DJ Woody is a British scratch DJ and turntablist from the United Kingdom, known for his work in hip hop and for developing a number of scratch techniques, including his signature “Woodpecker” scratch. He performs under the name DJ Woody and is also known as Woody Madera.

Turntablism and competition success

DJ Woody begins entering DJ competitions in 1999. By 2001 he has become one of the most successful scratch DJs of his time, winning more major championship titles than many of his contemporaries. He also becomes the first European DJ to win the World ITF title, the International Turntablist Federation championship. The following year he wins the Vestax Extravaganza World Finals, making him a two-time world champion.

Style and collaborations

Although he is widely associated with battle scratching, his background is as an all-round DJ, and his sets are described as combining funky, feel-good hip hop with turntablism. He performs alongside artists including Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Cypress Hill, De La Soul and DJ Shadow.

In 2001, while performing in Hollywood at the World Vestax Finals, he is spotted by an American agent and asked to join the Superrappin Tour as the only British act on a bill with Madlib, Wildchild and Declaime. The following year he joins the Russian Percussian tour with DJ Vadim, Blu Rum 13 and Yarah Bravo; that line-up later develops into One Self.

One Self and recording work

DJ Woody records scratch parts for One Self’s debut album, Children of Possibility, released in 2005. The group gives its first performance at London’s Jazz Cafe and later plays festivals and venues including The Big Chill, Sonar, Monegros, Fabric in London and The Red Club in St. Petersburg. One Self are described by the Times as one of the best newcomers of 2005 and win Channel 4’s Slashmusic Showcase.

Releases and later work

In 2006 he releases A Country Practice on his Woodwurk imprint. He also works with Mala Rodriguez as her official tour DJ and records material connected with Aquasky, DJ Vadim and Zebra Traffic’s Dirty Diggers. He is further involved in work with Tim Simenon on tracks for a new Bomb The Bass album.

Reputation

He is noted for being among Britain’s most respected hip hop DJs and for a style that is regarded as both technically advanced and musical. He is also associated with turntablism techniques that draw attention from other leading scratch DJs, including DJ Qbert.