NEW YORK CITY

NEW SPRING TERM 1 COURSES START MARCH 4TH
Space is still available in all Spring Term 1 DJ courses at Scratch DJ Academy – NYC. Whether you want to improve your mixing skills, develop your battle techniques, learn the basics, or start a career as producer, Scratch has a course for you, including: DJ 101, 151, INT, 202, 152, 303, and BM 101. All courses are taught by J-Smoke and Excess featuring celebrity guest instructors like GrandWizzard Theodore, Grandmaster Caz, Alamo, Daddy Dog, and more. Spring Term 1 courses start March 4th! Click here to register or for more information.

DJ ROB DINERO

DJ Rob Dinero is quickly making a name for himself as one of the hottest DJ’s and producers in the music industry. In his Chase Dinero Studios, in the Bronx, NYC, he has produced, and remixed projects for the late Big L, Sean Paul, The Outlawz, DJ Irie, Pitbull, Smitty, Garcia, New Child, Richie Spice, P.M., U.K.`s Blak Twang, Jr Gong, andthe Notorious B.I.G. He spins weekly at residencies all over the city and has even produced commercials with MTV and Heineken.

Scratch: How did you initially get into the DJ’ing game, and what sparked your interest in the art form?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: What originally got me into DJ’ing was basically a love for the music I listened to growing up -- hip-hop from the late 80’s into the early 90’s. I used to get money to buy cassette singles and albums from artists like Eric B and Rakim, Jungle Brothers, Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, A Tribe Called Quest…and the list goes on. I eventually got a pair of turntables, a mixer and some records and began practicing trying to copy the mixes and scratches I would record off the radio. I basically taught myself how to DJ that way.
 
Scratch: As an up and coming DJ, what did you do to practice and improve your skills?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: When I was first learning how to DJ, there was no Scratch, so I was basically teaching myself. I also had some friends that were DJ’s, and we would practice DJ’ing together. If one of us could do a certain cut or mix that the others couldn’t we would help each other out.
 
Scratch: Why did you eventually decide to pursue DJ’ing as a career?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: Back when I was in high school I was already DJ’ing at home and practicing on my own time. I got into making tapes for my friends at school, and it eventually lead to my high school hiring me to DJ for school parties and functions, and soon after that I ended up DJ’ing for a college radio show. I didn’t realize at the time that what I was doing could actually be a real career, but the more I got into DJ’ing, the more it really did become a career and something I could make real money doing.
 
Scratch: How would you categorize yourself as a DJ, and what makes you stand out from others?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: I basically can do it all (scratch, mix, blend, battle). Although I never really got involved with DJ battles, I would practice tricks on my own. I mostly play live gigs nowadays at concerts and clubs in front of crowds. I mainly focus now on my mixing and maintaining a steady flow and with the music. I can play in front of all different types of crowds, in all different situations, whether it be at a club, concert, party, or whatever. I am able to play music that fits each situation perfectly.
 
Scratch: What is so appealing to you about club and party mixing?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: I love playing live in front of an audience to see people’s reaction to the music I play. I like to get the crowd more involved with the music than they would normally be. If you are going out to have some drinks with friends at a club that I’m spinning at, my goal is to make sure the most memorable part of the night is the music that was played and how it was played.
 
Scratch: Growing up did you listen to DJ’s or any particular types of music that influenced your interest and style today?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: As I said before, my main influence is the music. Growing up in the Bronx where hip-hop always played such a major part in my community, I just grew up with this music being a part of who I am. I used to always listen to DJ’s mixing on the radio like Red Alert, Kid Capri, Mr. Magic and Mr. Cee. I would record their radio shows on tape and listen to them to try to figure out how they mixed records together. I also listened to the mixtape DJ’s from back in the day like Buckwild, Doo Wop, Ron G, Triple C…they really influenced my style of DJ’ing. They kept a steady flow throughout their mixes, and the energy was always up high, whether they were cutting records up or blending hip-hop beats on R&B records. They always had a really consistent flow throughout their sets, and I feel like that’s what I do when I’m DJ’ing and like that’s what a DJ is supposed to be doing when he is in front of those 2 turntables.

Scratch: Over the years, what types of experiences and opportunities have you had as a DJ?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: I’ve been fortunate over the years with my experiences. I’ve DJ’d at many NYC nightclubs and events and have spun platinum parties for famous artists, radio station concerts, and after-parties. For the past few years I’ve been DJ’ing concerts, shows, and tours for MTV and MTV2. Also, along with DJ’ing I’ve also produced music on commercials for companies like Tommy Hilfiger and MTV. I’ve worked with many of today’s top recording artists and have more projects in the works right now.
 
Scratch: Do you recall any experiences as a DJ that you will never forget?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: My most memorable experience as a DJ has to be back when I was a sophomore in high school. I remember walking out of school with one of my homeboys going to the store, and when we crossed the street there was a car blasting music. I was really feeling what he was playing and my boy was like, “yo, that sounds like one of your tapes!” Turns out, it was one of the first mixtapes that I ever put out…that was the first time I ever heard somebody I didn’t know playing my music, and they were really bumpin’ it hard!!!

Scratch:  Since you guest teach at Scratch and after having learned so much over the years about DJ’ing, what advice would you give our students who are just getting into the art form today?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: Have a genuine love for the music that you play and also know the music that you are playing…there’s nothing worse than a DJ that doesn’t know the music they’re playing, and it really shows. You can have all the DJ’ing skill in the world, but if you don’t know anything about the music that you are playing, you can’t expect to shine. Also, keep practicing and let people help you out if you’re having trouble. Some DJ’s don’t realize that they actually do need help so don’t get mad if and when somebody tells you that you are doing something wrong and listen!
 
Scratch:  What kinds of projects do you see yourself involved with in the future?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: I am going to be more involved on the production side in the future, definitely putting out albums and working with other artists on their albums. I also see myself remixing more records side as well. Without a doubt, I will always continue DJ’ing live in front of larger and larger crowds doing my thing.
 
Scratch:  Do you have a website, how can get more info about what you are doing?
 
DJ ROB DINERO: My official website is still in the works right now, but you can always keep up to date with what I am doing by checkin’ me at www.myspace.com/djrobdinero.