REVIEW: DMC World Championships
- Posted on October 8, 2007 3:49 PM
- 0 comments
2007 DMC World DJ Championships
Sunday 7th October 2007
- Katie Spain
"What does a typical DJ look like?"
A friend asked me this question on the weekend and at the time, I was speechless. To be honest, I still am. DJs don't have 'a look' do they? To try to pin it down would mean skip-hopping into dangerous territory. It's not the physical attributes of the figures hunched over a deck that attracts attention – they're often shielded by flashing lights, pulsating beat and hundreds of revellers. God may be a DJ - but I've never given much thought to what the beggar looks like.
So, it was with contact lenses firmly inserted that I headed for the final of the 2007 DMC World Championships. It’s worth pointing out that I know as much about DJing as I do about auto mechanics and that my dears, is zilch.
Like cars, I know what looks good and I know what sounds good. I also know that some people have the ability to drive the expensive array of knobbly bits faster and smoother than others. While Lewis Hamilton spent the weekend gearing up towards a possible world championship victory, twelve of the world's finest DJs did the same.
Mr Hamilton came out of his competition a wreck... the DJs working musical mayhem fared better. The ride however, was no less exciting.
The Indigo2 in North London is the new home of the DMC World Championships and for us crowd members, the view from the floor was a good one. The people at the back didn't fare so well in the big screen visibility stakes - but that's what you get for easy booze access. The Indigo2 has seating in the upper regions of the venue but for once, I pitied the poor sods with bums on chairs. How can you dance with your knees at a right angle? You can't - unless of course, you're Justin Timberlake.
Now in its 24th year, the DMC World Championship attracts DJs from all over the globe – each one eager to battle it out in London for the ultimate DJ accolade (or at least that's what it says on the press tin). The crowd was a mixed one; predominantly men with a look of 'cool' that young kids mixing it up in their rooms aspire to. The hosts for the night, Killa Kela and Trip (Spit Kingdom) bounced across the stage flinging freebies towards the crowd. Baseball caps were out in their droves - turned skyward in the name of fashion (and little lady sight obstruction). Thank the DJ Gods above for the plasma screens.
In an attempt to warm the cockles of the crowd and the judges, DJ CO-MA (DMC World Supremacy Champion 2006) performed with a live PA from DJ IQ Featuring Asaviour. DJ CO-MA was truly something else - even to a lingo-less lass like me. It was during his performance that it first registered. Bloody hell, this DJ malarkey is impressive. In one beat-laded swoop, my days of dancing in oblivion to the man behind the booth were over. As my eyes met a big-screen view of the tricks of the trade, I joined in on the "oohs" and "aaahs" of the people around me. By the time the National B-Boy Champions 'Soul Mavericks' hit the stage I was hooked. It was like a lesson in modern day finger Olympics.
Then came the finalists.
A motlier crew you'd be hard pressed to find. Japan, Italy, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, the UK... all these and more stepped on stage for six minutes (and counting). That's 360 seconds to start, finish and PERFECT years' worth of work. The patriotic bone in me loved Australia's efforts but after the weekend of rugby I guess victory was never meant for DJ Perplex. The UK's JFB was met with cheers worthy of a Brit boy. A delightful amount of arrogance ebbed on just the right side of amusing but not enough to take home the crown (or the $10,000 prize money). Don't worry mate - P Diddy blows more than that in pounds on a bowl of nuts and a glass of champas.
Japan's DJ Yasa pressed my buttons from word 'go'. A refreshing lack of Americanised vocals sealed his spot in my top three. Damn it, it has nothing to do with it but the guy looked like he was enjoying himself too. I'm all for a profanity or two but there's only so much "F*** you" and "F**** this" a girl can take.
As for the winner's title... that went to the Germans. "Get ready for the next level" - DJ Rafik blew them out of the North London water. The guy may resemble a technologically engrossed Gollum but the man has it. How these guys prevent RSI I'll never know. I'd love to see them send a text message. The results must be magic.
So DJs world wide, I salute you. I still don't understand much about your art, but the difference is - I want to. I'll be there next year... and you know what, my musical appreciation will be all the better for it. And that’s case closed: no one cares what a DJ looks like... what really matters is what they sound like. If last night was anything to go by, the world is coughing up the goods.
RESULTS:
Battle For World Supremacy Results:
1st: DJ Shiftee (USA)
2nd: DJ Or D'Oeuvre (France)
World Team Battle Results:
1st: Kireek (Japan)
2nd: Exodus (Germany)
3rd: Trauma Team (France)
Sunday 7th October 7pm 11.30pm
DJ Championship World FinalNow in its 24th year, DJs from around the globe gathered in London to compete for the ultimate DJ accolade!
DJ Championship World Final Results
1st: DJ Rafik (Germany)
2nd: DJ Yasa (Japan)
3rd: DJ Fly (France)
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