“What do they do up there? Twiddle filter knobs and clap”: Deadmau5 says most DJs play pre-recorded sets at major festivals

Electronic music producer Deadmau5 has said that most DJ sets at major festivals are pre-recorded.

The artist, whose real name is Joel Zimmerman, shared that he has played pre-recorded shows himself, explaining that at most big festivals “you have to.”

The topic is a divisive one, but Deadmau5 had no problem being honest and upfront about it. He began discussing the topic of pre-recorded sets during a 2021 live stream which has recently resurfaced on YouTube. Responding to a comment that asked if he had “ever faked a DJ set”, he was happy to share that he had played pre-recorded ones due to time restraints.

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