Laidback Luke Talks Vintage DJ Gear!

International touring DJ, producer and founder of Mixmash Records, Laidback Luke, was appearing at a festival close to the DJcity UK lab last week. So Moja...
Chicago-based DJ/producer/turntablist Trentino began DJing with vinyl 15 years ago. However, after seven years of using a DVS setup at home and shows, the former Red Bull Thre3style US champ recently switched to CDJs and rekordbox.
Much to his surprise, Trentino was amazed by how easy the transition was and how much he enjoyed using CDJs. He also found out he can do the same type of performance without the hassle of other DVS systems.
So, what is it about rekordbox that Trentino loves so much? Read his five reasons why below.
Quicker Switchovers
After seeing one of the most well-known turntablists in the world kill the vibe of his party by spending 20 minutes setting up before his set, I realized I could no longer justify my own absurdly long switch-overs.
Long switchovers suck for everyone. They suck for those performing before and after you, who are hindered for the first or last part of their set. They suck for the crowd, who has to listen to the same eight-minute song while you set up your interface and controllers and plug in a dozen different cables. And they suck for you, who has to do the equivalent of diffusing a bomb before your set. Long switchovers kill any chance of making an entrance on stage.
Easier Traveling
I used to travel with two of nearly everything: two laptops (I had my entire music library synced between them using SugarSync), two pairs of control records, two pairs of Dicers, two pairs of needles, two Serato interfaces, etc. Rekordbox not only eliminates the need for a computer and interface but the need for controllers due to the built-in hot cues, which have replaced my need for Dicers.
Increased Safety and Security
In venues where security is lacking, rekordbox frees you from the risk of theft and damage to your equipment. You can carry everything you need in your pockets. It’s easy to unplug your drive and headphones and flee the scene if your immediate safety is threatened or you’re being mistreated by the club’s management.
Improved Reliability
We all know how temperamental turntables, needles, records, and even laptops can be. Having to switchover in a dark club compounds those issues, especially if the DJ before you is using CDJs, which is often the case for me.
Less Stereotypes
As much as I disagree with it, the majority of the people in the industry, especially those on the dance and electronic side, assume that anyone using turntables is a hip-hop DJ. I used to think that guys like Klever and A-Trak had broken down the stereotype, but it’s as strong as ever. Considering that I don’t want to be a hip-hop or top 40 DJ forever, I feel that using CDJs is an important step forward for me.
Trentino would like to thank A-Trak for helping make CDJs more acceptable among turntablists, Chicago DJs Metro, Boi Jeanius, and MaddJazz for showing that it’s possible to rip on CDJs, and Christian Jackson, whose YouTube channel is an indispensable source for learning the ins-and-outs of rekordbox.
Follow Trentino on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter, and YouTube.
Related: 4 Pro Tips for CDJs and Rekordbox
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