Author Archives: Rob Sickelco

Spryte, a veteran open format DJ and producer, has always been on the forefront of the art form. The Los Angeles-based DJ made a name for himself in the battle circuit, and currently tours the world as one-half of the duo Made Monster. While technology has played a role in Spryte’s success, he had proven his skills long before the digital revolution.

On this episode of A Moment With, Spryte talks about how DJing has changed since he started, his current projects, and plans for the future.

Watch above.

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DJcity has teamed up with German DJ bag manufacturer Magma to make a limited edition, branded USB case. The case features removable inserts with space for multiple drives, along with pockets for storing SD cards and other small items. The rigid, water-resistant materials keep contents safe and organized.

The Magma “DJcity Edition” USB case will be available in September at DJcity’s online store and all Magma retailers for $24.99.

Related: A-Trak: Must-Have Items in My DJ Bag

Some open-format DJs prefer to play freestyle, without a prepared tracklist. Playing a freestyle set enables you to read the crowd and choose songs based on their reaction. But what do you do when you’re not sure what to play next?

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM shares tips on how to select the right songs during your freestyle set.

Related: DJs Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Be Themselves

Battle Avenue director Antriks is back with a new episode of DJcityTV’s Fresh Press. In this episode, Antriks meets up with the Battle Avenue Honolulu chapter to review DJ Packo‘s seven-inch scratch record, Tax Breaks.

Packo, who also works as an accountant, has compiled 15 money-themed skipless scratch sentences and one skipless drum break for the record. Tax Breaks is available now from Skratchmore.

Watch the review above.

Related: Antriks Reviews His and SlopFunkDust’s Scratch Record, ‘Fresh Press’d’

DJcity’s Arizona representative Chris Villa performs a mini mix using four tracks from DJcity Trends and two throwbacks.

Tracklist:

1. Jay Rock – Win
2. 2 Chainz ft. Nicki Minaj – I Luv Dem Strippers
3. YG ft. 2 Chainz, Big Sean, & Nicki Minaj – Big Bank
4. DJ Kool – Let Me Clear My Throat – Acapella
5. Khia – My Neck, My Back (Lick It) – Vanilla Ace vs Joe Reece Commotion Bootleg
6. Cedric Gervais – Do It Tonight

Follow Chris Villa on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.

DJcity Trends is a monthly collection of tracks intended to help DJs discover new and buzzing club tracks. The songs are hand-picked by influential DJs from around the world.

Related: Watch Chris Villa’s ‘Trends Mix’ for June 2018

Many DJs develop the habit of only playing popular songs. But while it can be easier to stick to crowd-pleasing hits, there are benefits to introducing audiences to music they may not have heard before.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM encourages DJs to set themselves apart by playing more than just hit songs.

Related: How Much Should DJs Adjust the Pitch of a Track?

Following his appearance on DJcity’s MikiDZ Show, Red Bull Music 3Style world champ Damianito threw down a mix at Serato’s London studio.

The DJcity Italy representative blends hip-hop, dancehall, house, rock, and more in the 21-minute mix. He also incorporates scratching, tone play, and even a talk box routine.

Watch above.

Related: Watch Damianito’s ‘MikiDz Show’ Set

With the unpredictable travel schedules that come with DJing, some DJs use portable turntables for scratch sessions. Seven-inch scratch records are an essential part of their arsenal.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Fresh Press, Battle Avenue director Antriks reviews his own seven-inch, Fresh Press’d. Released through At The Ave Records, Fresh Press’d features six skipless scratch sentences by Antriks and two beats by UK producer SlopFunkDust.

Watch above to see the review and learn how to win a copy of the record.

Related: Antriks Reviews Vekked and Fresh Kils’ Scratch Record, ‘Fresh Cuts’

DJ Rolmix, one half of the Haitian duo Rolmix Brotherz, throws down a unique routine for DJcityTV’s Bedroom Sessions. The Port-au-Prince-based turntablist blends hip-hop hits with acapellas from rap kreyòl and rabòday music, genres that combine traditional Haitian rhythms with pop and electronic sounds.

Tracklist:

1. Kanye West & Jay-Z – N#ggas In Paris – Instrumental
2. Marinad 007 – Madan Papa
3. Pastè Blaze – Prèche 2003
4. Tako Da Loko – Mpa Byen Avèw – Rolmix Edit
5. Fat Joe ft. Lil Wayne – Make It Rain – Instrumental
6. Anbasad Camp – Yo Pa Real
7. Guerrilla Sun – Nèg Ghetto
8. BlocBoy JB ft. Drake – Look Alive – Acap
9. Migos ft. Drake – Walk It Talk It – Acap
10. C Projects – Nan Anus Ou – Acap
11. Big Fa – Yo Di Mwen Nan Djab

Follow DJ Rolmix on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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

Related: Watch Dj.Tay’s ‘Bedroom Sessions’ Routine

In the late ’90s, Vestax revolutionized turntablism when it released its “Anti Skipping Tone-arm System.” Ideal for scratching, the A.S.T.S. improved tracking performance and reduced record wear. The feature was improved upon in 2004 with the addition of a dynamic balance system to some of Vestax’s turntables.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks, Mojaxx takes a look at the SoSharp Active Force Control Mod. The 3D-printed device adds the dynamic balance system to the pre-2004 Vestax turntables with A.S.T.S.

Watch above and learn more about the Vestax A.S.T.S. technology here.

Related: Review: Review: Ortofon Concorde MkII Series