DJ Yaka
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DJ Yaka
ParticipantI know exactly what you mean man, I had this about a year ago myself, didn’t know where my DJ’ing was going, or if it was even going at all.
But I just cracked on, kept mixing away, but I also listened to loads of other DJ’s mixes. This helped me sort of compare my stuff to theirs, see where I thought my level of DJ skills where actually at.
One thing that did help relive my block, was landing a residency. It was something new, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Just keep cracking on maybe try and find a new “project” to do with DJing and you will overcome this “DJ Block”
Hope this helps 🙂
ParticipantFirst of all, I think what you are doing for charity is spot on, hats off to ya !!!
As for doing gigs for free….. It defiantly depends on the situation. When I first started out, I was working in a bar, and covered the resident DJ when he was on holiday etc…. I got paid my normal bog standard bar wage, but I was happy as it was a vital learning experience. I also put on my own club night to advertise my self (which i did for free).
However, now that I have a residency, I don’t think I would do a gig for free. Simply down to the fact that my music and my equipment doesn’t pay for it self.
However, I have done charity gigs myself and I wouldn’t charge for them….as long as it’s for a good cause….. Just like the one you’re doing 🙂
ParticipantHad to record both “How Clubbing Changed The World” and the “House Party”…..as I was out DJ’ing all weekend. Glad I recorded it though, awesome piece of TV. It’s nice to know how what I am doing week in week out, actually started…..It opened my eyes. Hats off to Channel 4
ParticipantI would defiantly recommend you using Traktor. I use it with the Traktor Kontrol S2 when out gigging. But I also use Traktor scratch at home with my CDJ’s via DVS. Awesome piece of software.
Ableton is also an awesome piece of software for producing….. Never DJ’d with it though, simply because I love using Traktor so much.
Participant
Firstly ….Congrats mate !!
1) Headphone volume level – I know what you mean mate, at the current moment in time I am using a traktor kontrol S2 when gigging out, and I have a similar problem with the volume in my headphones. When I use CDJ’s and DJM setup, there is no problem at all with the volume level. The way I got around it was to get a pair of headphones that sat on my ears nice and snug so that it helped isolate external noise.
I also use the same technique “Nicko D” uses, pressing the cup of the headphone against my ear. You do get used to it, and I don’t find it a problem at all now.
2) Digital haters – you will get this where ever you go, I had a lad comment on my s2 at one of my very first gigs “if he walks into club with that….. Everyone will laugh at him!”…….. hahahahahahaha….erm no!. This lad doesn’t DJ no more, he used to years ago, and in his view he believes everyone should still be spinning vinyl. Fair enough that’s his opinion and he is entitled to it. But I am having the last laugh, as I DJ at a club 4 nights a week with my s2 and the place is the busiest place in town! ….. Also to top it all off he keeps asking for copy’s of my Promo Mix CD’s.
I have a CDJ timecode set up at home, and i would love to playout on it at my residancy, but it’s simply not practicle to move around…..to be fair i can’t knock my controller, as it has not let me down yet.
anyway the point i am trying to make is, if you do get that sort of attitude towards you, then just ignore it or do the opposite and think “you know what, i am going to prove them wrong”, and the way to do this …….. drop an awesome set.
hope this might help…… all the best mate, let us know how it goes for ya 🙂August 1, 2012 at 9:29 am in reply to: Difference between Digital Dj'ing and using Timecode with CDJ's? #1009062ParticipantI use both, a controller setup and a Time Code setup.
I have 2x CDJ 1000’s Mk3 and a DJM 700 at home which I use with Traktor Scratch 2.
However I also use a Traktor Kontrol S2 when DJ’ing at my residency.
I honestly believe that you can’t beat the feeling of DJ’ing on a pair of pioneer decks and mixer, there is just a feeling a controller can’t give you. I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s just there.
However, I honestly believe that a controller gives you way more freedom and creativity over a pair of CDJ’s.
Both have their pro’s and con’s
But one thing I know with 100% Certainty is, you can rock a club on either!ParticipantI agree with D-jam.
I think I would feel the same way you are, your music collection can be what defines you as a DJ, the thing that makes you stand out from the other DJ’s in the area.
If people ask me…… “Hey, what tune is this, or, who’s remix is it?” ….. Then I will happily tell them, no problem at all. God knows how many people i have told to download a certain tune becasue i think they would love it!
But to let someone search through my music collection that I have spent endless hours searching, buying, collecting…….. I’m sorry but that’s a big no no.[FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=#141414][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=#141414]If that makes us selfish jerks…… Then am selfish jerk (which am not…well i don’t think i am 😉 )[/COLOR][/FONT][/COLOR][/FONT]
ParticipantPhil Morse, post: 24840, member: 2 wrote: “Any good DJ will be able to mix in key…but they dont use software…its called using your ears. Mix 2 songs together and its on beat but still sounds like shit? Its probably not in key.”
Yes, and as there are 12 roots plus major and minor scales, and any number of tempo adjustments that can throw these off, it is MUCH easier to use software to give you the root key to work from if mixing in key is your aim. Using software to save you keying your tracks on a piano is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as you continue to use your ears as well.
Gotta agree with you on this phil
Participanthope he got it all sorted…this man is a legend and god knows how many people he has helped out, I know he helped me
Participantye, think it would be a great idea
Participanthaha fair enough, am more of a “house” dj 🙂 , i know they will be playing a UKG set, now wether it is old classic, new tunes or even a bit of both…i don’t know.
ye list me some tracks if you can…. maybe their are some i have over looked.
cheers for the reply, sounds like you know your UKG music
ParticipantGood luck, hope ya nail it 🙂
Participantcheers man
ParticipantI think it depends on what sort of set you are performing. If you mix in key it definatly sounds better, less key clashes etc….
But if you are mixing in …. lets say your average bar, i.e top 40 hits, i think song selection is more important.
But if you are performing a full on club set in a club, then to me i would seriously consider mixing in key, as it will “help” make your mixes sound a lot smother
Thats what i do anyway 🙂
ParticipantCongrats Man !!!
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