Pioneer DJ, an AlphaTheta brand, has launched its very own, limited-edition fanzine – named ‘deckades’ – to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first-ever CDJ. Released in 1994, the world’s first CDJ – the CDJ-500 – went onto influence DJ and club culture as we know it and led to the creation of Pioneer DJ.
Available both digitally and in print, the ‘zine takes fans through iconic moments from the last 30 years of the CDJ. Showcasing the CDJ’s unique history and evolution, ‘deckades’ takes fans back to the beginning when the CDJ-500 was born and why it was created, while exploring how the world’s best DJs honed their craft transitioning from vinyl to CDJs – and how this impacted club culture.
Now available, fans will be able to visit blog.pioneerdj.com to claim a free copy and start enjoying Pioneer DJ’s musical legacy since 1994.
Split into three decades: 1994-2004, 2004-2014 and 2014-2024, the 42-page ‘zine’ explores the history and evolution of the CDJ recalling how it was born – all from the advancement in technology within in-car audio.
‘deckades’ opens with a visual timeline of the CDJ, from the CDJ-500 through to the latest model – the CDJ-3000, spanning 23 models over 30 years. It features exclusive and never-released interviews with world-leading DJs such as Fatboy Slim, Fabio from Fabio & Grooverider, Anna Tur, Kikelomo and TSHA.
Gearheads can also enjoy new interviews from the designers and engineers behind the CDJs. Within the ‘zine, ‘meet the maker’ sections are integrated throughout which includes a rare interview with the creator of the CDJ-500 – Kou Atsumi. Early concept designs and drawings are featured which provides a nostalgic look at the world’s first-ever CDJ. Other interviews include Naoto Takase and Yoshinori Kataoka – the creative force behind the CDJ-2000 and CDJ-3000.
The brand new fanzine is now available for free, with only 1,000 print copies up for grabs or alternatively, the digital version can be enjoyed.
More information: Pioneer DJ
