D-Jam
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D-Jam
ParticipantNin, post: 39672, member: 10082 wrote: This was previously mentioned, but the only problem I have with it is that a lot of newbies use it as a crutch to compensate for the fact that they can’t beat match by ear, and don’t learn a lot of the fundamentals of mixing because of this, which in the long run limits one as a DJ.
But other than the scenario I just mentioned, Im cool with the sync button.
That’s why we preach about learning manual simply so they have a backup when the sync fails.
I won’t knock a guy for using sync, but I will if they choose to allow a bad blend to happen or refrain from playing certain tunes because the sync won’t work for it.
ParticipantStart with reading the series on how to succeed as a DJ:
I think the top 40 spots can be “worth it” if you haven’t learned how to read a crowd and play to a crowd. Too many DJs dream of being the big superstar headliner playing the “underground” to a receptive audience, but that takes time and effort to earn that.
You need to start small and find outlets to play for the sheer happiness of it. Seek out online shows or college radio or other local outlets like that to play. Be a regular playing on them, and thus those guys might be tossing your name to promoters or whoever. Plus you’ll get noticed and can slowly build a fan base. Not every DJ outlet requires you being in a booth at a venue.
In the series, I mentioned how you can’t be a hermit and get gigs. In my book this holds true unless you’re producing loads of music and are being noticed for it. Regardless, you should trek out ever week someplace and support the scene. Get to know the locals, etc. You might even want to think weeknight, when the underground “all about the music” events happen. It’s easier to break into that than a weekend event.
Finally, look into local promoters or especially rave promoters. Volunteer to help them promote and learn the business. Read the series on promoting events to learn from this:
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2011/09/how-to-promote-events-throw-your-own-parties-part-1/
I’ve seen many in Central and Southern Illinois go bigger in the rave scene. Join up this Facebook page and follow up on some of the promoters and such. It could be an entry way into some of the Illinois rave scene.
ParticipantYou’re in a hurry to get to the next tune.
Most of the time now I’m blending off the end of a tune. In the past there used to be breaks in the middle, but ever since the late 90s many producers stopped putting them in…mainly because they were tired of their music being chopped short.
I mix usually off the last 1-2 minutes of the end of a tune. It’s enough time to not have it be bland, but not too long so you won’t run into clashes. If a tune seems to play too long, then edit it shorter somehow, but utilize that outro to get a clean blend out.
You also need to unplug sometimes and refresh your brain. Read my tips on when you get the “saturation blues”:
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2012/12/online-music-buying-tips/
ParticipantEss Jay, post: 39339, member: 2540 wrote: Damn, I am normally pretty good at using the search function. Sorry D-Jam
It’s ok. That’s why I’m here. 😉
Ask questions if you have them. Discussion is still a wonderful thing.
ParticipantYeah, I’m going to close this topic up. Please continue this on the other topic. 🙂
http://www.digitaldjtips.com/forum/threads/personal-opinions-on-sync-button.8235/
ParticipantI wrote this a while ago. It might help
ParticipantDJ SpecializED, post: 39289, member: 6929 wrote: i love what dj enferno does in that vid but my main worry with beat machines and midi keyboards is just MORE items that can go wrong. im a mobile guy so flawless execution is a must.
Yeah…but I think if you’re staying within the software and using a good laptop, you’ll be fine. The problems hit those with cheap or very old laptops, or even those running too many programs at once on one machine.
ParticipantI played saxophone for years in grade and high school. DJing wasn’t about musical knowledge, but more a curiosity of music and technology.
I think what really made this time different in terms of me going into production is I’m doing it simply for fun. I’m doing it mainly to learn, grow, have fun, do something “DJ related”…but I’m not looking to “blow up” or “get big”. Maybe when one isn’t pressuring himself/herself to be “perfect” and especially to “be a star”, the creative juices flow.
ParticipantI’m sorry, I put “bad”…and I hate to use terms like that because they sound mean. 🙁
I think the toned down muffled voice will get lost when you drop that in someplace. You should look at DJs you like and even emulate. See how they do drops when they do them. What’s your musical style?
I’d tell you to make drops that sound clear and concise. Add some reverb to the voice if need be. Maybe invest the small amount of money it takes to get a professional to give you a raw/dry recording of the drop so you can tweak it in your own audio editing program. I did that and it’s so worth it. Paid $20-$30 for raw/dry drops and I use them to this day.
Have you seen the article on drops? http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2012/02/dj-drops-guide/
ParticipantPart 3….ideas….is coming. We’re just a bit busy with Musikmesse and all the possible new toys.
Hopefully part 3 will get you thinking in terms of integration into your DJ sets.
Here’s a video though that inspired the series. Might help you in exploration:
[media=youtube]WLuwnAIkD8E[/media]
ParticipantI think the hard pill to swallow is promoters now want ROI.
They want people who bring heads…nothing else. They’ll book Pauly D because he’ll pack the room with fake-looking people who in the promoter’s eyes look better than let’s say a room full of hipsters cheering for their underground act.
Many club promoters want a room full of beautiful-looking people. They want guys who spend loads of money and women who prostitute themselves out to these high rollers. Talent has become less important in that scene compared to popularity.
This is why I tell many of you to build a scene. Margaret Thatcher died today, but I’ll always remember her for the Second Summer of Love and how many people back then built scenes to elevate the UK beyond trendy clubs.
So you guys can accept playing Top-40 like a jukebox in a small bar, or take a chance for something bigger.
ParticipantNietzSKY, post: 39007, member: 4553 wrote: Way to go and ruin my troll D-Jam =P
Some panics need not to be started. 😛
I think Mixmag could have really made this believable if they limited his gigs to LA and LV.
ParticipantIt was an April Fool’s prank.
Here’s the original source…notice the post date:
http://www.mixmag.net/words/news/justin-bieber-to-launch-dj-career-with-ibiza-residency
Do any of you seriously think Ibiza would give a popstar who hasn’t DJed before a residency? If so, then why haven’t Pauly D or Paris Hilton played there?
ParticipantI would think so. You just map the buttons to what you need. As long as Serato DJ can handle multiple controllers, you should be fine.
The real trick is getting your workflow together…meaning WHAT would you control with those buttons, and HOW would you bring that into a normal DJ set.
ParticipantI think if they could put HID on the Maschine and allow it to control remix decks we would see many DJs pick them up to double for simple to complex remixing.
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