What should I do differently?

What should I do differently?
Posted on: 02.04.2011 by Carlene Gingell
I currently sent in a mix to an event manager, and said: "You are really good, but I see many people doing the same thing as you, I want something different" I made a mix recording myself, any ideas on what I should do "differently?"
Delma Tuskey
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Don't always do the same thing - try to mix it up. Some tracks lend themselves to quick choppy blends whereas others sound better playing together for minutes on end.

I didnt know many of the tracks as it's not my style of music but someone has said don't play big hit after big hit. Anyone can do that by grabbing the latest "hits" CD's etc.
Try and build a set - by that I mean try and start of slow and build it up to a "peak"
Spend some time crate digging and going as far back in your chosen genre and listening to as much as you can.

Good Luck!!
Demetra Pinizzotto
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Something like that, still with electro it's alot harder to have long mixing points then with tech or minimal house. Might be good to add some variety to the way you do your mix points.

that said, every mix is different, So just see what works best, build up an collection of basic ways your can mix your songs. Figure out which mix works best for wich combination of tracks or genres. And practice!

just my 2 cents
Carlene Gingell
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by joostiisme
I believe you could make your "mix moments" a bit longer and more subtle.
By this I mean, dont fade in or out within 8 counts all the time. Try to make the mix more fluid.
Introduce a specific sound (drum break/riff/special FX) from the next song that every one knows and play it once on a suitable moment. This gives a hint to the next song, and it can be used to build for the drop.

All of this is off course depends on the songs your mixing. If the swing doesnt match, a long fade wont really work.

I hope it's understandable, if not, say so Ill try to clear it up for you.
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Byron Dipple
04.04.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
And that right there is the gospel. You get that stuff by digging for new tunes, spending quality time on various music sites like beatport, traxsource etc. For me it's the funnest, but hardest part of DJ'ing. You go through the just released stuff and listen to all the crap to find that one gem that no one's played yet. Also being 16 it would be smart to go back a few years and find some stuff from three or four year ago that may have been a hit back then. It will probably be fresh to those kids your age and the older people that were around when it was a hit will appreciate you playing familiar tunes.

As far as the video goes it seems your phrasing was off a little at times. Read up on this a little here.

http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/
+1111

I enjoy finding that one gem which took me hours of searching and listening to find than actually playing sometimes lol

03.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
keep in mind im 16 years old, and will be djing for all ages parties in clubs
keep in mind that you probably won't get booked for serious events until you're a bit older. but look on the bright side: that gives you more time to refine your track selection and mixing techniques. We all sucked balls when we started out; just never stop improving.

also, a big +1 on the "how to DJ right" book. although a good DJ will figure this stuff on his own over time, it might go faster if you know what too look for
Leeanna Ayla
03.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
What I mean on the rest of the library is go a bit deeper than the obvious tunes. Your mixing is fine, what I believe the promoter meant is that what you are playing is the same as everyone else. Ultimately club DJs just play other people's music in a logical order, set yourself apart, play some stuff that you like that the non electro fan (like me) wouldn't know. A Dj is defined by his or her music selection to my mind.
And that right there is the gospel. You get that stuff by digging for new tunes, spending quality time on various music sites like beatport, traxsource etc. For me it's the funnest, but hardest part of DJ'ing. You go through the just released stuff and listen to all the crap to find that one gem that no one's played yet. Also being 16 it would be smart to go back a few years and find some stuff from three or four year ago that may have been a hit back then. It will probably be fresh to those kids your age and the older people that were around when it was a hit will appreciate you playing familiar tunes.

As far as the video goes it seems your phrasing was off a little at times. Read up on this a little here.

http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/
Carlene Gingell
03.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
and also if you are going to play a "big" tune wrap the more unknown stuff around it, kinda work toward it through the mix, it definitely gets a bigger response from a crowd than banger after banger.
so get songs that people do not know, wrap it up before and after the main song that you believe everyone knows?
Takisha Hodulik
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
What do you mean by the rest of the library?
expand your library, find your style that makes your sets "YOUR" sets.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
Agreed on the track selection...I don't really care for electro and I know all the songs you played. Next time go with the rest of the library not just the floor fillers. Not a bad mix though
What do you mean by the rest of the library?
Takisha Hodulik
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
did you send him that actual video, or a recording of a mix?

If you sent him that video, I believe the fat that you stepped out for a bit ma have been an issue. But I believe he may have been referring to just the mixing.

I always assume that all promoters and such assume that us DJs know all the mainstream bangers and such. So I always make my mixtapes with songs that I personally like. Doing this shows your overall style and how you are different from the others.

So yeah, I believe it may have been the track selection.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by padi_04
Posting your mix would help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a6DpFlI66o
Nedra Fresneda
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
I currently sent in a mix to an event manager, and said: "You are really good, but I see many people doing the same thing as you, I want something different" I made a mix recording myself, any ideas on what I should do "differently?"
Posting your mix would help.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
I currently sent in a mix to an event manager, and said: "You are really good, but I see many people doing the same thing as you, I want something different" I made a mix recording myself, any ideas on what I should do "differently?"
Delma Tuskey
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Don't always do the same thing - try to mix it up. Some tracks lend themselves to quick choppy blends whereas others sound better playing together for minutes on end.

I didnt know many of the tracks as it's not my style of music but someone has said don't play big hit after big hit. Anyone can do that by grabbing the latest "hits" CD's etc.
Try and build a set - by that I mean try and start of slow and build it up to a "peak"
Spend some time crate digging and going as far back in your chosen genre and listening to as much as you can.

Good Luck!!
Demetra Pinizzotto
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Something like that, still with electro it's alot harder to have long mixing points then with tech or minimal house. Might be good to add some variety to the way you do your mix points.

that said, every mix is different, So just see what works best, build up an collection of basic ways your can mix your songs. Figure out which mix works best for wich combination of tracks or genres. And practice!

just my 2 cents
Carlene Gingell
05.04.2011
Originally Posted by joostiisme
I believe you could make your "mix moments" a bit longer and more subtle.
By this I mean, dont fade in or out within 8 counts all the time. Try to make the mix more fluid.
Introduce a specific sound (drum break/riff/special FX) from the next song that every one knows and play it once on a suitable moment. This gives a hint to the next song, and it can be used to build for the drop.

All of this is off course depends on the songs your mixing. If the swing doesnt match, a long fade wont really work.

I hope it's understandable, if not, say so Ill try to clear it up for you.
so your saying try and make it 16-32 counts?
Demetra Pinizzotto
04.04.2011
I believe you could make your "mix moments" a bit longer and more subtle.
By this I mean, dont fade in or out within 8 counts all the time. Try to make the mix more fluid.
Introduce a specific sound (drum break/riff/special FX) from the next song that every one knows and play it once on a suitable moment. This gives a hint to the next song, and it can be used to build for the drop.

All of this is off course depends on the songs your mixing. If the swing doesnt match, a long fade wont really work.

I hope it's understandable, if not, say so Ill try to clear it up for you.
Byron Dipple
04.04.2011
Originally Posted by photojojo
And that right there is the gospel. You get that stuff by digging for new tunes, spending quality time on various music sites like beatport, traxsource etc. For me it's the funnest, but hardest part of DJ'ing. You go through the just released stuff and listen to all the crap to find that one gem that no one's played yet. Also being 16 it would be smart to go back a few years and find some stuff from three or four year ago that may have been a hit back then. It will probably be fresh to those kids your age and the older people that were around when it was a hit will appreciate you playing familiar tunes.

As far as the video goes it seems your phrasing was off a little at times. Read up on this a little here.

http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/
+1111

I enjoy finding that one gem which took me hours of searching and listening to find than actually playing sometimes lol

03.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
keep in mind im 16 years old, and will be djing for all ages parties in clubs
keep in mind that you probably won't get booked for serious events until you're a bit older. but look on the bright side: that gives you more time to refine your track selection and mixing techniques. We all sucked balls when we started out; just never stop improving.

also, a big +1 on the "how to DJ right" book. although a good DJ will figure this stuff on his own over time, it might go faster if you know what too look for
Brunilda Kora
03.04.2011
In teaching yourself to DJ, you have came to the EXACT same conclusions as every other young DJ out there. And that's why your mix sounds the same as every other mix that this promoter has heard.

Your problem can quickly, and easily be solved.

Read "How to DJ Properly" by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton. (AKA The Bible.)

It includes chapters on EVRYTHING you need to learn to set yourself apart. I won't list it all, but a few things you'll learn about are:

  • Phrasing (ABSOLUTELY VITAL)

  • Tune selection

  • Controlling energy

  • Using effects (when/if/how much)


To be honest, mate - anyone that has not read this book is at a disadvantage to you if you HAVE read it.

So buy it.
Leeanna Ayla
03.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
What I mean on the rest of the library is go a bit deeper than the obvious tunes. Your mixing is fine, what I believe the promoter meant is that what you are playing is the same as everyone else. Ultimately club DJs just play other people's music in a logical order, set yourself apart, play some stuff that you like that the non electro fan (like me) wouldn't know. A Dj is defined by his or her music selection to my mind.
And that right there is the gospel. You get that stuff by digging for new tunes, spending quality time on various music sites like beatport, traxsource etc. For me it's the funnest, but hardest part of DJ'ing. You go through the just released stuff and listen to all the crap to find that one gem that no one's played yet. Also being 16 it would be smart to go back a few years and find some stuff from three or four year ago that may have been a hit back then. It will probably be fresh to those kids your age and the older people that were around when it was a hit will appreciate you playing familiar tunes.

As far as the video goes it seems your phrasing was off a little at times. Read up on this a little here.

http://www.djranking s.com/2009/01/2...e-perfect-mix/
Carlene Gingell
03.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
and also if you are going to play a "big" tune wrap the more unknown stuff around it, kinda work toward it through the mix, it definitely gets a bigger response from a crowd than banger after banger.
so get songs that people do not know, wrap it up before and after the main song that you believe everyone knows?
Joie Cantillon
02.04.2011
and also if you are going to play a "big" tune wrap the more unknown stuff around it, kinda work toward it through the mix, it definitely gets a bigger response from a crowd than banger after banger.
Joie Cantillon
02.04.2011
What I mean on the rest of the library is go a bit deeper than the obvious tunes. Your mixing is fine, what I believe the promoter meant is that what you are playing is the same as everyone else. Ultimately club DJs just play other people's music in a logical order, set yourself apart, play some stuff that you like that the non electro fan (like me) wouldn't know. A Dj is defined by his or her music selection to my mind.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
I thought electro house was "MY" sets, its what I always play :S
Takisha Hodulik
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
What do you mean by the rest of the library?
expand your library, find your style that makes your sets "YOUR" sets.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
keep in mind im 16 years old, and will be djing for all ages parties in clubs
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by bigheadmikelove
Agreed on the track selection...I don't really care for electro and I know all the songs you played. Next time go with the rest of the library not just the floor fillers. Not a bad mix though
What do you mean by the rest of the library?
Joie Cantillon
02.04.2011
Agreed on the track selection...I don't really care for electro and I know all the songs you played. Next time go with the rest of the library not just the floor fillers. Not a bad mix though
Takisha Hodulik
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
did you send him that actual video, or a recording of a mix?

If you sent him that video, I believe the fat that you stepped out for a bit ma have been an issue. But I believe he may have been referring to just the mixing.

I always assume that all promoters and such assume that us DJs know all the mainstream bangers and such. So I always make my mixtapes with songs that I personally like. Doing this shows your overall style and how you are different from the others.

So yeah, I believe it may have been the track selection.
Carlene Gingell
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by padi_04
Posting your mix would help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a6DpFlI66o
Nedra Fresneda
02.04.2011
Originally Posted by EsJay
I currently sent in a mix to an event manager, and said: "You are really good, but I see many people doing the same thing as you, I want something different" I made a mix recording myself, any ideas on what I should do "differently?"
Posting your mix would help.

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