The requirements of the Hip Hop Challenge are to play a 3min set that includes at least:

- 1 song from the 70′s

- 1 song from the 80′s

- 1 song from the 90′s

It was amazing to have DJ Cut Chemist as the guest judge for this challenge! He came into the practice lab to offer help to anyone and look over our tracks, so I asked him if anything in my set looked a little too “cheesy” since I was torn on a specific song from the 90′s. He shook his head and walked away saying “good luck with that” and I immediately deleted Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby.” He didn’t need to say what song, I already knew. Looking back, that was a great decision!

The most difficult thing I ran into while putting my set together was realizing how few “Hip Hop” songs were made in the 70′s. I knew there would be a lot of repeats plays on those few classics, so I went with James Brown, who’s drums inspired and lead into Hip Hop beats and of course is Kid Capri’s favorite artist. The rest of the years were easy, just focused on classics and things that would get crowd reaction. I wanted to start off strong with Kurtis Blow “These Are The Breaks” since I could get a clap going and also scratch the “break” sample.

The most memorable moment from my performance for me was when the crowd started cheering “Go Tina, Go Tina…!” That is a moment I will never forget. That kind of love from a crowd is what DJs feed off of and It felt so good at that moment, I cant put it into words.

Watch the full episode of the Hip Hip Challenge online by CLICKING HERE!

- Tina T.

“The ‘She Can DJ’ Talent Search Is Coming To America http://shar.es/lhd9t ”

First off, the name of this new show is annoying: “She Can DJ”, implies that women can not DJ. Off to a bad start in my eyes. I also find it ironic that all 4 judges of this competition are men. I DO appreciate the outreach to encourage more women to step up and give them more opportunities. This is definitely needed.

I’ve always had split opinions on female DJ competitions. Part of me wants to support them and the women competing, but at the same time, I think the majority of the female DJ competitions are just another cheesy marketing promotion that exploit the novelty of female DJs. Do they really care about showcasing women’s skills and empowering them or are they looking for a way to make money and get people through the door? It comes down to what the true intentions are behind it…

I remember back in 2007 during my job interview at BPM Magazine in Los Angeles, I totally shoved my foot in my mouth when asked my thoughts on the DJ contest they had done in 2005 called “Beauty and The Beats.” Having no filter, I explained how I thought the contest puts too much focus on looks and not skills simply based on the name. I was quickly put in my place, but luckily still got the job! Later the winner from the contest performed at: “BPM & WMC present: The Women Behind The Wheels.” I like this presentation because it showcases them and their skills in a respectable way working together.

Ironically, there is now a new show coming out on Dutch TV with the same name “Beauty And The Beats” (So creative). Phil Morse from the web site www.digitalDJtips.com asked a great question in his write up about the show:

“Is an all-female DJ talent show judged by men a step forward for either women or DJing? Or is it a sad attempt to cash in on DJ culture / sex by the TV channel confirmed?”

A few years ago I was asked to judge an all female DJ battle in Orange County, CA. It was an honor to support these girls and it was great to see everyone coming together. I just couldn’t help to think how much better it would be to see these girls working together instead of competing against each other.

Two summers ago, I competed in a female DJ battle at Tao Beach in Las Vegas called “Tao Beats.” Since the winner would get a full page spread in the Las Vegas Weekly, I was on a mission to win and use that to promote my DJ summer camp for teens: Camp Spin Off! Unfortunately I lost. Can’t win em all:)

Media already does a great job of pinning women against each other in catty, bitchy roles on television. I wish we could see more examples of women supporting each other and creating a movement together in the DJ scene.

I understand that women still have a way to go in being viewed as an equal competitor by the masses, but will separating ourselves from the boys to have our own competitions really help us towards the goal (or maybe just my personal goal) of being equally respected?

So, basically I am still on the fence with the whole female DJ battle thing. Sports are separated by gender because of physical differences. With DJing, there are no physical advantages, so there is no real reason to separate. Ultimately I want to see women battling with the men on an even playing field.

“Girls compete with each other, women empower one another.” – unknown

These are just my opinions, I would love to hear yours! Please share in the comments…

- Tina T.

“Can we find something to talk about other than a girl dj in a bathtub and what “real house music is”? Lets talk about how good pizza tastes!”

I immediately pictured a woman DJing naked in a bathtub and rolled my eyes. After doing a quick google search, I came across “sexism within electronic music” and even “Bathgate!” In the center of all the criticism is an electronic music DJ from Russia: Nina Kraviz. Resident Advisor, One of the world’s largest independent electronic online music magazines created a short documentary, following her on the road as part of their new video series: “Between The Beat.”

Before this, I had never heard of Nina Kraviz and most of you who know me and my motto:”Less Skin, More Skill,” probably think I will jump all over this with negative feedback, but I see nothing wrong with she does in this video and I actually found myself relating to her in a very personal way. I will let you watch first and then explain:

WATCH VIDEO (11 minutes).

All of the immediate criticism I read online has to do with two scenes: Opening up with her in a bikini on the beach and of course taking a bubble bath in her hotel room. Well, I hate to break it to you guys, but most women DO wear bikinis on the beach and I have to confess that my favorite thing to do after a gig on the road is take a bath as well. If you want to truly document what any particular DJ does on the road, then keep it real and that is exactly what I felt they did.

The double standard comes in because I think if it was a man in the bath tub, no one would have had much to say. Depending on what “Male DJ” it was, people would most likely be cracking up in laughter. No one is ever going to accuse them of trying to use their sexuality to get ahead. This bubble bath is part of her lifestyle, its something she enjoys. If they are going to really show her her life on the road in this documentary, then why would she refuse to let them include this because of any fear of people thinking she is trying to sell sex? Should all female DJ’s who want respect take note to not allow ourselves to be shown in a bikini on the beach or in a bathtub? What year is this again?

This video was well done. It shows a personal and vulnerable story, which, in my opinion focuses less on Nina’s looks and sexuality and more on how lonely it gets on the road as a traveling DJ (Male or Female). Maybe some people are too distracted by the fact she does happen to be naturally beautiful, but I don’t think they focus on playing up her looks. The most I see of any makeup is 3 sec of her putting some powder on before running out the door.

Female DJ’s, credible or not, will have to live with the burden of being scrutinized by people for using their sexuality to get bookings. Granted, there is a reason we have this burden in the first place and its because there are many gimmicks out there where women are feeding this stereotype by DJing topless and exploiting their bodies to the fullest.

This quote is a great example of the double standard females should prepare themselves for in any male dominated industry: “Nina’s femininity is both her passport to fame and fortune and the stick with which she’ll be beaten.” – Greg Wilson

I pulled a few quotes from Nina’s response to criticism on the bathtub scene, but you can read her full response by clicking here.

“The idea that any boy can do what ever he wants and it’s all fine and girl needs to behave? Behave like not even put make up because “oh my god, she can’t be taken seriously if she is pretty and feminine-means if she is her self” – Nina Kraviz

“I have my right to be who I am and you can like it or not.” – Nina Kraviz

I know nothing about Nina, she might decide to re brand herself as a sex icon now, haha! I don’t really care either way, the point is, its HER decision what feels right for her. Its a decision that the majority of  men in her position don’t have the burden of dealing with the repercussions of. I’m glad this video sparked a conversation that needs to be had.

These are just my opinions, Please share your comments!

- Tina T.

After my first set, I guess a lot of the producers were very “concerned” about me and how nervous I seemed during the audition. I was pulled aside a few times on set without any cameras around and talked to about if I was feeling ok. They wanted to make sure I was comfortable being on the show. Not sure if this was a mind trick or if they were genuinely looking out for me, but It definitely got in my head, made me self conscious and want to prove I CAN perform under pressure!

After we get introduced to “The Lab”, which is our new practice hub for the season and has 3 DJ set ups to use, I’m most focused on getting to know the Rane 62 mixer! Unfortunately, with 12 of us, we are limited to 10 minutes of practice time on each set up and someone actually uses a stop watch to time us in order to make sure everyone has the same amount of time.

Somewhere in a meeting, I can imagine producers realizing that by supplying each of us with our own DJ set up would make it impossible for them to get footage of us talking to each other. When I prepare for a battle, I usually spend weeks on my turntables for hours every day. Being cut off after 10 minutes of working on a set I just created and am about to perform on national TV caused major anxiety and frustration!

The first challenge: “Shake It up”

This was my favorite challenge! We were each given 3 songs: A “crowd favorite”, a “rarely heard” and a “hard to mix.” The tricky part to this challenge was that the crowd we were playing to had to hear all the same songs several times in a row since DJ’s had the same 3 songs. It was interesting to see how every DJ  approached this challenge differently with the same songs. Everyone has a completely different style.

It was also hard to fit all the songs required into 4 minutes. Most of us were using Ableton, a music production/editing program to make edits.  Knowing how to do this gave you a major advantage in this competition. I threw in a transition by DJ Steve1der that gave me the tempo build up I needed to get into “I Got A Feeling” and “Titanium” from the hip hop I played in the beginning.

The biggest difference from last week is now we are introduced to our live studio audience/Miami club crowd. These extras were found by good old fashion flyers and promotion around south beach Miami advertising an open bar and dope DJs! Keep in mind that they were not guided in any way, no cue cards, just free booze. If they were feeling you, they would dance and if not, they would stand and stare. This part was as real as it gets!

Watching the other DJs before me and especially paying close attention to the crowd, I was worried that they were more of a hip hop crowd and I would lose them by playing David Guetta’s “Titanium”, but it ended up being the standing ovation song to end my set and got the most response. People were singing along and I was on a major high! I will never forget the comment from Kid Capri that night: “Last week you were trash to me, but tonight, you owned this!”

These are the moments I dream about as a DJ.

As I headed backstage after my set, I remember passing one of the producers and mockingly asking “Are you still concerned?” He started laughing and said “no.”

Oh and a special shout out to the girl in the front with the blue dress who kept glaring at me the entire time with your arms crossed… it didn’t phase me, but nice try!

I knew I was safe tonight, but waking up each day is like starting from scratch and you have no idea what to expect…

Watch my set from episode 2 by clicking here!

- Tina T.

Two days before flying to Miami to film the show, I got the list of “approved music” and was told to create a 3 min set. Since I was in Seattle at the time, I want to give a big shout out to DJ DV ONE who answered my frantic phone call needing turntables to practice on!

Here are some things to keep in mind while watching the auditions.

1. No one was allowed to see, use or test any of the equipment before stepping on stage.
2. We used the new Rane 62 mixer. Since I was not familiar with it, during down time I googled an image to try and  visually study where the buttons were and how to use it.
3. We did a 3 min audition set that was then edited down to 30 seconds for TV. Those editors have a tough job to do!

After arriving in Miami, I was still not confident with the routine I put together in Seattle and made some more calls attempting to get a set up in my hotel room. Another shout out to DJ SKITTY for coming to the rescue without any hesitation! I was able to stay up all night practicing.

Honestly, all the practice in the world could not have prepared me for what I was about to walk into. Although 5 songs were edited out of my set on TV, I can’t say the editing made me look bad because I genuinely had a rough time keeping it together.

Within the first 5 seconds of my routine I realized:

1. The time I spent looking at diagrams of the mixer was a complete waste of time because I forgot most of it as soon as I walked on stage.
2. The custom paint job they did to the turntables looked great but felt more slippery than ever. On top of it, using Butter Rug slip mats was a bad combination.
3. 3 judges, an empty studio and being surrounded by national TV cameras has a major effect on my nerves. (I still don’t know if my hand was shaking or not?!)

Here is a picture of the DJ Equipment we used (and mixer without paint job):

At this point, everything I worked on has gone out the window, I’m learning the mixer as I go, trying to keep my records from slipping and overall just trying to hold a poker face and get through this! The judges were not impressed. Kid Capri is so brutally honest, but that’s what I respect most about him as a judge and person.

It was hours and hours of waiting around before we went into eliminations that night. None of us were able to see each others auditions, so at this point we couldn’t size up our competition in any way and had no clue where we stood.

Elimination time…

As I stand on the stage and am not hearing my name, all I can think is “Damn… I packed my bags to live in Miami for a month and now I might end up leaving in the morning!” Still not hearing my name… so now I’m just starting to think of positive things to say in my exit interview.

Thankfully, the judges saw my potential, my name is called and I’m “still in the mix!” I quickly realize this show is about to take me on a crazy emotional roller coaster ride. Uggghhh!!! Can I take this kind of pressure each night? What did I get myself into? This is crazy!

Doing this show is definitely putting myself in a vulnerable position to be judged by America. There are no “take 2″ or do over’s, so you will see all my mistakes, highs and lows. Get ready! Its about to go down…

Watch the full first episode on the VH1′s web site by: CLICKING HERE!

Catch my blog each week for more updates!

- Tina T.

Most importantly, Camp Spin Off would not be possible without the support from our sponsors who funded scholarships to youth organizations across the country and allow us to keep making camp better each year! Thank you: Skull Candy, Traktor, Hyundai, RE:Generation, Scratch DJ Academy and Red Bull.

I was really excited to see a ton of familiar faces of return campers this summer! Watching the progress in campers over the years is very rewarding. I love conversing about different DJ equipment campers bought and experimented with, what types of things they are saving up for and what projects they are working on.

We start the week off every year with one of my favorite things: Ice breakers! This is when the walls start to come down and we start getting to know each other. Everyone gets goofy, laughs, sings, jumps, screams and dances and I love it!

From here, I would have to write a novel to share every story from camp this summer, but DJ As-Is beat me to it anyway by writing an entertaining and hilarious blog, giving an inside look at what really goes on at Camp Spin Off from a camp counselors perspective. You can read it all by CLICKING HERE!

Ever since Camp Spin Off ended this summer and I see people that ask me how things went, I notice myself turning into that girl from American Pie who has endless stories from Band Camp and make them wish they never asked! Everyone involved walks away with a different experience, and for those of you who were not able to join us… here are my top 5 moments from Camp Spin Off 2012!

1.  RE:Generation Music Project: Everyone brought out their sleeping bags, pillow and blankets, we handed out Pop Chips and had movie night! This was such a great film. I left with a new outlook on music collaborations and mixing old generation with new. The best part was having a surprise visit from the films creative director: Nick Davidge! He shared stories from working on the film and with the various artists, answered questions and then made s’mores with us by the camp fire.

2. Farewell Party: This is when the whole week came together. Everyone knows each other and is comfortable. People had learned all week in classes and had the opportunity to get on stage and scratch. Its a bitter sweet goodbye to everyone but we are outside under the stars, loud music bumpin, a photo booth and glow tubes! I couldn’t ask for a more perfect night:)

3. Pool party with The Captains Of Industry: After the Q & A, Campers really got to know DJ Graham Funke and Stonerokk who make up this DJ duo. We listened to everything from outlandish claims of curing Malaria to real advice like “Don’t Worry about the fame and money, just worry about DJing correctly.” – Stonerokk

Once I got pushed in the pool, I had to go change, but looked out from my cabin to see everyone jiving, jamming, doing soul trains and conga lines around the pool to a classic and unpredictable set of motown and oldies hits!  Young kids with old souls…

4. ScreenWerks DJ Showcase: Its safe to say that all of our minds were blown away when the video DJ crew: ScreenWerks showed up and did a showcase for us. Mixing video clips of Jean Claude Van Dam doing the dougie, South Park and Star Wars with bumpin electro, house, hip hop and more was incredible. People were laughing, cheering and DJ Costik ended by pulling up an old interview I did on youtube and throwing down and incredible scratch set with it. Never seen anything like it. WOW!

5. Girls Prank On Boys Cabins: If any campers are reading this, I am not in any way encouraging pranks at camp. However, this was very well executed on the last night. The girls filled bags of water balloons, super soakers and were armed with water balloon distance launchers. This was a war zone and hilarious to watch!

On top of these favorite moments, I could rant on and on about catching tarantulas and frogs, night hikes, s’mores, volleyball tournaments, water gun wars, dance parties, scratch sessions, twitter challenges…. you get the idea!

Originally, Camp Spin Off was intended to educate young aspiring DJ’s. This year I realized the adults involved are coming away with a positive, optimistic and motivated outlook on our next generation of DJ’s.

I think I can speak for all the counselors, staff, teachers, volunteers and guests by thanking each and every camper for bringing their thirst for knowledge and passion for music to camp. Nothing is more incredible than seeing the same excitement in campers that I had when first learning how to DJ. So once again, THANK YOU campers for reminding us each year why we love what we do so much!

Thank you to everyone who was willing to take time out of their busy schedules to be involved and share their years of experience and knowledge freely with everyone at camp: DJ As-Is, DJ Evil One, DJ Lezlee, DJ Crykit, DJ Dazzler, DJ Printz Paul, DJ Serafin, DJ Sir Marcus, DJ Rob Shot, DJ Montez, Priscilla, DJ Riz, DJ Costik, DJ Steve1der, ScreenWerks, Shecky Green, Samantha Ronson, DJ Young Skeeter, Eric Dlux, DJ Five, Graham Funke, Stonerokk, Karen, Julie, Nick Davidge, Keoni, DJ MC.

Thank you to all the people and companies who donated product for our gift bags: S.K.A.M, Keep A Breast, Etnies, Pop Chips, New Era, Murad, Unite Hair and KICK-MIX Productions.

Thank you Acrylick Clothing for making our awesome camp T- shirts every year!

Check out all the world-wide press, media support and coverage we got leading up to camp this year:

• Dimmak
• NBC San Diego
• NBC Bay Area
• www.inspiredcamping.com
• Sign Up For Camp
• Examiner – Parenting Teens in LA
• Los Angeles Online Travel
• The Ojai Post:
• The Las Vegas Sun
• Complex Magazine
• Blog Critics
• Seattle Post Intelligencer
• Yearning for Wonderland (blog)
• Elektrodaily
• Young Hollywood
• Buzznet
• Traktor

Let the countdown to summer 2013 begin…

- DJ Tina T.
Founder/Director

“If Serato & Traktor were never invented, how many female DJ’s would we have?”

“To say Serato (not carrying records) hasn’t made DJing more female friendly would be ignorance at its finest.”

When they mention not carrying records making DJing more “female friendly”, I wonder if carrying records was the one thing holding some women back from being interested in DJing all this time? Is that the reason why DJing was always male dominated,  because of the physical strength required to carry records? I know from personal experience, this was not the case. I am a petite 100 lb girl who used to haul full sound systems, turntables, crates of records and lighting to house parties on a weekly basis by myself. When you want to do something, you find a way to make it happen and it never crossed my mind that carrying records would ever hinder me in any way.

If carrying records was discouraging women from DJing all these years then why haven’t we seen more female producers, MC’s, B-Girls and Graffiti artists? They don’t have anything to carry… what is it about these elements of hip hop that are not “female friendly?”

So if digital programs have made DJing more “female friendly,”I wonder if any men out there might be taking advantage of the opportunity to exploit this new accessibility as well? Could there be a chance its not just women who might start DJing now, but also men, kids, teenagers, seniors, celebrities? DJing is now more “human friendly” than ever!

Maybe people who could not afford to buy all the equipment they needed back in the day are now jumping at the chance to take advantage of this new technology as well? DJing is now more “financially friendly” than ever!

To single out women as the only people who would all of a sudden take interest in DJing because technology made it easier is completely ignorant.

If inventing software or even an app could make every male dominated industry more “female friendly” and inspire more women to act then lets create something for politics, pilots, race car drivers, action sports, auto mechanics… i could go on and on… but I think you get my point.

Here is the reality I see:
As more girls become interested in DJing, they inspire other girls to do the same. We need to support women making moves and encourage others to do the same. “You can’t be what you cant see” – Marie Wilson (Miss Representation)

Don’t base your perception of female DJ’s on a small number of girls that you see in clubs or on flyers. Playboy playmates, porn stars, celebrities, topless DJ’s are not representative all of the female DJ’s out there and in reality only make up a very small portion. Open your mind and realize that there are tons of girls we don’t see or hear about that are in their rooms practicing right now, trying to make a name for themselves based on skill.

I’m lucky to work with young teenage girls who attend my DJ summer camp; Camp Spin Off, because they love music and are passionate about the art of DJing. They are excited to use turntables and play vinyl records! I hate to think that they will have to deal with sexist people questioning their intentions in becoming a DJ just because they are girls.

Props to the female DJ’s that have worked just as hard as the men and are dedicated to their craft.  I applaud and respect what you have accomplished while dealing with comments like this that disregard our work and devalue it with  stereotypes and assumptions.

Lastly, let’s circle back to @NYnightlife ‘s original question:
“If Serato & Traktor were never invented, how many female DJ’s would we have?”

Here are just a few  women who were playing vinyl records long before the invention of Serato & Traktor and inspired DJ’s like myself: DJ Spindarella, DJ Shortee, DJ Irene, DJ Collette, Reid Speed, DJ Rap, DJ Mia, DJ Baby Anne, Sandra Collins, Cuttin Candy, DJ Annalyze, DJ Naha… and more!

Women might have always been outnumbered by men, but have definitely contributed to the DJ scene before the invention of Serato & Traktor. Until @NYnightlife acknowledges this, they are a poor representation and uncredible source of nightlife in my opinion. I hope you will let them know how you feel and leave your comments below…

- Tina T.

Here are some of the other award winners:

Most established DJ: DJ Vice

Best Pool DJ: DJ Scene

Best House DJ: Scotty Boy

Biggest groupie following: Eric Dlux

Biggest Local Following: Mike Attack

Best main room DJ: DJ Shift

Fastest Up & Coming DJ: Kid Conrad

Best Emcee: DJ Hollywood

Group Photo outside The Bank Nightclub

DJ Lisa Pittman

DJ Cyber Kid

Julie, DJ Scene, Lisa Pittman, DJ 88, DJ Shift & Derrick Anthony.

- Tina T.