It has long been argued by turntablists that the turntable is an instrument. Now we could argue about that statement for a dog’s age, but when Technics gathered together dozens of the world’s top of the food chain scratch DJs into one room to create a classical piece, the result is hard to argue against.
Taking a leading hand in this event was DJ/Lord/Sir/Mr* (delete as applicable) Switch. I first became aware this when he posted on Facebook about taking a Technics 1200 to Japan. I knew he was performing at some sort of Technics event, thus is struck me as odd that he’d need to take his own turntable back to the mothership.
Fortunately for me, Mr Switch came to the Worxlab for some country grub a couple of weeks ago, so I got some insight into this video and just why he had to lug a turntable to Japan.
But first, the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGWuyMKT8wU
And this is what Mr Switch posted on Facebook about the project:
This is probably the most amazing video I have been privileged to feature in. Presenting the TURNTABLE ORCHESTRA – the world’s first ensemble performance using only turntables, mixers, and 100% vinyl. Created using a collage of classical sounds, and performed by 30 of the world’s finest DJs. I had so much fun being a part of this beautiful project. The video starts with Mendelssohn’s Concerto In E Minor, the world’s first commercially released vinyl LP, and in every way expands out to the present day. Japan has the finest scratch DJs on our planet, and to get to collaborate with them in this way was pure joy. Share your heart out!
So given that we’re talking about Technics, why did all these scratch DJs have to bring their own turntables? It’s actually very simple and clever too. Imagine that this was an orchestra full of classically trained musicians. They’d naturally bring their own instruments right? Well that’s the case with this orchestra too. It’s not exactly like lugging an antique Stradivarius to the gig, but I’m sure that there were some relatively elderly 1200s being used. One can only assume that they have a warehouse full of SHEX1200 mixers — I’ve never seen so many together in one space.
The basic principle was that each DJ got their piece sent to them in advance, including the custom vinyl. They’re playing little more than a note each, and getting the thing right was essential to the success of the final work. Given Mr Switch’s ongoing experience with classical orchestras, he became the unofficial conductor, and helped bring the whole thing together. He tells me that while practicing was understandably tough, the final performance was more or less nailed in a couple of takes.
There’s also a behind the scene video for your viewing pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2KK3vqJqog
The turntable is not an inherently musical instrument. But, rather like tuning an elastic band or hitting a large piece of sheet metal, it very definitely can be used as a tool *for* music – and, blurring the lines even further (in this video, at least), it’s only as far away from being a defined musical instrument as a Mellotron or a sampler is …and they most certainly are.
The issue I have with this “orchestra” is this; (and Mark mentioned “what a turntablist does”)
The turntablists aren’t doing much more than what could be done, by a group of people pulled in off the street, could do with califone card masters or simple tape recorders.
When I first saw it, I thought “great something I can show to my friends who musicians” I generally try to describe the turntable as an instrument as being akin to violins/cellos etc. (i’d love top hear other’s thoughts on this, mine aren’t concrete)
But, after I watched it, i thought, this is something i hope my musician friends don’t see.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad people are doing stuff like this, but they left a lot on the field.
yeah thats right, second hand 1200s are affordable if you dont want to spend new GR price.
I’ll probably catch flak for this, but don’t misconstrue it as me dissing Switch and the rest – everybody knows these guys kick ass. It’s just that this sounds AWFUL. It’s pure cacophony. Unless they were going for freaking Stockhausen, in which case, well, mission accomplished. Take the same guys and give them sounds which make sense in a tablist context, then try again.
Turntablism this, Turntablism that, Technics cool, Technics bad, blah blah…
I like it a lot, because this is FUN!!! Video looks good, music sounds good, this is what it’s suppose to be: FUN!
it’s supposed to be Freshhh
Surprised no one has mentioned those mixers, where did they find 30 Technics mixers?
I mentioned it. Don’t I count? :(
Apologies Giz, now I see you’re mention of the mixers. I want to see that warehouse, what else do they have hiding in there?
I must have reached the end of the web because now I can say that I’ve seen it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICSIOiYWuSo