Ask a DJ
by SvS

Have you ever been at a party and wanted to know how the DJ just pulled that trick? Ever wondered what all those knobs and buttons do? Perhaps you want to know what color his underwear was? For whatever question you may have had and didn't have the opportunity to ask or you were just to shy, now's your time.

the real milo: How did you learn to beat match?

When I began learning to spin records I was working with really old 80's belt driven Technics with dial pitches. As you could imagine this was extremely difficult to get down at first. I began learning my counting and phrasing first, since the motor on these baby's weren't what the Technics decks are today. It wasn't until I received my first set of Tech 12's that I started learning to beat match. Also at this time I had just recently switched from Progressive House to Jungle. I think knowing how to count and phrase made this task a bit easier. From there it was just matching the snares up and I was out and on my way. Now 5 years into playing records out in public I'm still learning. I think as you go on into your quest of spinning and beat matching you begin to gain more and more of an ear for the notes and instruments in the tracks you play.

the real milo: What advice would you give up and coming DJs who might have just purchased Turntables?

Practice, practice, practice! Since you just spent all that money on "record players" you obviously are very interested in playing this instrument. My best advice is to not give up. Don't get discouraged when it doesn't come to you right away. If the style of music you're playing doesn't fit you or appeal to you get new records. Experiment with different types of music and see what makes more sense to you. Most of all PRACTICE. Do it when ever you have time. Instead of watching TV play some records. It's not going to happen for you over night and it probably won't happen in a few weeks either. Listen to you records over and over and get a feel for them. Know when they will go into a break, know when the bass kicks in, know them like the back of your hand. Another thing to work on is getting your phrasing down and learn to count. 32 beats make up for on measure. Always start you next record on time (on the 1st beat of the 32) to unsure your phases on both tracks run together smoothly. There are no limits as to what you and your decks can do with enough time and practice.

the real milo: Why do you spin Drum and Bass?

Mainly, it just makes more sense to me. I've tried playing House, Trance, Techno, and all others in between. Jungle just seemed more fitting to me. I always wasn't a fan of it but then I heard Groove Rider's "Where's Jack The Ripper" and from there on out I knew jungle was my kind of music. I think it's more because of the way my brain works. I need my music to be fast and intricate. With house or trance, waiting for the boom on the next kick just seemed to boring to me. My mind just lost interest waiting for it. Jungle is normally produced at 170 beats per minute (BPM) and played anywhere between 168-180 BPM. There's no time to wait or think you just have to do. I just need it fast paced and in your face and I found that in Jungle.

DJNyx: Well then what color ARE your underpants?

Well lets see now... Today they are blue boxers with little gray circle like things. That's right I'm a boxer man. I gave up wearing tightie whities in grammar school. I just don't feel manly wearing cotton white panties.

We're here to answer all your questions. From tricks and tracks to superstitions and love advice. Just send an eMail to AskADJ@phocas.net.