Vinyl salsa DJs bring a nostalgic and vibrant energy to any event. This is especially great for smaller events in which DJs can interact with dancers and at events of lovers of salsa music that have a wealth of knowledge of different music styles.
Vinyl Latin DJs mix traditional salsa tunes with the rich, warm sounds of vinyl records, creating an atmosphere that’s both classy and fun. With each spin of the record, the DJ infuses the dance floor with life, drawing salsa lovers to move their feet.
Video with an assortment of some of the most popular and most beautiful salsa songs of all time.
Salsa music has a long history, but vinyl salsa DJs give it a fresh spin and connect with the long tradition of salsa in the 1960s and 1970s when salsa boomed in the USA and when pivotal festivals like Feria de Cali started.. Playing records from their carefully curated collections, these DJs are artists in their own right. They invest time in finding rare tracks and delivering exciting beats.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a newcomer, vinyl salsa DJs can transform your night. Their unique style not only entertains but also connects people, making every gathering memorable. Plus: Usually Vinyl Latin DJs take some time to dance themselves and they handle the physical records which invites to start a conversation about it.
What Is Vinyl DJing
Vinyl DJing is the art of playing and mixing music using vinyl records. DJs use turntables to spin and manipulate the records.
Equipment Used:
- Turntables: They play the vinyl records. The most famous turntables for DJs are Technixs. However, since Salsa DJs do not scratch, a simple, low cost record player also does the job.
- Mixer: This mixes audio signals from the turntables. Even though there should be about 1-2 seconds time between records, it is still very much recommended to use two turntables to make sure that the next song immediate plays following a song.
- Headphones: DJs use these to preview tracks.
Vinyl DJing requires hands-on skills. DJs physically move the records and using faders on the mixer. It can be physically demanding as vinyl requires a lot of space when you transport it!
Many DJs love vinyl for its authentic sound. Vinyl can offer a rich, warm tone that many digital formats can’t match. Another point is that vinyl requires DJs to carefully select music and appreciate each physical record.
Care is essential: Vinyl records can scratch and warp. DJs must handle them carefully and keep them clean.
Vinyl DJing is both an art and a craft. It combines technical skills with a deep love for music.
Advantages Of Modern Digital DJing
Digital DJing has many benefits, making it a popular choice today. One big advantage is portability. DJs can carry thousands of songs on a small USB drive or laptop. This makes traveling and setting up much easier.
Another perk is the huge range of music available. DJs have access to countless tracks online. Services like Spotify and Beatport give them instant access to new music.
Ease of Use:
- Syncing tracks is simpler.
- Auto-matching tempos.
- Pre-made playlists.
Flexibility: Digital tools offer lots of room for creativity. DJs can remix and add effects in real-time. Software like Serato, Rekordbox and Traktor are user-friendly and powerful.
DJs can also use MIDI controllers. These give tactile control over the music. Buttons, knobs, and faders make DJing more interactive.
Digital DJing also includes the use of Virtual DJ software. This helps to easily organize and search through music libraries. They can find a track in seconds.
Digital setups are often cheaper. There’s no need to buy costly vinyl records. Updates and new features are available with just a software download. This keeps the system fresh and current.
Modern Digital DJing has transformed how DJs perform. Its convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are key advantages.
Why Salsa Socials Might Be Perfect For Vinyl DJing
Vinyl DJing brings unique benefits to salsa socials, such as playing full tracks, embracing minimalism, accessing analog-only songs, and enjoying high-quality sound.
Play Songs From Start To Finish
Salsa dancing thrives on continuous, full-length songs. Vinyl records encourage DJs to play the tracks from start to finish, which keeps the energy and flow consistent.
Dancers appreciate knowing a song’s structure, which helps them plan their moves. Vinyl DJing fits into this need perfectly, offering a seamless experience.
Minimalistic Approach
Vinyl DJing often requires less on site technique and equipment than digital setups. This minimalism can be an advantage at salsa socials where space may be limited. DJ headphones are among the most important gear items for DJs but vinyl salsa DJs do not need it!
DJs can focus more on their music selection and less on technology. This attention to the music itself is something many salsa enthusiasts value.
Availability Of Analog-only Songs
Some salsa tracks exist only on vinyl records and never made it to digital formats. Vinyl DJs have the opportunity to introduce rare, forgotten gems that dancers may not have heard before.
This exclusivity can make salsa socials more special, as attendees get to enjoy music that isn’t available online.
Superior Sound Quality For Salsa
Vinyl records are known for their warm, rich sound. This can enhance the salsa music experience, making beats and rhythms clearer and more vibrant.
Dancers often respond better to high-quality sound, which can elevate the entire social dancing experience.
What About Vinyl Salsa Parties And DJs?
Vinyl salsa parties provide a unique experience with rich and authentic sounds, drawing attention from enthusiasts worldwide. DJs at these events play an essential role in creating the right atmosphere.
Famous Salsa Nights And Festivals
Famous salsa nights bring together dancers and music lovers. In places like London, events focus on salsa dura, a classic style known for its powerful beats.
I like it like that is one of the most famous vinyl Salsa DJ socials inviting a range of different artists to play there. It has been running for 10 years and they have events about once every month.
These parties often feature international DJs who create an energetic vibe using vinyl records. This gives the music a warm, rich sound that digital formats can lack.
Some popular events include famous salsa nights at venues like Century Ballroom. These events attract a crowd that appreciates the deep, authentic sound of vinyl records.
Check out Amsterdam’s Bilongo social club for occasional all vinyl salsa nights!
Vinyl Nights in New York! New York has a long tradition in mambo, chacha and pachanga and several vinyl events popping up once in a while. We aim at adding these to this list in order to be fair to one of salsa’s most important cities.
Shine Mambo is a salsa event in its 10th year that has emphasized on live music and on vinyl for the DJ sets. Find out more about ShineMambo here.
Que no muera la salsa! A 100% vinyl salsa festival taking place each March/April in Pamplona, Spain. It is mostly attended by spanish dancers, but still a wonderful place to connect and celebrate the vinyl infused music.
Canton Mambo, is Gia Fu’s creation of a vinyl only, Hong Kong based salsa night. Dancers and music lovers alike come together for this event. While these events took place in Hong Kong mostly, Gia Fu joined forces with Chinatown Block Party and Yiu Yiu to bring Canton Mambo to New York. However, it is unclear if that party is really a vinyl only event. Please let us know if you can confirm that it is a 100% vinyl event. On the description, there was no mention of vinyl, but CDs were mentioned.
Citizen Vinyl had also created some vinyl salsa events in 2023 – but no events in 2024 to our knowledge. Keep it going, citizens!
La Rumba Buena in Toronto, is another all vinyl salsa event. The photos of the events transport a lively happy atmosphere and you can see Bongos and Congas played live! They got started in 2016 and had ties to New York and Colombia a like. Dj Blancon and DJ Drumspeak leading this event with some others joining in. Wonderful article from 2024 about their music event and it is just 2 more years to their 10 year anniversary.
Salsa y Control Vinyl Dance Social – wins the price for the longest event name. Taking place at Starlight Square, it connects with the local scene in Cambridge MA.
Conga2 Clage Salsa on Vinyl Party. Another event by prolific Eddy Hunt. Come here for some extra fix of salsa on vinyl!
Brasil Cafe Houston started vinyl powered salsa nights every 3rd Saturday of a month. The event is run by Montuno Social Club. A great way to get dancing in Houston.
Collectors At Feria de Cali
Feria de Cali in Colombia is a hotspot for salsa lovers and vinyl collectors. DJs and dancers gather to celebrate salsa music, and vinyl records play a crucial part.
Vinyl collectors come from all over to find rare records and enjoy performances by top DJs. The atmosphere here is electric, with music pouring from every corner.
Collectors often share their knowledge and passion for the music, creating a vibrant community. The event showcases the lasting appeal of vinyl and its importance in the salsa world.
In Cali, collectors are intellectuals with a deep understanding of salsa music, rhythms, but also different artists and production history. For them, it is mostly about the music and not about DJing or dancing. A unique role in today’s salsa world.
Salsatecas
Salsatecas are dance halls and restaurants that cater to aficionados of salsa music. The origin might be in Cali, Colombia, but also in Miami and these places quite often have a vast collection of vinyl records to play. Many of these have upgraded their gear to digital DJ equipment, but still the vinyl records remain a physical connection to the past!
In some areas, these are also called viejotecas. Salsatecas that cater to play old songs to old people. Often having a mix of vallenato, salsa and merengue.
Globally, there are also some vinyl-themed bars and restaurants that might have a few salsa songs as well. In Taipei, Vinyl Decision is such a bar where you want to listen to some salsa tunes. Other record stores in Taipei include Waiting Room and White Wabbit Records. The selection of salsa songs is however very limited.
You Want To Start As A Vinyl Salsa DJ?
To become a vinyl salsa DJ, you’ll need specific equipment, sources for vinyl records, and knowledge about the quality of second-hand vinyls. You have to limit yourself and need a bit more money than a digital DJ.
Let’s dive in.
Necessary Equipment
Starting as a vinyl salsa DJ requires certain key items. The most crucial pieces are turntables and a mixer. Turntables allow you to play vinyl records, while the mixer helps switch between the turntables. You might want to get headphones, but different from other styles, it is not crucial for salsa DJing.
Another important component is the sound system. You want speakers that can handle the energetic beats of salsa music. Look for equipment with clear sound quality to keep everyone dancing. The range in salsa music is very wide with deep conga and bass sounds and very high and sharp metallic sounds from small cowbells.
You’ll also need a record cleaner to maintain your vinyls in good condition. Dust and dirt can affect the sound quality. Be sure to invest in sturdy cases to transport your gear safely.
Where To Get Vinyls
Vinyl records can be found in various places. Local record stores are a great start. They often have a section dedicated to Latin music like salsa. You can also check out garage sales and thrift stores for hidden gems.
Buying records for DJing is different to records for home use. You might not want to buy albums or LPs but single song records. This can get expensive quickly as records often sell for 10 USD each. If you plan for a 30 song set, you should prepare 45 songs according to an often followed formula of 1.5 times the records. This means you are quickly at 450 USD for the records for this set.
Online platforms like Discogs or eBay provide a wide selection of vinyl records. You can browse through lists of salsa music and find rare records or new releases. It’s also helpful to join online communities where DJs share tips and sources for finding vinyls.
Trade shows and music festivals also have vendors selling vinyl records. These events offer a chance to meet other DJs and expand your collection. Networking can help you discover unique selections that aren’t available elsewhere.
Get inspired on this list of some of the best Colombian records. There are many other genres included but it is a wonderful list to start looking into.
If money is not an issue, have a look at Vinyl Whistle. They offer some of the finest songs for some of the most outrageous prices. For example: Hector Lavoe for a mere 1498 USD (yes, no typo there)!
In Colombia, you might also have a look at Discos Fuentes.
Quality Of Second Hand Vinyls
Second-hand vinyls can be a mixed bag. They are often much cheaper and you can get 10 vinyls for 10 USD or less. To ensure you’re getting good quality, inspect the records closely. Look for scratches or marks that might affect playback. Hold the record up to light to see any deep grooves.
It’s crucial to listen to the record before buying if possible. This helps you check for any audio distortions or skips. Even minor scratches can affect the sound. While that might be acceptable at home, it is a no go at large latin parties.
Reading reviews can also be helpful. Online stores often have ratings and comments about the record’s condition. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions. They might offer insights into the vinyl’s quality or history.
By ensuring your second-hand vinyls are in good condition, you’ll maintain high sound quality and keep the dance floor moving.
Another issue in terms of second hand vinyl is that mostly there are albums for sale and not individual records.
A good way is also to check out the large record sale at Feria de Cali!
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl salsa DJing involves specific equipment and skills. It remains popular among some DJs, and records can still be found. Here are some key questions and answers on the topic.
What equipment do I need to start DJing with salsa vinyl records?
To start DJing with salsa vinyl records, you will need turntables, a mixer, headphones, and a collection of salsa vinyl records. A good pair of speakers will also help you hear your mix clearly.
Where can I find salsa vinyl records for sale?
Salsa vinyl records can be found at record shops, online marketplaces like eBay and Discogs, and sometimes at flea markets or garage sales. Specialty music stores may also carry them.
Who are some of the top salsa DJs known for using vinyl?
DJ Louie Vega and DJ “El Malo” are well-known salsa DJs who have a reputation for using vinyl. Their sets often feature rare and classic salsa records, making them favorites among vinyl enthusiasts.
I like it like that has brought together some of the most prominent vinyl salsa DJs. DJ sugar, DJ EricB and others among them. Actually, for vinyl salsa DJs, playing at I like it like that and other specialized venues and events might accelerate their recognition and career while also giving back to society!
Gia Fu has become famous online DJing vinyl salsa records on Youtube. She is among the most famous DJs in the world and a self described “music selector” which sets her apart as it shows exactly what salsa vinyl DJing is about. It is about record selection and not transitions. Gia Fu from Hong Kong has provided many dancers and salsa lovers with incredible sets that are danceable but also innovative and new! She also plays the famous Gu Zhen instrument! She is also one of the most sought after DJs in salsa, but not exclusively a vinyl DJ.
Make sure to listen to this podcast about what vinyl means for salsa music.
DJ Edgar and others sometimes play at Century Ballroom in Seattle at the AVS event. The abbreviation stands for All Vinyl Salsa and is one of the most prominent salsa parties in North America at a very beautiful destination.
Sometimes, Clärchens Ballhaus in Berlin might have played vinyl salsa in the past during its 111 year history. It is not clear to us if the occasional salsa nights at Clärchens still use vinyl in 2024. Any update is very much appreciated!
DJ Piotr, another vinyl DJ that is a regular at ILILT and also frequents European salsa festivals, first and foremost in Poland. Moreover, he also has experience in Colombia as a DJ. Piotr Dudek is often DJing in the wonderful city of Krakow with its welcoming, almost a bit shy, salsa scene.
How about you check out a few youtube recordings of vinyl DJs:
How does DJing with vinyl differ from digital DJing in terms of skill required?
DJing with vinyl requires more manual skill, such as beatmatching by ear and handling records carefully to avoid scratches. Digital DJing often involves software that automates some of these tasks and can be more forgiving.
Are there still salsa DJs who prefer vinyl over digital formats?
Yes, there are still salsa DJs who prefer vinyl. They often feel that vinyl offers a warmer, more authentic sound and enjoy the tactile experience of handling records. This preference keeps vinyl DJing alive in the salsa community. However, we gestuestimate that it is less than 1% of salsa DJs. And mostly these vinyl DJs exist in the hot spots of salsa like Cali, Bogota, Miami, New York and London, and it is almost impossible to find vinyl salsa DJs in Asia, large parts of Europe or North America.
What tips do experienced vinyl salsa DJs have for beginners?
Experienced vinyl salsa DJs suggest beginners should practice their beatmatching skills, take care of their records, and build their vinyl collection gradually. They also recommend learning from other DJs and always keeping their equipment in top shape to avoid issues during performances.
Where to find some of the best salsotecas?
Clearly, in no other place than Cali, Colombia! However, there are also some exceptions especially in Bogota, you might also find a few places for salsa lovers to gather. Still, Cali is unbeatable in this category and you have tiny salsotecas that do not offer a lot of space to dance, but more to listen to music and enjoy the wealth of music that was created. Different to other venues, the star at salsotecas is not the DJ, it is also not the dancer. It is the music itself! Find out more about salsotecas here from our colleagues over at Latinolife.
Ánimo!
