Grandmaster Flash Switches to Traktor Scratch, Moves from Vinyl to Digital DJ System : Thu, 13 Dec 2007 : Music Industry News Wire™

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Grandmaster Flash Switches to Traktor Scratch, Moves from Vinyl to Digital DJ System

by Jesse JJ Jame
published Thu, 13 Dec 2007 – 20:00:28 -0800 PSTNo Comment

BERLIN, Germany — Native Instruments and legendary hip hop artist Grandmaster Flash just announced a collaboration based on Flash’s recent decision to switch to TRAKTOR SCRATCH, finally making the move to a digital DJ system after three decades of pioneering vinyl DJing.

As the original inventor of several fundamental DJ techniques outlined in his seminal “Quik Mix Theory”, and as the first hip hop artist and DJ to be inducted into the prestigious “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”, Grandmaster Flash personifies the creative and technological evolution of DJing in a unique way. As a pioneer in every regard, he also became known for always taking advantage of the most advanced equipment available to expand his creative options, even building his own crossfaders at a time when sophisticated DJ gear was not available.

Grandmaster Flash has carefully evaluated the emerging digital vinyl technology over recent years, and has ultimately decided to adopt TRAKTOR SCRATCH as his new performance tool of choice, finally switching from vinyl records to a computer-based DJing system. With its impeccable vinyl feel, advanced hardware interface, and versatile arsenal of creative features, TRAKTOR SCRATCH is the system that Grandmaster Flash trusts to take his technique into the future.

“I feel right at home with Traktor Scratch when rocking the party,” says Grandmaster Flash. “The interface is great, and I love the effects and the accuracy of the time-code vinyl. Whether I am doing a slow rub, a fast rub, a cut or backspin, the response is amazing.”

Native Instruments and Grandmaster Flash are now collaborating on a worldwide promotional campaign based on his classic kitchen appearance in the famous 1982 hip hop documentary “Wildstyle”. Grandmaster Flash has also signed 50 TRAKTOR SCRATCH packages that are now available at regular price exclusively in the NI Online Shop.

Furthermore, Native Instruments and Grandmaster Flash will be on tour together in 2008 at clubs across the US, with details and dates to be announced in the near future on the NI website.

More information including a video interview with Grandmaster Flash about his adoption of TRAKTOR SCRATCH is available at
www.native-instruments.com/grandmasterflash.info

Additional information on Grandmaster Flash is available at
www.grandmasterflash.com

About Native Instruments:
Native Instruments is the pioneer and market leader in the field of software instruments, and one of the key players in the market of computer-based audio production technology. The company’s mission is to develop outstanding musical tools for all styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike.

Technorati Tags: Native Instruments Traktor Scratch, hip hop artist Grandmaster Flash, digital DJ system

About The Author / Editor:

JJ Jame is a percussionist and theremin player, formerly a member of the Redondo Beach based BoyRacer.com™ electronica band, and a long-time electronic music fan, formerly an editor for the defunct EMcult™ website.