consists of common notes and is a typical dance music piano pattern.
DJ’s Experience Following Bad Headliner
- A DJ shared frustration about a headliner who played overly loud, redlining the mixer and master levels, causing many to leave.
- The headliner played the same 140 BPM 4/4 techno set twice, failing to engage the crowd properly.
Booking DJs Must Match Scene
- Booking artists based on personal preference rather than night vibe can cause poor crowd engagement.
- Music that works in one scene or city may fail in another even close geographically.