Sweatin’ Beats: So firstly, what equipment must a budding DJ have?
Nino: At home I use Serato Scratch Live to control my mp3 tracks. It has a vinyl feel.
I also use a laptop to control the Serato. I carry all my music on my laptop and take it wherever I go. It’s got all my sound effects, tunes, everything. I keep them all backed up here.
It’s important you’ve got a good laptop when using a Serato. It’s really the central piece of the studio. I’ve got a macbook, it’s great.
SB: What about when you’re on the road?
Nino: For those performances I’ve got a portable Serato which I plug the turn tables into. You can use it with vinyl or CD’s, it’s awesome.
I also have my portable DJ Sampler which lets me add sound effects to my live shows. It’s great. I can add atmosphere to my live performances. Eg a horn, sirens, any sound. I can actually use it at home or on the road.
SB: How do you know what songs to pick?
Nino: One of the most important skills for being a good DJ is song selection.
Firstly there’s your ‘warm up’ music. Play records that get everyone in the mood. Don’t play your biggest hits too early, but something good like Dru Hill’s In My Bed.
Secondly it’s your ‘peak’ music. This is your hottest music. Play it in the middle of the night. Something like Black Eyed Peas, Dizzee Rascal, or Fat Man Scoop.
Thirdly it’s your ‘end of the night’ music. You want to keep people singing and dancing all night so to keep it going play some old school like Mary J Blige or 2Pac.
SB: How do you mix a record?
Nino: Firstly there’s ‘Beat Mixing.’ This is the most important technique. While playing one song match the tempo of the one you’re about to play and it’s seamless. Keep it smooth without the crowd even knowing the song changed.
Secondly there’s ‘Dropping records/Cutting.’ You just drop the next record in, cutting from one record straight to the next, keeping the tempo. It’s really good for impact, but this will only work if the record you’re dropping is a big crowd pleaser.
Thirdly there’s ‘Baby scratching.’ This is the first technique you learn. You move your hand back and forth on the fader in time to the music. You can incorporate that into beat mixing or cutting.
SB: How do you achieve the best stage presence?
Nino: Whether you’re playing at a house party, on stage, or in a club it’s important to have stage presence. You need self-belief. If you believe in your performance then the crowd will believe it.
Be cool, look right, have the right music, the right attitude and have everything prepared. If you look bored, the audience will be bored. You’re there to entertain and give them the best night of their life.
SB: Which DJ’s have inspired you?
Nino: I’ve been inspired by lots of DJ’S for different reasons. For turntablism DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Cash Money, DJ Scratch. Also Kid Capri, who’s not so into turntablism but is the worlds best party DJ, with the best stage presence.
Later on it was Fat Man Scoop, DJ Lil John. I imagine them going crazy at a party!
Get your hands on DJ Nino Brown’s new album Blazin’2010 out now!
Copyright : MTV Australia
