Step behind the wheels of steel and into the world of professional DJs. The World of DJs and the Turntable Culture is the only book that clearly and thoroughly teaches the tools, technologies and techniques of contemporary DJing. It also goes further, exploring the culture, history and aesthetics of hip-hop, dance music and turntablism. Souvignier traces the turntable's evolution from consumer playback device into a professional musical instrument, right up to the latest CD scratching decks. He also traces the evolution of the DJ from selector and record announcer to producer/performer. This book features exclusive interviews with GrandWizzard Theodore (the inventor of scratching) and other superstars including DJ QBert, Rob Swift (X-ecutioners), Armand Van Helden and mash-up maven The Freelance Hellraiser. The wide ranging topics covered include a mechanical history of turntables and a DJ technology roundup; Alan Freed, Dick Clark and payola; John Cage's Cartridge Music; Grandmaster Flash; Jamaican sound systems; the rise and fall of disco; house, techno and garage music; a dictionary of scratches; and developing DJ skills. The World of DJs and the Turntable Culture includes hands-on chapters that explain the basic tools DJs use, teaches the fundamental techniques, and explores the creative possibilities for DJs. There is a special focus on state-of-the-art gear, spotlighting the most exciting, cutting-edge features.