End of Year Review 2013 – Studio Scratches

Hey folks.

I thought it would be good to reflect on 2013 as we move into 2014. I was inspired by this post from James Clear to write this annual review.

Firstly, BIG thanks to everyone who has visited the site, bought beat packs, left me comments and encouraged me onwards. It means so much to me and I am thankful for you.

thankyou

What went well this year?

30 Days of Scratching

This was the biggest commitment and challenge I have taken on for Studio Scratches yet, and I was unsure of how it would go. It was a challenge to complete but it was very rewarding to achieve what I set out to do. It was great to have you all along for the journey leaving me comments and encouragement. I learnt many things along the way that I can put into practice as I produce more content for you this coming year.

Here is a recap article where you can watch the highlights / snapshots in just a few minutes instead of the 4 hour playlist:

30 Days of Scratching in 15 Second Video Clips

Articles

I love to share knowledge of how you can improve your scratching and generally encourage your forwards with the correct mindset you need. Here some of the most popular articles that I wrote this year:

Videos

It’s always good to put out new videos and keep things fresh. By far the most popular was the DJ Tech DIF-1S vs Rane TTM 57sl mixer comparison, which was also super fun to record!

Products

I also released some new beats for scratch practice, including packs from featured guest producers:

Freelance Session Scratching Work

Every now and then I do some scratching for select projects. I was pleased to provide the soundtrack for the CBBC’s Scratching Badgers in the 3rd series of the show. Bless those scratchy badgers!

Return of the Scratching Badgers – CBBC Walk On The Wildside

What didn’t go so well this year?

I didn’t record that many scratch tutorials or QnA videos and this is something that the School of Scratch should address this year, see the next point below.

What am I working toward?

I am working hard on the School of Scratch which has been a (very) long time coming and I am looking forward to launching that in the new year. I hope you will be part of it! Teaching will be my main focus within Studio Scratches this year.

I would also like to finish writing and launch my free Scratch DJ Equipment guide eBook to answer the many questions I receive on what equipment is suitable for new scratch DJs.

Last, but not least, I hope to bring you more beat packs from guest producers this coming year.

Final thoughts

It has been great to look back on this year and take time to appreciate what has been achieved and experienced. I recommend the annual review exercise to you as a way to reflect and celebrate your 2013.

Once again, thank you all for your support and encouragement, I really do value every single one of you and appreciate you joining me on this scratch adventure through life!

Here is a free beat for you to launch your new year:

Download free beat (Right click and save as).

Happy end of 2013 and wishing you an awesome & amazing 2014!

happy new year

I will leave you with two of my favourite quotes to inspire you into the new year:

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”

– Henry David Thoreau

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

– W. H. Murray / Goethe

Happy Scratching! 😀

– Emma Short-E