The Basics:

Turntablism is an artform that uses phonographs as musical instruments. It goes beyond the typical useage of the record player for basic DJ sets - in turntablism, the artists create new original sounds and notes by manipulating the vinyl through methods like scratching and beat-juggling. Using a turntable as a musical instrument actually dates back to the 1930's, when artists like John Cage and Piette Schaeffer experimented with them in their musique concrete compositions. However, it wasn't until the 1970's that the concept of turntablism as we now know it came to be. This all began with the start of hip-hop, a genre that relied heavily on turntables in it's early stages, and often still does today.

Around 1973, a Bronx DJ named Kool Herc came up with the concept of break-beat DJing, a technique where he'd take two of the same records, and switch back and forth to extend the break of a song - the part where most of the music, except the percussion stops - so that MC's could rap over it. It was because of this that he is often credited as the originator of hip-hop. DJ's like Afrika Bambaata and Grandmaster Flash are also credited as forefathers of the movement. In fact, it was one of Flash's apprentices, Grand Wizzard Theodore, who actually discovered the scratch noise accidentally in his bedroom. The sound went mainstream when Herbie Hancock had Grand Mixer DST scratch on his hit song, “Rockit,” in 1983.

By the 1990's, the importance of the DJ had taken a backseat to the MC's. This spawned an underground of DJ's who wanted to be recognized for their skills alone, without having to be overshadowed by rappers. Artists like Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Allies, Beat Junkies, and the X-Ecutioners began releasing albums that celebrated the DJ and their intricate techniques. Many credit DJ Babu with coining the term “turntablism” as a way to differentiate his music from DJ's who simply play other people's music.

Eddie's Fun Stuff:

Here's some super awesome ways to enhance your turntablism learning experience!

1. Spotify logo Listen while you surf! Check out Eddie's turntablism playlist.

2. Watch Scratch, an amazing turntablism documentary, below: