Did you ever wonder how the DJ scene in the Bay Area grew to such proportions or why the movement of Turntablism became such a worldwide phenomenon? Did you ever wonder why some of the legends and superstars of the DJ scene today (Qbert, Shortkut, Mixmaster Mike, Apollo, Vinroc) all hail from Filipino ethnicity? The foundation for such a breadth of talent began with roots in the Bay Area, and there have been attempts in recent years to chronicle the history of the mobile Dj scene in Northern California.

Oliver Wang, a professor of Sociology at CSU-Long Beach, wrote his dissertation while attending school at Berkeley, on “Spinning Identities: A Social History of Filipino American DJ’s in the Bay Area.”  Dr. Wang’s dissertation is an attempt to chronicle the history of the mobile DJ scene and it’s influence on the generation of well known Turntablists and artists we know today. It’s a story that uncovers multiple themes, chronicling the history, the movement,  styles and the influences of the DJ scene in Northern California. Dr. Oliver Wang researched many local Bay Area influences with first-person interviews in regards to the DJ Scene spanning the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. He’s also created a website to share his research at a site called http://legionsofboom.com. His downloadable .pdf contains a wealth of knowledge and some  unknown stories about legendary talent in the Bay Area. His accounts speak to the early days of garage parties and the evolution of mobile DJ’s, battles and showcases through to epic promoters and promotion companies. It’s a living document dedicated to sharing history and background of the DJ scene in the Bay Area.

I personally grew up during the tail end of the mobile DJ scene, witnessing battles, attending showcases and watching future legends change the way people viewed, thought and listened to music. The accounts he has gathered, account for many of the perceptions and experiences I found during my time mobile DJing with Rhythm in Motion. His work is a lesson in what the Bay Area has achieved in divergent styles of DJing (turntablism vs. quick mixing), and spotlights how the strong community of DJ’s in the mobile scene, inspired competition, shared knowledge and innovated the DJ scene worldwide.

Oliver’s work is well worth a read for any DJ looking to gain insight in his or her profession. It’s an understanding of influences which can bring light to new forms of innovation. It’s both a history lesson and nostalgic trip down memory lane. His work only chronicles certain locations in the Bay Area and follows only a handful of the hundreds of crews represented in the Bay Area. Dr.  Wang’s website is a call to others to share their experiences to finish the untold story of the influences of the DJ scene.

So take some time to educate read and understand history of the DJ scene. Help share your experiences and rebuild the community that strengthened and empowered so many DJs to become future innovators in music.

We, at Mixcrate, plan on writing many more articles to educate, form and help re-build the community of DJ’s the Bay Area was known for.  Dr. Oliver Wang’s extensive chronicle is yet unfinished. It is up to all of us to share our passion and experiences and help finish the chronicle he started years ago. To contribute, you can contact Dr. Oliver Wang or e-mail us and share your experiences, so that we can carry on what he started.

Photo courtesy of Francisco Pardorla