Precision, Practice, and the Art of Scratch

DJ Swordz

For many DJs, scratching begins as curiosity - a fascination with the sounds and movements happening behind the turntables. For this DJ, that curiosity grew into decades of dedication to the craft. After starting his journey in 1998 and drawing early inspiration from pioneers like Mix Master Mike, Q-Bert, and The Invisibl Skratch Piklz, he spent years refining his technique and developing his own style.

His commitment eventually led him to the top of the global turntablism scene, earning both the DMC World DJ Championships Scratch title in 2021 and the DMC Portablist World Championship. In this conversation, he reflects on the path that led him there, the importance of community and practice, and why reliable gear becomes crucial when precision matters most.

What first drew you to DJing, and how did that eventually lead to winning the DMC World DJ Championships Scratch title?

In the mid-90s, I was fascinated by the DJs I watched - the way they moved effortlessly between styles, mixing fast, blending genres, and showcasing serious technical skill. It wasn’t just music; it was precision, creativity, and control all at once.

The moment I saw Mix Master Mike, Q-Bert, and the rest of The Invisibl Skratch Piklz, everything clicked. From that point on, becoming a scratch DJ wasn’t a question - it was the goal.

Winning the DMC World DJ Championships Scratch title in 2021 was a long time coming. I started scratching in 1998, so this definitely wasn’t overnight success. Ironically, COVID played a major role. Being stuck indoors pushed me back into deep practice mode, and that time sharpened everything.

But just as important were the scratch communities around the world. Connecting with fellow turntablists who kept pushing me to go for it made all the difference. Big shout out to all my scratch brothers worldwide.

When it comes to cartridges and styli, what qualities matter most to you when performing?

Sound, volume, and most importantly - stability. A stylus should not skip, no matter which turntable it’s mounted on. When you’re performing, there’s no room for compromise.

That’s exactly why I chose Ortofon. Period.

In high-pressure situations like gigs or battles, how important is it to be able to rely on your gear?

Last year, in 2025, I showed up to a gig where another needle was already mounted on the turntable. I started scratching - and it was chaos. The needle skipped constantly.

I immediately swapped it out for my Ortofon VNL, calibrated everything properly, and just like that - flawless performance. Tight tracking, no skipping, full control.

Honestly, having my own VNL with me that night saved my life - and my reputation. No exaggeration.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as a DJ - both in terms of developing skills and choosing equipment?

Use the internet. Seriously.

YouTube, social media, gear reviews - we didn’t have any of that back in the day. Now you have access to unlimited information, and that’s a huge advantage. Take it.

The same goes for skill development. Watch tons of videos. Study different styles. Then decide for yourself what speaks to you and build your own identity from that.

But don’t stay behind a screen. Connect with other DJs, turntablists, and scratchers. Community matters. Attend jam sessions. Organize your own. Growth happens faster when you push each other.

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