In this Q&A, we tap in with DJ Chmielix, Polish turntablist, battle DJ, and founder of Skratchorama Records, a vinyl-only scratch label built for heads who still believe the DJ is the backbone.
From walking away from the club circuit to pressing battle tools inspired by Qbert, Futurama, and late-90s hip hop, Chmielix breaks down how Skratchorama became a movement, why originality is missing in rap, and how turntablists are holding the line in the age of AI.
How did Skratchorama get started?
I started Skratchorama Records in 2018 after I decided to quit my “club dj career”. I always thought that this is the way to go, first you build your skill, then you get your titles, then you release scratch records and build your brand. I guess it came out of watching Qbert and wanting to be like him. As for the name, it’s related to my favorite cartoon, Futurama, which I’m a huge fan of.
What do you think is missing in the local hip hop scene in Poland?
I’d say what’s missing in Polish hip-hop scene in my opinion is originality, although I guess you can say that about today’s hiphop in general. Even kids got bored of everyone sounding the same, and more and more often are turning back towards the late 90s, early 2000s rap. Which is good, because the message had often more value in the 90s/00s rap, than today.
Who are some dope hip hop (DJ’s writers, emcee, producers) artists from your area?
There is actually quite a lot of great scratch dj’s in Poland, multiple world champions like Dj Ben, VaZee, Pan Jaras, Chederac or the whole Skrecz Poligon Crew with Dj Krootki, CutManDoo, Slime and many more. As for the rappers, to be honest I don’t listen to a lot of Polish rap because the stress in Polish language goes on a different syllable then ie. in English, which makes rhyming sound weird… But I really like Bryndal, who is a really dope MC with a very unique style.
How many records are in your catalog? Are they all scratch records?
Up until now I released 4 records, 3 x 12” and 1 x 7”, all scratch tools.
How do you choose which samples or phrases make it onto a record?
I didn’t really have any problems with selecting the phrases, because two of my records are entirely in Polish, so I had a full range of never used before acapellas, and the other two were made entirely of samples from Futurama. One of the beats is even built from a sample I found on a record that also contains the song later used as the Futurama theme.
As for the phrases themselves, I always try to find ones which don’t have too many „s”, „sh”, „p”, „t” and couple other sounds which usually don’t sound good scratched.
Do you produce the records yourself, or collaborate with other DJs?
I made all my records by myself. I used to look for people to collaborate with, but the friends I approached either wanted 90% of the profit, were too shy to send me their material or suddenly started hating me for no apparent reason.
Recently you were part of the first UNSTOPPABLE BATTLE. How did it feel winning?
It was a very cool event, and I actually feel very lucky I have won, because I really messed up my final routines due to a badly skipping needle. Luckily my opponent, Dj Flashcat was one routine short and had to repeat one he already played, and that’s how I won… I lost the scratch category tho, which I thought I had, but 2 of 3 judges decided otherwise.
Shout out to Skull, Flashcat, and everyone involved in this event!
Brands like Technics, AIAIAI, Korg, Reloop, UDG Gear, and others provided sponsorship. How important is their support?
Support from brands like this is very important in my opinion. Let’s face it, with the development of AI, club DJs could very easily become obsolete very soon. If it happens, who else will buy DJ gear if not turntablists?
But jokes aside, of course the support of sponsors is very important, but it’s a pity that it usually ends with giving away some prizes and that’s it. I think brands could make more use of title winning DJs to promote their gear and the art form itself.
Were there any sponsor products you tested or are using that really impresses you?
I still use a Vestax PDX3000mk2 which I won in 2011 and is my all-time favorite turntable. I also finally have a pair of SL1200mk7, both with custom skins, one from DMC Poland 2024 and one from the Unstoppable Battle.
Shout out to Steffi from Technics for providing the grand prize.
Name one thing most people don’t know about the scene in Poland?
I think we have the most turntablist world titles per capita, but I’m ot sure, I’d have to check it.
Last words or shout outs??
Yeah, big up to all the turntablists and all the people pushing this art form forward! Keep doing what you’re doing, don’t be too serious about it, stay positive and just have fun with it, because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about. Peace!
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INTERVIEW: LaMont R.
EDITOR: LaMont R.
IMAGE: DJ Chmielix
