Five-year-olds learning scratch techniques? It’s kind of hard to imagine. But DJ Kave, who was voted India’s Best Hip Hop Jockey at an award ceremony earlier this year, says watching this age group hit the console has become common place at his teaching space, The Skratch Lab. In fact, what started as a ‘let’s see what happens’ workshop last summer has gotten such a good response that Kave tells us, “This time around, I’ve designed the course so that it’s one-on-one with each kid.” Quite a novel offer when you’ve got a DJ who’s toured with the likes of AR Rahman for the Jai Ho series, at the helm.
To keep the little ones at their most interested, Kave adds, “I usually ask them to bring their own music.” Cartoon themes are allowed! Although he admits, the range most often includes everything from the latest in pop to Kollywood favourites.
So how does a tiny tot who’s never been to a club in his life identify with the word DJ? Kave doesn’t seem to need any time to ponder this one. “Have you ever seen Johnny Bravo?” he asks. Turns out there’s some beat action in there. “Also, between YouTube videos and DJ kits being sold in toy stores like Hamleys,” he goes on, “kids these days understand the concept from so many other sources.
And while most little ones may have to stand on a chair to reach their console, we’re told, once the music begins — it’s only a matter of time before ‘happy beats’ sink in.
To join the Skratch Lab children’s workshop for ages 5 to 15, call 9884245833.