DJs vs. electronica: What's the difference?

Electronica artists compose music. DJs take other artists songs, mix them, and create a new song.

The two groups walk a fine line, and the music sounds similar. But the production method differs.

Electronic artists compose music from scratch. They use computer programs, laptops and conventional instruments. They generate music ranging from techno to house to happy hardcore.

DJs, short for disc jockeys, spin existing songs into their own creations. Performing at house parties and crowded clubs, they gauge the crowd. They take dancers reactions and decide how to play music, speeding it up, mixing it or overlaying it with other songs.

Rey Aguilar, one half of McAllen electronica group Retrovox, started as a DJ. He spun his own music before creating his own.

"With making music, you can make whatever you're feeling at the moment," Aguilar says. "DJing, you can play what you like but you also have to get the crowd involved."

A good DJ reads the crowd, and feeds off their energy, he says. DJs create their own style with the guidance of the crowd.

Electronica artists create music based on their mood and tastes, says Saul Irigoyen, a McAllen based electronica musician and digital artist.

"They're two different crafts, but they both make original music," Irigoyen says. "I have to give respect to DJs too."

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.