DJ Big Wiz
Big Wiz is making huge waves in the industry as one of it's most respected and talented DJs. We caught up with him for a few minutes to get the latest on what he's up to and get his thoughts on how he uses SCS.3d with Serato Scratch Live® to enhance his sets.
How long have you been a DJ and who do you/have you DJ'd for?
I started DJing in late '83. I've worked with several bands/groups and solo artists over the years on stage and in the studio from some of first groups on Rap-A-Lot records to current Def Jux recording artists Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic.
You've been really involved on the industry side of things as well...what projects have you been involved with?
I've worked closely with Rane on their TTM series mixers since me and a couple of friends stepped to them in the late 90's and developed the first performance mixers for them. I also have a close relationship with Serato and have worked with Shure, Korg and a few other companies on various projects.
What gear is in your current DJ set-up?
I have a lot of equipment but am currently using Stanton STR8-150 turntables, Shure M447 needles, Rane TTM-57 mixer with a DigiTech foot switch, Serato Scratch Live with VSL video plug in, MacBook Pro, Stanton SCS.3d midi controller(x2), Stanton DJ Pro 3000 head phones, Stanton Uber Stand, Serato HiRise stand, Roland RC-2, Korg Kaoss Pad Entrancer, Korg PadKontrol, Shure Beta 58 mic, MPC-500 sampler/sequencer and a few external hard drives. My set up changes quite a bit depending on the gig or what I'm doing at the moment but for the most part, this is my standard day to day set up.
How do you use controllers in your set?
Quite well, thank you. (haha) I use them to access more midi controllable features in scratch live at one time than the TTM-57 control surface alone will allow. I prefer a midi controller to the laptop keyboard for things like cue points, loops, censors etc. The controllers I use are easier to trigger quickly than the small computer keys and more spaced out than the mixers controls. Also, for performance features like cue points and loops, I think it looks better from a spectators perspective than pressing a small button on the mixer or a key on the laptop. When people use the laptop keys, it just looks like they are typing or checking something on their computer and I don't think a lot of people realize what they are doing. When someone sees you press a button on dedicated controller that looks like a piece of musical equipment and hears something happen at the same time...they seem to get it more and can better relate to the performance. It helps get them into it a little more and while they may not understand 100% of what's happening when you touch the controller, they know it's about the music/show/performance and not you checking your e-mail or IM'ing someone.
Do you see DJs moving toward 100% controller sets or using them in combination with traditional gear?
I don't see it as a 100% "this" or "that" kind of thing. I like to keep an open mind and keep my creative options open. I think some people will start doing total controller sets and there are still some DJ's who do classic total vinyl sets and shy away from the new technology. Everybody has their thing and it's all good. I like to change my set up a lot depending on what I'm doing at the time and what I'm trying to accomplish. I don't feel like every situation calls for the same thing every time.
Why did you start using the SCS.3d?
I started using the SCS.3d because it was something new and seemed interesting and different. I like to try to stay on top of what's going on in the DJ world since that's how I make my living. There are a lot of products I know right away that I don't need to waste my time with, and then there are those that have something unique and special to offer... the SCS.3d is the latter of those.
In what ways has the SCS.3d enhanced your DJ performance with Serato Scratch LIVE?
It's provided me with a powerful and compact solution in a midi controller that can change the way it works whenever I do. It's also been designed to eliminate knobs, faders and buttons that can break off... so I don't have to be as concerned with it getting damaged going from gig to gig and traveling around stuffing it in and out of bags all the time.
What do you feel sets the SCS.3d apart from other controllers?
I think the SCS.3d is totally unique in several ways. It has no moving parts so there is nothing that can be broken off of it. It has a compartment to store the USB cable when not in use. I like the slotted magnetic sides that allow another unit to be quickly attached. I also like the fact that the unit is small and compact. It doesn't take up much space at all which is a big plus when you travel a lot and already have a lot of gear to pack and keep up with. The midi possibilities beyond generic mapping seem to be amazing as well... I can't wait to wrap my head around that and get a little deeper with what I can make it do. Also, the touch-sensitive technology is different than any other midi controller I have ever used. Small, compact, reliable, durable and flexible in functionality is a must when you travel a lot and that is exactly what the SCS.3d is.
Some people argue that functionality in software (triggers, loops, etc) allows people to “cheat” as a DJ? Do you agree with this philosophy?
No. Software may make a few things a little easier but it does not replace skill! You still need to know how to DJ, software just opens up more creative possibilities for you to DJ with. It will not magically give you the ability to scratch well or mix well or know how to read a crowd. It eliminates the need to carry several heavy crates of records or books of CDs to a gig. Carrying record crates is not a skill. It also allows you to have doubles of every song in your library. Buying 2 or more copies of a record is not a skill. It lets you do things like spin songs that were never even pressed on vinyl or spin and manipulate your own productions or edits as if they were pressed on vinyl. You can embrace the future or get left behind but the game is going to keep evolving regardless.
Any new or upcoming projects you're excited about?
There are a few... some I can't speak on but we (Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and myself) are all back in our respective studios right now working on new material for some upcoming albums/projects/tours for '09/'10. I am also trying to finally get a few projects together of my own that have been on the back burner for a while.
