Today's DJ environment has changed so much from 'two decks and a mixer', and a new DJ needs a very different set of skills from even 10 years ago.
Technology has changed so much since I first started DJing with turntables and vinyl, that it’s an almost unrecognisable environment out there today for a new DJ – and I’m only comparing this to 10 years ago!
Nowadays, the basic skills needed to get anywhere (and I’m talking just to get to your first few gigs, never mind making a part or full-time living out of this game) are very different. In order to stay current and competitive, being able to turn up at your local record store on delivery day and knowing how to beatmatch really won’t get you far any more.
So if you’ve not yet started out as a DJ yet but are considering it, here are the five skills that I consider today’s DJ needs to stay current and competitive. Feel free to disagree with me or add your own at the end!
Today’s DJ should…
- Know how to creatively use Midi controllers – Turntables and vinyl-only DJs are a thing of the past. As you sit there contemplating how to get going, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get yourself a Midi controller and learn how to use it properly – and this isn’t tied to just DJ controllers, either. With technology improving and moving at such a fast pace, the ability to create dynamic and live remixes has become the de facto standard of today’s top DJs. I personally am using Ableton Live with a Novation Launchpad to accompany my turntables along with Serato to scratch, to create multi-layer live remixes. How are you planning on using modern gear to make your sets that bit different from the rest?
- Become an expert at networking online – Back when I started DJing (I bought my first turntables at Guitar Center and I still have the receipt!), the internet had only just really taken off. Yahoo! was still the premier search engine and AOL was still popular. Now, with the advance of the internet and all the technologies at our disposal, the web has allowed us to share our music and sounds around the world. Knowing how to leverage what is out there – Facebook, SoundCloud, Google+ and of course blogs and forums like this one – to share your work and get help from others is both how you get better and how you build a fanbase
- Learn how to remix and mash up – The days of just mixing two songs together are over. Today’s DJ has to know a lot about mashing up, remixing and even producing, to be in any way serious about being a professional. Software packages such as Audacity, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton and Reason allow DJs to mix, remix, and produce music to the next level, differentiating themselves from other DJs. After all, any DJ can just play a song straight, but is that how you are going to be different? Get serious about making your own music, even if it’s just mashing up, if you are serious about your DJ career
- Get obsessed with learning other types of equipment – You might be extremely comfortable with your set-up, whether it’s Serato or Traktor with turntables, a DJ controller, or whatever, but it’s always important to diversify your knowledge of DJ tools and equipment. After all, understanding what’s out there and the resources you have available to you will keep you trying new ideas and remaining innovative in your DJ sets. Plus, you never know when you’re going to be called to DJ on another type of gear. Remember that good DJs can DJ on anything
- Perform the music, not just play it – Everybody’s a DJ these days. It’s true. People download free software, mix some songs and yes, they can technically call themselves DJs. In my opinion a “good” DJ is more than a DJ who just plays the music, rather someone who performs it. Think about the popular DJs such as Tiesto, David Guetta, Avicii and so on – they don’t stand there like a robot and play tunes. They are actively engaged in the music physically and emotionally. If you’re DJing and just looking like a robot, you’ve got to change. It’s not enough nowadays
So – do you agree with me? Have I left anything out? Are you a new DJ diligently trying to learn skills such as these? Or are you an old skool DJ who thinks none of this is important at all? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
• Jonathan is a DJ and also the founder of Dbmlabs, a DJ clothing company dedicated to sponsoring and promoting DJs, producers and remixers around the world.
Now go to:
5 Predictions For The DJing World In 2012
5 Reasons Why DJs Should Make Mash-ups (Not Mixtapes) To Get Bookings
An Open Letter To Vinyl And Digital DJs
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Tags: dj skills, starting out
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While I’m agre with you and understand your pov, hre are some inputs :
1-I some venues people are upsets if you don’t play the track in a straight way (no loops, no fx, no scratch) : just add nothing to change the track.
2-Very time consuming, you can’t do this if you already have a day job, a family life, a dj activity (seeking, preparing, organising tracks).
3-pro : you get recognizable / con : people that don’t like that won’t sign you thinking you can’t do something else.
4-Agree : basic as manual beat matching or cuting in time if you don’t know mixing.
5-See 1 & 3.
I understand the statement under your writing : having an audio and scene signature that will bring you into a more viewable position to have contract/buzz. But unfortunately it can lock you into something and excluding you from other plans.
[ link ]While I’m agre with you and understand your pov, hre are some inputs :
1-I some venues people are upsets if you don’t play the track in a straight way (no loops, no fx, no scratch) : just add nothing to change the track.
This is true to DJs or wannabe DJs who might have an idea of what are you doing, but for general people it cant be true… In fact they love you more when you change that classic in some unique way.
2-Very time consuming, you can’t do this if you already have a day job, a family life, a dj activity (seeking, preparing, organising tracks).
Its not time consuming, Ive nailed doing my FB Profile, Fanpage, soundcloud, mixlr, ustream, youtube channel, twitter all in like three days, and if you integrate all with your facebook account it actualy becomes really simple to update all your web presence.
Remember that self promotion is not spamming all day, you just need to enter new info like two or three times a week…
3-pro : you get recognizable / con : people that don’t like that won’t sign you thinking you can’t do something else.
[ link ]4-Agree : basic as manual beat matching or cuting in time if you don’t know mixing.
5-See 1 & 3.
See 1 argument, I maybe wrong but you think too much of what people are thinking behind you at the djbooth, think more what people will think in front of you while you are playing =)
Play for your audience not for the lineup…
“Play for your audience not for the lineup…”
Well said!
[ link ]This is true to DJs or wannabe DJs who might have an idea of what are you doing, but for general people it cant be true… In fact they love you more when you change that classic in some unique way.
Strongly disagree. Good tracks are carefully put together in a studio by an expert. If they need any edits they’ll already have them. I don’t really understand the belief so many DJ have that they can improve on a track by chopping it into pieces with crude tools.
Mucking with audio unnecessarily is the single biggest mistake I see new digital DJs make
There does seem to be an inverse correlation between whether someone produces and whether they feel the need to use FX during performance.
[ link ]To Viciouss Hoffmann – In some clubs (alternative/goth clubs) people don’t want any kind of fancy mixing, they just want the full song played out. The majority of people that go don’t even care about the mixing, only the music that is played.
[ link ]“Will Marshall says:
Strongly disagree. Good tracks are carefully put together in a studio by an expert. I don’t really understand the belief so many DJ have that they can improve on a track by chopping it into pieces with crude tools.
Mucking with audio unnecessarily is the single biggest mistake I see new digital DJs make.”
I couldn’t agree with this more. too many filters, too many loops, too many gimmicks – let the track be itself.
[ link ]I think Its a big difference between a
“regular Dj” and a “perfroming Dj-artist”
Most of the skills abowe is not requested by the dancing crowd. A pro “regular dj” is still a Dj that can deliver the
consept with a personal twist, but still manage the club-prifile.
Abowe Is all about bedcoming an artist..in that case I agree
[ link ]“If you’re DJing and just looking like a robot, you’ve got to change. It’s not enough nowadays”
Have you seen John Digweed play recently?
Easily one of the best and most popular DJ’s in the world and he looks like a statue behind the decks, barely moving to mix. He still uses 3 CDJ’s and an EFX unit, no midi controller or laptop in sight and I certainly don’t think he mashes up tracks haha, sure he produces, but a mash up???
Why is all the stuff you mentioned neccesary? he’s killing it without it and is just one of many top pro DJ’s who do so.
[ link ]Well im no expert but im pretty sure that john digweed built his fame when stuff like this wasnt really important or as much… Now with his name im sure anything he does as long as the music is good doesnt really matter. The point is that to stand out from the rest if you are new to the dj world you need to acquire this skills on a certain level and have something original to deliver to the crowd. Otherwise anyone else can replace you so they dont have the need to hire you or call you.
[ link ]Diggers is another level of DJing.
That man can mix and program like no one else, hence not needing fx, he does long long long mixes and tends to generally be playing multiple tunes at all time.
A controller would probably bore the shit out of him.
[ link ]Hey, If you have good tips and/or examples of how to perform your music and not play it that would be awesome!
[ link ]I think these tips are mainly ideal if you want to grow beyond the type of DJs who merely “play the hits” at bars, weddings, and parties.
I agree you have to go beyond just playing music if you want to be the superstar DJs who headline clubs and are known all over.
[ link ]It’s like you read my mind.
[ link ]There’s a lot of time you need to spend learning things beyond mixing, scratching, use of effects. I just watched DJ Krush this past Friday and I was so blown back from what he did with one turntable and whatever the hell he was using to produce live that I’m headed to my local Sam Ash and link up with this dude giving private Ableton lessons. DJ Krush opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities of making your own beats and manipulating them while live.
[ link ]I really agree with the tip about being engaged with the music and the performance. Just pressing the play button and mild mixing techniques will not move the crowd at all. From personal experience I’ve played a set in a dead bar and when i started to dance with the music taking charge of the room it energizes the audience. Even if you don’t have years of dance experience just rocking with the beat will show you’re there to entertain. The people will love you for it.
[ link ]Agree with the above – I’ve just purchased the new Mashup software from the guys behind Mixed In Key – yeah so its nothing special at the momenbt – but if people see that you’re thinking and working that extra bit harder than other DJs in your area then, anything and everything is going to help long term.
[ link ]Another great article here and I agree for the most part. However the original post is called 5 Modern Skills Every “NEW” DJ Should Have. From my experiences of being a new DJ, here is what I would add to the article.
Chances are if you are new to the game, your gonna go with a midi controller set up. Maybe you go straight to CDJs, or a Vinyl DVS, but in my own opinion, it just makes more sense with the rapid growing technology of DJ gear, to start off with a controller. Once you get comfortable on it, your gonna go out and try to get a gig at a smaller venue such as a bar, or lounge.
When you’re playing these kinds of smaller venues, you most certainly don’t need the skills of making live mashups, using effects (well), sampling, or even knowing how to beatmatch flawlessly. 99% of the crowd doesn’t expect these things, and would usually prefer original versions of popular tracks played all the way through. The other 1% that expects these techniques to be used are accomplished DJ’s in the crowd, who have already mastered these techniques, so they are expecting to hear them where ever they go. In my opinion, if you’re playing a 2-4 hour set in a bar or lounge that has no cover charge, cheap drink specials, and no “in house” promotion team, you can get away with simply playing one song after the other, from start to finish. However, the DJs who can pull off some extra techniques, like consistent beat matching, scratching properly, and using effects will always get the gig first, and will realize that they’re almost ready to move up in the size of venue at which they can play. At venue like this, the DJ should be able to perform at least 3/5 of “Modern Skills a New DJ should have”
In some certain circumstances the above may not be true. You may be in a situation where the bar’s management, promotion team, and the crowd which they attract, may expect a highly experienced DJ to play for them. Chances are this bar is in a larger city, has a bunch of local competition from other venues, has a cover charge at the door, and attracts a much better, and bigger crowd than the venue discussed in the previous paragraph. This bar competes with the local clubs in the area and gives them a run for their money. The DJ at this bar should be quite experienced, and perhaps is even making it a full time job. He probably spins off CDJs or a Vinyl DVS, since he’s been in the game for 5+ years and performs classic DJ techniques flawlessly. At this venue, the DJ should be able to perform all of the “Five Modern Skills a New DJ Should Have”
As an up and comer in the industry, with three years experience, I believe I am currently at the skill level where I am in between these two venues. However, Ive played at (and obviously attended) both types, and I notice a huge difference between the quality of DJing between the two. So, depending on the venue, location, size/type of crowd, management, and competition will solely determine how many of the “Five Modern Skills a New DJ Should Have” before playing live.
Cheers from Boston
-2SHAE-
[ link ]I started dj’ing about 16 years ago, and for me with digital the world has changed so much!!!!! If you want to stay in the game, you have to be more creative than playing 2 tracks together, or you will die… It’s a jungle out there and everyone want to be a dj.
Djs like Jeff Mills or Derrick May are still playing everywhere, because they have notoriety, they are pionners of electronic music. But on our side, we have to adapt or die cause there’s a lot of bed room djs experimenting with controllers and who will rock the world really really soon!!!!!
Digital is offering new creative direction we never had before and when I see guys like Ean Golden or Araabmuzik getting crazy with their new tools, it makes me think there’s still a lot of new territories to explore in electronic music…
Today the game is more about producing live performances, mash up, and remixes in the fly… This is how I see the dj’ing world today…
Some examples of what is exciting me today : http://youtu.be/F4DUUDw3mww http://youtu.be/tt3dgVmhghE
Ps : Sorry for my english, but I’m French.
[ link ]I see all your points…. but are you not forgetting the main one that is above them all (at least at a non superstar Level).
Song selection and creating an atmosphere and energy that gets people going and pleases the patrons (whether is be 10 or 10000 people)
The previous 5 will def help, but I’ve seen great DJ’s with no bells and whistles.
Cheers!
[ link ]+1, track selection (programming) is the number one skill, although I guess the article title is ‘Modern Skills Every New DJ Should Have’; programing is probably the oldest DJ skill in the book.
Personally I’d much rather listen to a DJ who wows the crowd with track selection, mashups / live remixes don’t really float my boat.
Point 4 is a great one though… good djs can play on anything!
[ link ]+10 for track selection… especially for ‘genre’ DJs (as opposed to chart DJ’s who’s options are limited).
[ link ]There is always something new to learn and improve.
[ link ]Great tips. Thanks
I strongly agree. I feel like many of the people posting with gripes about the article are taking it the wrong way. It’s not like the above tips are rules that absolutely must be applied to all types of DJ gigs… instead, they are ways of broadening your horizons and becoming more versatile. Knowing how to use new technology will in NO WAY hurt you as a DJ.
Basically, use your best judgement. Being a good DJ requires you to improvise sometimes. Don’t do an Ian Golden style performance at a wedding reception, and don’t play a bunch of crappy requests headlining at a superclub.
[ link ]I will put here my simple opinnion – I know this is a blog about digital DJing, but… I’m using CDJs 1000mk3 and a simple djm400 mixer with efx 1000, and I don’t really think that in straight EDM club environment midi controllers will be better. They simply wont.
[ link ]They might be equal, but not better by any means – and I’m not talking about durability because midi controllers are just some shitty crap – thrust me, they wont last long enough. Imagine cranking your midi-setup 3 times a week for 5 years. It is impossible to not need to replace this midi units. Add smoky environment, spilled drinks, dust, transportation, superman mode after few drinks. Ehh.. I’m ending this.
Regarding the potential, Midi will always win as you can get it to do what you want. The article is discussing how DJing is changing, not the way you happen to DJ.
Regarding durability, yes, you’re right – but that’s why we’re so interested in new pro Midi gear (Denon DN3900 and Pioneer DJM-850 only in the last week, for instance) that combines the best of both worlds for pro use.
“Superman mode”… now I like that!
[ link ]Would like to see a CDJ stand up to that abuse also. CD players in a smokey environment have 3 years at best.
[ link ]Horses for courses.
+1 to the reply’s on this comment – also compare the cost of most midi’s to the cost of CDJ’s. I would bet though, in the long run (you’d have to actually have statistics over the long term to back up your wild and sweeping generalisation, of course) the midi’s will come out cheaper….
[ link ]I don’t see Ean or Araab music mixing from 10pm to 7am with their techniques. It’s all about showing, so a set of 30min/1h but not much more I guess.
Because everything they’re doing is planned, when planned you don’t have enough liberty, flexibility to enhance the time frame : this would need too much prepare time.
Even Eskei83 (Serato+bridge) is somehow limited because it’s a show.
This is where we need to see that there is a difference between a performer/artist (a guy doing a show) and a dj (a guy playing tracks and living on the edge).
People that came to see the first know what they’ll have. For the second one it’s mixed, so you need to read/understand and adapt to the crowd in real time.
So this article (for me) mostly apply to the first guy, the guy that go from A to Z with all the steps prepared/trained/known by heart in a limited/mesured time : a show !
[ link ]Its hard as an upcoming dj to decide what setup to go with personally I started out with a Numark CD mix 2 a year ago and quickly moved to cdjs. The reason why I feel that Controllers have taken over the market is because for most people its a cheap and easy way to perform without noticeable mistakes. To be a real dj you have to use your ears. Although you might be able to do some incredible mashups and remixes with controllers I still feel that there is something special about beat matching and getting creative on decks. Don’t get me wrong though I have recently bought an effects until and once I save up money I will probably buy ableton and a controller for more added effects. Overall I think this article is helpful because the reality isn’t changing digital djing is coming into the market at a full force and it gives people like me an opportunity to move up the ranks.
If you deviate from whats popular and you stick to the industry standard or professional standards you will always get more respect. I am sorry to say but there are still only a few people that can really kill it on controllers. Club or scene wise that is..im not talking about some you tube video where a bedroom dj spent hours working on getting his routine down perfectly. In reality, in a club or performance atmosphere you shouldn’t sacrifice the end product with fancy tricks effects or processes. Anything great has been totally simple. If you want to get technical then join a band and make real music. If you want to dj pick the right tracks, know them well and play flawlessly.
[ link ]I have used the numark cd mix2 for the last 6 years and as a mobile dj you can’t go wrong on it tbh. However i’ve now moved on to using a laptop and controler becasue I wanted to do a bit more with effects and also it opens up the possablilitys for remixing live for me with cuepoints and loops
[ link ]So true! Seen a lot of old cd-dj´s fade away the last years because it´s no longer enough to play one tune after another.
[ link ]But, programming is still the No1 skill.
It’s no longer enough to play one tune after another? Really flyer? How come the majority of the best DJ’s in the world are still doing that exact same thing every single weekend then…. (often on CDJ-1000/2000′s)
[ link ]They are also making music, plus they made their name when that was enough – what I think he’s saying is that to stand out nowadays, you need more than that.
[ link ]I can just picture a bunch of new djs going out this weekend to their first gigs and after reading this subjecting the audience to a horrendous racket of un needed or wanted loops, effects and out of key out of phrase bad mashups.whilst dancing up and down like idiots behind the decks thinking that everyone in the venue just came out to watch them.
[ link ]Sorry very poor article imo
Well they’d be missing the point then. Of course tune selection and programming are important, always will be. We should maybe have titled the article “EXTRA skills”. Because to stand out, you very definitely do need more that just a pair of record decks and the ability to beatmatch nowadays – but it’s to demonstrate musical mastery in an age where anyone can master the technicalities in a weekend. But in the wrong hands? Of course such skills will sound bad!
Luckily, the picture you paint is a long way from what I see from many of the people I am lucky enough to interact with every day here – talented, ambitious young DJs who will definitely use a mix of these new skills to go far. All power to them I say!
[ link ]I have to agree with Tony. If I wanted to read discouraging articles about DJing, I rather read something a vinyl DJ says about digital DJs.
[ link ]Tony, your post is bang on! a perfect description of “jocks” like that clown from Jersey Shore. he fist pumps throughout his entire show. he doesn’t need to use his hands because his laptop does all the mixing! Pauly D is absolutely horrific. he epitomizes everything that is wrong with modern DJ’s. and what’s more tragic, because he’s a “celebrity”, he’ll make more for one show than i will in a year.
[ link ]While that I agree with point #5 “Perform the music, not just play it” still I think some DJ’s (including Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren) are putting too much to it and now it seems that the club and events customers are expecting any DJ to do the same. Notice the people on the dance floor, most of them are looking at the DJ like they are expecting that something is going to happen.
[ link ]I’m not saying that it’s not good, it’s different from many years ago when the party goers interaction would be 100% between each others and the music, where today, it’s between the DJ and the music.
For huge events, with impressive light shows, fire works, live performance… it’s good because there is so much to see but for bars, I think the DJ should not be the center piece of the attention.
My 2 cents:
As someone who started out on vinyl, I honestly wish I had put all the effort I have put into getting gigs and trying to dig for the freshest hottest tunes into learning production. Every headliner you see that has gotten big in the last 5 or so years has not done so because of their crazy tricks, or crazy live performances, but because people heard their remixes or original productions.
[ link ]Thanks for the article. I believe that DJs nowadays should keep up with the trends in technology as it suits them (which is why i visit this website) and try to use the technology to their advantage whenever possible to deliver great sound, network & promote, etc. Doing the research and constantly trying to improve on one’s craft while still delivering the BEST SONGS for the occasion will go a long way, even for us DJs who aren’t trying to be superstars.
For example, because i love music i play and the art of mixing, scratching, and entertaining, it works in my advantage to translate that love through my creatively delivered set. So, i’m learning the production aspect in my spare time, i experiment with effects, (i personally don’t like to over effect though, because it’s just annoying to me), and when i’m in the booth, i let people know that i LOVE what i’m doing. very often, they’ll reciprocate that love by packing the dance floor and staying at the venue buying drinks until my set/the event is over. Then they come back next time i’m playing! Therefore, i’m convinced that by doing more than just playing the tracks (and yes, one does have to be aware of what’s appropriate for EACH situation) i’m ensuring that i’ll continue to have places (besides my bedroom) where i can contribute to the DJ culture.
I might never be able to do music full time and become a world renowned DJ/producer, and that’s okay. But, exploring the various options and using them to compliment my own style and creativity makes DJing more FUN for ME and enjoyable for the people i entertain in clubs and bars, weddings, block parties, whatever. It’s all about the love!
[ link ]I agree with the posting. I believe you should constantly be learning and evolving as a DJ. Unless if you are Tiesto’s level, You will always be paying dues. I believe DJ’s make too many excuses to not do things or simply to not complicate the delicate balance they deem in life. If you are hungry, You will lose sleep. If you suffer from Sleep Apnea, You are a DJ. Nuff said.
[ link ]There are a lot of valid points throughout the comments left by my fellow DJ’s! Some I agree with, some I don’t.
I started Djing back in the 80′s with my dad. I set up the equipment and he was the DJ. I learned how the equipment worked first before I spun my first record. When my dad would take breaks, he would let me spin some songs for 10-15 minute sets. Not bad for a 13 year old! I made mistakes and learned a lot. No computers, no controllers, and no CD’s.
A lot has happened with technology since then. Now, part of my rig consists of a laptop and a controller. I love it! I can still beatmatch with a record though. That skill has not left me.
I primarily play weddings, dances, and parties. Not all the skills mentioned in this article are required for what I do. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to learn them. In doing so, I can inject some creativity into what I already do. Knowing when to use them and when not to use them is key. I don’t think a Sinatra/Gaga mashup will work when 65+ year olds are on the floor. LOL!
Everyone must evolve in the DJ world or you will become a dinosaur.
So, to sum it up! I will learn it because I want to. I will use it when my gut tells me to. Knowing what song and when to play it is critical! This is what “NEW” DJ’s need to learn first and foremost, then work their way into the more technical stuff.
I love music and I love when I get my crowd jumpin’! That makes me a “real” DJ!
Yours truly,
[ link ]CK
modern DJ’s are so cookie cutter. playing a minute (or less) of a song, scratching every 2nd or 3rd track to show off their “mad skills”. the dancefloor isn’t interested because EVERY DJ SOUNDS THE SAME. and can any of these “Disc Jockeys” actually speak on a mic??? lol, no they can’t. as for mash-ups, one in 10 is worth playing, if that. the others are the proverbial square peg in a round hole. the songs are in the wrong key, or the combination of tunes just sounds awful. a DJ’s job is to entertain and motivate the crowd. far too many modern DJ’s are so busy trying to impress themselves (and other DJ’s) and they ignore the crowd altogether. i know one DJ who repeatedly scratched over Abba. seriously dude what are you thinking, that this sounds good?? get a grip. i firmly believe that any DJ who learned his chops before computers did all the mixing for them (think autotune for singers) does a better job than the new generation of CJ’s (computer jocks).
[ link ]Deejaying culture as any other culture,that has alive inhabitants,is dynamic.It takes a Deejay who understand his times to pull his crowd.
[ link ]One should also be sold out for his flock,know what they feed on.I hard play on weddings cos playing for grown ups doesnt challenge my creativity.Just throwing that tune and stare at the machines is not my style.Yes they might be enjoying their songs but i also do it for the love of creativity that comes along with time.
I am not saying this out of arrogance,but just to highlight that “a living culture is dynamic”,why stagnancy?
It will also take the branding of a Dj..your branding will attract your crowd,and of course take you to right places to shine your colours..Your uniqueness,right positioned talent have its own flock..
This one is a testimony..year 2005 when i was introducing house music at Ranaka(smallest village in Botswana),i nearly got stoned but i knew i was planting a seed that as am speaking it has beared fruits..oh how they love house..so yeah tis are some of the things we should look at when we talk about DeeJaying..We as Deejays we also know what we want from the crowd..and it will also take a very influencial man/woman to move his/her crowd…so yeah!!
A big part of being a dj, is the ability to read a crowd.
[ link ]So mashing-up, cutting, scratching, looping & adding fx
should really only be done once you have sussed-out the crowd.
Another important thing is that, this should
ONLY be done if you know how to do it properly!!!
Just like anything else in life, Practice makes perfect!
It makes no sense at all, going crazy behind the decks trying to do things you’re unsure of in front of a crowd.
If you believe the crowd is right for your style, and you know how to do it properly, then go for it!!
Otherwise keep them entertained by mixing in a tune you know they gonna love when they don’t expect it. Suddenly….
“Hands in the air” & all the chicks wanna have your children!!
Basically, do it properly or don’t do it at all!
I´m really tired of DJs all the time screwing up music trying to create that elusive “incredibly ex-clu-siiii-veeee” remix/mashup/whatever. Going out to some clubs has been very boring latelly exactly because of these modern DJ golden rules. I´d say only 10% of the time (or less) the guy up there really does it cleanly and decently. Everyone wants to be the next Zabiela but how many really cut it? Almost no one, realy. The true DJ plays good music while reading the crowd. That´s what DJs do since day one, that´s what Zabiela does – in his unique way, not what “everyone with a good FX machine/mashup SW” are obssessed about. Tiesto and the other top guns are producers with equally top remixers/producers at their disposal. They are leading their ways. Not everyone can or should.
[ link ]I’m a CJ i suppose. I use a numark n4 and laptop I spin retro music 40′s R&B, Rockabilly, Swing, Jazz, Lounge, Rocksteady, Punk Rock, Ska…..you get the picture. I’ve kinda fiddled with effects but don’t mess with mash ups or anyhing. I get lots of crap from lots of “Real Club Dj’s” for my little set up. I did a gig this past new years eve and it was a 3 dj set up we all took turns i got snide remarks and laughs when i showed up with my laptop and control. They had the whole look down vinyl all 45′s real retro cats. The crowd wasn’t moving eventually the bartender came over and asked to pick it up. well they only had the vinyl they wanted to play for the night it was a bad choice….so i gladly opened up my 70,000 plus ex drive and got busy. The crowd danced their asses off and later in the evening a gentleman requested a birthday song waving a $100 bill the other 2 guys stood there like deers in headlights. I had a few classic jazzy birthday options i gladly took the money made the announcement and played his request. Even after all the ridicule i still gave them $20 each at the end of the night cuase i’m a good person like that. I’ve been collecting retro music for over 20 yrs now and i’m proud to say i really know my music. I think that makes a big difference i felt the crowd and rocked my set. I’ve only been doing this for 2 yrs and i keep it simple and make a pretty good living doing it. Im still learning and respect everyone ive had the opportunity of sharing a booth with even though sometimes they havent been respectful back.
[ link ]HAHAHAHAHAHA… you think David Guetta performs?! yeah right. All he does is mix and put his hands up. I’ve been to many shows that included him, and I went for the opener instead of him. Why don’t you put in Laidback Luke or the Bingo Players or Armin. People who actually deserve the credit for being amazing performers, producers, and Dj’s. But sorry about that rant. I really enjoyed the rest of the article until that hit me. I agree that versatility and adaptability are more important to Dj’s now more than ever before.
[ link ]How has no one said this yet…. BEAT MATCHING. DJs need to know beat matching. yes now they have Sync on controllers but being a DJ is more than just button mashing and hitting play. Fundamentals are essential.
[ link ]Of course it’s important… As we continually say here.
[ link ]This article is kool but all the modern techniques is what is over saturating the business with guys who cannot hear a bad mix. You can make mashups all you want if you cant hear that its out of key it just sounds bad, not only that but no where in the article did it mention controlling the mood of those you are playing for. DJing is not about mashups its not about mixing, cutting, or banging on midi pads to your hearts content. Its about perfecting a craft in were you use music to controll the emotions of your audience.
[ link ]Its kind of implied that this stuff is also important.
[ link ]For those who have a problem with live remixing i hope they realized Tom Moulton, Grand Master Flash, and couple others are the Pioneers of live Remixing.
[ link ]Playing a song just as is that you heard 90 billion times over, and over again is uncreative, boring, and that the audience have no sense of imagination. Time to change the musical Paradigm.
In your view, Chris. There are in my experience many DJs who are basically selectors who have wonderful taste and amazing programming skills who can “just play” records and not be uncreative and boring.
[ link ]Does this apply to the DJ whos sets primarily comprise rarities or new genres/tracks not typically known?
[ link ]the key is finding what your good at and then marketing yourself right . Do it for a living is key…unless its just a hobby…
[ link ]“If you’re DJing and just looking like a robot, you’ve got to change”
what does that make daft punk?
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