On The Record: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide Book is now available to purchase.
Purchase On the Record: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide
About the Book
In the three decades since Kool Herc first put the same record on two side-by-side turntables, DJs have moved out of city parks, house and block parties, and the darkened booths of nightclubs, and onto center stage, performing before admiring crowds of thousands. They have not only given rise to hip-hop and house—DJs have influenced fashion, film, TV, and more.
With On the Record, Scratch DJ Academy, the premiere institution for DJ education, brings together years of training and expertise to create an authoritative guide to the dynamic art of DJing. More than just a “how-to,” this is a sonic adventure, guiding you through forty years of music, creativity, and culture. From beat matching to body tricks, Grandmaster Flash to Fatboy Slim, the Bronx to Ibiza, On the Record is an all-in-one guide. So whether you’re learning the ropes, considering going pro, or just want insight into a broader range of music, this book is for you.
Reviews
- “On the Record is a blueprint for anyone who has ever thought about getting into DJing. It explores how we do it, but more importantly, why we do what we do. The old and new school masters break it all down here.” – Z-Trip
- “This book needs to be in your vinyl collection. It’s what every DJ needs to be in the game and every music fan needs to understand the game.” – Snoop Dogg
- “A must-read. If you’re a battle champion, a club DJ, or just a music enthusiast, you will definitely benefit from reading this book. Every one of us is a DJ. This book just makes us better. It’s about time!” – Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C.
- “We need some kind of bible that covers every aspect of DJ culture. This book can do that.” – DJ AM (Adam Goldstein)
- “This book is needed to introduce the world to the hip hop DJ pioneers…. If anybody wants an insight into the true essence of hip hop, the DJs who started it, and how they can follow in our footsteps, they must read On the Record.” – Grand Wizard Theodore (Inventor of the scratch)
- “DJ’s are such an important part of our culture. They define and shape it everyday. This book shines light on their art form, their culture and most importantly, it helps bring out your inner DJ. It’s a must read.” – Doug E. Fresh
Full Details:
ON THE RECORD: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide
ON THE RECORD: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide is an authoritative guide to the dynamic art of DJing. More than just a “how-to,” this is a sonic adventure, guiding readers through 40 years of music, creativity, and culture. From beat matching to body tricks, Grandmaster Flash to Fatboy Slim, the Bronx to Ibiza, On the Record is the definitive cultural guide to this art form. So whether you’re learning the ropes, considering going pro, or just want to tap your inner DJ, this book is for you.
Where It All Started:
The term “disc jockey” started out as an insulting term, assuming that the job simply entailed riding records in the radio booth. Despite such inauspicious beginnings, DJs were quick to influence both music and culture: DJ legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and Kool Herc introduced hip hop to the nation, while Larry Levan and Frankie Knuckles established the infectious roots of house music.
Cultural Impact:
The book looks at the lives of celebrity DJs – how they got their start, their travel, and the bookings that keep them going. It includes interviews, useful tips, and anecdotes from the world’s top DJs. Today, DJs not only influence the music you listen to now and in the future, but also the clothes you wear, the TV and movies you watch, and the technology you use.
DJ Guidelines:
Musically, DJs do much more than just sling records and make people dance; they have to draw on their knowledge of song structure, rhythm, tempo and much more. ON THE RECORD shows you how to listen to and appreciate music like a DJ. The book explains the equipment, the techniques and even explains the art of the mixtape. You’ll learn firsthand how to mix, scratch, and “drop on the 1”. There’s even a glossary to define everything from cueing and sampling to beatmatching and beat juggling.
Authors: Luke Crisell, Phil White & Rob Principe
DJ Contributors:
- Annie Nightingale
- BT
- Brandon Fluharty
- Grandmaster Caz
- Grand Wizard Theodore
- Grand Master Flash
- Mark Brown
- Richie Hawtin
- Sasha
- DJ AM
- John Digweed
- Matt Black
- Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels
- DJ Z-Trip
- DJ Excel
- Matt Black
- Q-Bert
- Jay Jung
- Junior Sanchez
- Josh Wink
- DJ A-Trak
- DJ Craze
- DJ Skribble
- Harry “Choo Choo” Romero
- Nick Warren
- DJ Immortal
- Rob Swift
- James Zabiela
- Stretch Armstrong
- DJ Rasta Root
- DJ Daddy Dog
- Jahi Sundance
- Jesse Felluss
- Zander Chemers
- DJ Excess
- DJ Noumenon
- Scratch DJ Academy faculty
- Tony Humphries
- Klever
- Oscar G
- DJ Vice
- Danny Rampling
- DJ Yoda
- Pete Tong
- DJ Hapa
– Short-e