Author Archives: Styles

Joshua Hodge, a.k.a. DJ@War, is a veteran DJ and turntablist from the UK. When he recently posted a video of a new scratch training app that he’s working on, we knew we had to get the scoop. Check out the app, skratchEZ, above, and read our convo with Joshua below.

What exactly are we looking at in this video?

This is one part of an application prototype I made for my final computing project. Basically, the concept is like DJ Hero but with real equipment. The game is a call and response: two bars of scratches are played for you, then you respond by trying to imitate what you just heard, and a score is given on how accurate you were. Then the process is repeated.

Awesome. So how did you come up with this idea and why?

It’s actually an idea I’ve had for about four years but didn’t have the skills to make it until last year. I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing if DJ Q-Bert’s DIY DVDs were updated with the technology we have today? Melodics was another big influence as well, with their finger drumming app. So many DJs I’ve met over the years have said, “I wish I could scratch,” but never had the patience to learn. Well, what if it was a game? I think that would motivate a lot of people to get on those decks!

Inspiring! This is obviously in the very early stages. How do you plan to expand development and what’s the overall goal?

Well, my big goal is that I have loads of ideas for the app and want to really push it forward to make it an interactive tool for people to learn and engage with DJing and turntablism. I think to make the app I want, it will take either investment or a collaborative effort with a company such as Serato or Melodics, but I’m going to keep pushing it forward.

I’m sure you’ll be able to drum up interest. Where can DJs who are interested stay up-to-date with your progress? Do you have a timeline for releasing something to the public?

People can check out updates on my programming channel called The Audio Programmer, where I teach people how to make their own VST plugins and audio apps from scratch. Also, I’ll be updating my accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I’d like to try to set up for a controlled alpha release by mid-July. By controlled, I mean it would probably be limited to the Pioneer DJ DJM-S9 and maybe Rane mixers.

Very cool. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us.

Thank you to DJcity for the support! You guys are the best.

Related: Watch: DJ Precision Performs Routine and Reviews Rane’s New Gear

DJ Trayze wins the Red Bull Thre3style U.S. Finals at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 11, 2016. (Tim Blackwell/Red Bull Content Pool)

On August 11, six DJs competed at the Red Bull Thre3style U.S. Finals to determine who would represent their country at the world finals in Chile later this year. Each DJ performed a 15-minute routine, which was judged by DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skratch Bastid, and reigning world champion, DJ Byte. In the end, DJ Trayze took first place, Boi Jeanius placed second, and Jaycee came in at third. Watch all six of the routines below and let us know what you think.

Jaycee, Atlanta

Boi Jeanius, Chicago

Mike 2600, Minneapolis

DJ Ease, New York City and Las Vegas

DJ Supagi, Seattle

DJ Trayze, Washington, D.C.

Related: Red Bull Thre3style USA Finalists

DJcity has reached out to Thre3style judge Skratch Bastid for his take on G Smooth’s latest public statement and video addressing the controversy that stripped him of his 2016 Australian Thre3style title last week:

G Smooth was disqualified from the competition after Thre3style judges determined much of his set was pre-recorded. In a lengthy Facebook post, Smooth asserted:

“On the night of the Australian Red Bull Thre3style championship on July 1, 2016 at Boney, my set was NOT pre-recorded. I performed my set LIVE.”

Smooth followed his post with a FB Live video showing him perform the would-be winning set in it’s entirety.

 
DJcity was able to obtain unreleased footage of G Smooth’s set from the night of the July 1st battle. Check it out and draw your own conclusions.

Related: Red Bull Thre3style Awards Australia Title to Beast Mode

DJ Livitup in Miami

DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Where to stay

DJ R SILVA:

“Most of Miami’s nightlife is located in South Beach, so finding an affordable hotel can sometimes be tough. For those who aren’t on a budget, places like Fontainebleau and Clevelander offer beachfront views and nonstop activities. On the cheaper side, corporate hotels in Miami like Days Inn and Hampton Inn offer great rooms and amenities with the same standards as five-star hotels. Keep in mind that Miami is a seasonal city, so timing can definitely impact the cost of your stay.”

Where to eat

DJ Livitup:

“Moshi Moshi is the spot to eat if you love sushi. It’s one of my favorite places to go after a gig. The food is on point, and I always run into people from the industry, especially late at night. If you’re not into sushi, then La Sandwicherie is the place to be. They offer fresh sandwiches and shakes. Make sure to order the “special sauce.” Of course, Miami wouldn’t be Miami without Latin food. Jimmy’z Kitchen has healthy and modern selection, and you can’t go wrong with the Ahi Tuna. Last but not least, one of most talked about spots for tacos is Coyo Taco in the Wynwood neighborhood (it’s also a speakeasy bar). Not only do they serve bomb tacos, but they also book major DJs throughout the week. You won’t be disappointed!”

What to do

DJ A-Train:

“Taking an Everglades airboat tour is a must. You can always find a deal on Groupon (look for a tour that includes an “alligator show”). I recommend spending the extra money to get your own boat, which usually seats up to four people. You should also rent a bike for an hour take a ride in the Wynwood neighborhood, which boasts “one of the largest open-air street-art installations in the world.” If you can, try to squeeze your way into the old RC Cola plant if the gates aren’t locked. Remember, though, while Miami is known for fun in the sun, it also has unpredictable weather. That means that a lovely day can quickly turn into a shit storm at any given time. If that happens, buy a day pass to The Standard’s Spa. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out Russian & Turkish Baths. Make sure to catch the sunset at The Standard or hit up the little Russian cafe at the baths. That borscht soup, though!”

Where to party

DJ KILLAKA5:

“Miami is known for its nightlife in South Beach, but there is a lot more to the city than that. On Sundays, Wood Tavern hosts the “Backyard Boogie,” which is similar to the world famous Do-Over party (old school funk, breaks, hip-hop, etc.) You should also stop by Purdy Lounge on Sunday nights for “Chocolate Sundays” featuring residents Louie Arson and Sharpsound. The music is always right and make sure you get a “Happy Meal” at the bar. On Mondays, check out DJ Iron Lyon and myself at Rockwell. It’s the best hip-hop party on a Monday. We constantly have big guests and performers, and you never know who might show up.”

Related: Travel Tips for DJs Visiting Dallas

DJ Niro on the cut. (Sean Patrick)

DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.

Where to stay

DJ Niro:

“The W, Omni, and The Joule are all high-end places close to downtown and NYLO, Aloft, and Hotel Indigo are solid options if you’re looking for something cheaper. Also, check out the HotelTonight app if you’re willing to wait until the last minute. You can usually find good deals up to three days before your stay.”

Where to eat

Crisco Kidd:

“Shell Shack is great seafood place that serves almost anything that has a shell. Whatever you order, be sure to get it soaked in the ‘kitchen sink’ seasoning. If you’re looking for a good lunch spot for Sunday Funday, Clutch Bar has great food, music and atmosphere. As for tacos, my favorite place is Tacos Mariachi, located in Trinity Groves. You have to try the Norteño, The Campechano, and Salmon tacos. Ask for the ‘Crisco Kidd’ special as a bonus!”

What to do
 
DJSC:

“If you’re looking for a fresh cut, stop by High & Tight Barbershop in the Deep Ellum district. It’s a barbershop with a hidden craft cocktail lounge so you can vibe while getting a cut. Off The Record, also in Deep Ellum is a dope record store that’s also has a bar. And as the official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys, I definitely recommend coming to take a tour of AT&T Stadium. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and costs less than $20.”

Where to party

Styles Davis:

“If you’re in town on a Thursday and have the night off, check out DJ Sober’s ‘Big Bang’ party at Beauty Bar. I had the chance to play it a few months back, and it’s definitely one of the most fun hip-hop parties in the city. The vibe is casual, and it’s a dance-friendly crowd. It’s been going strong for five years, and DJs like SpankRock, House Shoes, and Erykah Badu have played sets there.”

Related: Meet DJcity’s South Regional Manager, Danny West

Sak Noel and Salvi have released the official music video for their club-hit “Trumpets” featuring Sean Paul. The record was released exclusively on DJcity and has been bubbling over the last few weeks. It should be a staple in every DJ’s club set by summer.

Watch above and download the track on DJcity.

Related: Exclusive: Delirious & Alex K Remix Sak Noel & Salvi’s ‘Trumpets’ Ft. Sean Paul

 
Check out this eclectic Halloween-inspired mix that Jesse Marco put together for MADE magazine. Marco’s eerie set features a mashup of trap, hip-hop, and downtempo beats.
 

 
Tracklist:

1. The Exorcist Theme Song
2. Drake & Future – Jumpman
3. 2 Milly – Milly Rock
4. John Carpenter – Halloween – DJ Deville 2013 Trap Remix
5. DJ Khaled ft. Future & Rick Ross – I Don’t Play About My Paper
6. BLVCK CEILING – Legend
7. Carnage ft. A$AP Ferg, Rich The Kid, & Lil Uzi Vert – WDYW
8. TUBF#CK – B#TCH MUST DIE
9. Diplo – Must Be a Devil
10. Tazer & Tink – Wet Dollars – Redlight Remix
11. Kove ft. Moko – Hurts – Special Request Remix
12. Michael Jackson ft. Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me
13. HXV & Descender ft. Gucci Mane – Clubbin
14. Dave Nada – Spell On You
15. Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell on You
16. Jay Z – D’Evils
17. Big L – Devil’s Son
18. Geto Boys – My Mind Playing Tricks On Me
19. Yung Gud – Forever 2001
20. TroyBoi ft. NEFERA – On My Own
21. BLVCK CEILING – Worry

 
Related: Jesse Marco Drops Genre-Bending ‘Made In New York’ Mix

 
Justin Bieber has just dropped “What Do You Mean,” his long-awaited solo single and follow-up to “Where Are U Now.”
 
The heavily melodic uptempo track features production from Skrillex and 20-year-old Austrian Cali The Producer.
 

Download Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean” on DJcity.
 
Related: Producing a Hit: ‘Where Are U Now’

 
Diplo released two strong tracks on his Mad Decent label this week that are must-listens for any club DJ.
 
The first single, “Be Right There,” is an uptempo collaboration with Canada’s Sleepy Tom that samples Jade’s 1992 R&B classic, “Don’t Walk Away.”
 

The second single, “Set Me Free,” is a surefire trap anthem that features the sultry vocals of Mad Decent’s LIZ.
 

Download “Be Right There” and “Set Me Free” on DJcity.
 
Related: Watch Diplo’s ‘Set Me Free’ Video

 
In a revealing interview, The New York Times sits down with Diplo, Skrillex and Justin Bieber for an in-depth look at the making of their hit single, “Where Are U Now.”
 
The video gives insight into the creation of the track, including scenes of Skrillex auditioning never-before-heard versions of the record that didn’t made the cut. Watch below:
 

 
Related: Skrillex and Diplo Drop ‘Where Are U Now’ Video Feat. Justin Bieber