I agree with everything said so far but I’ll add my two cents worth here also.
I think the style of music that you play also has some bearing into the way you mix.
Whilst some elements are universal, for example being on beat, there are other techniques
that work for some styles but not others.
The next point I’d make is that there are many elements to a track, BPM, key, phrasing
etc and these all need to be considered when you’re trying to blend two pieces of music
together. One thing to try is experimenting with the EQ’s,for example have the low EQ
killed on the track your bringing in and see how it matches with the track your playing.
When starting out I think focusing on EQ’s is far more important than using effects.
The other point is track selection…some tracks no matter what you try just won’t work
together, but this is still a great learning tool because the important thing is to recognise it and
ask yourself why not ? Over time getting a “feel” for what works and doesn’t will become
like second nature and your ears will tell you pretty much straight away.
Sorry for rambling on a bit here, but my last and most important point (this is how I learnt) find sets
or mixes of your favourite DJ and just listen….listen over and over again to the transitions and how they
bring tracks in. Whether it’s a seamless smooth blend, a sudden drop, a complete kill or vocals
of the second track over the bass line of the first etc . If your into progressive/tribal/trance than my suggestion
would be Armin Van Buuren’s Year Mix compilations. Each CD has around 60 tracks which go for
around 2 mins each so its basically transition after transition.
Lastly, there’s no right or wrong. The beauty of out art is that you can stamp your own personal style on it,
so whilst there are a few fundamental basics, just enjoy yourself and go for it ! Good luck with it !
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