Turntablism

This section explains Turntablism, its Origins and Techniques. Turntablism is a form of music performance and production that revolves around the use of turntables and vinyl records. It involves manipulating sound by using the turntable as an instrument, rather than merely playing music from a record. Understanding its origins, techniques, and approaches is essential for Music students, particularly in relation to its influence on modern music genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, and DJ culture.

Origins of Turntablism

Early Development and Hip-Hop

• Birth of Turntablism: Turntablism originated in the 1970s, particularly within the hip-hop culture. DJs in New York City began using turntables not just to play music, but to manipulate it in innovative ways. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa played a key role in developing turntablism techniques.
• Hip-Hop Influence: The practice of turntablism grew alongside the development of hip-hop music. DJs were essential in hip-hop culture, playing a central role in the development of scratching, beat-matching, and other techniques that are now integral to the genre.

Influence of Funk and Disco

• Funk and Disco: Before hip-hop, turntables were mainly used in funk, soul, and disco clubs, where DJs would play extended dance mixes. The influence of funk, with its emphasis on rhythm, and disco, with its use of long instrumental breaks, was key to the development of turntablism.
• Breakbeats: DJs like Kool Herc popularised the use of “breakbeats” – the instrumental section of a song that often features a strong rhythm. DJs would loop these breaks by using two turntables, allowing dancers (breakdancers) to perform uninterrupted to the rhythm.

Techniques of Turntablism

Scratching

• Definition: Scratching is the technique of manually moving a vinyl record back and forth on the turntable to create percussive, rhythmic sounds. It’s one of the most recognisable elements of turntablism.
• Common Types of Scratching:
  • Baby Scratch: The most basic form, involving moving the record back and forth with no audio effects applied.
  • Transform Scratch: Involves rapidly moving the record back and forth while simultaneously cutting the audio signal on and off with the crossfader.
  • Flare Scratch: A more advanced technique involving complex movements with the record and crossfader to create stuttering and rhythmic effects.
  • Crab Scratch: A fast and complex version of the flare scratch, where multiple fingers manipulate the crossfader in quick succession to produce intricate, rapid cuts.

Beat-Matching

• Definition: Beat-matching is the technique of synchronising the tempos of two different tracks so they can be played together seamlessly. DJs use turntables to match the beats of two tracks, ensuring they stay in sync and can be mixed smoothly.
• Speed Adjustments: DJs use the pitch fader on the turntable to adjust the speed (or tempo) of the record to match another track. This technique is essential for creating seamless transitions between songs in live DJ sets.

Cueing and Mixing

• Cueing: Cueing refers to preparing the next track for mixing. The DJ listens to the next track in their headphones and adjusts its start point so it can be blended in smoothly.
• Mixing: Mixing involves transitioning between two songs, using techniques like fading, crossfading, or looping to ensure a smooth, continuous flow of music. Turntablists often combine live scratching with the mixing process to enhance the performance.
• Beat Juggling: This technique involves rearranging sections of two or more tracks in real time, creating a new rhythm or pattern by juggling beats between two turntables.

Sampling

• Definition: Sampling involves taking a small portion (or "sample") of an existing track and manipulating it. Turntablists often use vinyl records as their source of samples, creatively looping or altering parts of a song to create new rhythms and textures.
• Manipulating Samples: Turntablists may use effects such as filters, delays, and reverb to further transform samples. Samples can be repeated, reversed, or manipulated in various ways to create unique soundscapes.

Using the Crossfader

• Definition: The crossfader is a control on a DJ mixer that allows the DJ to fade the audio between two turntables. By moving the crossfader from one side to the other, DJs can blend or cut between tracks or sections of music.
• Use in Scratching: The crossfader is used in many scratching techniques to cut the sound in and out, creating the characteristic stuttered effect. DJs often use the crossfader in combination with the turntable to add more layers to the scratch.

Approaches to Turntablism

Live Performances

• Battling: A key element of turntablism culture is the concept of “DJ battles”, where DJs showcase their skills in a competitive environment. The goal is to impress the audience with unique scratching, mixing, and creative manipulation of sound. Battles often involve timed sets where DJs perform their best tricks, including scratching, beat juggling, and blending different styles.
• Set Building: When performing live, turntablists often prepare their sets in advance, selecting records that complement each other and that they can mix effectively. The set may include samples, live scratching, and beat-matching to create an engaging performance.

Turntablism in Hip-Hop and Electronic Music

• Hip-Hop: In hip-hop music, turntablism is often used as a way to create beats, textures, and sound effects. DJs in hip-hop may work with vocalists or MCs to create dynamic, live performances that blend rapping with complex turntable techniques.
• Electronic Music: Turntablism has influenced electronic music genres such as dubstep, techno, and breakbeat. Electronic music producers often use turntablism techniques like scratching and sampling, especially in live performance settings.

Sampling and Creating New Music

• Innovative Sound Creation: Turntablists often use records as raw material for creating new sounds. By manipulating records in real-time, they can create unique compositions by re-arranging, re-pitching, and layering samples. This approach leads to the creation of entirely new musical works from pre-existing material.
• Remixing: DJs and turntablists are also heavily involved in remixing, where they take a song and alter it by adding new beats, changing the structure, and incorporating new samples. This approach allows for the creation of new versions of songs, making them suitable for different contexts, such as club settings.

Technology and Turntablism

Digital Turntablism

• Software and Controllers: In modern turntablism, digital software like Serato DJ, Traktor, and Rekordbox has replaced the need for vinyl in many cases. These digital programs allow DJs to use MIDI controllers and laptops to control digital files (MP3, WAV) with the same techniques used on vinyl. This approach is known as "digital vinyl systems" (DVS).
• Digital vs Vinyl: While digital turntablism has become more common, many purists argue that the physical connection with vinyl records adds a level of skill and artistry that digital systems cannot fully replicate.

Virtual Turntables and Online Platforms

• Software Simulation: Virtual turntables are often used in educational contexts or by DJs who do not have access to physical turntables. Software programs can simulate the experience of scratching, mixing, and manipulating digital music files, helping students learn the craft.
• Online Battles and DJ Communities: Turntablism has found a space in online communities where DJs can share their performances, compete in online battles, and collaborate with others globally.

Conclusion

Turntablism is a unique and creative form of musical expression that goes beyond simply playing records. It involves a wide range of techniques, from scratching and beat-matching to sampling and remixing. Rooted in hip-hop culture, turntablism has influenced a variety of genres and continues to play an important role in modern music production and performance. Mastery of turntablism requires both technical skill and creativity, and its impact can be seen in the work of DJs, electronic musicians, and hip-hop artists worldwide. Understanding the origins, techniques, and approaches of turntablism will give you a deeper appreciation for its role in shaping contemporary music.