Scratching the Itch: Adam Vance’s Trip from Bartender to Revered Turntablist

From Bartender to Revered Turntablist: The Adam Vance Story

Adam Vance, a DJ whose passion for hip-hop and turntablism began before he even started spinning records, is a testament to dedication and hard work. His early inspiration came from international DJ, DJ Craze, and other legendary battle DJs. As a DJ, Adam Vance has built a respected career in the Philippine music scene.

Early Career and Influences

Adam’s path to becoming a full-time DJ in 2014 wasn’t straightforward. He started by balancing his work as a licensed bartender in Malate in 2013 with his growing passion for DJing in his neighborhood. DJ J ONE mentored him, providing invaluable guidance. His next step was joining Project Collab Manila from 2015-2018, where he gained experience organizing events and further refined his skills. His focused practice of scratching, however, expanded his network significantly, connecting him with many skilled turntablists in the underground scene.

malaking tulong din yung support ng tropa and asawa ko na naniniwala sakin nung umpisa palang na wala pa kong kinikita halos. siguro blessings din ni GOD dahil sa sipag and pagmamahal na binigay ko sa career at sa mga nasa paligid ko..

Adam Vance

His early career wasn’t without its hurdles. Limited funds and a lack of equipment presented challenges. However, with clear goals and strong support from his friends and wife, who believed in him from the start, he persevered and developed his unique brand. He attributes his success to hard work and love for his craft, and those around him.

Achievements and Mentorship

Adam’s talent has been widely recognized. He’s won numerous DJ scratching competitions in the Philippines, including the Numark PTO1 Scratch Competition (World Trade Center, 2019) and securing the 1st runner-up position at the IDA PH in 2020. Preparing for these competitions demanded weeks of intensive practice due to the complex nature of scratching.

His journey was shaped by invaluable mentorships. Nick Hernandez imparted crucial advice; that the right attitude is paramount, with skills following closely behind. This helped Adam evolve from a shy persona to a confident artist. He also benefited greatly from his time with scratcher groups such as KR8 MNL, where he learned from Kuya Mick and other masters of the craft.

The Midas Touch and Vibe Check

Being part of Midas Entertainment, a leading urban events and management company in the Philippines, greatly impacted Adam’s career. He joined in 2019 after meeting Tito Nick in 2017 through Dan (MC DM). Midas provided further experience and networking opportunities, and Tito Nick’s belief in Adam’s skills and attitude helped refine his approach.

Adam’s own event, Vibe Check, is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Launched during the pandemic with Mstryo, Waffster, JN Sync, Ian Vicente, and Joaqin, it offers a unique night of hip-hop and features various venues and artists. Their success is largely thanks to the support of their rapper friends and neighbors. The carefully selected venues and performers reflect their shared vision.

The Philippine Hip-Hop Scene and the Future

Adam believes the Philippine hip-hop scene is thriving and will continue to flourish. Local rappers are increasingly competing successfully on the international stage, and he sees a wealth of emerging talent. Supporting these local artists is critical for the continued growth of the scene. He maintains an optimistic outlook for the future of Philippine hip-hop, contingent upon the continued support within the community.

sobra lakas ng hiphop scene ngayon feeling ko mas lalakas pa to sa mga susunod pa dahil yung mga rappers dito sa pinas nakakasabay na sa ibang bansa. marami din malalakas na bagong artist ngayon kelangan lang talaga natin tangkilikin yung local rap para mas lumakas pa lalo..

Adam Vance

Adam Vance’s journey showcases the dedication and skill needed to succeed in the competitive world of DJing. His awards, innovative event, and positive outlook firmly establish him as a respected figure in the Philippine music community.

Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?