SPRING 1995 • NUMBER TWENTYTHREE

“This issue, you’ll find a rack-mounted ton of info and insights on the crossing over of DJs and KJs into each other’s worlds; and how this interaction has given birth to a universe of strange new technology. From Scott Kiley’s industry overview, Julie Pacino’s look at Pioneer and our publisher’s report on the recent International DJ Expo – to articles by Dan Becherer, Cesar De Dios and Joe Fucini on sound and lighting products aimed at both markets, this edition brings you the bridge that had to be crossed. What stood out for me was the phenomenon known as “DJ Otaku” (Bedroom DJ) in Asia and Europe; teenagers and young adults who work with two digital decks and spend hours making up their own dance mixes. It’s easy to drift back to my own ”DJ Otaku” setup. Some dreams die hard. These days, kids can mix music with portable DJ systems and sing or rap with fancy Karaoke players. Later on, they may consider a profession as a DJ or a KJ, or, as this issue notes, both. It’s certainly understandable to be fearful of technology. But it’s only fair to note that, at its best, it can make dreams come true.”

–Ben Fong-Torres