Like many other DJs, Laidback Luke is not afraid to express his true feelings about the DJ Mag Top 100. Originally once a poll that ranked DJs based on their musical ability, it has quickly turned into a popularity contest based on which DJ has the biggest tracks.
Actually, who are we kidding? We all know it’s actually based on who has the biggest marketing budget.
Dozens of DJs will actually create campaigns every year to rally up votes. However, the end result is actually quite detrimental. When you vote for your favorite DJs, and they rank higher, realistically, you are going to end up paying more to see them. And they’ll probably end up doing fewer small, local shows, too.
Back in July, Laidback Luke expressed his opinion through a vlog, where he began by enlightening viewers of the origins of the poll. When the DJ Mag Top 100 first began in 1991, the results were based off of journalist insights, instead of a popular vote system which was adopted in 1997. Since then, he says, many DJs began spending large amounts of money to market themselves to the public in hopes of gaining a higher rank in the poll.
Last night the Dutch DJ and producer shared a series of tweets on Twitter, saying he was not on the magazine’s popular Top 100 list because of comments he made in this particular vlog. He singles out three DJ Mag contributors: club editor Ben Hindle, global editor Carl Loben, and Digital & Ibiza editor Charlotte Cijffers. He shared screenshots of email snippets with editors and claims they fought with him over his words, calling him “not popular enough” and “a has-been-EDM DJ.”
Do you want to know the truth as to why I didn’t make it into the @DJMag top100 this year? It’s because of this VLOG. *rant on the way* https://t.co/JGrV6rqKU7
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
Yesterday I posted this on @KURA_live IG and I had 3 editors of DJ Mag coming at me. @the_z_word @CarlLoben @CharlotteDJMag Calling me “Not popular enough” and “A has-been-EDM DJ”
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
After my VLOG, DJ Mag reaches out to try and take it down, threatening to stop doing business with me. There was no business anyway, so I kept the VLOG live. In attached email convo with my management, they are well aware of wrong-doings: pic.twitter.com/d9qArNPYJM
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
I’ve always been a fan of the list, but it’s grown to be a monster. I don’t care about my position, I don’t need them. But from the many fellow DJs that I know throw money at them (or else…), to the ones that hacked the system. It is what it is now.
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
To my Asian followers and Latin American followers (not USA cause USA is aware), don’t be fooled! https://t.co/GHOHvQtbjf
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
To my top 100 friends, big congratulations! But I know how much money you invest. This should change. https://t.co/GHOHvQtbjf
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
The very juicy VLOG, when voting starts again, will come! I have a ton of insider info for u that will make you realize how rigged it is. I do think we want the same: an honest list (I really don’t need to be in). So we’ll need to fix that. @the_z_word @CarlLoben @CharlotteDJMag
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
I even have info from people that work there and have worked there @DJMag ?
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
How can you congratulate a fellow DJ, who earned their position, when there’s an invasion of fake names/wannabes in there? This is the problem @DJMag
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
What people often don’t realize, is that I started as a fan of this industry. Absolutely in love with it. I was no one. I want that back again. Admiration for real acts with passion. Pushing boundaries and blowing my mind.
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
There’s a few new gems out there and that gives me hope. I still adore the art, artistry and innovation. Ask yourself, are you just latching on? Or are you the one that will make the difference? A little nugget to success here.
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 20, 2017
