Live Turntablism: Beat Juggling & Scratching Sets
I don't just hit play. I treat turntables like an instrument—scratching, beat juggling, and mixing live to keep the energy raw and real. Peep how I handle the decks.
Back in the home studio getting some practice in. It's been a minute, but it feels good to get the needles back on the vinyl and work on some beat juggling routines. This is a classic jazz track from United Future Organization.
Just having fun pushing faders and juggling a hip hop classic, "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" by the Geto Boys. This is the foundation of my style, taking iconic beats and reinterpreting them live on the decks.
Dropping a jungle classic from General Levy and using Serato Stems to create a live remix. This technology lets me isolate vocals and instrumentals on the fly, adding another layer of creativity to my drum and bass sets.
A close up of the turntable in action. The blue light on the platter is iconic. For me, this isn't just equipment; it's my instrument for crafting sets that are full of funk, disco, and house vibes.
Messing around with a 90s house track, "Unique" by Kim Cooper. I love the challenge of juggling house beats, keeping the groove tight while adding my own rhythmic patterns. It's all about having fun with the music.
A clip from my warm up set for the Detroit legend, DJ Godfather. You can see me working the mixer, using scratching and quick cuts to blend electro and ghetto tech tracks. It was a pleasure to share the stage with a pioneer.
Here I am leading a turntable workshop for Record Store Day. I was sharing some fundamental scratching and beat juggling techniques, explaining how turntablism is a core element of DJ culture. It's always great to connect with aspiring DJs.
A shot from a 90's hip hop set, with the red light setting the mood. I love playing these kinds of nights, where I can dig deep into my record collection and play whatever feels right, from classic boom bap to Y2K anthems.
My hands on the crossfader during a drum and bass set. This is the core of my performance, making quick cuts and blends to keep the energy high and the transitions seamless.
A close up of my hands on the vinyl during a "Back 2 Skool Jam". I was spinning a mix of old school hip hop and R&B, and using real records is key to getting that authentic, warm sound.
About The Craft: Turntablism in Action
Before you hit me up, note that I need a proper setup to make this magic happen. Whether it’s 2x Technics turntables or Pioneer CDJs, I bring my own high-end cartridges and vinyl to make sure the scratching stays crisp. If your venue doesn't have the console gear, just let me know, and I can bring my full hardware setup for an additional fee.
Turntablism isn't just about pressing play—it's about manipulating the sound in real-time. I use turntables as my primary instrument, meaning I’m constantly beat juggling, cutting, and scratching to create seamless transitions that a standard controller mix just can't match. This approach is perfect for club nights in Bangalore, private parties, or events where you want more than just background noise.
What You Get With A Turntablism Set
- Live Remixing: I use technology like Serato Stems to isolate vocals or instrumentals on the fly, making each mix unique.
- Genre Fluidity: While my foundation is in Old Skool Hip Hop, I blend in UK Garage, Grime, Drum & Bass, and Funk. It’s all about reading the room and keeping the groove tight.
- Pro Gear Knowledge: Whether I'm playing at spots like Social or doing a workshop at an event, I arrive 45-60 minutes early to soundcheck. I know my gear—Technics turntables or Pioneer CDJs—inside out.
If you want that authentic scratch DJ experience, you’ve found the right spot. I’m comfortable warming up for legends or closing out the night with heavy bass sets. Let’s bring the energy to your next event 🧨.
DJ Dwell
I’m DJ Dwell, and I’m all about that raw, hands-on energy. If you’re looking for someone to actually perform on the decks rather than just run a playlist, I’m your guy.
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