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First actual 'Gig', some questions for all you veterans

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First actual 'Gig', some questions for all you veterans Posted on: 05.01.2013 by Tonda Koney So this upcoming week I'm getting the opportunity to play my first actual gig at a rather large club. It will be during the weekday and I was informed that the music styles typically include a variety of: house, progressive house, funky-house (???), electro-house, minimalist type tracks, and a bit of dub. That's for Mon-Thurs and on the weekends I guess it's mainly top 40 Dj's SO a couple questions for all you veterans of the club scene, I have NEVER used a CDJ in my life. I know how to operate a standard midi-controller (I own an S2+F1 along with traktor) but have no experience with CDJ's. I've been watching videos on youtube to get the basic idea of how they operate/how to set them up properly, but my question is are there any things people recommend I should be doing in order to prepare myself for CDJ use besides just watching vids and reading the manual or mixing with my controller? ALSO for track selection I'll be playing a pretty early set and was curious as to if anyone could recommend me some minimal/house/progressive house tracks that would be appropriate for the time and vibe of the venue. There's an open bar and a bunch of bottle-service tables, so I want to keep the vibe going strong but not blasting off with Quintino's Epic of course I have the 'House Ambassadors' collection off of beatport along with numerous similar sounding tracks, curious as to whether that would be appropriate? I'm believeing tracks similar to Fedde Le Grand's 'Metrum' would constitute as being played during the "peak" of my set if I'm not mistaken? Last but not least, I'm looking to purchase USB's for the event so I can just plug in and import my mp3's into the CDJ's. Any recommendations or should I take a different approach to doing this?
Tonda Koney 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by Manolo008 You will be just fine! If you can beatmatch by ear/manualy then no worries. Just make sure you got a proper back-up. (cd's / usb / S2) And maybe it is possible to "practice" in the hours the club is not open for guests. Just say you want to do a soundcheck. That looks professional at the same time ;-) When I first visit this blog/community I remember a thread by Ian, can't remember the topic. But he wrote that when you are on holiday or in another country. You should always take oppertunities like these. So well done my friend! And again, you will be just fine! GO! (keep us updated how your gig went) Thank you! I'll do my best to take a video to share if I get the chance as well. Will keep you all updated. thanks for the advice
Tera Baragan 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by DJKyleHughes It's a teen evening my friend When they slay it up and makeout with as many chicks as you can! that was what I remember from my teen evening s at clubs. Happened every month or so for abit until they realized we were all getting obscenely drunk and using it as a makeout orgy! hahahaha I dont condone drinking underage as its illegal.! Have fun tho and just stay calm, go with the flow of the evening .
Noriko Lebowitz 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by AllDay No clubs let in underage kids.. soo nice try? It's a teen evening my friend
Tera Baragan 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by DJKyleHughes Ha I'm in the same exact situation as you! Only difference being that I'm 15 Today I went out and bought an audio 6 so that I could use the club's setup with traktor. (two cdj 1000 mk3s and a DJM 800) Good luck and wish me luck as well! Wouldn't it be funny if we had the same gig? No clubs let in underage kids.. soo nice try?
Darren Teboe 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by thomasbaker I just heard that some club's aren't too fond of having people switch up the gear for whatever reason lol. As someone who used to help run a venue (back when Final Scratch 1 was around), I can tell you that every time you start unplugging wires from an existing setup which is running flawless, you introduce chances of whatever is being brought in to not work right. That in turn is gambling on the flow of the evening and the entertainment of your customers. I know there is arguments to be had and valid points to be raised for both sides, but bottom line is that when you run the evening , why even enter chances for something to go wrong when a good DJ should be able to utilize any tools. disclaimer when you start bringing world renowned DJ/producers who don't use the usual setup, that changes the equation due to name alone.
Tonda Koney 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by Manolo008 You will be just fine! If you can beatmatch by ear/manualy then no worries. Just make sure you got a proper back-up. (cd's / usb / S2) And maybe it is possible to "practice" in the hours the club is not open for guests. Just say you want to do a soundcheck. That looks professional at the same time ;-) When I first visit this blog/community I remember a thread by Ian, can't remember the topic. But he wrote that when you are on holiday or in another country. You should always take oppertunities like these. So well done my friend! And again, you will be just fine! GO! (keep us updated how your gig went) Thank you! I'll do my best to take a video to share if I get the chance as well. Will keep you all updated. thanks for the advice
Delila Vandommelen 06.01.2013	In general, look up the gear and get familiar with I/Os and basic functions. Pictures are a good starting point, feel free to also look up videos and even read the manuals. That way you have an idea of how to hook up to their rig, and should the need arise, you can even use it to some extent. If you've done your homework, basic functions on the CDJs will be very easy to pickup, no matter what model you're up against. I got acquainted with them in person during down time at a handful of gigs messing about with my backup usb sticks while my b2b partner is working and the like. The past few gigs we've done I brought usb sticks with me instead of using DVS to get more familiar with the kit. If that's something you're interested in I definitely suggest you try it ; mess about with the kit on a muted channel when you have a second, and eventually start mixing CDJs in and out along with your usual setup (assuming of course you're comfortable with beatmatching). One thing about that : CDJ 900/2000s will only generate your waveforms in realtime when playing off usb... so you might want to prepare them in Rekordbox beforehand otherwise you'll be flying blind. Be aware that compared to managing files in Traktor, this program is clunky as hell AND it'll shit over whatever directory structure you may have manually created in your usb media (like iTunes can do on import), so you'll really depend on playlists and the search function when working on the CDJs.
Marybeth Viscione 06.01.2013	You will be just fine! If you can beatmatch by ear/manualy then no worries. Just make sure you got a proper back-up. (cd's / usb / S2) And maybe it is possible to "practice" in the hours the club is not open for guests. Just say you want to do a soundcheck. That looks professional at the same time ;-) When I first visit this blog/community I remember a thread by Ian, can't remember the topic. But he wrote that when you are on holiday or in another country. You should always take oppertunities like these. So well done my friend! And again, you will be just fine! GO! (keep us updated how your gig went)
Tera Baragan 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by DJKyleHughes It's a teen evening my friend When they slay it up and makeout with as many chicks as you can! that was what I remember from my teen evening s at clubs. Happened every month or so for abit until they realized we were all getting obscenely drunk and using it as a makeout orgy! hahahaha I dont condone drinking underage as its illegal.! Have fun tho and just stay calm, go with the flow of the evening .
Georgie Lukowiak 06.01.2013	For your first gig , don't let the nerves get to you . Keep it cool and calm . You don't need to start of with an insane live mashup with four different songs going on and effecting them and such . Keep it easy and make sure you focus on the mixing , because in the end , all that matters is good music. About the whole CDJ thing , I recommend you find out what kind of mixer the club has and find an image on google or something , so you can get a basic idea of what the ins and outs are , thus , so you can find the best way to connect your S2 ! Cheers !
Noriko Lebowitz 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by AllDay No clubs let in underage kids.. soo nice try? It's a teen evening my friend
Halley Wurzer 06.01.2013	Sick! Have fun.
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	I'm actually playing at NUNGLEN&ESCOBAR in Bangkok, Thailand. http://www.nunglen.net/ I believe I'm ready to try out the CDJ-2000's, which I just found out that they use and have. I'll be picking up my USB's today so that I can implement them with the CDJ's this week Pretty stoked. I'm here on vacation by the way, don't live here
Tera Baragan 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by DJKyleHughes Ha I'm in the same exact situation as you! Only difference being that I'm 15 Today I went out and bought an audio 6 so that I could use the club's setup with traktor. (two cdj 1000 mk3s and a DJM 800) Good luck and wish me luck as well! Wouldn't it be funny if we had the same gig? No clubs let in underage kids.. soo nice try?
Noriko Lebowitz 05.01.2013	Ha I'm in the same exact situation as you! Only difference being that I'm 15 Today I went out and bought an audio 6 so that I could use the club's setup with traktor. (two cdj 1000 mk3s and a DJM 800) Good luck and wish me luck as well! Wouldn't it be funny if we had the same gig?
Darren Teboe 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by thomasbaker I just heard that some club's aren't too fond of having people switch up the gear for whatever reason lol. As someone who used to help run a venue (back when Final Scratch 1 was around), I can tell you that every time you start unplugging wires from an existing setup which is running flawless, you introduce chances of whatever is being brought in to not work right. That in turn is gambling on the flow of the evening and the entertainment of your customers. I know there is arguments to be had and valid points to be raised for both sides, but bottom line is that when you run the evening , why even enter chances for something to go wrong when a good DJ should be able to utilize any tools. disclaimer when you start bringing world renowned DJ/producers who don't use the usual setup, that changes the equation due to name alone.
Halley Wurzer 05.01.2013	What club?
Carlee Pickard 05.01.2013	As I was reading the first page I realized that no one said something, then everyone said it on the second page! I recently switched from my S4 (I started my DJ'ing with an S4) to CDJ's. And the only big difference for me is the waveforms. You actually have to feel and pay attention to the music that you are spinning. I use CDJ 850's and FUCK watching waveforms on that thing, just gotta REALLY KNOW YOUR TRACKS! Anyway good luck man!
Rolanda Clodfelder 06.01.2013	Originally Posted by thomasbaker Sound advice! Getting a lot of great feedback from everyone thank you I know how to beatmatch by ear and manually, it's just that I've never used the CDJ's before :/ Like I said in my previous post I'm going to talk to the owner on monday about gear and possibly come down during the week to check it out/get a feel for the gear. Anyone recommend using USB's for the CDJ's? If they have CDJ1000's or 800's there is no USB slot to use on them so you'd need to burn the MP3's to CD - 350/400/850/900/2000 and you'll be fine check what gear they have first. Oh and I've used PNY Lovely Attache drives for ages with no issues and they are pretty robust as well - just don't forget them after the gig and burn a few CD's as well just in case.
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by MaxOne Im guessing you cant beatmatch manually? Use your S2 for now but defo learn to beatmatch on it in future. (turn off sync, bpm readout etc). if you cant beatmatch this may take a little while to learn. Once you can beatmatch then hire some cdjs one weekend and practise on them. Then next time you play a gig you can decide to use the cdjs Alternatively, if you know the owner, ask if you can go down before the club opens to get a feel for the gear and have a practice... you'll soon see if they are easy or not for you. Sound advice! Getting a lot of great feedback from everyone thank you I know how to beatmatch by ear and manually, it's just that I've never used the CDJ's before :/ Like I said in my previous post I'm going to talk to the owner on monday about gear and possibly come down during the week to check it out/get a feel for the gear. Anyone recommend using USB's for the CDJ's?
Hipolito Scionti 05.01.2013	Im guessing you cant beatmatch manually? Use your S2 for now but defo learn to beatmatch on it in future. (turn off sync, bpm readout etc). if you cant beatmatch this may take a little while to learn. Once you can beatmatch then hire some cdjs one weekend and practise on them. Then next time you play a gig you can decide to use the cdjs Alternatively, if you know the owner, ask if you can go down before the club opens to get a feel for the gear and have a practice... you'll soon see if they are easy or not for you.
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	I just heard that some club's aren't too fond of having people switch up the gear for whatever reason lol. And Sobi, I've been believeing the same thing, they don't seem all to difficult to use and it would be nice to get the experience.
Matt Kane 05.01.2013	don
Darren Teboe 05.01.2013	If you plan on doing this more, I say don't do what everyone else is saying. Use the club gear , and get used to it. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to use extra options. CDJ's are capable of only having the play, cue, and tempo sliders used. The reason I say this is because you don't always have the luxury of falling back on your own gear . If you have the opportunity to use new things and broaden your base of experience, why wouldn't you use that chance to get experience under your belt instead of staying comfortable?
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by mwn11 I believe if you do use the CDJ's then yowl pick up the controls really fast. The big difference, or at least what i found the big difference was, is running blind. Not have a proper wave form. Either way im sure you'll kill it. Good luck Thank you for the advice! much appreciated! one last question, are most CDJ's USB ready? Would I have to bring my laptop? I'd prefer to just run off of the USB's honestly
Arla Seniw 05.01.2013	I believe if you do use the CDJ's then yowl pick up the controls really fast. The big difference, or at least what i found the big difference was, is running blind. Not have a proper wave form. Either way im sure you'll kill it. Good luck
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by mwn11 Ahh, sorry reading that back it came across aggressive. I just wondered because if they had heard you play before then i presumed thats the kind of music they would be expecting. New gear is always daunting first time you use something, even more if its infront of anybody. Practice on your S2 but turn off the BPM readout and phase meter off screen and turn off quantize and snap. Try not too look at the screen and only use the loop in and loop out buttons. Close as you'll get to emulating CDJ's i believe with an S2 Don't worry I didn't take it as aggressive at all! Good advice here, it's funny cause I don't make use of Traktors features all too often (I know.. I know..) and find myself using the loop in's and out's quiet often. I'll practice with what you mentioned above on my S2's to get a 'feel' for the CDJ's in the event I have to use them
Arla Seniw 05.01.2013	Ahh, sorry reading that back it came across aggressive. I just wondered because if they had heard you play before then i presumed thats the kind of music they would be expecting. New gear is always daunting first time you use something, even more if its infront of anybody. Practice on your S2 but turn off the BPM readout and phase meter off screen and turn off quantize and snap. Try not too look at the screen and only use the loop in and loop out buttons. Close as you'll get to emulating CDJ's i believe with an S2
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by mwn11 Congratz on your first gig. But may i ask how you got it if you're asking people how to use the gear (not a big deal) AND what music to play?! What kind of music do you normally play? Cant you just play that? I have only ever used Traktor alongside my S2+F1 so that is honestly all I know, I was just curious about how to use the CDJ's in the event that I wouldn't be allowed to bring my controller. In regards to what music to play, I typically find myself playing a lot of parties in college with rather younger crowds (150-250 people) and it's easier for me to get away with just playing what I like because I'm comfortable in that environment and setting. At this first gig I'll be on my own and I really feel like catering to the crowd is priority and with such a particular time (around 11 p.m.) the mood will be different than if I were playing a college campus party. I just want to make sure what I'm choosing to play would go over well with a club crowd and that I have all of the appropriate tracks available at my disposal--that's why I was wondering if there we're any recommendations. And as to how I got the gig, someone in my family knows the owner lol. This is essentially a 30min - 1 hour "audition" to see if I am able to play a full set on a busier evening . Typically I play progressive house/electro/house. Similar to Max Vangeli or Alesso's style (not the best example)
Arla Seniw 05.01.2013	Congratz on your first gig. But may i ask how you got it if you're asking people how to use the gear (not a big deal) AND what music to play?! What kind of music do you normally play? Cant you just play that?
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Alright sweet thanks guys if I can I definitely will! As for track selection, does anyone have some good recommendations for house tracks/albums to warm up with? Trying to broaden my selection
Rolanda Clodfelder 05.01.2013	Originally Posted by thomasbaker I'm pretty tech saavy but I'm sure they'll be assuming I know how to operate them and will be looking at me confused if I have no clue ask to what I'm doing as I try to figure stuff out lol. Cue/Play Tempo range, master Pitch and display are really the only ones you need to play a set... dont even bother looking at the rest of the features if its your first evening , perhaps dabble a bit in the headphones on the cue'd deck to get familiar with other bits and bobs. And Agree With Chris - if you are allowed to bring your S2, do it!
Teresia Janusch 05.01.2013	if you have never used CDJs before then dont use them on ur first gig...simples...you wont find a SYNC button lol Just bring your controller
Tonda Koney 05.01.2013	Hey thanks for the reply! Naw I should be able to use my S2's, I was going to ask on Monday whether or not they'll be allowing me to use them. I wanted to just get an idea of how to use CDJ's anyways since they seem to be the industry standard...probably not the best idea at my first gig lol. And I have a bunch of extra time this weekend so I was believeing it might be good to make use of it just incase they for whatever reason don't allow me to use my controller. Are the CDJ's difficult to operate for the first time, I'm pretty tech saavy but I'm sure they'll be assuming I know how to operate them and will be looking at me confused if I have no clue ask to what I'm doing as I try to figure stuff out lol.
Elizabet Sledz 05.01.2013	Honestly, if I were you, I would just bring my S2 with me and plug straight into the mixer that way. Considering that you've never used a CDJ before, you might be fine, but you might also crash and burn with no backup. Nerves are hard enough to deal with with your first time performing, so why not work with what you're comfortable with? Is there any reason you can't run straight off your S2?

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First actual 'Gig', some questions for all you veterans