The Big Questions: Skratch Bastid
If you're Canadian, back in the day you might have seen Skratch Bastid selling hockey sticks at Canadian Tire. But today, wherever you are in the world you've probably seen the scratch legend firmly rooted beside Jazzy Jeff. We talked to the Red Bull Thre3style judge about life before DJing, eating quail eggs and sugar highs
Where are you answering these questions from?
In Toronto in a taxi on my way to the airport to go to Singapore!
What’s the most unique hotel you’ve ever stayed in?
Well, the most unique room I’ve stayed in was an executive suite at the Arcotel Onyx On the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. It had a view of the strip, a round bed and a mirror in the ceiling. It was great, but I slept about 30 minutes in it. I wish I had more time to sleep and I wish I had brought my girlfriend.
What was the worst job you had before you were a successful touring artist?
I worked at Canadian Tire (department store) in the sports section for three months. $5.05/hr. I actually worked with nice people – but they asked me to do a lot for that pay scale.
What’s your favorite band/music right now outside of the dance music industry?
Tame Impala – but I don’t know if that’s outside the dance music industry anymore…
Do you have any pre-gig rituals or superstitions?
No – can’t let anything get in the way! I used to eat a bag of Skittles before every show before I realized eating that much sugar was bad for you!
What’s your lamest claim to fame besides DJing?
Junior high school Athlete of the Year, grade 7,8,9 + 10
What’s the strangest cultural thing a promoter has ever taken you to do?
Define ‘strange’. I love seeing different cultures. I guess sushi in Azerbaijan was a weird call.
What is one place that a visit home isn’t complete without?
Mom’s house for a home cooked meal!
What are your hobbies besides DJing?
Playing and watching basketball, playing table tennis, eating delicious food of all varieties, collecting records – which maybe is a bit close to DJing, but I would say that it’s its own beast all together.
The biggest regret or missed opportunity with respect to your music career?
Not producing MORE in my earlier years.
Describe your dancing style?
Trinidadian-Nova Scotian. Hips meets Jig. Mom + Dad.
Most bizarre situation you’ve ever found yourself in?
Begging in the check-in line for someone to sell me a seat on the last flight.
What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done while performing?
Jumping down from a speaker while shouting at the crowd, hitting the ground and then smacking the microphone against my teeth, chipping my front tooth. I don’t think they knew it happened, but I surely gave off a mesmerized look.
What’s the best interview question you’ve ever been asked (besides this one)?
One time someone asked ‘do the curtains match the drapes?’ Ha!!!
The strangest thing you’ve ever eaten while on tour?
Mature quail eggs in Vietnam. Dove in Vietnam.
If you could spend a day with anyone on the planet, who would it be?
My lady.
What do you like to spend your money on?
Records, food, and experiences.
Go-to hangover food?
Bacon and eggs. Roti if I have time to nap after eating.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen happening from the DJ booth?
Meh, not much. The usual. Fights, make-outs, fingerbangs, party people with no control over their bodies. Lots of varieties of all of those.
Weapon of choice?
Can I say ‘music’ without sounding corny? Yes? Okay then. Music. And it’s a dusty weapon right now.
