Turntablism vs. DJing and Competition Strategy, w/Vekked (Passionate DJ Podcast #006)

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Episode 6 of the podcast is for all of you turntablists, or those interested in learning more about the intricacies of exhibitionist-style mixing and competition.  This is a topic that has been largely untouched on the Passionate DJ Podcast, so to do it justice, I brought in an expert on the subject.  Today's interviewee is Jake “Vekked” Meyer: winner of multiple world championship titles!

Vekked has an impressive list of qualifications, that include World Champion status for 2012 DMC and IDA competitions, Canadian Champion status for IDA (2012) and DMC (2011 – 2013), and Hamilton DMC Champion (2011 – 2012).  He is the first and only DJ to win both DMC and IDA world titles in the same year.

In this interview, not only do we get to hear some great insight into the turntablism world (especially as it relates to competition), but we get to hear some of his performances as well!  (Also, I have a question for you at the end, so listen all the way through!)

In episode 6, we chat about:

  • The psychology of scratching, and building a routine
  • The relevance of turntablism in the modern world
  • The effects that technology and social changes have had on competition
  • The differences between a turntablist and a club or mobile DJ
  • How to prepare for a performance
  • The biggest mistake DJs make when entering a competition

Items mentioned in this episode include:

One Last Thing…

If you feel that you're getting some value out of this podcast, would you please take just a moment to leave an honest review and rating on iTunes?  This will help to put the podcast in front of more people, and will help to keep me accountable in order to keep improving the quality of the podcast.  It only takes a moment, and would be super helpful.

Thank you!

And, of course, I welcome your comments on the podcast (and your answer to my question at the end) below!