I don’t so much “plan” as “organize extensively”. I sort all of my music on the actual hard drive in a fashion that fits my workflow and makes it easy to find the right tune at the right time. For example: My Electro House folder is sorted into lower energy tunes, mid range “grooving along” tunes, trance-y “feel good energy” tunes, and hard heavy bangers.
Each of those folders are then sorted into vocal tracks, instrumental tracks, and recognizable (ie. Top 40) remixes. When playing, I just need too look up the folder for the type of tune I’m feeling like playing.
It’s no substitute for knowing your music of course (though sorting through all those tunes is a good way to get to know them), but it sure helps!
