learn to dj | Digital DJ Tips

May 20th, 2013 News & Opinion

How To Get 45% Off Our New Acapella Mixing Video Course

by Phil Morse

Ever wondered how the big DJs perform such effortless, great sounding acapella mixes? We blow the lid on it in this new course, that’ll show you exactly how to find and perform killer acapella mixes yourself.

In just a few days’ time, we’ll be opening up our brand new video training course – The Acapella Mixing Masterclass. Designed to teach digital DJs how to mix properly with acapellas, it’s a valuable addition to our range of premium DJ training, and we’re really excited about bringing it to you.

It actually won’t be on public sale for several weeks yet. But for a limited time, we’re going to make it available privately to you, our site members – and at a huge discount of 45% on the public launch price. So watch your inbox for details of how you can grab your copy – and if you’re not on our mailing list, sign up now.

9 Comments »

April 27th, 2013 Training

Controller Clinic #24: Confused About My First Step Into Digital

by Phil Morse

A great digital mixer for Traktor, the Kontrol Z2 is nonetheless the kind of purchase a DJ who knows exactly what he wants and what he wants to pair it with would make. It’s not the obvious choice for a beginner.

Digital DJ Tips reader Dinn writes: “Hey, I’ve been producing dubstep and electro for about two years but have never DJed. I’ve been trying to decide what gear is best for this new movement away from the traditional style of DJing with CDJs and everything.

“So my questions are: Does genre (house, dubstep, electro, drum & bass) dictate what methods you should use to DJ at your best? Is it worth the risk going for a product like the Midi Fighter that requires knowledge of Midi mapping against something like the Kontrol S4 or Kontrol Z2 where it’s automatically synced to the software? And why is DJing with software and a laptop so looked down upon? I hope you can answer these because I’m kind of lost.”

20 Comments »

February 12th, 2013 Training

The Two Simple Secrets Of Every Successful DJ

by Phil Morse

DJing success isn’t about rolling the dice, it’s about deciding how you’re going to play the game, and how you’re going to deal with the voice inside that says ‘you can’t do this…’

We spend a lot of time here helping you to move forward in your DJing – it’s our stated purpose, after all, and it’s why we have our learn to DJ free training course. But I’m going to level with you today: all the training in the world doesn’t count for anything without the two simple secrets we’re going to reveal below.

Do these two things, and you will succeed. But while they are simple to state and understand, they’re hard to do – you need to literally work at it every day. And you need to do both – one alone isn’t enough. So without further wait, here they are:

38 Comments »

February 5th, 2013 Training

5 Ways To Tell If Your Crowd Has Had A Good Time

by Phil Morse

Sometimes it’s obvious people are having fun. but what about those time when it isn’t? How do you find the faith to carry on, to have fun, and to lead the party, when you’re getting nothing back from the crowd?

Sometimes it’s obvious your crowd has had a good time. Packed dancefloor, screaming girls, sweaty faces, a sea of movement, colour and smiles. It’s what all DJs dream of, and we never forget it when we get it.

But not all gigs are like this. Half-empty clubs, bars without a dancefloor, too-cool venues where people just won’t let their hair down – all these places need DJs too, and they can also be great places to play. But the question is: In places where it’s not too obvious, how do you know your crowd is having (or has had) a good time?

30 Comments »

January 1st, 2013 News & Opinion

5 DJ Resolutions For 2013: Tell Us Yours

by D-Jam

Start this year right by telling us what your DJ new year’s resolution is and then sharing this post – it’ll help you to stick to it!

Even though resolutions are always a challenge to keep, and it’s often bemusing to watch others quit them months to minutes after making them, it’s good to attempt to improve yourself in some way, shape, or form each time January 1 rolls around.

Based on common topics here on Digital DJ Tips (both in the articles and the forum) and many other DJ sources out on the internet, here’s a handful of resolutions I’d say everyone calling themselves a DJ should think about. Once you’ve looked at them, please use the comments to tell us yours.

39 Comments »

December 27th, 2012 Training

Our Top 10 DJ Training Articles 2012

by Phil Morse

If you only read 10 training posts on Digital DJ Tips for 2012, these are the ten.

Digital DJ Tips is here to help you learn to DJ – it’s right there in the masthead. From our hundreds of posts this year, here we’ve collated the ten most popular DJ training articles, as ordered by your likes, comments and number of times read.

If you’re new here and you want to give yourself a crash course in some of the things digital DJs are getting good at right now, why not shift-click all 10 of them, sit back with a coffee (or a beer), and catch up on the lot in one go? Hint: there’s as much action in the comments as the posts themselves…

5 Comments »

November 18th, 2012 Training

Over To You: Is It Best To Teach Myself To DJ, Or To Get Help?

by Phil Morse

Is a school like this the best way to learn to DJ? Pic: On Off DJ School

Digital DJ Tips reader L Todd writes: “I was wondering if you think it is better that I teach myself to DJ (trial and error) or learn from another DJ / class / DJ course.

“The reason I ask is because I have a DJ who wants to teach me but he uses turntables and I want to be a digital DJ. I don’t have the money to invest in vinyl. My entire library is MP3 files and a few CD that I never got rid of. So maybe I would be better teaching myself to DJ?”

40 Comments »

October 2nd, 2012 Training

Learning To DJ: Questions Beginners Always Ask

by Terry 42

Satoshi Tomiie rocks it, digital style. If you want to learn the skills that can put you in front of a crowd playing the music you love, today we answer some of your questions.

I’m one of the moderators of the busy Digital DJ Tips Forum. Because of this, I get a unique perspective on the thoughts, questions, fears and concerns of hundreds of people who are starting out learning to DJ, every single day.

Today I’d like to answer some of the questions that come up again and again among beginners on the forum. How can I learn to DJ? what gear should I buy? What about scratching? What’s the minimum I need to start? Where can I get help choosing DJ gear? Should I be learning to DJ on “pro” DJ gear? Here is our take on these and other common queries among new DJs:

25 Comments »

September 14th, 2012 News & Opinion

DJing Is Hard

by Phil Morse

Sometimes, even in the coolest of venues, it can all fall apart for the DJ. As I saw happen to one DJ recently... Pic: SoBoUK

Ever felt utterly dejected with your DJing? Had a Friday 13th moment? Failed to learn an important skill despite trying and trying? Messed up in front of an audience and felt so small you wanted to give up and never try again?

The purpose of today’s post is simply to reassure you that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, and I was reminded of the fact only recently by something I saw when I was at an industry event.

53 Comments »

July 27th, 2012 News & Opinion

Just Do It!

by Phil Morse

Our Brit girls celebrate their goal in the opening event of the London 2012 Olympics.

Wow, the Olympics is here! For us Brits, it’s a really big deal. Like millions of people, I tuned in for the opening event a couple of nights back, which just happened to be the womens’ football, or soccer for our US friends. (In case it ever comes up in a pub quiz in the future and you missed it, it was Team GB vs New Zealand, 1-0. You can thank me later for that.)

It got me thinking of the first time I ever played football, which wasn’t until the age of 24…

20 Comments »

June 12th, 2012 News & Opinion

Want To DJ Weddings? Our Latest Guide Shows You How

by Phil Morse

Our long-awaited downloadable Complete 21st Century Wedding DJ Guide is finally on sale! From top wedding DJ and Digital DJ Tips writer Michael Hughes, this guide and its accompanying members-only website show you everything you need to become a highly profitable wedding DJ.

What’s more, we’ve got two launch offers. First, for our readers in the US and Canada, there’s a free month’s subscription to industry-leading DJ music pool Promo Only*, worth up to US$50 – but only if you buy before Sat, June 16 (that’s this weekend). Second, we’ve included a bonus 75-minute workshop audio interview with multi-award winning wedding DJ Chris Laich*, packed with trade secrets you won’t find elsewhere.

10 Comments »

June 9th, 2012 Training

Your Questions: Should I Let My Friend’s Brother DJ With Me?

by Phil Morse

Would you let this man have a go on your DJ equipment? You might have to if he's the brother of the girl whose party it is...

Digital DJ Tips reader Dannyboy writes: “A friend of mine asked me to DJ her graduation party, which is great since I can get my name out there to my market since I’ve only been DJing for about a year. The downside is that her younger brother also wants to be a DJ, and they want us both to play.

“I don’t think this is a good idea because I just did a party last weekend and it is difficult enough having my own brother ‘help’ (which he does sometimes) and the old saying about having too many chiefs and not enough indians comes to mind.

19 Comments »

June 8th, 2012 News & Opinion

What’s The Silliest DJing Question You Ever Wanted Answering?

by Phil Morse

Help us to write the pages you want to read. by telling us the kinds of digital DJing questions you want answers to. Nothing is too simple or 'silly', nothing too basic.

Today I’d like you to think back right to when you started DJing digitally. Or even better, maybe you are still thinking about starting to DJ with digital gear, or you’ve literally just started to learn to DJ.

My question is: What was, or is, the biggest thing on your mind about digital DJing that you can’t find the answer to? What is stopping you getting going because you’re not sure about it? What’s frustrating you because you can’t get your head around it, yet it seems like everyone else knows it? In short, what’s the (seemingly) silliest question you need an answer to?

111 Comments »

April 29th, 2012 Training

Your Questions: How Hard Is It To Switch From Controllers To CDJs?

by Phil Morse

Moving from a Traktor Kontrol S4 to this might seem daunting, but it isn't really once you break it down into the things you need to learn.

Digital DJ Tips reader Noala de Aquino writes: “Love your tips. I’ve been DJing for a while (seriously for about two years) and now I’ve decided to go pro and master all kinds of techniques. I’m taking lessons with vinyl, and soon with CDJs. That beatmatching practice is a bitch!

“I have a Traktor Kontrol S4 at home and I just love the possibilities that gives me with the sample decks (I’m so looking forward to have Traktor 2.5!) But my question is: How hard is for someone who started with digital DJing – Traktor, Virtual DJ, S4, Numark Omni Control – to switch to Pioneer CDJing? I’m crazy to start playing, but I’m a little insecure about the change.”

28 Comments »

April 28th, 2012 News & Opinion

Your Questions: I Don’t Want To DJ On My Rubbish Gear!

by Phil Morse

Are you letting a rubbish old laptop or a lack of decent software hold you back in your DJing? Don't, says Phil Morse in his reply to today's reader's letter.

Digital DJ Tips reader Ben writes: “I am almost through with my senior year of high school and am aspiring to become a DJ. Anyway, I plan on getting a MacBook and Traktor software as well as a couple more parts to make a full DJ set-up. But right now, I only have a controller, some crappy free Virtual DJ software, and an audio set-up I hotwired together using an old stereo system and speakers (which I’m proud of).

However, I have ceased practising because the computer I have is working at full capacity, and as a result it shuts down occasionally. Also, I feel that using software I never plan to use is not a good use of my time. Is it right to feel like I should be doing something to prepare? And if I am right to feel this way, what should I be doing?

33 Comments »

April 24th, 2012 News & Opinion

10 Common Myths About Wedding DJing

by Phil Morse

Wedding DJing has changed a lot since our parents got maried - but it still needs a certain blend of skills, and is still widely misunderstood by the majority of DJs. Today we blow away some of those old myths.

Digital DJ Tips is about to launch a major new guide to setting up a wedding DJ business, 21st century style, using digital gear. In preparing this guide, we came across a whole load of beliefs and attitudes about wedding DJing that are just plain wrong – and today we’d like to blow away some of those myths.

Why? Well, you may have considered wedding DJing, or even been asked to play at a wedding, but it can seem like a very different type of DJing to parties, bars and clubs – and it’s easy to let the “unknown factor” and what other people say or think put you off giving it a go.

39 Comments »

April 7th, 2012 Training

Your Questions: Am I Good Enough To Play In Clubs?

by Phil Morse

Digital DJ Tips reader Kahlheins writes: “I just started to be a digital DJ and got a solid set-up (Native Instruments Kontrol X1, Xone 22, Akai LPD8, Audio 2 DJ, laptop). I’ve still got some problems mixing songs, and I don’t know if my techniques are good enough for DJing in a club.

“Here’s what I do: I pick songs, use the sync button to bring them into sync, mix the end bits of the songs and fade slowly into the next song. In-between, I play with some effects (gater, beatmasher etc) and I sometimes switch from one song to the other just in the middle of a song at a breakdown, but very rarely. That’s pretty much all I do.

27 Comments »

November 25th, 2011 Training

7 Secrets For Picking A Killer Last Track

by Phil Morse

Armin Van Buuren was always a sucker for a Whitney song to close the evening...

One golden rule of DJing is that if you send them home singing something great, a strange thing happens: Ask anyone the next day how good the music was the night before, and most will remember the night as if every track played was solid gold!

Picking a fantastic end of night song that has people hanging from the rafters and beating down the DJ box door to try and get you to play one more is a surefire way to boost your DJing credibility, and to get everyone from the doormen to the management singing your praises.

30 Comments »

Digital DJ Tips1>

Learn How To DJ With Digital DJ Gear

How To Get 45% Off Our New Acapella Mixing Video Course

by Phil Morse

Controller Clinic #24: Confused About My First Step Into Digital

by Phil Morse

The Two Simple Secrets Of Every Successful DJ

by Phil Morse

5 Ways To Tell If Your Crowd Has Had A Good Time

by Phil Morse

5 DJ Resolutions For 2013: Tell Us Yours

by D-Jam

Our Top 10 DJ Training Articles 2012

by Phil Morse

Over To You: Is It Best To Teach Myself To DJ, Or To Get Help?

by Phil Morse

Learning To DJ: Questions Beginners Always Ask

by Terry 42

DJing Is Hard

by Phil Morse

Just Do It!

by Phil Morse

Want To DJ Weddings? Our Latest Guide Shows You How

by Phil Morse

Your Questions: Should I Let My Friend’s Brother DJ With Me?

by Phil Morse

What’s The Silliest DJing Question You Ever Wanted Answering?

by Phil Morse

Your Questions: How Hard Is It To Switch From Controllers To CDJs?

by Phil Morse

Your Questions: I Don’t Want To DJ On My Rubbish Gear!

by Phil Morse

10 Common Myths About Wedding DJing

by Phil Morse

Your Questions: Am I Good Enough To Play In Clubs?

by Phil Morse

7 Secrets For Picking A Killer Last Track

by Phil Morse

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