Author Archives: Rob Sickelco

While veteran DJs may be used to playing longer sets, new DJs might not be getting the same experience. Promoters have started booking more DJs per event, which means each DJ ends up with a shorter time slot. But there are a lot of skills that DJs can only learn by rocking a party for more than an hour.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about the advantages of playing longer sets and why promoters should book fewer DJs per event.

Related: Should All DJs Know How to Scratch?

DJ Jazzy Jeff‘s PLAYLIST Retreat gave attendees the opportunity to showcase their unique musical style on the decks. Veteran club DJ/producer Jubilee did just that with a set of dancehall, bass music, and hip-hop that hinted at her Miami roots.

Jubilee is signed to Mixpak Records, where she released her debut full-length album After Hours in 2016. The tastemaker also shares her global bass sound through her show on BBC Radio 1’s Residency.

Watch her set above.

Follow Jubilee on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

Related: Watch: Rich Medina’s Set at PLAYLIST Retreat

DJ Brace and Asian Hawk, two of the world’s most innovative turntablists, have joined forces on a routine for DJcityTV.

While this is their first time working together, both DJs are veterans of the battle scene. Brace is a three-time DMC world champion and Asian Hawk has claimed five UK DMC titles.

With only twelve hours to put together a routine, the duo created a soulful, R&B-tinged song. Asian Hawk combined singing and finger drumming, while Brace played a melody by scratching with the Fretless Fader.

Watch above.

Follow DJ Brace on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter, and YouTube.

Follow Asian Hawk on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter, and YouTube.

Related: Watch Turntablist and Singer Asian Hawk Perform ‘Shining’

Bad Bunny has just released a Latin-pop crossover track called “MIA.” The song features a guest appearance from Drake, who sings a verse entirely in Spanish.

The highly anticipated collaboration, teased on Instagram earlier this year, features production from DJ Luian and Mambo Kingz. In the video, the pair are seen taking a break from stardom to play games and relax at a house party.

Watch the video above and download “MIA” on DJcity.

DJ Michael 5000 Watts recently stopped by DJcity to throw down a mix using Roland’s DJ-808 controller. Watts is the founder and owner of the legendary Swishahouse record label and a mixer on Houston’s 97.9 The Box.

Swishahouse was influential in the rise of the “chopped and screwed” sound, releasing hits from Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and more.

In his routine, Watts chops up Southern hip-hop tracks, scratches acapellas, and puts the DJ-808’s range of features to use.

Watch above.

Tracklist:

1. Smackwater – Intro
1. Treal Lee & Prince Rick – Throwed Off (F#ck Everybody)
2. Mike Jones ft. Slim Thug & Paul Wall – Still Tippin’ – Acapella
3. DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, & Rick Ross – All I Do Is Win
4. Beyonce & JAY-Z – APESH#T
5. Z-Ro – Outro

Follow DJ Michael 5000 Watts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Related: Travel Tips for DJs Visiting Houston

After a brief hiatus, Battle Avenue director Antriks is back with a new episode of DJcityTV’s Fresh Press. On this episode, he travels to Germany to dig through the back catalog of Berlin-based label, Dusty Donuts.

The label specializes in reworks of classic hip-hop and funk pressed on seven-inch vinyl. The analog purists at Dusty Donuts also run a booking agency focused on vinyl-only DJs.

Watch the review above and check out Dusty Donuts’ releases here.

Related: Antriks and DJ Excess Review Thud Rumble’s Digital Breaks

Outdoor events can be stressful for DJs and dangerous for electronics. Exposure to heat, dirt, or moisture can ruin expensive equipment. Despite the risks, Pioneer DJ gear enthusiast Christian Jackson recently rented out multiple CDJ-2000NXS setups for use at the Burning Man festival.

The dust in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, where the event is held, is harmful to electronics. However, Jackson was able to clean and restore his CDJs to their original condition. The Seattle native filmed the process and explained each step in this tutorial video.

Watch above.

Related: DJcity and Pioneer DJ Launch DJM Mix Challenge

This year’s PLAYLIST Retreat featured a number of unique performances, including an eclectic, all-vinyl set from Natasha Diggs. She dug deep in her crate of 45s and spun funk, disco, R&B and more.

The New York City-based DJ has gained the attention of big names in the music world. In 2015, Diggs was invited to be the official DJ for Lauryn Hill‘s Small Axe tour.

Watch her performance above and stay tuned for more PLAYLIST Retreat sets.

Follow Natasha Diggs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Related: Watch: DJ BYTE’s set at PLAYLIST Retreat

With the popularity of digital media players, DJs can fit all the music they need for a gig right in their pocket. USB drives, SD cards, and external hard drives all combine storage space with speed and portability. But which one is right for you?

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx looks at the best digital storage devices on the market.

Watch above.

Related: DJcity Teams With Magma for Limited Edition USB Case

DJ Ignazio Gullo, an award-winning party rocker from Sicily, has dropped a routine for DJcityTV’s Bedroom Sessions. The Palermo native is a member of the Shakalab crew, which is influential in the region’s reggae and hip-hop scenes.

Tracklist:

1. Buju Banton – Have To Get You Tonight
2. Ed Sheeran – Don’t – Rick Ross Remix
3. DJ Snake – Magenta Riddim
4. B.o.B. ft. 2 Chainz – HeadBand
5. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz – Get Low
6. Ludacris ft. Shawnna – Stand Up

Follow DJ Ignazio Gullo on Facebook, Instagram, and SoundCloud.

Got what it takes to be featured on the next “Bedroom Sessions” episode? Send a sample video to brs@djcity.com.

Related: Watch Brandan Duke the DJ’s ‘Bedroom Sessions’ Routine