Hypertechnical turntablism can be mind-blowing in small doses, but for me to actually patronize an event, I need it to sound like music I actually want listen to, and prominently feature a fusion-y aspect.

That makes me prejudiced, but is also why I'm checking out "Skratch Lounge" 08/05/10.

The Baltic Room monthly is not a head-to-head, bracketed competition, but a free-format affair broken into group jams and individual showcases generally organized around the idea of using DJ/producer hardware as musical instruments. This month's featured act is Scratchmaster Joe & Trntdrm, a local duo with zero recorded output and who knows how long a lifespan. Together, the former member plays and manipulates vinyl, and the latter member (Trent Moorman from Head Like a Kite, who also drums with rap groups around town) responds to Joe's selections/scratches on a drum set. It's improvisational.

Seattle DJs Spinja and Bamboo started "Skratch Lounge" last April. Check the videos below for footage of the April and June editions.