Interview with IDA: International DJ Association
Tue, 04/23/2013 - 2:23pm
I recently came into contact with the President of IDA Canada, Moe Dastranj. He reached out to us to promote their first ever online competition: the North American Scratch Battle. Anyone from North America can enter, but you need to register by May 31st. There's already a couple QSU students registered (Stevie-E & E-Na), and I hope to see more enter the battle soon.
Since I actually didn't know a whole lot about IDA (besides that it's a huge international DJ battle spawned out of the now defuct ITF), I thought this would be a great opportunity to ask Moe some questions and get educated.
QSU: How did IDA begin?
Qbert and Mix Master Mike: The Dream Team is Back!
Wed, 04/10/2013 - 10:50am
On Saturday, April 6th in Long Beach, California a historic performance took place at the Guitar Center Music Expo. For the first time in 18 years (yes, it really has been that long since these two have performed as a duo), Qbert took to the stage with the one and only Mix Master Mike.
The footage is a bit shaky because the cameraman was so excited and couldn't keep it still (can you blame him?), but the soundboard quality audio more than makes up for it.
This is just 6 minutes of their all-freestyled set. Nothing was planned, no rehearsal, they just took to the stage and BAM!
Mike is the backbone here, laying down the foundation as Qbert paints over his canvas. Even though it's freestyled, there are no jagged transitions or dull moments. The performance is smooth and flows together as if they've been playing together this whole time. It should also be noted that all the other performers at this event were traditional bands and these two were the only DJs privileged to be included in Guitar Center's first ever Music Expo.
In light of all the madness that too often pollutes the DJ world, this brings it all back to the basics: pure sound. The synchronicity is insane, just listen!
Interview with Mark Katz, author of "Groove Music"
Mon, 03/25/2013 - 1:44pm
A few months ago I heard author/professor Mark Katz interviewed on Billy Jam's "Put the Needle On The Record" Radio show. I'd heard about Groove Music and had been meaning to read it, but it wasn't until after hearing Mark speak with Billy Jam (Hip Hop Slam) that I immediately ordered the book and proceeded to devour every page. I like to read and am a Hip Hop DJ myself, so there was no excuse not to read this.
Rob Swift Interviews his mentor Dr. Butcher
Fri, 02/15/2013 - 11:29am
Rob Swift just put out a new video of him interviewing his mentor and original X-Men member Dr. Butcher, which is both informative and inspiring.
As a well rounded DJ and producer, Dr. Butcher provided many "ghost" scratches in place of DJ Polo on Kool G Rap albums and also was KRG's tour DJ. For a taste of his (underrated) production, check out his remix for "It's A Shame", which is posted below the interview.
"The only thing you can do is the best that you can be… you can only do what life has put in you." - Dr. Butcher
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