Shiftee

Shiftee Demonstrates Native Instruments’ Stems


 
A lot has been written about Native Instruments’ new Stems format, but there are only a few videos of turntablists using it in action. Thankfully, two-time DMC World DJ Champion Shiftee has just posted a short video of him putting the format to the test.
 
Watch above as the New York DJ/producer performs a routine based on Curl Up’s future bass song, “Frozen Shell.” Shiftee uses two Technics turntables, one Traktor Kontrol Z2 mixer, and two Traktor Kontrol D2 controllers in conjunction with Stems.
 
Related: Is Native Instruments’ Stems the Format of the Future?

Watch Shiftee’s Workshop on the History of Turntablism


 
In addition to rocking clubs and battling some of the world’s best turntablists, Shiftee is also an instructor at Dubspot, a reputed electronic music school.
 
Earlier this year, the two-time DMC World Champion gave a workshop on the history of turntablism and those who didn’t attend it can now watch a recap video. The class was part of Dubspot’s free weekly series, the “EDU Sessions.”
 
The video begins with Shiftee discussing Grand Wizard Theodore, who’s widely credited as the inventor of scratching, and ends with today’s digital scene. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in learning about turntablism and how it’s evolved throughout the years.
 
Related: Watch Shiftee Use the Traktor Kontrol S8 as a DVS Mixer with Two Turntables

Watch Shiftee Use the Traktor Kontrol S8 as a DVS Mixer with Two Turntables


 
A few months ago, Shiftee posted a photo on his Instagram account of a Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S8 between a pair of Technics turntables. The unusual setup caught the attention of fans, as the S8 is a standalone controller and rarely used as a DVS mixer.
 
However, as DJ Zo found out when reviewing the S8 for DJcity, the controller transforms into a “super mixer” when plugged into two turntables. We’ve also watched a couple videos of DJs getting busy with the same configuration, but today is the first time we’ve seen one from a DMC World Champion. Filmed in one take, Shiftee’s new video showcases some of the S8’s most powerful features, including Freeze Mode, Remix Decks, touch screens, and more.
 
The tracks flipped in the routine are: Lido’s remix of Alt-J’s “Left Hand Free,” the Low Pros’s “Who Wanna Play” featuring Que, and Shiftee’s “Uh Yo And Also Yo.”
 
Related: Shiftee Talks Spreading Turntablism to a Larger Audience

Shiftee Talks Spreading Turntablism to a Larger Audience

Shiftee
 
Shiftee is considered one of the most skilled turntablists and controllerists in the world. But unlike some of his peers, the two-time DMC World Champion is dedicated to integrating both art forms with the club world.
 
During an interview with FACT TV at SXSW, Shiftee spoke about his mission to spread turntablism to a larger audience. Specifically, the New Yorker discussed his group with Enferno and mixtape series with grime artist Elijah.
 
Shiftee said that while turntablism is mostly about technique, his and Enferno’s goal is to make it more about the music, so it connects with more people.
 
Watch the full interview below:
 

 
Related: Watch Enferno and Shiftee’s ‘Pop Music’ Routine

Watch Enferno and Shiftee’s ‘Pop Music’ Routine


 
Up until now, Enferno and Shiftee’s duo E.A.S.Y. has self-released their original tracks. DJ Craze has been a supporter from the start, though, and just signed their latest single “Pop Music” to his label, Slow Roast Records. Watch above as E.A.S.Y. performs the dream trap-influenced track on the fly, assisted by turntables, controllers and keyboards.
 

“Proud to have the homies E.A.S.Y. releasing ‘POP MUSIC’ on Slow Roast. A combination of top-notch musicianship and turntablism … This $#!T is plain ole GOOD!! Enjoy!!” – DJ Craze

 
Watch the routine above and download the track on SoundCloud.
 
Related: E.A.S.Y. Drops ‘Coming Around Again’ Video

E.A.S.Y. Drops ‘Coming Around Again’ Video


 
In addition to being elite turntablists and controllerists, Enferno and Shiftee aka E.A.S.Y. produce original material that stands on its own. With their new track “Coming Around Again,” the duo combines elements of dream trap, instrumental hip-hop and turntablism in a way that has a similar vibe to Keys N Krates. Don’t get us wrong though, E.A.S.Y. has its own sound, and Enferno and Shiftee’s technical prowess is among the best.
 
Download: E.A.S.Y. – Coming Around Again
 
Related: E.A.S.Y. Live Remixes A-Trak’s ‘Push’

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