Seriously scratched out: China's DJ Wordy will open for Kentaro at Yugong Yishan. Photo: courtesy of DJ Kentaro

By James Tiscione

Vinyl prodigy DJ Kentaro will be bringing his award winning routines to Yugong Yishan tonight before heading onto Shanghai as part of his 11-city "Sunny Golden Tour 2010" of Asia.

The first Asian winner of the DMC World DJ Championships in 2002, 28-year-old Kentaro Okamoto mixes up hip-hop, down tempo and reggae with lightening-fast turntablism. Touring with such artists as The Pharcyde and The Roots and stacking up an impressive back catalog, DJ Kentaro has already established himself as a giant among scratch DJs. The Global Times caught up with DJ Kentaro late last night before he headed to Beijing.

How is the tour going so far? Actually it's just been amazing! We started in New Zealand for a few dates and stayed at the Red Bull House in Queenstown. It has such a great view of the lake and mountains!

What kind of setup are you using now? I'm on three decks (Technics SL1200 MK3D/MK5s), spinning records 70 percent of the time 30 percent with Serato [virtual DJ software].

How do you feel digital technologies have influenced vinyl DJs? The technology's really advanced. Serato is just as good as vinyl as far as latency issues. It's perfect for the traveling DJ and sharing music among artists.

What about your latest musical influences? My job is to entertain, so I'm always looking for ways to innovate my turntablism. I'm influenced by touring in different countries, learning from different artists, and that just changes day by day for sure.

What DJ scenes get you most excited? Actually I always have great time in France. I'm going back this July and do festival tour there. Can't wait.

Anything you want to say to Beijing before the show tonight? I'm gonna drop some new tunes and fresh routines so come by!

Where: Yugong Yishan, No. 3-2 Zhangzizhong Road

When: Thurs, April 15, 9 pm

Price: 80 yuan

Contact: 6404-2711

Don't sweat technique

Beijing DJ Eddie's turntable vocab (catch DJ Eddie at the Midi Festival on May 4):

Baby Scratch = Fundamental scratch. DJ moves the record in a forward and pullback stroke.

Transform Scratch = Signature fader technique. Start with fader off, then tap fader back and forth as sample plays.

Tear Scratch = Similar to baby scratch. DJ pauses for split second on backstroke, making three sounds.

Crab Scratch = A rapid version of transform scratch, which gives sound a fast "stuttering" effect. Likened to snapping all your fingers in succession.