Legendary turntable wizard and producer DJ Scratch is headed to El Paso as part of the the Vinyl Destination 45 Tour.
Scratch’s contribution to hip-hop and music as a whole was a factor to its development with his masterful turntable style and prowess as well as being a producer, being part of the iconic EPMD and producing songs on classic hip-hop albums by Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Method Man & Redman, LL Cool J and The Roots to name a few.
Scratch has earned various awards for DJing and producing, having several Grammy nominations. Along with DJ Jazzy Jeff and other guest DJs, the Brooklyn based DJ is digging in the crates and dusting off the wax of his personal record collection to bring to El Paso an all vinyl set.
Scratch speaks with Fusion Magazine on the heels of his visit.
Can you tell us why vinyl is special, and what roll had it played in your DJ and music career?
Vinyl is the essence, it sounds better. I’ve been on turntables since the 70s, it is my career.
You’ve been able to see the technological shifts in ways to experience music through the years, access to music (internet, downloading, apps) and the different formats DJs are now using more commonly than vinyl.
What do you think about where we are today as far as appreciating the craftsmanship of music itself?
I think the appreciation is because of the individual DJ, not because of the technology. Jeff and I skill set was formed before the technology. So that’s why our craftsmanship is appreciated. Because we can be skillful on vinyl or digital.
What particular moment was the deciding factor when you knew you wanted to be a Dj?
When I saw that playing music makes people happy. A great set can change someone’s mood who might be going through hard times.
Who is coming out on the Vinyl Destination 45 Tour and what are they bringing to the table?
We haven’t decided as of yet, but Jeff and I are more than enough to rock the house.
What kind of preparation goes on before the tour?
For me, just packing my records and making sure they’re clean to avoid skipping.
You guys got in the tour bus and hit the road last year, any good record finds this tour?
Absolutely, I found a lot of gems to play and to make beats with.
Do you have a holy grail record you still haven’t found?
I have a few, but I’ll tell you one. I’m still looking for a copy of “Hung Up” by Salt.
What experience do you want to get across with the Vinyl Destination 45 Tour?
I just want people to put their phones away and enjoy the music, grab someone and dance.
