turntablism
what it is
Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using phonograph turntables and a DJ mixer. The word 'turntablist' was coined in 1995 by DJ Babu to describe the difference between a DJ who just plays records, and one who performs by touching and moving the records, stylus and mixer to manipulate sound. The new term co-occurred with a resurgence of the art of hip hop style DJing in the nineties.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make turntablism a playlist
turn these 31 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is turntablism?
Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using phonograph turntables and a DJ mixer. The word 'turntablist' was coined in 1995 by DJ Babu to describe the difference between a DJ who just plays records, and one who performs by touching and moving the records, stylus and mixer to manipulate sound. The new term co-occurred with a resurgence of the art of hip hop style DJing in the nineties.
What are good turntablism albums to start with?
Try Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Kid Koala, Tales of the Forgotten Melodies by Wax Tailor, The Audience's Listening by Cut Chemist, and Since I Left You by The Avalanches.
Who are some women making turntablism?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/turntablism/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making turntablism, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-19