DJ@War
DJ@War is Developing a Scratch Training App, skratchEZ
UK DJ and turntablist DJ@War is developing a scratch training app called skratchEZ, which he says “is like DJ Hero but with real equipment.” Watch Sophenom cover the story on DJcityTV.
Check out our first look at skratchEZ here.
Follow Sophenom on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Related: DJcity News Weekly Recap: May 18
First Look: DJ@War’s Scratch Training App, skratchEZ
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@War Performs UK-Inspired Routine for DJcityTV
London’s DJ@War performs a UK-inspired routine for DJcityTV using two new tracks and three throwbacks.
Tracklist:
1. JAY-Z – Moment of Clarity
2. J Hus – Common Sense
3. Cam’ron ft. Juelz Santana – Hey Ma
4. Yungen ft. Yxng Bane – Bestie
5. Eve – Who’s That Girl?
Watch DJ@War’s UK-Style Routine for DJcityTV
London-based DJ, turntablist, and producer DJ@War has dropped a quick routine for DJcityTV. His performance features two new UK tracks and a classic acapella.
Tracklist:
1. Mary J. Blige – Family Affair – Acapella
2. Lethal Bizzle ft. Donaeo & Diztortion – Celebrate *
3. Tinie Tempah – Lightwork *
* Available on DJcity UK (you can use your DJcity login to access DJcity UK)
Follow DJ@War on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Related: James Hype Teams With Kelli Leigh For UK House Anthem ‘More Than Friends’
Popular
-
May 13, 2025
Desi Beats for DJs: How South Asian Music Moves Global Crowds
Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspor...
-
May 8, 2025
Protect Your Music: Backup Strategies for DJs
While destroying a vinyl record collection all at once would be a significant undertaking, the same cannot be said for digital music. If you maintain only...
-
May 9, 2025
🔝 Picks For The Week: The Weeknd, Doechii, Playboi Carti, PinkPantheress, Tiësto + More
Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) The Weeknd & Doechii...
-
May 23, 2023
The Best Remixes for Wedding DJs 2023
*** UPDATE: check out our updated 2024 and 2025 playlists! Wedding season has arrived! DJcity’s Remix Director Sir Marcus has put together a list of...
-
March 3, 2025
The Ultimate 2025 Festival of Colors Playlist – Holi Hai!
Holi, the vibrant Festival of Colors, is a cherished Hindu celebration that welcomes the arrival of spring with a burst of energy. Taking place in March, t...
-
April 28, 2025
🏆 What DJs Couldn’t Stop Downloading – April 2025 Edition 📈
These are DJcity’s most downloaded tracks of April 2025. Our monthly charts feature top downloads from around the world, plus regional charts for Latin, U...
-
April 18, 2022
‘Download All’ Feature Now Available
At DJcity, we are always listening to our subscribers and working on new features to help them get the most from our service. We are delighted to satisfy o...
-
December 29, 2020
Top 30 Remixes, Bootlegs and DJ Edits of 2020
James Hype. Yesterday, DJcity revealed its most downloaded tracks of 2020. Today, we dive deeper to uncover the most popular remixes, bootlegs, and edits o...
-
April 28, 2025
🌊🌴DJcity x DJ R-Tistic: West Coast Party Playlist ☀️😎
DJcity has teamed up with LA’s own DJ R-Tistic to curate a fresh playlist packed with West Coast rap anthems, guaranteed to light up any party from San Die...
-
August 13, 2020
Updated DJcity Desktop App Available Now
The DJcity desktop app has been updated with new and improved features. In addition to a streamlined user interface and enhanced functionality, the app off...