Today we are celebrating School of Scratch Student Allexia from Portugal, who recently completed the 100 days of scratching challenge. ??❤️
Huge congrats Allexia! Well done for sticking with the process and for the progress you have made!
You can follow Allexia here: instagram.com/allexia_dj/ to see all of her 100 day videos.
100 Days of Scratching is something I started and completed (see here) and have been encouraging my students to do the same – as a way to get in the habit of daily practice, documenting progress and connecting with others.
Allexia joins fellow School of Scratch Students Thomas, Ashley, Adam, Erick, Magnus, Roly G and Denise who have all completed the 100 Days of Scratching project. What a crew!
I asked Allexia some questions to help those of you who are considering doing the project.
Interview
Can you give us some background on your interest in music and scratching?
I started to develop an interest in rap and soul music at a young age. I remember when I was young, I saw a Portuguese DJ scratching and I was totally crazy about that. Then I searched videos about scratch DJs, and DMC championships, digging, and listened to different styles of music. In 2016 I started my career as drum n bass / hip hop DJ, but I only start scratching in April 2018, after watching a jam and DJ battle, and I was fascinated. After I tried, I just got hooked. Scratching changed my life and the way I see music.
What made you decide to undertake the 100 day challenge?
Well, I love challenges… I think that evolution does not happen without challenge. I decided to join to the 100 day challenge because I want to evolve, and I see this challenge as an opportunity to practice and grow up. It was like a commitment to myself.
What was your approach?
About my work routine, I usually practice at least 1 hour everyday. Trying to inspire myself watching videos of my favourite artists. Sometimes when I am not very motivated I check some new classes in School of Scratch, trying to learn something new.
What is your recording and posting workflow like?
I just scratch without pressure, record what I´m feeling in that day, and post on Instagram and YouTube.
Top tools / apps / software / equipment to capture and edit?
I use my GoPro Hero 5 to capture, and then send to my phone, cut and post. Sometimes I just asked a friend to hold my phone and record.
What did you learn?
I had the opportunity to improve the techniques I already knew, and to learn new ones. I gained more confidence in myself and I learned how to manage my time better, day by day.
What helped you on your way?
Emma was the main source of support, because she was present throughout the process, answering to all my questions and doubts. She is kind and has such a good vibe!!!
The Supa Scratch Crew of School of Scratch was amazing to me too. Some of the students sent me messages giving me strength and some tips. You really feel like a part of the crew. My friends helped me a lot too, some of them sent me videos to inspire me. They were always giving me the strength to carry on and not give up.
What didn’t work?
Sometimes I wanted to make a lot of things in a same video, or to be in a hurry, or I wanted to learn a lot of things in a same day, and that didn’t work at all.
What was the most challenging part and how did you deal with that?
The most challenging part is to be able to fulfill the 100 day commitment without failing one day without becoming repetitive. My strategy to stay motivated was to use creativity to try new things, new rhythms, speeds, record videos in different places with different setups. I had some experiences with different mixers, like SH 1200 (The DMC World DJ official mixer), I used a guitar pedal to make delay effects. It was so good to discover that you can combine scratching with different kind of things.
What are your top tips for anyone who wants to undertake this challenge?
Don’t thing too much about the process, and if you should do or not. Just start scratching. Be dedicated. Be patient. Practice a lot. And have fun!
If you were to do this challenge again, what, if anything would you do differently?
Nothing 😀 We learn with our mistakes. I loved the whole process as I went through the process.
You are a School of Scratch student – What has your school experience been like? What do you love about it? What is your advice for anyone considering joining the school?
My experience at School of Scratch couldn’t be better!
I had access to a lot of videos that explained everything in great detail and although Emma is not at your side performing the scratch, you really feel like she is!
What is next for you?
Right now I have some requests to collaborate with hip hop producers. However, I want to start learning beat juggling, and continue to practice and improve my techniques. Soon I think I will start this challenge again. Let’s go 200 days of scratching!!! Ahaha.
Where can we find you online?
Anything else you want to add?
Believe in what you feel. And, like Emma says: Happy Scratching!
That’s a wrap!
Thanks Allexia! Well done again for taking part and completing this challenge! Looking forward to seeing your continued posts and progress! Let’s go 200 Days of Scratching!
Wanna take part in the 100 Days of Scratching Project?
You can take part in the 100 Days of Scratching project and join our group of supportive DJs here:
Join the 100 Days of Scratching Challenge
If you are curious about School of Scratch you can check it out here and sign up below to get 2 free lessons to get you started.
Happy Scratching! 😀
– Emma Short-E