Remixing your tracks before gig's

pilotmike327, post: 2876 wrote: I know this is gonna sound ubernoobz but I’m very curious.

Is it cheating to remix a track before going out to play live. For example, I’m listening to the Thomas Gold Remix of Lady Gaga’s Judas and I think using the ‘Judas Judaaas’ vocal part that Gaga does in the original would be a great sample before the drop. Another example (which would be much more noticeable) is the Noise In Da House track that has a great tech house remix. I’ve heard the original and tech house remix and think that creating a new track from those two would give me an excellent bridge track from house to tech house or vice versa (however I plan on remixing the tracks).

I feel like pre-planning these things would give me more time to think about the entire set as a whole.

It’s spot on. Playing your own remixes is a great idea – it’s not about doing it all live for the sake of it. How many DJs prepare their own versions of songs before gigs? Not many, because not many can! Follow your musical instincts and do it.

That’s exactly what you should do. They might only be little edits here and there but it adds a touch of uniqueness to your mix.

I do the same thing myself occasionally.

pilotmike327, post: 2876 wrote: I know this is gonna sound ubernoobz but I’m very curious.

Is it cheating to remix a track before going out to play live. For example, I’m listening to the Thomas Gold Remix of Lady Gaga’s Judas and I think using the ‘Judas Judaaas’ vocal part that Gaga does in the original would be a great sample before the drop. Another example (which would be much more noticeable) is the Noise In Da House track that has a great tech house remix. I’ve heard the original and tech house remix and think that creating a new track from those two would give me an excellent bridge track from house to tech house or vice versa (however I plan on remixing the tracks).

I feel like pre-planning these things would give me more time to think about the entire set as a whole.

Anything I ‘Do’ to a Track to make it ‘Different From The Original’; for instance Adding Vocals as you are suggesting; is what I call a ‘DJ Edit’; and is Perfectly Reasonable;
Pre-Planning a Set is also Perfectly Reasonable; even if it doesn’t go the way we ‘Planned’; 80% of it ‘May’ :);
Recording your ‘DJ Edit’ to .wav or 320 MP3 Before your Gig; and then Taking it With You; is No Different to taking a Lady Gaga Track in the Same Format;
Feel Proud that you have Created Something ‘Unique; and Keep Doing It;
I can Guarantee that when the Crowd ‘Think’ they know the ins and outs of a Track; but Suddenly hear a Vocal from another Track; they will be Both Pleased and Impressed (as long as it Fits Well :));