No Requests, Son

Friday 2012.01.27: BACK TO THE DJ, 2012!!

2012-01-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

BACK TO THE DJ, 2012!!

Come wild out to the first Back To The DJ of 2012! On Friday, January 27th, we're about to get down with a unique genre-based night of the dopest old school music, and it's hosted by the one and only Sonny Bonoho!

Groove Techs: 10-11:30 (True School Opener)
DJ Bamboo: 11:30-12:00 (So So Def)
DJ Blesone: 12:00-12:30 (Teddy Riley)
DJ E-Rok: 12:30-1:00 (Native Tongues)
DJ Hyro: 1:00-1:30 (Flyte Tyme)
DJ Spinja: 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!! Celebrating my birthday as well!

For party reservations and discounted guestlist, please contact: groovetechs@gmail.com.

Friday 2012.01.20: Back To Basics (SF) and The Skillet (Oakland)

2012-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

I finally get a chance to spin outside of Seattle with the homies out in the Bay. This is this Friday, 01-20-2011! Big ups to DJ Neo Geo, DJ Crimson, and the Rockit City DJ's!

A Letter To My DJ

2012-01-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

This was truly inspiring. This is exactly why Groove Techs was formed and exactly the vibe we still create. We are still US. Click on image to read the letter.

Skratch Lounge Showcase With DJ Tre & DJ Shmix! 2011.12.01

2011-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Seattle's own DJ Tre and Bremerton's DJ Shmix throwin down for December's Skratch Lounge (Seattle, WA). Groove Techs represent!

Skratch Lounge Showcase With Battlestar! (Cwitch/Rayted R), 2011.11.03

2011-11-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

I can't express the dopeness of this showcase. Rayted R and Cwitch from Battlestar flew all the way up from San Diego to perform this for us here at Skratch Lounge (Seattle, WA). Oooh weee!

Skratch Practice

2011-10-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

A better improvement on the chirp flare:

Friday 2011.10.28: BACK TO THE DJ, HALLOWEEN EDITION!!

2011-10-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate everything good about the DJ culture and why you love listening to quality music. These nights have been nothing but a well-respected party - created for the DJ's by the DJ's. Giving awareness to real party rockin' skills that is so absent today. For those who missed out, now's your chance to check out what the hype is all about. A packed house with dope true school music. On Friday, October 28th, we're about to combine the dopest old school music with some Halloween nastiness:

Groove Techs (@groovetechs): 10-11:30 (True School Opener)
100Proof (@dj100proof): 11:30-12:00 (Bad Boy Set)
Spinja (@spinja): 12:00-12:30 (90's Female R&B)
Tre (@djtre): 12:30-1:00 (Golden Era Hip-Hop)
Tone (deejaytone.net): 1:00-1:30 (New Edition Set)
Bamboo (@djbamboo888): 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!!

Celebrating the birthdays of our friends Caryvon Orbino and DJ Tone!

Costumes encouraged!

$10 Cover.
For booths and discounted guestlist, email: groovetechs@gmail.com.

-Groove Techs (Bamboo & Spinja)

Join our FB Group: Groove Techs Facebook

Follow us on Twitter: @groovetechs

Skratch Lounge Relaunch On Oct. 6th at Trinity!!!

2011-09-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

We have finally secured a new home for our monthly Skratch Lounge event! We are moving from the Baltic Room over to Trinity. We are still holding it the first Thursday every month, and it will go from 7-10:30PM. No Cover. Just bring your needles, scratch record, a desired mixer, and we'll provide the beats.

Because we weren't sure if we could find a new venue in time for Sept, we cancelled the Skratch Lounge in September, and we will relaunch at Trinity for October. The showcase will be featuring Bremerton's finest: DJ PJilla and DJ Boski!!

Friday 2011.09.09: JOINTS & JAMS!!

2011-09-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

Our monthly Joints & Jams party is happening every 2nd Friday at The Baltic Room! That means next Friday is the place to be. We've been doing this for 2 years now to keep real old school music alive and well that us 30+ yr. olds know and love. Wanna go out but not feel like the old guy/gal in the club? This is the spot to be. You'll be hearing cuts like After 7, Shalamar, Eric B. & Rakim, Brand Nubian, and more....we've been there and done that, now it's time to revive that.

9PM. Free before 11PM, $5 after. Groove Techs bring you timeless Soul & Hip-Hop that is very much missing from the nightlife party scene. If you're truly from the old school, this is the place to be!

A response to a Facebook DJ group where a DJ is fed up with the Seattle scene...

2011-07-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

I'm one of those DJ's that DJ B-Mello mentioned; that is, I have a day job and I DJ. However, the extra gravy is not the primary reason why I do it - not to rub it in, but I don't need it since I've already budgeted my lifestyle based on my day job. With that said, I take the effort and risk to do something to diversify the nightlife in my own way (e.g. Joints & Jams, Back To The DJ, Skratch Lounge). My goal is not for monetary value - it's to provide a home for older folks because Seattle nightlife is geared too much towards 18-24 yr olds. When I moved to Philly/NYC in 2000, I noticed something immediately - there were way more spots where a 45 yr. old could go and kick it and not feel old. I think this is completely absent in Seattle, and because of this, people that grow up here may subconsiously feel they need to settle down after 25 so they won't be the old dude/gal in the club. It's a real problem for the business in my mind because older people are the ones that have money to spend. And the promoters that say "old school" or 25+ never stick to it - I walk into their joint and they're playing Top 40 80% of the night. That's false advertising. At least I've felt that I'm making a difference and provide an event where I see alot of older people actually want to make it out - and that makes me, as a DJ, super happy because I get to play real old school and everyone is happy with it because they know what to expect. You don't have to be on the hunt when you go out dancing. Seattle has a really skewed view on dating, and it's driven by the wacky societal norm of nightlife here, which in turn fucks up the promo game, which in turn fucks up the DJ game.

Friday 2011.07.29: BACK TO THE DJ, 1 YR ANNIVERSARY!!!

2011-07-15T01:38:00.000-07:00

It's been exactly one year since we've started the quarterly Back To The DJ event! Come celebrate everything good about the DJ culture and why you love listening to quality music. These nights have been nothing but a well-respected party - created for the DJ's by the DJ's. Giving awareness to real party rockin' skills that is so absent today. For those who missed out, now's your chance to check out what the hype is all about. A packed house with dope true school music. On Friday, July 29th, we're about to set it off w/ the original group of Back To The DJ's :

Spinja (@spinja): 9-11:00 (True School Opener)
Fever One (@feverone): 11:00-11:30 (New Jack Swing)
Estylz (@djestylz): 11:30-12:00 (90's R&B)
Soul One (@souluno): 12:00-12:30 (Golden Era Hip-Hop)
D'Lemma (@djdlemma): 12:30-1:00 (80's R&B)
Pryme (@djpryme): 1:00-1:30 (Club Anthems)
Bamboo (@djbamboo888): 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!!

Celebrating the birthdays of our friends Marisa Embry, Marijo Van Patten (Mrs. D'Lemma), and Mekenna Schwisow!

$5 Cover.
For booths and list, email: groovetechs@gmail.com.

Join our FB Group: Groove Techs

Thurs. Skratch Lounge w/ Waystyles + Friday Joints & Jams!

2011-07-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

This whole year at Joints & Jams has been a success for the Groove Techs. Let's keep this vibe rollin'! Thank you everyone who continue to come have fun with us. This end-week is quite busy, but either way you can't go wrong!

Thursday, July 7th:
SKRATCH LOUNGE: DJ WAYSTYLES
This month we have a feature from hip-hop producer and tablist: DJ Waystyles. A battle vet who has toured with Seattle's own Boom Bap Project. Skratch Lounge is a monthly event (every First Thurs) for DJs to network and flex their skills on the turntables with a 6+ open deck scratch session. If you love DJing, especially scratching and turntablism, then you can't miss this event! It's a great way to meet other local DJs and vibe on the turntables together! The ONLY home for the turntablist of the Northwest. No Cover. 7-11PM. Baltic Room.

Friday, July 8th:
JOINTS & JAMS
Following the night after Skratch Lounge we will be carrying over to Joints & Jams! Celebrating our good friend David Gavino's birthday! For those who do not know him, he is an amazing graphic designer and has helped DJ Bamboo produce his mixtapes and album art through the last 20 years. We gonna get down like we used to! So get dressed and come groove to Midnight Star, Cherelle, Special Ed, Chubb Rock and more! And it's free before 11PM - only $5 after. For booths and party reservations, please contact: groovetechs@gmail.com. Timeless Soul & Hip-Hop at the Baltic Room.

Drunken Soul On Mixcrate

2011-06-24T01:07:00.000-07:00

Finally uploaded Drunken Soul onto Mixcrate:

DJ Bamboo - Drunken Soul

You can also get the links from the Mixtapes section above. I've finally decided I'm going to put in some work to create Drunken Soul 2. It's gonna be tough to top the first one, plus, I don't even keep up with all this new recording technology. Might just have to keep it old school with the multi-track mentality.

Chirp Flare Practice

2011-06-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

This scratch to this type of double-time beat has been plaguing me forever. Been practicing to get it. Still workin' on flow....

Friday 2011.04.29: BACK TO THE DJ, ROUND 4!!!

2011-04-19T01:45:00.000-07:00

Our final rotation for Back To The DJ! These nights have been nothing but a well-respected party - created for the DJ's by the DJ's. Giving awareness to real party rockin' skills that is so absent today. For those who missed out, now's your chance to check out what the hype is all about. A packed house with dope true school music. On Friday, April 29th, we're about to have our final rotation of dope O.G. DJ's from the Northwest:

Groove Techs: 9-11:30 (True School Opener)
Sean Cee: 11:30-12:00 (New Jack Swing)
DV-One: 12:00-12:30 (Soul Classics)
Bamboo: 12:30-1:00 (Blends/West Coast Boogie)
Fourcolorzack: 1:00-1:30 ("The Dream" Set)
Spinja: 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!!

Also, come celebrate our good friend Jacques Guilmet's birthday!!!

Skratch Lounge Anniversary Recap

2011-04-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

The Skratch Lounge One Year anniversary was a huge success!! I was very pleased to see all of the support from places so far away. Coming all the way from the Bay, Mista-B and Snaykeyez blessed us with their jaw-dropping performances. Other DJ's even brought their own tables (not just turns, but actual tables) to expand the setup. This is truly for the love, and it's so great to see that people still care about creative outlets without being so selfish. Would also like to give a shout to extended fam Skratchpad (Sacremento, SF) and Skratcher (Vancouver BC) for spreading the love. Thank you to Namsayin' and Rock Paper Scissors for all of the giveaways and support. Just check out the videos below, and see for yourself:

Mista-B's recap of his Seattle trip:

Snaykeyez' performance (he repped Seattle hard):

Mista-B's performance:

Scratch Rotation:
Order of DJ's: Shmix, Neebor, Maze, PJilla, Boski, Cues, Dev-J, V-Eye, Greg Garcia:

Thurs 2011.04.07: Skratch Lounge 1 Year Anniversary!!

2011-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

One year! That's how long it's been since we've jump-started this turntablist movement. Thank you all who have consistently supported and participated in this monthly event created for all bedroom and club scratch DJ's to get down. Much respect to all of the showcases who had the courage to step in front of us scratch nerds and represent your skills. One! April 7 (Thurs) marks our 1 year anniversary, and we gotsta to go back to the one showcase that started it all:

Mista-B of 4onefunk (SF), 2008 West Coast DMC Champ

and

Snaykeyez of 89 Scratch Gangstaz (SF)

Special prizes will be given away (including DJ Hero XBOX360), and we have Skratch Lounge stickers and T's for all y'all!!

Sponsored by Rock, Paper, Scissors and Namsayin'. The sponsors will be sellin' their own T's as well. This is a big celebration, so invite everyone - not just DJ's! Can't wait to see all the heads!

Wednesday 2011.02.09: Acquabar Cafe

2011-02-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Excuse the lack of graphic design - still in the works. Acquabar is a hot new spot, brought to you by the same owners of Karma Martini Lounge, strictly catering towards mature, urbanites and a premiere dining/cocktail experience. We are given an opportunity to drop good ol' Soul/R&B/Funk this Wednesday for a soft opening week, so help spread the word and come support!! The official opening will be Saturday, Feb. 19.

206 Zulu Anniversary: Skratch Lounge at RPS

2011-02-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 20, 2011
This coming February 18-20th, 206 Zulu will be celebrating it's 7th Anniversary and Black History Month with three days of true-school Hip Hop, showcasing some of today's emerging artists from around the country and beyond! All day-time events are all-ages and FREE to the public. Groove Techs are honored to be a part of this event, providing our Skratch Lounge series as a symbol of true DJ culture. Click on image for further details.

FRIDAY 2011.01.28: BACK TO THE DJ, ROUND THREE!!!

2011-01-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who continuously support our quarterly Back To The DJ event! These nights have been nothing but a well-respected party - created for the DJ's by the DJ's. Giving awareness to real party rockin' skills that is so absent today. For those who missed out, now's your chance to check out what the hype is all about. A packed house with dope true school music. On Friday, Jan 28th, we're about to set it off right w/ another round of dope O.G. DJ's from the Northwest:

Spinja: 9-10:30 (True School Opener)
J-Tyme: 10:30-11:15 (80's/90's R&B)
R-Sin: 11:15-12:00 (Dancehall/Reggae)
Supreme La Rock: 12:00-12:45 (Boogie/Modern Soul)
Wicked: 12:45-1:30 (West Coast Hip-Hop/Funk)
Bamboo: 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!!

Also, come help celebrate mine and Stephanie Alejo's birthday!!!

BACK TO THE DJ - ROUND TWO!!!

2010-10-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

With such success of our first Back To The DJ, Groove Technicians are now going to hold an installment every quarter, hand-selecting the DJ's we think that represent the old school way of party rockin'. The next one will be Friday, Oct. 22nd at The Baltic Room. We have an amazing line-up once again, with special appearances by DJ E-Rok and Topspin! When I was just getting into DJing in the early 90's, these guys were the ones I looked up to, and I'd constantly listen to their live mixes on the Rap Attack radio show. It's going to be an honor to rock with them on this epic night. Peep details below:

New Soul Sundays at The Triple Door

2010-08-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

After some patience and puttin' in work with the guys at The Triple Door, we've finally come to a solid development of Sundays. Sponsored by 42Below, we're calling it New Soul Sundays, with DJ Jigsy of Krazy Hype Sound throwin' down the first Sundays, and yours truly on the 2nd and 4th. This month the local Seattle soul band Solstarr will be laying down the righteous vocals for y'all to kick back and vibe to. Mature minded, old soul - how soul music should be. The official splash opening will be in late September, and we will be booking a very large act - keep your calendars open for that one. As of now, I'm looking for some talent to perform at one of these nights after the splash opening - get at me if you think you got it. As with all of our events, come check us out whenever you need a change of pace from the same old scene!

Joints & Jams - Now Every 2nd and 4th Friday

2010-08-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

So with some great negotiation, the Groove Technicians have moved our consistent Thursday nights to the 2nd and 4th Fridays at The Baltic Room. This is better for multiple reasons: more buzz, more to look forward to, the more mature crowd doesn't have to work the next day, etc. The music will never change - same Joints, same Jams - timeless Soul and Hip-Hop for the masses!! Come see what the hype is all about!!

Skratch Lounge Makes The Seattle Times!!

2010-07-31T01:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Scratchmaster Joe, our August headliner, we got a plug in the Seattle Times! Hard work and hustle always pays off down the line. Check the link below:

Matson on Music | Fusion idea: Scratchmaster Joe & Trntdrm at Baltic Room 08/05/10 | Seattle Times Newspaper

BACK TO THE DJ - RECAP

2010-07-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Back To The DJ was bananas!!! I have to say this was the sort of night I've always wanted to have since I started DJing. Can't believe it finally happened 17 years later. Well, better late than never ;) Every DJ respectively killed it! Sonny Bonoho, the dopest host and long-time friend, definitely understands the DJ game and gave all the DJ's the props they needed. I think every person in the joint was there for the music - basically, the people there were the one's who ask "What's the music like" vs. "Is it crackin?" A packed house with peeps already groovin' at 10:30PM - simply dope. Spinja's opening was respectful of the headliners, and yet he was still movin' the crowd very nicely (openers who play bangers at 10PM are stupid and do not understand the game - take note young bucks!!). D'Lemma played my favorite 90's R&B joints and shoot, even I was giggin'. Soul One absolutely destroyed the night with Golden Era hip-hop: can't believe he worked it so well to the crowd...Simon Says and Mass Appeal with everyone still dancin'! Props Soul. Pryme wowed everyone with his own loops and blends - a DJ who definitely understands how to earn his respect on the tables. Fever One funked it up with his deep funk library for all the b-boys who came to catch wreck. Estylz brought it all back to the New Jack/80's R&B and worked the crowd wonderfully. One of the best nights I've ever had. This one's for the books. Respect a good DJ's worth because the party comes correct with him/her.

BACK TO THE DJ!!!

2010-07-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

So after this month's Skratch Lounge, I started to think how we are really starting to rebuild a community and make a difference for the DJ's out here in the NW. I woke up Saturday morning thinking, "what else do DJ's rarely have the freedom to do in today's fractured scene?" Well, the answer is, "play whatever the hell we want while still drawing a crowd strictly based on the DJ and the music - no promoters, no requests, no bullshit". With all the wack DJ's today getting gigs, it's difficult for any true school DJ to even have the freedom to play what they want, especially if that's the main source of income. What a better way to revive the fun in DJing than to get a group of seasoned DJ's to throw down their own sets and get the spotlight for the night? I called up some of the homies to get a feel...well, the least to say, I had a line-up in a matter of 20 minutes. A few more days and the idea turned into reality. Big ups to all the DJ's who are down with this night, 100Proof for the genius flyer design, Fever One for the print hook-up and non-stop hustle, and the famous Sonny Bonoho for hosting. You guys made the night - not me, not Groove Technicians, not promoters - the DJ's. Let's make July 23rd, Friday absolutely EPIC:

Nate Vibez Live Performance

2010-07-10T22:13:00.000-07:00

On June 17, 2010, we were blessed to have the vocals of Nate Vibez on our last Joints & Jams LIVE Edition at the Baltic Room in Seattle. It was an amazing performance, and he truly captured the crowd with his stellar stage presence. Below are some clips (big ups to Tony Amort, who uploaded these vids as well as ripped the guitar in these sets):

Late Night Hour:

Forthenight:

Skratch Lounge: July

2010-07-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

This month we absolutely killed it. We had an unexpected guest come all the way from Portland to check us out quietly: DJ Wicked. Wicked is one of the few DJ's that still goes all vinyl (amen). Real talk, real DJ's.

On to our showcase, who definitely held it down amidst all the eyes on him. Seattle's own DJ Shmix, probably one of the best power scratchers up here, threw a curve ball at us by not only scratching, but dropping his own beats that he RHYMED over. WHAT!? You just gotta watch it:

Skratch Lounge is held every 1st Thursday from 8PM - ?? at the Baltic Room in Seattle, WA. No cover.

New Demo

2010-06-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

A possible gig came up for me in LA, which required a demo of some sort. A little snippet of what I do in a soul shifting party environment. Click on the link below. Enjoy!

DJ BAMBOO DEMO

Groove Technicians (We keeps it playa while some choose to play it safe)!

2010-06-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

DJ Spinja and I have known each other for quite some time, doing random hip-hop parties back at UW in the 90's. We've always talked about creating a night that caters to our perspective of timeless soul/hip-hop/funk, spanning all real music lovers who can also get down - and it's finally happened. I think it's because we've seen enough happen in the music scene in both the east and west coasts, and the time is just right to create something that was so obviously timeless. Here's a link to our newly formed group Groove Technicians**. A brief synopsis of what we represent:

"DJ's Bamboo and Spinja have come together to form Groove Technicians. We share an appreciation of digging deep in the crates for good music that takes you back to when slow jamz wasn't just the name of a radio segment, but was the time when you got to dance with the girl that made your palms sweat.

The vibe we consistently create moves an audience with flavor, where feeling our music most definitely leads to head bobs and groovin'. Scratching, juggling, mixing, and blending are all essential elements of DJing and we have not forgotten these, staying rooted in the art itself.

As you start to become more familiar with our nights, you might picture a music video with throwback soul/hip-hop and a well-versed crowd moving with the party, or with people engaged in conversation just as intimate as the music. We want to earn your trust so that when you see the name Groove Technicians, you'll equate it with quality and style. Come check us out weekly and we hope that your experience will lead to musical enjoyment, meeting new friends, and a movement that can breathe freshness into Seattle's nightlife."

Please join us and support the movement of just plain old down to earth, good, and undiluted music.

**For those who have been confused, we are not affiliated with the promotional group Resident Media. This is a separate endeavor where the visions do not align. They have taken the liberty to move on in providing events for the trendy masses because that's where their strengths lie. We have chosen to stay with the risk of a much harder task of rocking a party with timeless, not-so-trendy music. Much love for all the support that we've seen in the last year!

Skratch Lounge

2010-05-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

I'm elated on how successful the Skratch Lounge has become - and we're only two months into it!! Groove Technicians have once again introduced a fresh, new concept to the Northwest, and it happens the first Thursday of every month. Spawned by the Scratch Pad in the Bay (big ups to Boogie Brown for motivating me to start this whole thing), we've started an open-deck scratch session for all locally talented turntablists to come flex their skills for all to see. We currently have 6 open decks and the beats are run up top by myself and Spinja. Each DJ gets 8 bars and we just keep rotating in a circle. All DJ's have been mad respectful and let each other on - thanks for all being so humble guys! We then break for the featured tablist of the month, who gets solo time to exhibit his/her skills. Following that we have a drumming/scratching free-for-all. Then it's Joints & Jams party time for everyone.

The talent that has come through has blown my mind. Our grand opening featured DMC Champ Mista-B, representing 4onefunk. We were definitely blessed to have him come through from the Bay. This month we featured NW DMC Champ DJ Tre'. Below is a video of him doing a Guru tribute, along with a sample of what you'll hear during the open-deck sessions:

Big ups to Holy Torres for taking some amazing stills. Check out these pics:

May Skratch Lounge Pics

You don't have to be a scratch DJ to come through - if you are just into listening to this truly underrepresented art form, come through and kick back with a beer to just vibe out to good beats and cuts. Is a scratch DJ a good club DJ? Is a club DJ a good scratch DJ? Not always, but one thing is certain: scratching is the most raw form of street cred and bragging rights. Catch some wreck son...

DJ Bamboo on Jeepney's Featured Artists Page

2010-03-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Big ups to Jeepney Clothing for creating their Feature Artists page. Made the cut! Check it out:

DJ Kentaro killin' it with the juggle and DJ Abilities drumming

2010-03-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

This guy is so damn good at juggling. So clean and precise I had to post it. Kentaro must eat scratch for breakfast and a hearty juggle for lunch.

DJ Abilities with some creative drumming.

DigiWack

2010-02-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

I’m sure what I’m saying isn’t anything new, but I’d like to rant my opinion about the digital movement and what kinds of personal reactions I’ve experienced in the last 4 years. With the music recording industry completely evolving to digital, it’s no surprise that Serato Scratch Live was released. I was completely clueless as to what was so appealing about it because I walked around with blinders on, still spinning vinyl and collecting (BTW, I now have Serato – it beats lugging crates; however, DJ principles still don’t change for me). About 4 years ago, I still remember spinning at a club and lugging my vinyl for the gig. I did a lot of live blends and mixed out quickly into the next song – something I always prided in doing. The other DJ spinning was using Serato, and I remember when I finished my set, he came up to me and was like, “Yo, I didn’t know you were doing that live – people can do it that fast?” I know all of you old school/vinyl DJ’s are already rolling your eyes with this question. This is where my rant shall begin.

What is it about this type of question that makes me irritated? Is it the fact that pure Serato DJ’s don’t respect where DJing came from? Is it the fact that someone else is getting paid for just being able to do simple, sloppy, compilation mixes? Is it the fact that the lack of basic turntable skills ruins the image of talented DJ’s to the general public? Yes, yes, and yes.

You see, I got into DJing solely based on just wanting to scratch. That’s all I practiced the first year. Oddly enough, I never learned how to mix music until shortly after. It wasn’t that exciting to me, and as I found out – mixing gets you paid, scratching gets you bragging rights. I think integrating scratches/juggling on top of mixing is the ultimate in DJ performance, which is something that always makes you stand out and gives you your own style. This doesn’t happen overnight and it takes a lot of practice to get your scratches clean, learn new scratches, and plan some well thought-out sets to rock the crowd. After all of these years, I believe that I’ve carved out my own style in terms of my sets that I still create and practice. In this digital age, what really defines your style and make you different as a DJ? From what I’ve seen for the "club" DJ’s today – nothing really. A lot of DJ’s have the same pool of music, people are copying each other’s entire libraries, and no one seems to showcase juggling/scratching anymore. Many newly conceived DJ’s have become cookie-cutters and charge cheap to simply just mix. If you aren’t going to utilize the advantages of vinyl controllers, why even use turntables? You might as well just have MIDI controllers to literally press buttons to mix. I’m not the best turntablist, but I try to utilize some of these skills into my sets to make it different – regardless if I’m using Serato or not. It’s hard to do and takes a lot of practice, and unfortunately, Serato has made mixing pretty easy to do now. It’s even easier with the digital record pools forking out pre-mixed songs (i.e. like Wicked Mix, Lethal Weapon, etc…). I’m not saying that DJ "Press Play” would totally suck – he/she can definitely do it right given that the DJ knows how to read the crowd – I just think it really lacks originality. Further, I really think DJ "Press Play” is the one that sort of ruins the image of what it means to be a DJ, insulting the years of digging and practicing. I just don’t see how you can think you can feel cool about being a DJ if you can’t even do basic scratches (e.g. baby scratch, transform, or chirp) on beat, cleanly, and out loud to the public audience. The bottom line of it is: dig deep to define your collection, try and showcase some of your skills, and plan a killer set every now and then showing off your new found gems. This is irrelevant of Serato or not. Onto libraries…

One of the biggest jobs for a DJ at a club (not a lounge) is to rock the crowd. Given the wrong path that hip-hop club music has taken today, it’s not really hard to do. Join an MP3 pool and click download. Play any of the 50 songs you just got in any order – whoo a party! This is all assuming the DJ can actually mix cleanly and on beat. A lot of the beats are made from Casio keyboards anyways, so it’s really easy to mix when the beats are the same (j/k…well, sort of). Like I said earlier, a lot of DJ’s have the same source of digital music. I still believe that your collection defines the blueprint for you as a DJ – vinyl or not. What you do with it gives you your style. Do I share my entire libary? Hell no. That’s like giving my diary to a stranger to read (ok, I don’t actually have a real diary – it’s just an analogy). Do I share portions of my library to other DJ’s or fans of it? Of course. Our other job is to introduce new music to audiences. Hopefully they’ll spread it further, and the next time somebody plays it the crowd will dig it.* But what about the guy that seems to have everything because they started some undeground MP3 pirating ring? Just because you got the tracks, doesn't mean you’re a dope DJ. Knowing what, how, and when to play a song during a party comes with experience. As inferred earlier, build your skills and pay your dues - then perhaps you can feel cool about being a DJ.

*[I know it’s hard to play unfamiliar songs when the entire club is wanting hear Top 40, but there’s always a way to work other songs in – be creative! Think of yourself like a performing artist – say you were Estelle and for every time you performed, you realized the audience only wanted to hear American Boy. Wouldn’t you be irritated if you’ve been working on a new song that you know is fresh – and no one is asking about any of your new material? I wouldn’t wanna go down as a one hit wonder, would you? You’re performing, you have the stage, you make the decisions – so I’d take the risk to play my newly written song. But how would I transition it to the audience? For starters, I’d do it right after performing American Boy because everyone will be on the floor and hyped from that song. I’d have the band play a very familiar mainstream beat and just sing my new lyrics over it – halfway into it I’d have the band transition into the original score. Does this sound familiar at all in DJing terms? If not, then you better ask somebody. It just might be refreshing and the most memorable night for some fans – you’ll never know ‘til you try it.]

I’m not going to go into the debate of Serato DJ’s Vs. Vinyl Purists. There are thousands of forum threads that have beat that horse to death. In short, I love vinyl and grew up spinnin with it. I wish we can have it like the old days. However, technology will always be forced down our throats, and we can either choose to embrace it and allow it as a tool for us to be more creative, or live in the past constantly pointing fingers because we don’t understand it, losing creative energy to a younger generation. There are a lot of good DJ’s out there that have blown my mind with live performances using Serato (see video below) – possibilities we could have only done in the past using a multi-track recorder and never performing live. I give that mad respect mainly because I know this DJ is showing all of the principles I’ve outlined earlier, utilizing the technology of today. To me that is a good DJ, representing all facets of rhythmic cool.

-Bamboo

DJ Enferno at NAMM 2010, showcasing the Rane 68

The Definitions of Old and New School Hip-Hop

2010-02-13T16:45:00.000-08:00

What comes to your mind when you look on a flyer and it says “Old School” music all night? Given the musical terrain and fan base of today, I’m saddened to think that in my mind, you might think of stuff from the late late 90’s. Paperboy’s Ditty or Puff Daddy's All About the Benjamins (yes, that was his name before Diddy) is not old school. By definition, "Old School" hip-hop ended around 1984 when Run DMC broke out into mainstream. Artists like Afrika Bambaataa, The Treacherous Three, Funky Four Plus One, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, are true old school where rhymes were more party based and used relatively few syllables per bar of music.

"New School" hip-hop then covers everything from Public Enemy to Jay-Z to Lil’ Wayne, and most fans of hip-hop are familiar with this movement. This travels from political expression to ghetto stories to multi-syllable rhymes. Still, I think in most younger* hip-hop minds of today, the term "Old School" refers to late “New School” by definition. I'm a hypocrite to my own doctrine - I even say "Old School" by mistake when I get lazy. I love to spin early 90’s hip-hop (i.e. Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Eric B. & Rakim, Native Tongues, Gang Starr, Leaders of the New School, etc..); however, when the younger heads of today ask me what I spin, rather than get into the definition of it, I simply say “Old School” hip-hop because I know they don’t think pre 1984 – they’re probably thinking 90’s hip-hop (it's really "Golden Era" hip-hop - see below).

This is where the confusion lies, because the term “Old School” has become a moving target for music fans. In my mind, it’s more subjective to age. If this is the case, then it’s sad to think that Lil’ Wayne will be “Old School” in 2020. This brings up another attribute to the definition of “Old School” - it’s where the music you’re listening to now was directly descended from. That said, knowing that kids of today will categorize Lil’ Wayne and Drake as “Old School” 10 years from now is both an insult and a gross misrepresentation of the terminology. “Old School” is 1979-1984, everything else is “New School” – easy enough.

Within “New School” though, we have our sub genres. The most apparent one to me is what we call the “Golden Era” of hip-hop, where beats and rhymes were at its most prominent and creative state. The industry was less saturated and money had yet to be made - always a fertile ground for artists. This generally resided from 1988-1995.

In my previous statement about telling people I play “Old School”, I really mean the “Golden Era” hip-hop. The percentage of people that know this seems to diminish every year – that’s because the kids in the club today were only 1 to 7 yrs. old during that time. I’m a problem of my own cause, and I really should take a brief minute to explain what it is I spin to someone who doesn’t know it.

So, that solves the hip-hop school terminologies from 1979-1995. DJ’s really should promote these terms more correctly, so the crowd and DJ’s themselves can maintain the definitions and keep the musical expectations consistent. However, we're still missing what we call hip-hop from the late 90’s to today. If it’s radio, then my suggestion would be “The removal of intelligence and talent school of ADD” hip-hop. Just kidding. Any ideas?

-Bamboo

*I don't mean to say that any hip-hop head younger than me doesn't get it. I know plenty of 20-somethings that know just as much - I respect that dearly. I'm generalizing, and with all generalizations you will get false profiling. I do, however, have to admit that the nostalgia and life experiences during the time a song/LP released are priceless. You can't teach memories.

Formula DJ's from the Bay visit Seattle

2010-02-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Formula DJ's Boogie Brown and Neo Geo came to hang and spin with us at Joints & Jams this weekend. I met these cats on a much needed vacation down in San Francisco (thanks to my girl Michelle for such a wonderful bday gift!). These guys completely get what DJing is all about and continue to rock it. Much love for the hospitality and inspiration. Now it's our turn to pay them back in Sea-town! I don't know what they do in the Bay, but those damn Franette shots killed me (and Glenn, and Neo...haha). Nonetheless, they rocked the crowd and we had a blast! Glenn was definitely in rare form. I've never seen such a designated dancer...

DJ Etiquette - How to Treat a DJ

2010-02-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

1. If you see us bobbing our head in deep concentration, DON’T BOTHER US. We’re trying to mix in the next song and incessant waving and looming isn’t helping.

2. Unless you’re at a wedding, high school Homecoming, or karaoke bar, DO NOT ask for requests. We have things called “sets” where we previously pick a list of songs to play with very intricate transitions and mixing, so we’re not going to abandon that for your Top 40 Radio Song. Would you walk up to a band on stage and ask them to play “Single Ladies by Beyonce” all night? Nuff said.

3. No, I will not let you, your cousin, or your friend get on the turntables to DJ. That’s like me coming up to you at a traffic light asking, “Can I drive your car?” Your dude may be DMC World Champion, but I’m not getting some total stranger on my $3000 equipment.

4. If we say we don’t have that song, WE DON’T HAVE THAT SONG. I understand the convenience Wireless Internet and Limewire offers you, but we’re not going to magically pull a song out of our ass in the middle of a party.

5. Know your music if you’re going to ask for something! Asking us to play Hip Hop while we’re playing Hip Hop makes you look like an idiot and wastes our time.

6. Please don’t touch our equipment. I know you think it’s cool that you see vinyl spinning on a turntable, but that doesn’t give you permission to touch it. You ruin the party, you ruin our vibe, and if you break it, I swear we’ll make you buy it.

7. The DJ area is a dry zone; holding liquids near expensive electronic equipment isn’t a good idea. So if you see yourself or your drunk friend trying to talk to a DJ holding a glass full of a Redbull Vodka, stop! You ain’t spilling shit on my shit.

8. If I already played your song, I’m not going to play it again. 9 times out of 10, that song really sucks or is incredibly played out, and if you really want to hear it that much, go back to you your car, grab your Ipod, and press repeat.

9. You probably think what we do is easy. If it is, why don’t I see you DJing? It’s hard and takes skill, so don’t stand there trying to give us tips; we know what we’re doing.

10. If you’re texting or calling us to get into a party, but we’re not answering, we’re probably busy DJing. Figure out the door situation BEFORE the party. Texting, emailing, calling, or chatting with us isn’t going to help out the situation if you can’t get in. If we’re not personally throwing the party or have no pull at the door, we just can’t do it. And if we’re not answering, it’s either we’re busy DJing, talking to someone, or just having a great time. No offense, but you’re on your own, you should’ve checked the door situation beforehand.

If anything, just respect what we do. We took the time to get up in front of a lot of people trying to figure out how to make you have fun. It’s a hard job, but we love it, don’t make us hate what we do by making our experience not enjoyable. Let us be us and we’ll make sure you’ll have a great night. Thanks =)