DOA/SERATO MIX SERIES #6: THE VORTEX

Home > DOA/SERATO MIX SERIES #6: THE VORTEX (SG, UK)

http://www.dogsonacid.com/system/images//news/3343_2.jpg

For our latest DOA / Serato Mix, we take it to Singapore with The Vortex. If you're a fan of EDM and live in Singapore, his name should sound VERY familiar, as he has helped champion Drum & Bass in SG for years. Recently moving to London (and spending time in both London and Singapore), The Vortex now runs a label with Kiat (Qilin Music), can be seen and heard on DNBTV weekly playing epic DnB sets, as well as touching down at weeklies, bringing the sounds of DnB, Funky, Dubstep, Grime and more at the THEM weekly. He's been DJing for a decade, having started at vinyl and moving to mixing MP3s, so not only was Scratch Live a necessity for his practice, he's become quite proficient in the software. We couldn’t choose a better individual to explain his use of Serato's Scratch Live software!

DOA: When did you first get into DJing, and what was your set up like? Were you mixing vinyl or CDs?

The Vortex: I was actually quite reluctant to be a DJ at first, as I wasn’t quite prepared to invest in equipment back then. But my younger brother suddenly went out and bought a pair of decks in '99. Next thing you know, his entire setup was in my room. Started out with the standard Technics 1200s and a Vestax PMC-06. Definitely started out mixing vinyl, as I had been buying vinyl before I became a DJ even.

DOA: How did you first come to hear about Serato's Scratch Live software?

The Vortex: I first heard about it from my mates who were into other genres of music and clubs we DJ at. Almost everyone I knew was getting it, and I've tried it out a few times at the club I run parties at.

DOA: What was it about Scratch Live that intrigued you?

The Vortex: The first thing which made me think about getting Scratch Live was how I could actually start playing other genres of music again! That was one major motivation, as I'm into a lot of other music as well. The other reason was when I decided to move to London, I obviously couldn't bring all my vinyl with me. Serato was the only sensible option for me, so I could have all the music I want with me.

DOA: What are some of your favorite features with in Scratch Live?

The Vortex: I love having all the "markers" with Scratch Live. As I personally use Scratch Live on REL (Relative) mode mostly, I find having access to cue points fast is needed as I tend to do fast mixing. Being able to change a tune and get it onto the beat I want it at immediately is ideal for me. Similar to playing vinyl, sometimes you have to drop straight to the beat, so that option is pretty much covers that.

DOA: What do you think is the most ideal set-up for Serato?

The Vortex: Standard answer for this I reckon: Technics 1200 / 1210s with any decent mixer from Pioneer, Ecler, Vestax, Rane will work great.

DOA: Recently, Scratch Live and Ableton partnered up with an exciting collaboration called The Bridge. How do you feel about the future of Serato, in terms of integration with other devices and such?

The Vortex: I can't wait! I personally use Ableton Live as well. So having the 2 together will be a match made in heaven! I’m quite looking forward to getting my hands on Scratch Live 2.0! I think a lot of other new DJing technology will come and go as proven over the years, but I'm pretty sure, Serato is here to stay for good.

DOA: Do you have any thoughts on what could make Scratch Live that much better?

The Vortex: Make sure every club fits their DJ setup with Serato! It's a must these days seriously! The problem of a Serato DJ taking from another Serato DJ needs to be addressed as well. But I believe Rane & Serato has answered that with the new Sixty-Eight mixer they have came up with. Plus, with the new Scratch Live 2.0 dropping soon, it can't get any better (for now!).

DOA: Now, you're also involved with Qilin Music with Kiat. How did you get involved in this venture?

The Vortex: Like Kiat has mentioned, when I was back in Singapore for a holiday, we pretty much talked about it and just did it. I've always wanted to do a record label, so it was only natural we came together and do it.

DOA: Where can heads hear you spin in the near future?

The Vortex: I play for a night called THEM @ Rhythm Factory in East London. It's actually a mash-up night of Grime, dubstep, funky, jungle, etc. So my sets there are normally quite a mash-up of genres, but there definitely will be Drum & Bass in my sets! I also play on D&BTV LIVE quite regularly. Back in Singapore, I still have a regular night running called +65 @ Home Club which has pretty much brought in everyone from the UK there. Add me on twitter if you need any more info, always glad to help a fellow junglist out.

DOA: You cooked up a fresh mix utilizing Serato Scratch Live for Dogs On Acid – preview for us what heads can hear in this mix?

The Vortex: Pretty much the usual style like how I would play on vinyl: all styles of Drum & bass across the board. From deep liquid to tear-out amen tunes to your steppy rollers. That's how I roll. The tracklisting below pretty much says it all.

DOA: If someone were to hit you up asking for advice on using Scratch Live, what tips would you give them?

The Vortex: If you can mix with traditional vinyl, Serato is pretty much the same thing. At the end of the day, it's just another format. All boils down to skills at the end of the day.

DOA: Do you have any shouts before we get into this mix?

The Vortex: Big ups to Kiat, Risky & all DNBA family, khal & the DOA crew, all my London crew, my Dubwise fam & mates in Singapore, all my Asian headz in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and all my other friends worldwide. You know who you are!

And now, let's take a trip into The Vortex with this exclusive mix for the Dogs On Acid / Serato Mix Series!

Tracklisting:

Dakosa - Digital Life (Qilin Music)
Joe Syntax - Mimi (Qilin Music)
Clart & The Vortex - Ethos (Vampire)
Soul Defiance - Hurt Me (Metalheadz)
Bal - Red River Valley (Influence)
Break - Late Drop (Critical)
Noisia - Deception (Ram)
Blake + Life - Blind Faith (Broken Audio)
Kiat - Slavecodes (Qilin Music)
Serum – Badboy (36 Hertz)
Digital & Outrage - Eclipse (Backlash)
Muted - Terror (Qilin Music)
Need For Mirrors - Low Tide (Nu Directions)
BMK - Raindrops (Qilin Music)
Traid - Fiasco (Deep Soul Music)
Need For Mirrors - Wasted Youth (Shogun LTD)
Desperate - Closer Than Ever (Qilin Music)
Jnr Blu & Clart - Sapphire Eyes (???)
Fracture & Neptune - Hull Breach (Astrophonica)
S.P.Y - ASBO (Soul:R)
HLZ & Maurs - Existenze (Qilin Music)
Joe Syntax - Lectrons (Qilin Music)
Flatliners - Wind of tears (Broken Audio)
Raiden - Roentgen (Architecture)
Muted - Something In Mind (Qilin Music)

>>> DOWNLOAD THE MIX <<<