Pickster – Papa Was A Rolling Stone EDIT – Pickster
Open Format: A Genre Beyond Genre
Open format isn’t a genre in the traditional sense, it’s more of a philosophy. Imagine a DJ with a record bag crammed with everything from hip-hop to house, techno to pop, all ready to drop a sonic bomb that defies categorization. That’s open format in a nutshell – a refusal to be confined by genre lines, embracing the freedom to play whatever moves the crowd.
A History of Mash-Ups and Musical Mayhem
While the term “open format” might be recent, its origins lie deep within the history of DJing itself. Early DJs, like the legendary Kool Herc, were masters of blending different genres, creating the foundation for hip-hop. This eclectic spirit carried over to other musical scenes, with DJs experimenting with diverse sounds in clubs and on radio.
The 1990s saw the rise of “mash-up” culture, where DJs combined seemingly disparate songs to create surprising and often hilarious results. This trend further blurred the lines between genres, paving the way for the open format movement.
Open Format’s Funniest Moments
1. The “Accidental Mash-Up”: Remember when that DJ accidentally played a Britney Spears track in the middle of a heavy metal set? The crowd went wild (some in confusion, others in delight!), proving that even the most unexpected combinations can create a magical moment.
2. The “One Song Wonder”: There’s that one DJ who seems to have a knack for dropping the most bizarre songs, like a 1980s synth-pop track followed by a 1950s jazz standard. You never know what to expect, but it’s always entertaining!
3. The “Genre-Defying Challenge”: Imagine a DJ taking on the challenge of playing a set using only songs released before the year 2000, but somehow managing to make it sound completely current. That’s the power of open format – pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
More than Just a Playlist
Open format isn’t just about playing diverse music, it’s about creating a dynamic, unpredictable experience. It’s about reading the crowd, feeling the energy, and playing what resonates in that specific moment. It’s about pushing boundaries, blurring genres, and reminding everyone that music, at its core, is a celebration of shared emotions.
So, the next time you hear an open format DJ spin, remember: it’s not just a setlist, it’s a sonic adventure. And who knows, you might even witness a hilarious, genre-bending moment that will be etched in your musical memory forever.