As more and more DJs speak out against smartphone use at shows, Chris Stussy has defended it.
Appearing on The Will Clarke Podcast for a recent interview, the Dutch house music virtuoso addressed prevalent concerns in the global electronic music community about excessive smartphone usage in nightlife.
"That's just the new generation, they just want to capture a moment," Stussy said. "But not just a moment—they want to capture every moment that they feel like, 'I was a part of this.'"
Stussy drew comparisons to expensive sporting events, saying that if people are paying high prices for the occasion, they'll likely want to film it.
The DJ's comments lock horns with anti-device sentiments made by many artists in 2024, like the influential Bob Sinclar, who recently took to social media to reprimand smartphone usage in clubs after a particularly vexing event he called the "worst gig" of his career. Other prominent artists to lament the trend include Damian Lazarus, James Hype and MEDUZA, Barry Can't Swim and WAVEDASH.
The ongoing debate illuminates the fine line we walk between capturing lasting memories and robbing ourselves of authentic experiences from behind a screen. A recent study found that 55% of live music fans prioritize recording footage of a performance over being present in the moment.
Watch Stussy's comments below.
@theibizabible_ DJ Chris Stussy recently shared his views on filming on phones at events. What are your thoughts? credit: @The Will Clarke Podcast
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