The International superstar James Hype has set the record straight on the growing trend of pre-recorded DJ sets at major festivals. Following his one-of-a-kind performance at EDC Orlando, James Hype responded to a Reddit thread here that questioned which DJs were genuinely performing live. Despite industry rumors and statements from fellow artists such as deadmau5 suggesting that pre-recorded sets are common at such events, James Hype made it clear that he has never—and will never—play a pre-recorded set.
James Hype’s commitment to live performance is a testament to his dedication to the craft. Known for his intricate transitions, eclectic mashups, and on-the-fly remixes, James Hype consistently pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a live DJ. His refusal to conform to the industry norm of pre-recorded sets is a bold statement in an era where authenticity in live performances is increasingly questioned. This commitment has earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. As one Reddit user put it, “James Hype is a real one. He’s taking all the risks, doing difficult transitions live, showing you his mistakes, and testing out remixes he made traveling at live gigs. Much appreciation for this man’s hustle.”
In a past YouTube video posted by James Hype, he not only addresses the misinformation but also highlights his dedication to live DJing. He explains that he embraces the risk of performing live, including making real-time transitions and testing out new remixes in front of audiences.
This commitment is central to his identity as an artist and allows transparency in the industry not only for fans but aspiring artists as well. The video has resonated with his global audience, reinforcing James Hype’s reputation as a true performer who values the integrity of live mixing.
James Hype has played at some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and EDC, always delivering an experience for the masses like no other. His approach to DJing challenges the status quo and sets a high standard for other artists in the industry as James Hype shares: “A few months ago I started to notice a trend: Whenever a video of my DJing went viral, 50% of the comments were from people saying it was fake and that I was a fraud. There seems to be a narrative that all big DJs on big stages are playing pre-recorded sets and I want to break that. I’m trying to deliver a different show every single time and doing stuff that’s actually LIVE, unique, and RISKY is the only way I know how to perform. I saw a video where deadmau5 told his fans that EDC requires all artists to pre-record and it’s just not true, I’ve played all the biggest festivals on all the biggest stages! I think this narrative is damaging for the culture and the new DJs coming up.”
As the debate over pre-recorded sets continues, James Hype remains committed to delivering authentic, live performances that resonate with audiences and preserve the true essence of DJing which always leaves fans with the question of “Who Does This?”
