Good Chemistry

Cut Chemist performs tonight at The Shelter - By Morgan, May 15, 08

Tonight, the doctor is IN as Cut Chemist takes the decks at The Shelter for some hardcore wika-wika-wika turntabalism. The biggest name they've had in for a while (hey, even I've heard of him), Cut Chemist broke in an international way as part of Jurassic 5, the melting pot group of the new hip hop underground in L.A. in the mid 90s.

Jurassic 5 were critically lauded back in the day, and earned mainstream, cross-over success (they were on the Warped Tour in 2002) for their old school roots approach to hip hop music, a stark answer to the hyper-commercialism that has defined the genre since the 90s.

Despite the success of the group, Cut Chemist parted ways with them in 2003 to pursue his solo career, and has since solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative turntabalists playing today, collaborating with diverse groups including L.A. salsa/hip hop group Ozomatli and ska/punk band Less Than Jake. SmartShanghai asked Cut Chemist how he approaches these collaborations: "I usually get approached by these bands. I adapt my style to theirs. I think they call me to incorporate my flavor and so that's what I try to do."

In recent years, Cut Chemists flavor has come to incorporate influences outside of hip hop proper: "I'm into world music with a psychedelic sensibility. African, Indian, Korean, American rock and jazz. ...I try to explore new territory every time. It's hard for me to use the same type of sound on every project. I explore new types of music, study it and incorporate it with my already existing style."

As for his existing style -- and the state of turntabalism today -- Cut Chemist argues that the digitization of the DJ will ultimately supplant the art of turntabalism: "[DJing] is mostly digital now with programs like Serato. Vinyl is becoming less involved and will soon be extinct. This made Djing more accessible to anyone. Now it seems like everyone DJs but is not a turntabalist. In turn, less people want to see turntabaists at shows."

McFadden's first full-length solo album, The Audience's Listening, was released on July 2006, and exemplifies this expanded list of influences, and also the die-hard allegiance to organic roots turntabalism.

Also known for his live and studio collaborations with DJ Shadow, he embarks on a massive tour with him this summer: "He knows more music than anyone I've ever met. I try to learn as much as I can when we work together."

Interestingly enough, Cut Chemist also had a bit part in the movie Juno: "The director was a fan of mine and thought it would be cool if I played a chemistry teacher in his last film. I would like to do more acting. I had fun doing the little bit I did already."

And what can audiences expect from his show tonight? Cut Chemist is pretty succinct: "Turntabalism and music most likely that they never heard before."

"Cut Chemists Shelter Class" takes place tonight (Thursday) at The Shelter. He is joined by the Lab crew. Entrance is 60rmb. Starts 9pm.