Spin Now!: The DJ Starter Handbook

DJ like a pro on any type of gear! Spin Now! puts you on the fast track to DJing, whether you want to be a digital DJ or vinyl junkie. In this book and accompanying DVD-ROM, Los Angeles DJ, world-class turntablist, producer, and classroom instructor DJ Shortee teaches you everything you need to know so you can start mixing tunes like the pros!

- From CDJs, turntables, and DJ mixers to DJ Software, MIDI controllers, and more, discover the tools of the trade and how to choose which are best for you.

- Learn how to set up different gear and how to operate it correctly

- Find out where to get music and how to select your tunes in order to create your own unique sound.

- Learn how to identify beats, count music, sync tempos, and match keys.

- Master the basics of cueing, scratching, and droppin’ on the ＂one.＂

- Learn how to create seamless mixes through beat matching, blending, and EQing.

- Discover useful practice techniques, get advice on how to promote yourself, learn how to survive your first gig, and more!

The included DVD-ROM contains specific exercises directly correlating with lessons in the text, including material that lets you play along in real time. Each technique is taught using both CDJs and turntables and can easily be applied to any DJ software and controllers. No matter what equipment you use, Shortee’s lessons are essential to learning how to DJ like a pro! Want to become a Pro DJ? Learn from one!

DJ Shortee, described as the ＂World’s Premier Female DJ＂ by the Grammy Foundation, is a multigenre DJ, turntablist, music producer, record label owner (Heavy Artillery Recordings, 5 Star Records’), ’DJ instructor, and author. Recognized as one of the most diverse and technically skilled DJs in the world, her fast-paced mixing style, expert scratching skills, and energetic stage presence have made her one of the most in-demand DJs touring worldwide. There are few DJs that are truly respected globally in such a wide variety of genres as Shortee, with almost two decades of DJ experience under her belt. She has rocked everything from the hottest nightclubs, massive raves, and b-boy battles to huge festivals and celebrity parties.

Named ＂Queen of the Scratch World＂ by DJ Times, her unique contribution to the art of turntablism earned her a spot as the only female DJ featured in the critically acclaimed movie Scratch. Shortee has produced her own DJ instructional DVD series and has taught DJ lessons for over twelve years. In addition to spending four years as a head professor at the Scratch DJ Academy, she has also taught classes, workshops, and online tutorials for the esteemed Grammy Foundation, SAE Institute, Sprite, Frito-Lay, Turntable U, Rane, Serato and more!