67% of DJ Mag Winners Support the use of Ghost Producers

DJ Mag decided to ask artists in the DJ Mag Top 100, “What do you think of DJs who use Ghost Producers?”

It’s not a surprise those who actually use Ghost Producers say they are against it, however, out of the 100 DJs, 34 of them didn’t answer the question. Out of 66 DJs who did answer, 67% support the use of Ghost Producers.

We compiled the most interesting responses, and listed them below:

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike #1:

“There seems to be a lot of confusion around the topic. Sometimes artists get help in mixing, songwriting or additional production; it’s not exclusive to electronic music or any other genre for that matter. Ultimately, if that extra pair of hands makes the final sound of the record better, then it’s in everybody’s best interest to go down that avenue. But what’s important is clarity around how that collaboration works, and everybody involved properly credited and paid for their efforts.”

David Guetta #6:

“There’s a big difference between having ‘ghost producers’ or working as a team. It’s totally cool to work as a team and everyone should be credited. And paid. Bit like being in a band.”

Steve Aoki #10:

“I don’t really have a problem with it so much…”

W&W #14:

“Mixed feelings. Of course it kind of takes away some integrity of an artist, but being a good producer is by far not the only aspect of being a great artist or a great DJ.”

Dash Berlin #15:

“I work together with other producers all the time and I am very open about it. What others do is their decision.”

Dvbbs #16:

“You can’t be in the NBA if you don’t know how to play basketball.” (LOL)

R3hab #21:

“Everybody should be credited, but I also feel that this is a totally overhyped and exaggerated phenomenon. I love collaborating with talented people and getting inspired, so if you want to work together and you credit the person, great!”

KSHMR #23:

“I think it’s acceptable to get help. Ultimately, it is up to the artists to decide at what point they are no longer being honest with their listeners.”

Nervo #24:

“We started off as ghostwriters and used this as a platform to launch our own careers when the time was right for us to become artists. We are all for collaborating but there has to come a point in time when the ghost producer gets their glory (if they want this).”

Dannic #26:

“I produce all my tracks in my own studio but I don’t see anything wrong with it. If working with a partner helps you to truly make the best tracks you can, then you can only go with your gut to produce the best music at that time.”

Yves V #34:

“I actually work with a studio partner, and that works really well for me with my schedule. The first records I released were made entirely by myself, but since I’ve worked with a partner and I really feel we can go to that next level.”

Ummet Ozcan #36:

“It is inevitable, but it doesn’t really bother me.”

Showtek #37:

“Some singers use help from songwriters, some DJs use help from producers. Music is more than just a song, and it’s the bigger picture that matters.”

Angerfist #38:

“It’s so integrated in the music business. Who cares?”

Coone #49:

“If you’re a good businessman, a good entertainer, up to date with the latest trends in music and most of all a good DJ, then I don’t have a problem with it, although it would not work for me.”

DJ Chetas #59:

“Everyone has their own personal choices, I’m not one to comment on them.”

Danny Avila #60:

“I think the original idea has to come from the artist himself. He has to be involved in the creative process. But there are great sound engineers that can help bring the track to the next level, which is a great thing.”

Laidback Luke #64:

“I’m absolutely fine with that. The mailman might be able to deliver the most wonderful packages on time, but that doesn’t mean he’s responsible for the products in there.”

Firebeatz #66:

“We understand some DJs just don’t have the time or knowledge to produce, and without productions it’s impossible to tour around the world. Those DJs use ‘their’ music as a marketing tool but for us it’s hard to understand.”

Umek #70:

“This is a reflection of the fact that DJs are being booked not for their DJ skills but the ability to produce and promote hit songs.”

Tenishia #71:

“It’s not news that a lot of DJs are manufactured nowadays. One can have great skills in DJing and not in producing, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Radical Redemption #72

“Sometimes a producer is just a producer. That’s when you will search for a face, to do the performances. There’s nothing wrong with that. Besides, I don’t think Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Madonna or Katy Perry write all their songs themselves. Nobody cares about that. So basically, I’ve got no problem with the whole ghost producer thing.”

Frontliner #73:

“I know some DJs who never learned how to produce and are still widely known. It’s the ghost producer behind these acts who doesn’t get the recognition they deserve.”

Chuckie #77:

“If a DJ needs help producing his music and he needs a specialist to help him out, be my guest. As long as his heart and soul is all over that track.”

Quintino #80:

“I’m personally sort of against it. I mean, basically, you’re lying to the entire world about your work.” (Cough Maarten Vorwerk Cough)

ATB #82:

“That’s a part of the business these days! I couldn’t do it like this! My music is my identification.”

Makj #83:

“Let’s just say this, if there was no such thing as “ghost producers” then a lot of the Top100 wouldn’t exist. So I guess it’s important to some people. Not me.”

Ferry Corsten #85:

“Oh well… it has been creating a lot of work for me!”

Fluxx Pavilion #86:

“A DJ is different to a producer, so the fact that a person who is good at one thing asks another person who is good at another thing to do something doesn’t surprise me.”

Zatox #87:

“Obviously it is best to do it yourself, but it is fine as long as DJs don’t pretend to produce themselves whilst they have a ghost.”

Robin Schulz #89:

“Not my cup of tea, but it’s OK for me. Nobody gives a fuck if a pop star or band is produced by someone else!”

Marlo #91:

“Each to their own, I don’t focus on what other people are doing – I’d rather spend that energy and time making my own music.”

Quentin Mosimann #93:

“It’s hard to pass judgement on this. I really support composing collaboration, sharing between artists and musicians, at least for my projects. Regarding a ghost producer, actually it happens I make some tracks for other artists because sometimes they need a different approach than their own, it’s easier to write for someone else than yourself I guess.”

Miss K8 #94:

“I don’t think about it. Everyone should do what they feel is best for them.”

Swanky Tunes #97:

“If a DJ has an idea of a brilliant track, then it doesn’t matter who produced this track.”

Cosmic Gate #99:

“As long as they are good DJs at least, its ok with us. What’s a bit odd is pretending to be the producer and not give credit to the real writers of a song.”