Sarrato or not to Serato?

It took less than a day for the questions to start. Why do you want to DJ? You want to DJ with vinyl? Whaaaat? Why?! WHY???!

Charrr man, why NOT?!

Last night, one of the folks I shocked with the announcement of my new mission, suggested - after he regained his composure - that I DJ with digital files. He asked me (and I quote) 'Do you really want to carry a bunch of vinyl with you?'

Hmmm...trrrrrrrruedat, I dunno... Do I?! I'm not getting any younger, and unless I hire a man-servant, I have noooo intention of carrying box loads of records with me to every session/class/event... My delicate bones may break under the weight (cough).

But, but... at the same time, isn't that part of the experience?! You know, to find that classic tune and to be able to drop it in a mix?! That's half the fun!!

My friend suggested I get something called 'Serato', cause, 'it will help you out a lot.' The conversation, then continued like this (sort of):

(me) ''Se-' wha'?' (geddit?! Whatever...)

(him) 'Serato'

(me) 'whassat then?'

(him) 'it helps you with the mixing of the records.'

(me) 'cool. ok, that sounds interesting, how do you spell that thingy??'

(him) 'S-A-R-R-A-T-O.'

That is what my friend told me. Twice (I asked him to repeat it, cause I was so confused). A second source (in the room) even verified it.


(...pause for dramatic effect...)

(that's my blog representation of a confused face, btw - I needed an excuse to use the chick. She's still mad at something.)


It turns out that, 'Serato (spelled 'S.E.R.A.T.O') Scratch Live' (for those of us who don't know), is a program that allows you to '...scratch and mix files from your computer hard drive using Serato Vinyl, CD or Approved USB Controllers.'

Hmm, so in other words, like homeboy said, rather than carrying some heavy a$$ vinyl, I can mix tracks from my computer. BUT, rather than hitting the play button and letting technology do all the work (i.e cheating), I am still in control of mixing the tunes!

Nice one, friend!! I like the sound of that! But, there is a lot to be said for the crate diggin' aspect of this DJ malarkey. I think I would miss that, if all I did was download songs.

Conclusion? I'll check out Serato ... when I have the caaaarsh ('cash' to you), and when I am a little further along the line. For sure.

In the meantime, I'm going to stick with the basics: turntables, a mixer and vinyl.

Of course, if one of you wants to treat me, my birthday is coming up... I'm just sayin', I'm just sayin'...!