Hey Folks, how are you all?
Today I am sharing a few facts that may or may not surprise you. This post is about being true to yourself, even if this goes against the “norm” or what “everyone else” is doing.
Some facts:
- I don’t usually hang out with scratch DJs in real life.
- I don’t like dark and dirty beats.
- I love playing with bands.
- I don’t like going to clubs to DJ, or to clubs in general.
- I love early nights and early mornings (the energy is great in the morning).
- I cannot do the prism scratch, or autobahn scratch, heck, I don’t even know what half the scratches are these days.
- I repeat the same scratches over and over sometimes and this frustrates me.
- I get derogatory and negative comments on my YouTube channel ALL the time.
- I don’t like complexity.
- I don’t like using a ton of equipment.
- I don’t beat juggle.
Why none of this matters
- I am having FUN.
- I am passing on knowledge to new scratch DJs or older scratch DJs that got lost along the way or to those who are seeking to get the fun back into their practice.
- At the end of the day there are no rules to scratching.
So, if you can do a baby scratch but the chirp and the flare scratch are stressing you out; SO WHAT! It doesn’t matter! Work with what you have. Go slow and have fun! If you needed permission to be different or go against the norm, consider this it. It works for me.
Until next time…
Happy Scratching!
- Short-E
Hey Folks
I am frequently asked “Will the Innofader will fit into my mixer?” (For anyone wondering what an Innofader is, it is a high performance crossfader built specifically for scratch DJs, designed to replace your existing crossfader.)
As there are so many mixers and a few different models of innofader, I recommend checking the official page here:
Innofader Compatible Mixers - This page features a comprehensive overview of most of the mixers us scratch DJs use, along with full instructions on how to fit the specific recommended innofader.
I have embedded the official page in a frame below for quick reference, but I recommend visiting the full page for easier viewing and less scrolling:
I hope that is useful for anyone considering the Innofader.
Happy Scratching! 
- Short-E
Hey Folks
The content on this site has grown somewhat organically and I realised it may be hard to pick out the best posts to help you learn how to scratch in the right order.
Here is a complete overview of the best way to navigate through the site and learn scratching step by step. I will update it as necessary. I hope you find it useful.
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Before you begin
Info you need before you hit the decks.
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Equipment
Everything relating to equipment setup for scratching.
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Technique Tutorials
Video tutorials covering scratch techniques and concepts. If you concentrate on learning these concepts and apply it with practice, you will go far!
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Scratching on Controllers
Explorations on scratching with midi controllers / non vinyl setups.
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Motivation and Inspiration
For the days when you need a mental boost and encouragement for your scratch practice. Scratch techniques aside, how you approach your scratch practice is very important.
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Training Videos
Videos of me scratching over a beat for a few bars, with a few bars gap left for you to ‘reply’ with your own scratches. Once you have learnt some scratch techniques, you can practice alongside me here.
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Beats
Beats to inspire your scratch practice.
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Happy Scratching!
- Short-E
Hey Folks.
Today the Studio Scratches YouTube Channel reached the 10,000 subscriber mark. WOW!
I am truly humbled and never dreamed that I would receive that number of subscribers when I started putting up practice videos and the odd tutorial in 2008.
Thank you all for watching, leaving comments and encouragement. I appreciate every single one of you.
To celebrate, the first 10 people to leave me a comment below will receive a free beat pack of their choice from the Studio Scratches Beat Store. Tell me a story or something about the first Studio Scratches video you saw and how the Studio Scratches YouTube channel has been a part of your scratch journey.
Happy Scratching!
- Short-E
The simplicity of scratching:
Turntable, mixer, sample vinyl, beat.
Have fun today.
- Short-E
You only really need those 4 things above to be fully engaged in the art of scratching.
Today there is so much equipment out there, so many new features that it is easy to lose track of the simple art of scratching.
When this happens to me, I go back to basics.
Think enjoyment. Simple fun. Pleasure.
Why not enjoy a simple baby scratch, or a simple chirp scratch? Remember why you fell in love with scratching in the first place. Have some fun!
I think of this like a guitarist who has a world of amps, pedals and effects at their fingertips. Unplugging, taking an acoustic, sitting on the beach and playing. Playing for the pure fun of it.
Shut off the screen and enjoy some analog scratching for a change.
Serato and Traktor are awesome tools that have made it easier than ever to switch between beats and loops and insert cue points, effects and a million other new features. This is great and makes for some very creative music. However don’t loose sight of the simple art of scratching. Turntable, mixer, sample vinyl and beat.
Until next time…
Happy Scratching!
- Short-E
