well when i started i used the sync button, then i gradually moved to doing it visually. When i decided to turn off all of seratos sync functions and was going strictly by ear i just picked some tunes that were around 128 bpm, with a very simple synth that didnt distract me from the beat. I also found stuff around 128 was more natural for me to count in (maybe my background as a drummer i was always counting in this range)
If you find some stuff in your collection that has a very strong kick and snare you should be well on your way to beat matching
If you are playing lots of edm style tunes (i call edm the popular massive festival house) just mix the last couple bars of a drop with the build of the next looping the first track and slicing the beats down and then doing an epic drop into track 2.
and for question 3, I would think you will have more fun actually djing live at the parties. Sometimes i record my radio show when my friends cant come listen live, then maybe the next day we will have a “listening party” if you will and have a few beers and listen to the mix and have fun, but i would always rather play live, even if its only for a couple friends.
