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June 29th, 2023

News: PRP x Que'd Up Vinyl DJ Workshop (PHOTOS)

We look back at a PRP sponsored workshop held during Pride Month 2023 where participants learnt the basic skills of how to DJ on vinyl.

By Lavinia Tanzim

In honor of Pride Month, Precision Record Pressing teamed up with Toronto-based queer DJ collective Que’d Up to sponsor a vinyl DJ workshop for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Taking place over the course of three hours on June 11 at Main Stage Rehearsal Studios, the workshop was facilitated by the producer and DJ duo, Jonathan and Andrew FranDisco. With over a decade of vinyl DJing experience under their belt, this event was the FranDisco Brothers first foray into teaching a workshop, however they were the ideal pair to lead the afternoon of music and knowledge.

DJ turntable and set up in front of a Precision Record Pressing banner.
© Lavinia Tanzim
Two DJ's performing in front of DJ setup.
© Lavinia Tanzim

Bringing with them several crates of DJ gear & vinyl in tow, they provided participants with a hands-on learning experience. The first hour of the workshop was an instructional portion going over the basics of handling vinyl and the applicable equipment required to start building this skill, passing around records and gear so everyone could get a closer look. As participants had a range of DJ skills from complete beginners to some digital experience, they went over the basic principles of mixing and how turntable DJ set-ups differ from a controller or CDJ set up.

Spectators watching DJ set.
© Lavinia Tanzim
Female DJ performing while two others are observing.
© Lavinia Tanzim
DJ spinning on turntable while listener enjoys music through headphones.
© Lavinia Tanzim
Two people closely examining DJ equipment.
© Lavinia Tanzim

Following this portion, participants split up into two breakout rooms with turntables and crates in each room to put their skills to the test. The FranDiscos brought a wide range of records with genres spanning from House, Hip-Hop, Disco, Drum and Bass, and Techno, so everyone was given the opportunity to practice mixing on the genres of their choice. The participants were also given the option to bring vinyl from their personal collections to try mixing under the guidance of the instructors.

While certainly not an easy skill to master in one afternoon, we had a great time playing music for each other and trying to navigate our way around the decks. We extend our thanks to the organizers at Que’d Up and our instructors, The FranDiscos for putting this event together and hope to see everyone at another PRP sponsored event soon.

DJ performing while a crowd DJ performing for crowd of spectators: at a live event.
© Lavinia Tanzim

For more information, visit instagram.com/quedup_toronto.

Photos by Lavinia Tanzim.