Skratch Bastid

Over the past 15 years, Canada’s own Skratch Bastid has been spreading his skills and name around the world, through crowds and viral videos alike. What first started at DJ competitions like DMC, ITF, and Scribble Jam, where he became a certified entertainer and show favorite, has now spread out and affected the four corners of the globe, establishing him as a “DJ’s DJ” and a true master of the craft recognized by the best in the game.

This relentless approach to live performance always gives him a leg up as a producer, helping him craft some of the most critically-acclaimed production work in Canadian hip-hop including the Juno nominated “Situation” album with Buck 65 and Shad’s “Flying Colours”, among others. A collaboration with the Afiara String Quartet yielded “Spin Cycle”, an immersive multi-part classical-meets-turntablism album project which led to performances around the country as well as with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His remixes and ‘blends’ have also amassed millions of plays and become supreme ammo for selectors around the world.

We caught up with him again at Riverfest 2017 to talk about life as DJ, scratching, and his creative process. Skratch’s collaboration with the Afiara Quartet was featured on our Series 6 labels and he performed at our Series 6 launch party in Hamilton.