This week we have the pleasure of introducing you to the Masha Dabelka, the Founder of Turntablista, as well as a teacher, DJ, and producer. Turntablista is the first private DJ school in Austria founded with the purpose of creating a strong female role model for aspiring musicians. The organization represents her passion for the DJ craft, and stands as an antidote to the female auto-sync DJ generation, with the goal to inspire women to approach DJing seriously and in depth, working with the turntable as a musical instrument, developing an ear and sense of rhythm.

The most recent "The Anatomy Of DJing" course is now open! It started October 1st! The mission of this course is to destigmatize this craft. Masha is confident that with the right approach, one can better grasp the language of music, develop a sense of rhythm, musicality, finger dexterity, and creative thinking. She went through dozens of DJing courses before developing her product which gives you in-depth information about DJing, a set of unique effective exercises, and an easy approach with vibrant theory and practice. Check out more here: https://theanatomyofdjing.vhx.tv/ and sign up today! By purchasing this course, you get lifetime access to video lessons and can watch and learn whenever is convenient.

When not behind a turntable, Masha says, "I collect toy squirrels and travel a lot. My hobby is also my profession."

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

I started organizing raves in abandoned industrial spaces in Siberia back in 2004. I've been making music since I was four years old. I began as a classically trained musician and producer, and later transitioned into a DJ. Music is my main inspiration, and having good taste and sensitivity is important.

What is a day in the life like?

Every day could be the last, so I try to live accordingly.

In your opinion what has been your favorite / the coolest thing you've worked on?

Perhaps my own music productions and viewing the turntable as an instrument contribute to my approach. I play three-turntable sets and am currently working on a live set using pre-recorded loops pressed on vinyl because I don't really enjoy playing live sets with a laptop. When it comes to making music, I believe ears are more important than eyes.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Patience: I've learned to be more patient when teaching different people.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Learn the discipline and rules so you can break them when necessary, but not the other way around.

Try to understand who you are and stay true to your authenticity. Be honest with yourself and others. Work to create a better world and spread wisdom. Learn the discipline and rules so you can break them when necessary, but not the other way around.

Are you a vinyl collector yourself? What drew you to it?

I collect vinyl, but I would not recommend it to those who are just starting their musical journey. Music taste needs time to develop. It's like buying art – it is an investment.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

I'm happy to see that any small independent label can now press a vinyl release. I wish vinyl production could be more sustainable, but there are some factories working on it. I don't really buy anything except vinyl when I travel to big cities. I think a vinyl record with local music is the best souvenir and memory. I don't think the digital music industry can wipe out vinyl production, just as the movie industry didn't eliminate theater. I believe that DJs who can play vinyl will hold true value in the future of AI.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry? 

Underground Resistance and the whole Detroit music scene, and all free spirits. And Electric Indigo, who created a network of female DJs and VJs, through which I was recognized in Europe.

Anything else you’d like to add; if not tell us what you're listening to: 

I like music of Kyle Hall, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Zavoloka, Jeff Mills, Steven Julien, Steve Reich, Pan Sonic, Claude Debussy, Alice Coltrane, John Beltran.

Also, the official lessons have begun for the "Anatomy of DJing" courses on the Vimeo OTT platform. New lessons are uploaded every week starting from October 1st 2024 until the end of the year. By purchasing this course, students get lifetime access to video lessons and can watch and learn whenever it’s convenient for them.