Magazine: VENUS
Title: DECK TREATMENT: Shortee’s How-to video aims to teach aspiring DJs
Words: DARLENE JACKSON
Issue Date: 12.02


Nearly 4 years ago, Shannon Bruno, a.k.a. DJ Shortee, and (then-boyfriend, now husband) DJ Faust made an instructional video with a Super 8 camera. Although meagerly produced, the video sold well enough to encourage the pair to do a more polished version. Using the original video as a template and enlisting the help of David Moore of Eyekiss Films, they set about creating Shortee’s DJ 101. Fully embracing the D.I. Y aesthetic, the trio uses it’s combined talents in graphic and video animation, sound engineering & mastering, music production, and DJ performance to compose a commercially viable video with only the 6 hands that they collectively own. Not unlike a college course on the basics of deejaying, Shortee’s DJ 101 follows an outline with lectures given by Shortee. Her performances are skillful and the ensuing instruction equally deft. Video interludes between topics on equipment, mixing, scratching, beat juggling, and tricks of the trade provide great eye candy, and coupled with Shortee’s original soundtrack, these moments give cause for pause. Utilizing industry veterans like DMC Champion DJ Craze (her teacher & mentor), drum & bass aficionados Danny the Wildchild & Phantom 45, as well as herself & hubby Faust (also her teacher & mentor), the video contains short vignettes on their DJ experiences – some funny, some informative, and all relevant. Looking to create a safe place in the testosterone-filled world of instructional turntablism videos, Shortee says she made DJ 101 for future DJs. In Shortee’s own emphatic words, “The main reason for this video is to inspire the next generation to pick up and carry the torch. The people in the forefront now are getting older and we need to inspire to younger generation to continue what the generations before us started.”

She adds, “Especially for girls, who weren’t a specific target, but I wanted to make a video that was tasteful and informative without being intimidating.” Mission accomplished. For more information visit www.faustandshortee.com




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