Ever wonder how these DJs got so good at their craft? Well, thanks to DJ Wicked, Platinum Records, and a team of experienced leaders you can know.

Platinum Mixlab is making a splash in Portland’s hip-hop scene as an all-inclusive DJ school for those interested in honing their turntablism skills. Located above the Platinum Records store in Downtown Portland, Platinum Mixlab will be hosting a wild open house party on Friday, AprilĀ 6th from 5:00-7:00PM complete with workshops, food, drink, and some of the most notable figures in the Portland hip-hop scene. I caught up with instructor/Co-founder DJ Wicked this week for a quick run-down on the ins and outs of one of Portland’s most innovative hip-hop projects and here’s what he had to say:

What was the motivation behind starting the Platinum Mixlab?

Well, I had heard about some similar ideas in this town and around the country, but I hadn’t seen it executed in a way that I felt stayed true to how I see hip-hop. So I guess you could say that we were trying to fill a void. It just so happened that we talked to the folks at Platinum Records and they had some space upstairs that was just a bunch of old records and stuff like that. They said that if we cleaned up the space we could put it to use with this project, so we all came together, cleaned it up, and Platinum Mixlab was born.

Who are some of the key people involved in getting the ball rolling on this project other than yourself?

Well of course the store owner of Platinum Records, Ali. The Director of the Mixlab, Clint Cuper. Then there’s the instructors: myself, OG 1, DJ Paradox, and DJ Wels who is becoming more involved over time.

What is the mission of the Mixlab, so to speak?

Well, we don’t really have a mission statement or anything like that. I guess, for me, it’s all about producing great DJs from the younger generation. We try and do things the “right way” at the Mixlab, so we start everyone off on vinyl first and then as the experience comes if people want to branch out to digital on their own they can.

So does that mean that students start on all different levels? You take new students with absolutely no experience?

Yeah. The class I just finished teaching was Mixing 101. All courses are 6 weeks long, and the classes run twice a week for an hour and a half. We got 8 DJ stations in the lab and students can come in throughout the week during open lab time and practice as they want.

So you can tell a difference in just 6 weeks?

Yeah. Well, I mean, you gotta practice outside of class, but for most students who started at the beginning of the six weeks with no prior experience, they were definitely able to mix a record by the time they walked out at the end of the course.

That’s dope. So it sounds like you see yourself sort of as an ambassador to the youth, maybe? How do you see yourself in this role and how do you bring something unique in your approach to reach out to the new generation of DJs and hip-hoppers?

Well, for me I guess it’s all about experience. A lot of DJs out there could teach you how to mix, or how to scratch, but they may not have the real life experience when it comes to more of the “behind the scenes” stuff like booking shows or talking to club owners, promoters, or booking agents. I guess I’ve just been in a lot of these situations and I can teach what I’ve learned to this new generation as they come in.

Word up. Well, being that this is a new venture for YOU, as well, what have you taken away from this process or learned personally while putting this all together?

Well, teaching would be the big thing. I’ve never really taught before, so I’ve learned a lot with how to put classes together, give instruction, etc. Also, it’s a full-time job just tracking down new students. This isn’t the kind of thing that one man could do alone, so the other big thing would be teamwork. We all lean on each other and we’ve all come together to create the Mixlab, so for me it’s all about unity, as well.

The DJ can sometimes be overlooked as an element of hip-hop today. How do you see the role of DJ in 2012 and how is it still relevant in 2012?

Well, I kind of disagree with that statement. If anything, I’d say it’s almost over-saturated today. I mean, I’m true school, so for me a DJ means mixing records and scratching.

Haha. That’s true. I guess I’m really true-school, too, which is why I defined it as being overlooked. I agree, though, that the DJ scene–especially in Portland–can kind of be like that Portlandia episode where everyone is like “Will you come to my DJ gig?”

Yeah, exactly. They hit the nail on the head with that skit right there. It’s all about the love and the passion, so I just try to do me. For me, success is what you make of it, so I just stay true to what I do and try to persevere.

If you could give one last piece of advice for the young up-and-coming DJs out there, what would it be?

I guess, “Stay true and have fun. Keep it simple”.

Platinum Mixlab is located on the 2nd floor of Platinum Records 104 SW 2nd Avenue. Portland, OR. The party goes from 5:00-7:00PM for all ages and skill levels. The next round of courses begins April 8th, 9th and 10th. Sign-up information is available at https://www.facebook.com/platinummixlab.