Turntablist Rob Swift debuted with one of the top scratching groups of the '90s, the X-Men, later known as the X-ecutioners. One writer compared his artistry to John Coltrane and, as a solo performer today, he stands among the greats as a visionary and innovator. We asked him for a little advice and he was kind enough to answer, literally, in a New York minute.
	What are the three most important things for someone just starting out to know? 1. Build a good record collection - a wide variety is very important. DJs, in my opinion, should be ready for all possible scenarios. 2. Be well rounded - the best DJs are those that can do it all - rockparties, battle, showcase. So experiment and practice all of these facets of DJing. 3. Practice, Practice, Practice. What advice do you have for young DJs? The best way to grow and improve as a DJ is to have fun. When you have a genuine love for the art and enjoy doing it, you will grow creatively. Rob Swift’s CD “The Ablist” is available at most record stores or online at sites like Amazon.com. Want to learn more? The best way to develop your own style is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to break new ground. If you’re creating a vibe and moving the audience, you’re doing it right. When you have the opportunity, learn and listen to other artists. There are dozens of magazines dedicated to DJ artistry in all its forms. Most of the national and internationally known artists have web sites where you can listen to their mixes. The K-Base at www.shure.com is a source of useful information and if your interest runs to perfecting your turntablism chops, check out Shure’s Turntablism 101 video.
			We invite you to visit www.needlz.com, Shure’s turntablist site to stay up to date on our activities, including our recent Vinyl Kombat event.
	Also in this issue: Mic Techniques for DJs    Rob Swift    Product Spotlight Shure Notes Archive    Letter from The Editor Change My Preferences    E-mail to a Friend     Privacy Policy