Pioneer DJ is celebrating 30 years of its iconic CDJ product line with the release of a limited-edition fanzine called deckades. This special publication traces the evolution of the CDJ, which has been a groundbreaking tool in the DJ world since the launch of the original CDJ-500 in 1994.
Deckades offers a look at the development of the CDJ across its 23 different models, documenting the transition from CDs to digital formats like USBs, and more recently, touchscreens. The fanzine features 42 pages filled with historical insights, technical details, and exclusive interviews with renowned DJs including Fatboy Slim, Fabio, Anna Tur, Kikelomo, and TSHA. These artists share their personal experiences with the CDJ, highlighting its impact on their performances and the broader DJ culture.
In addition to the interviews, deckades covers important advancements in music technology that the CDJ line helped pioneer, such as the controversial sync button, looping capabilities, and cue points, which have made DJing more accessible to a wider audience. The fanzine is divided into sections that focus on different decades, from 1994 to 2024, giving a nostalgic look at the evolution of DJing equipment.
Only 1,000 physical copies of Deckades are being printed, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who miss out on the physical edition, a digital version is also available for download.
This release is part of Pioneer DJ’s celebration of the legacy and continued relevance of the CDJ in the always changing landscape of electronic music. The fanzine not only honors the past but also acknowledges the future direction of DJ technology.
