By Jake Corbin
Technology and hip-hop have always been intertwined; from microphones to massive 16-track recorders, machines have played an integral part in the art form.
And just like technology, the art is changing.
Over the past few years, many in the DJ community have broke with tradition and abandoned their analog format for a digital one. Instead of two turntables, vinyl and a mixer, disc jockeys are hooking up to laptops and external hard drives to “spin” mp3s.
The introduction of Serato’s Scratch LIVE hardware and software—which allows DJs to manipulate digital audio on their laptop with special vinyl records on their turntables—is a major reason for the revolution.
Here’s how Serato works: A USB interface syncs the turntables and mixer with the laptop (and the Scratch LIVE program). A unique control signal is given off from Scratch LIVE that allows it to track the motion of the records on the turntables, simulating the same movement with digital audio on the laptop.
Essentially, same record feel but none of the problems that come with it. Gone are the days of ruining records from continuous use (and abuse). No more flipping sides and switching out records, either—everything is done on the same two slabs of Serato vinyl.
More importantly, however, the days of hauling multiple crates of records to gigs have been abolished as well; something touring DJs—and their wallets—will love.
“It basically saved my life, because I got hit with about $3, 200 of extra bag charges from carrying records [on airplanes],” DJ Jazzy Jeff said in an interview on the Scratch LIVE website. “This, to me, saved two turntables and a mixer for the future.”
Jazzy Jeff, one of the first to publicly embrace Serato, added with a smile: “It doesn’t make DJing any easier, but it does make carrying records easier.”
Scratch LIVE also includes a plethora of process effects, including looping capabilities, allowing several creative vantage points the time-tested, analog DJ set-up simply doesn’t offer.
“Artistically it was exactly what I was looking for. Just raw power,” TradeMark310 wrote while weighing in on the Serato program on DJ Z-Trip’s website. “Any sound was now available to me to scratch and spin and manipulate.
“Hip-hop was based on making noise with whatever you could get your hands on. Huge speakers, funky breaks, spray paint cans, linoleum, whatever. Serato is just like a new tool, a new way to express yourself.”
Despite its creative (and convenient) advantages, not everyone is ready to usher in the era of digital DJing.
DJ P, real name Danny Phillips, is first on the list.
Phillips, who first gained notoriety after he and DJ Z-Trip put out “Uneasy Listening,” a non-stop blend of ‘80s and hip-hop music using only vinyl and turntables, is upset by the shortcuts Serato allows.
“I think Serato has completely ruined the art form; it has killed the culture of DJing,” Phillips said bluntly. “It has become too easy for someone to put together a mix on their computer and go to a club and play that mix.”
Although Serato has made it easier for DJs who tour and haul records through busy airports, it has also diminished the painstaking art of searching out new records.
“Back in the day, you had to dig for records—that’s what made a DJ,” Phillips said with exasperation. “[Serato] made it so anyone who can download a file will have that record.”
In essence, the mystery of the DJ’s record collection has been spoiled by the advent of technology; digging through dusty crates in the local record store for an elusive album has been replaced by a few clicks of the mouse and time spent on peer-to-peer file sharing sites.
“DJing has always been about someone who spins vinyl,” Phillips said. “Doing it live with vinyl is hard. It’s like playing an instrument—it is an instrument—if you miss a cue to mix in the next record you have to improvise and find a way out of trouble.”
Vinyl or binary code, one thing is for sure: DJing is here to stay. As technology progresses and a new generation of kids step behind the decks (or whatever machine is used to play music), we can at least hope the art of party rocking stays intact.
Good thing DJ P will be around to remind anyone who forgets.
[Photo courtesy of Helppo on Flickr]
4 comments:
i'm feeling the video at the end!
well written, and i like your ending, very clever.
What about people who use USB controllers to spin virtual DJ decks? Do they count? What about people who plug iPods into mixing docks? I need you to tell me who is right, Jake . . .
P.S. Someone seems to have some pent-up anger toward Eminem . . .
Very well written and informative. Easy to read and interesting too.
It reminds me of the days not so long ago when I used to help a D.J. friend of mine lug around those milk crates of records and his turntable coffin.
An interesting look at how technology is changing this industry.
The column seems to strike a good balance between the techno-geekness required to explain what goes on with non-geek language so the lay person can understand.
At least most of it.
Good use of quotes and sources, too.
Very authoritative...
Post a Comment