Skratch Bastid

In only a few short years, Paul Murphy, a.k.a. Skratch Bastid, has skyrocketed from absolute obscurity to finding his name mentioned alongside some of the biggest in turntablism.

Murphy’s story is one that has become almost cliché – sort of nerdy kid, hip-hop obsessed, decides to save his pennies, maybe mow a few lawns, and take it to the next level and become a dj – the figures for turntable sales over the past few years more than attest to this trend. He cuts his teeth pestering local Dj’s to teach him how to scratch, but there’s something special about this kid, and the “old guys” notice it from day one. In fact, Murphy would return from his sessions with the vets only days later, with any move they taught him not only mastered, but often improved – soliciting sighs of“ that little Bastid” every time. The name was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In only a few short years, Paul Murphy, a.k.a. Skratch Bastid, has skyrocketed from absolute obscurity to finding his name mentioned alongside some of the biggest in turntablism.

Murphy’s story is one that has become almost cliché – sort of nerdy kid, hip-hop obsessed, decides to save his pennies, maybe mow a few lawns, and take it to the next level and become a dj – the figures for turntable sales over the past few years more than attest to this trend. He cuts his teeth pestering local Dj’s to teach him how to scratch, but there’s something special about this kid, and the “old guys” notice it from day one. In fact, Murphy would return from his sessions with the vets only days later, with any move they taught him not only mastered, but often improved – soliciting sighs of“ that little Bastid” every time. The name was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In only a few short years, Paul Murphy, a.k.a. Skratch Bastid, has skyrocketed from absolute obscurity to finding his name mentioned alongside some of the biggest in turntablism.

Murphy’s story is one that has become almost cliché – sort of nerdy kid, hip-hop obsessed, decides to save his pennies, maybe mow a few lawns, and take it to the next level and become a dj – the figures for turntable sales over the past few years more than attest to this trend. He cuts his teeth pestering local Dj’s to teach him how to scratch, but there’s something special about this kid, and the “old guys” notice it from day one. In fact, Murphy would return from his sessions with the vets only days later, with any move they taught him not only mastered, but often improved – soliciting sighs of“ that little Bastid” every time. The name was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.

What separates the Bastid, as he is affectionately known, frobedroom/backpacker recluses is his remarkable transcendence of geographic limitations. Let’s face it, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada isn’t exactly international hip-hop headquarters, and yet Bastid has become an established contender on the battle circuit. Not only has he dominated the regional championships of both the DMC and ITF competitions over the past few years, but he has steadily ascended in national and international competition as well. 2001 saw Bastid turn more than a few heads with his impressive second place finish at the international underground turntablism competition, Scribble Jam in Cincinnati – resulting in an invitation to join the highly respected “1200 Hobos” crew, consisting of Mr. Dibbs, Dj Signify, Dj Abilities, JEL, Buck 65 and Sixtoo. Not bad for a kid from the ‘burbs “down east”. 2003 saw Bastid off to Toronto for the DMC Battle for Canadian Supremacy where he placed second; Montreal to compete in the National DMC Championship, where he had a respectable fourth place; and once again to Scribble Jam in August, this time taking first place.

Although a major part of his focus, competition shares time with Skratch’s other work as a hugely in demand club Dj. Not one to simply nerd it out on the decks full time, Bastid has earned a solid reputation on the east coast as THE man to book if there’s a party that needs a-rockin’. His seamless mixing, mind-blowing scratching and juggling, combined with his arsenal of up-front hip-hop, classic rap, funk and soul kills it every time, earning him prestigious residencies all over Halifax. This summer and fall the Bastid will be takin’ it to the streets like the Doobie Brothers as he embarks on a tour of Ontario, Quebec and points east, as well as enjoying return engagements in Europe. Each Monday afternoon also finds Bastid manning the booth at CKDU 97.5 FM, for one of the station’s most listened to shows. When not on the road, “rockin’ the discotheque” or jockin’ discs WKRP style, Bastid can be found sequestered away in the studio, hard at work preparing material for his forthcoming debut full-length album.

Skratch Bastid... Lover? Fighter? Gentleman Scholar? Amateur massage therapist? Who knows really, but this is certain - 2006 and beyond promise to be huge for this unique artist poised to blow up.