Nonfiction of the Week for August 17: On the Record

Any DJs in the house? Any DJ fans? Tell us your story... and check out On the Record: the Scratch DJ Academy Guide by Luke Crisell, Phil White & Rob Principe (with a forward by Moby). This all-in-one guide from the legendary school of hip-hop is about more than learning to DJ. It’s the definitive book on DJ technique, history, culture, and more, guiding you through 40 years of music and creativity.

DJs not only influence the music you listen to, but also the clothes you wear, the TV and movies you watch, and the technology you use. Learn about the lives of celebrity DJs--how they got their start, their travel, and the bookings that keep them going--through interviews, useful tips, and anecdotes.

On the Record also teaches you how to listen to and appreciate music like a DJ, explaining equipment, techniques, and the art of the mixtape. You’ll learn firsthand how to mix, scratch, and “drop on the 1.” There’s even a glossary to define everything from cueing and sampling to beatmatching and beat juggling.

So whether you want to go pro, impress your friends at house parties, or just get insight into a broader range of music, this is your book.

And don't forget to check out the library's local music project: tonnes of great CDs by local artists, amazing concerts and workshops, all free! A new TPL site is being launched soon with details. Watch for it. You won't want to miss Grand Analog at the College/Shaw branch in early November.

Lisa coordinates the selection of materials for youth at TPL. She reads (and knits... and listens to music) as much as her 2-year-old will allow.

Comments

[David]

I've always thought about trying to become a DJ but I haven't known where to start. This book might help. Thanks for recommending it.

[Lola]

Who wouldn't want to be a DJ? This book seems very self-explanitory, so it could be really interesting to see how everything in a DJ's world works.

[Devi]

Yeah true. This book will show how the DJ's world works

[Sakshi]

Ooh Thats Pretty Interesting 8-)

I never knew there were celebrity DJz...

[ccs]

Oh, this is cool. I have a friend who's a DJ and it's good to know all the different perspectives.

[Jenny Chau]

kool, this book is really intresting, maybe i will try to read it soon

[Edward]

I love hip hop and being a DJ would be pretty sick. I am definetly going to put this book on hold. Thank you for recommending this book.

[Ryan]

Sounds cool

[Billy]

I like this book

[Lola]

@Sakshi: You've probably heard of Samantha Ronson, she's a famous (sort of) DJ. SHe's the girl Lindsay Lohan dated for a looong time. There's also Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Paul Van Dyk, and David Guetta (these are world famous DJs, you hear their songs everywhere). :D

[Lola]

and Benny Benassi :P

[nargis]

what a book don't you think girlfrinds it was a great book.

[Fatima A.]

I learned how to DJ when I was in Grade 9 and I still remember how to do it now.

[Citrus]

Seems Interesting.. i would love to learn how to DJ

[LadyLiberty]

Nice Cover :)

[Anusan]

cool book

[S.Sivanesan]

cool

[Eddie]

David Guetta, Benni Benassi and DJ Tiesto are my favorite DJs.

[Backspace]

Im reading Kasparov: How his Predecessors Misled him About Chess. its a good book that displays how amazing chess players battled it out against their enemies on the battlefeild.

[Hamdi]

Yea, i've heard of Samantha Ronson Lola! My friend mom is a dj but she isn't really famous she just dyjees at parties.The book sounds really interesting!

[Lola]

Cuul book :) i think i read it before... not

[Devi]

cool cover..
also seems like cool book