AlphaTheta continues its mission to bring more equality into the industry. Its inclusive DJ workshop series ‘Start from Scratch’ is expanding its reach to support those from the neurodivergent community. DJ and writer Rosie Riot finds out more, and speaks to DJ and workshop leader Aaron Jackson, otherwise known as Trancey Parker, to find out what his experience of teaching DJing is as a representative of the autistic and neurodivergent community.
‘Start from Scratch’ is an initiative from AlphaTheta (the umbrella company of DJ tech giants Pioneer and Rekordbox, to name a few), to create more opportunities for underrepresented communities in the electronic music industry. It provides free DJ and careers-focused workshops to offer an entry point into the industry for groups who don’t typically see this as an option for them.
The programme is currently in its fifth year, having run over 190 workshops across EMEA, and reaching more than 4,500 aspiring new DJs. Start from Scratch is committed to continued growth, aiming to expand its reach and impact even further in the coming years, empowering more emerging DJs across a broader network.
With this in mind, 909originals decided to catch up with one of its workshop leaders, Aaron Jackson, aka DJ Trancey Parker, to see how it went. Charismatic and eager to explain the process, we meet on a very sunny Blackheath Common one summer’s day.
Hi Aaron, tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is Aaron, also known as DJ Trancey Parker. I am autistic and neurodivergent. I have been DJing for more than eight years, and I love music so much.
Tell us a bit about ‘Start from Scratch’ with Pioneer DJ, and the workshop?
Well, this is my second time running a workshop—I did one last year. I showed everyone my knowledge and showed everyone the decks. I’ve taught between 10 and 50 people at different times. The session was about three hours long.
I taught them how to mix from house to drum & bass, how to use loops… every BPM from 135 for house to 87 and 174 BPM for drum & bass. I also told them about my knowledge about events like Boiler Room, and how I’d like to go to Tomorrowland and also other clubs and festivals, perhaps if they haven’t heard of them before. I always like to help people who are newer to DJing and music.
Do you think more can be done to help people from the neurodivergent community to get into the industry – why is it important?
Yes, I think more can be done, as well as for people with different disabilities. Music is your medicine. I think we can give more advice, and sometimes it takes time. If you can just dance around or listen to music, this is a good start. I personally have gone to clubs and met and spoken to the DJs.
Would you like to teach DJing again?
Yes, definitely, especially ‘Start from Scratch’.
You got some new equipment courtesy of Pioneer DJ, didn’t you? Tell us about that?
Yes, I really love my new equipment so much. Last year I got a DJ DDJ-XP2 finger drum and pads. I also got a DJ RMX-1000 [remix station], which helps me a lot with effects in a live set.
Find out more about ‘Start from Scratch’ here, and Trancey Parker here.
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