This week I’ve read various topics on message boards about DJing digitally or using vinyl. I guess it’s all down to the individual playing the music. I have no real preference as to what tools or format the DJ uses as long as the music is good.

I started using Rane Serato Scratch Live around 18 months ago its completley changed the way I play out. In terms of buying music; it’s allowed me to buy new tracks from various digital services several hours prior to a gig, something that I wouldn’t have been able to do before. The savings go towards buying music on vinyl that I’ve either missed out on or want.

I don’t relish the task of recording of vinyl, this is quite time consuming, sometimes resulting in a re record if I haven’t been happy with the sound quality. I spend time before recording cleaning the records, calibration of the software to achieve an optimal signal, tone arm set up, reducing background noise etc for it still to all go wrong. I guess this is down to the individual in terms of how far you’re willing to go to output the best quality sound. I also hear parts of records on House tracks that I hadn’t heard before. Most of the time it’s about deciding what to record and take out. I still pack some vinyl as a back up just incase.

Playing my own edits is a great plus point; you can spend sometime in the studio, save, take out and play. Using Serato I get to loop, extending the break etc or use instant doubles.

When it comes to recording mixes, its ace. I’ve got so much flexibility in terms of record selection and putting the mix together.

I put a mix together today playing some of my recent favourite records and some that I played out regular at the Redlight. I’ve got the interface set up in Serato to display the artist, title and track length. 74 minutes later I saved the mix and went back to listen and compose a track list. I hadn’t realised that I featured 4 releases on the .dotBleep label! I guess it doesn’t matter and just highlights how consistent they are in terms of what they’re releasing!

Here’s the track list. You know the drill.

• Special Forces - Family Business
• Terrance Dizko - I Hear House
• Boris Pecker - Set
• Tha Track Assassin - Tracky Fingerz
• Risque De Funk Electrique - Give Me Luv (JF Extended Reedit)
• DJ Tye - Funky Touch
• John Larner - Keep Steppin
• No Assembly Firm - Tell Everybody
• No Assembly Firm - Step Ur Game Up
• Stacey Kidd presents The Underground Elements - Boogie
• Mike Steele - Sunnyside Funk
• Sawtooth Sucka - Freaky Dance Craze Music
• Sebastien Leger - PYT (Original Mix)

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