|
By: M4Crew
Source: http://www.mighty4.com/m4/?page_id=5 This man right here is a huge influence and inspiration to me:
Shortkut, 27, Daly City, began DJing 1986
Representing: Beat Junkie Sound, Triple Threat Dj’s, original Invisibl Skratch Piklz Whatup Shortkut. How’d you get into DJing? Just being into hip hop, I use to bboy back in the early 80’s and bought records at the same time. Just tryin to copy what I heard on records…broke a couple of my dad’s needles on his turntables. But the Bay Area mobile dj scene of the 80’s got me into it. What was the scene like when you first got started, and how has it evolved since then? Back then, the dj battles would run Jamaican style. Think of 3 or more soundsystem crews in one hall or hotel ballroom. Every crew would have their own set-up of lighting, countless speakerboxes and a main dj who would represent the crew with a special lined up mix of the illest tunes at the time , and how creative they’d mix it. At the end, the crowd would determine the winner. Unfortunately, that scene is long gone and it’s something I miss about the dj culture. It’s a part of the scene of the Bay Area that never got to evolve. What do you currently think of the Battle scene or just the state of DJing in general here in North America? The battle scene is always fresh with new hungry cats ready to make it to Europe to battle for the world championship. I’m happy to see how it’s elevated and where it’s gone over the years. I hope to see more dj’s look towards diggin for breaks to rearrange rather than just rely on the battle records. I feel that’s another lost part about being a “dj” nowadays. it’s all good to focus on one part, but a plus to know the history and be open minded to other genres of music. |
published: May 14, 2003, www.sfweekly.com