Today was another full on but exciting day for team Serato in Toronto, with artist catch ups, presentations and of course the second day of finals!
First up we were off to the penthouse suite at the Thompson Hotel to meet the finalists, give a presentation about Serato DJ, and to present each of them with a special vinyl gift. It was great to meet and chat with everyone and really exciting to get their feedback on the latest version of Serato DJ. After some intense jamming we were stoked to be able to present each of them with a limited 10" white vinyl to congratulate them all on their hard earned spot in the finals.
Next, we got to kick it with Jubilee from Brooklyn who is in attendance as one of the judges for this years Red Bull Thre3Style World Final. We were lucky to have her play us some exclusive dancehall jams from her Mixpak label mates Dubbel Dutch and Dre Skull.
We were stoked to also have visits from our Canadian friends Autoerotique and Small Town DJs, who we got to chat with and take through the latest Serato DJ update. While we this was going on, Jazzy Jeff hosted a presentation called The History of Gear, which was attended by the Red Bull Threestyle finalists.
Tonights final was held at the Mod Club Theatre, and the competitors really turned up the heat. Kicking things off and getting the crowd warmed up was Hedspin and Four Color Zack. After a killer opening set, it was time for the finals to begin.
First up was DJ Undoo representing Romania. Playing a subtle but tight set, it was well constructed but unfortunately didn't resonate with the crowd.
Next was Oli Dobolli from Croatia. He got off to a great start with a mix of classics old and new, including Nina Simone's "My Baby Just Cares For Me" and Sisqo's "Thong Song". The crowd was feeling his set, and he wrapped things up with Bob Marley's "Exodus".
Coming on in the third spot was Eskei83 from Germany. He got down to business straight away, getting the crowd hyped with the classic Notorious B.I.G cut "Hypnotize" and didn't let up until his 15 minutes were done. He came prepared with dub plates from Cutty Ranks, Beanie Man and Mr Vegas, blowing everyones minds. The crowd was loving it, and were calling for more as he left the stage.
DJ Shintaro was lucky last, and had the task of coming with a set to rival what the crowd had just heard. He took them head on, opening with the soundtrack to Super Mario Brothers, and continued to play a crazy set that kept the energy level up and the crowd pumped. After his set was done, it was clear that the judges decisions tonight was not going to be an easy one.
Before the winner was announced, the legendary Jazzy Jeff and local hero Skratch Bastid, with assistance from Skillz, took to the stage for a back to back set that kept the night bumping while everyone waited for the outcome. After Skratch Bastid teased the crowd with a brief drop of the instrumental, Skillz was cheered on to perform his underground classic cut "The Nod Factor". Finally, the results were announced and Eskei83 was named as the winner, which lead to an impassioned speech where he revealed that one of his lifelong goals was to share the stage with Jazzy Jeff, which he was able to do tonight. Good vibes abounding, it was time for the night to wrap up.
Be sure to check back tomorrow as we head into round three of the finals!
Michael.
