This week, Ex-European Mixing Champion DJ Trix.
How did you start this scratching, mixing, turntablism shit? Most DJs as we presume you did, got into it via hip hop. What made you want to set the world alight with your deck skills?
” From an early age I was interested in running a mobile disco. After a family holiday in Spain where I saw a DJ beat mixing and extending tracks mixing in and out of instumental versions – I knew this was something I wanted to do. What got me hooked on scratching was Malcom McLarens Buffalo Gals video. Before I had even got decks I knew in my head what to do – it all felt natural to me. Then I had to compete in the DMC Championships.”
Who were your scratch heroes?
“Seeing Cash Money in the DMC World Championships inspired me more than any other DJ”
Highlight of your DMC turntablism days?
“I’ve so many high points from the time I was competeing in the DMC comps. Winning my first jacket, being a UK Finalist, becoming the European Champ, performing all over the world…the list is endless. I love DMC.”
What are you doing musically these days?
” I still play in dance clubs all over the world, I also work for DJ equipment manufacturers on R&D and do demos at trade shows. Also, just back in the studio working on some progressive house tracks.”
Tell us about Chad Jackson and Cutmaster Swift…
” Chad made me want to wear ripped jeans, a Biggles hat and white lipstick. Swift – I see every now and then at trade shows – he epitimises the scratch DJ scene in the UK. End of.”
What do you think about how the art of turntablism which has moved on so much in recent years?
“It has become finely tuned to what we where doing 20 years ago – helped with the advances in mixer technology (adj fader curves, channel rev etc.), the use of battle wax and serato means DJs sets can be crammed with moves. When I started competing the DMC comps were in a transition from being a mixing comp. to what we know as turntablism. In my sets, I always tried to have a few running mixes as well as beat juggling and scratch moves, but also using varied genres of music instead of the usual Public EnemyRob Base/Hasim noise that was about at the time. The team comps give me a buzz, this is something that never happend years ago – and is a visual delight. Where its all going is the big question. With so many different devices to play music with and not one real industry standard like the Technics 1200 was years ago, its a hard call. But whatever happens, every DJ on the planet owes it to DMC for putting the art of DJing on a pedestal. So thank you DMC for everything. I’ve had 20 years of amazing times, you sent my mother around the twist when I practised 6 hours a day, I have seen the world… and paid lots of bills.”