Starting out slow

Before you can even identify your DJing equipment by name and function, one of your major attractions to DJing is very likely the art of mixing. How can you mix like a pro? How do you mix correctly? Stop, wait, learn about your DJ equipment and their functions.

You can consider mixing, definitely this is not the be-all and end-all of DJing but it is an integral part of the process that is critical to all you will be doing as a modern DJ. Surrounded by folks ready to party, you have to take them through the motions. Your duty involves steering your mix from high tempo songs that keep dancers moving to down tempo songs.

Beat mixing typically involves switching from one tune to another seamlessly, by arranging them to play at the same speed. As a beginner, this is one of the first skills you have to learn.

1. Ensure both tunes can be mixed

Perhaps one of your first considerations will be identifying songs that can be mixed. Tunes with steady beats and long intros and outros give you just the right feel you need in a mix. Such tunes make it easier for you as you try to line up both tracks while performing. Otherwise, you could find yourself in possession of tracks that just refuse to line up properly despite your best efforts.

DSS yet to get court order on Sowore — Spokesman

2. Know your tracks

Overlaying two tracks will always pose a problem when you do not know the composition of these two tracks. You run the risk of starting the new track too early or too late, thereby creating an energy break. Knowing how one track ends and how the other starts allow you the songs start in a way that compliment themselves. Review your tracks before you begin. Identify the drop points and peak points of each track. This will be an important key to phrasing your songs properly.

3. Keep the volumes level

If you’ve done your homework, you already know how difficult a task it is to find two songs recorded at the same tempo. You will quickly find that too many songs come pre-recorded at different volume levels too. At the same volume level on your mixer, one track could be loud and another soft and almost soundless. When mixing two songs, it is important to know the variation in volumes of both songs and keep them level.

4. Create your own rules

There are simply no rules for mixing. There are no tunes made for each other. There is no exact or perfect mixing point. You must learn the basics of each mixing skill, identify the elements of each tune, and judge which tunes complement each other. Of course, this is no walk in the park. As you learn and perfect your skills, and practise more regularly, you gain the requisite experience needed to identify great complimentary tracks. This wouldn’t be an easy journey – definitely not at the beginning. As you learn, you will gain the confidence needed to create your own rules.

5. Read the keys

The key to identifying two tracks that perfectly fit together can be found in the keys of the tracks. Two songs that have similar notes blend perfectly when mixed, often appearing as though they were meant for each other. Some DJs have a gift that points them to songs that complement themselves, others don’t. Regardless, you will have to learn to identify complementary tracks. Two tracks in the same key or a complimentary key make your mixing seamless. Modern DJ software now has an additional option dedicated to music keys. Make sure to activate that feature on your DJ software.

6. Get creative

Don’t be afraid to alter tracks to give your performance a touch of creative originality. Altering the songs does not equate to ridding it of its purity. The filter, fader, equalizer, loop, and other effect functions are made available for you to shake up the music to your taste. With tons of DJs mixing the same track, there is no difference between you and the next DJ mixing the same songs. Feel free to manipulate the song to make it your own. This is what makes you stand out. This is what makes you unique.

7. Fun is all that matters

You cannot be at the height of your powers without enjoying yourself while performing. There are always high and low performances. Sometimes you will sound great, and sometimes you won’t. Enjoy the highs, celebrate them. Do not let the lows weigh you down. Learn from them. Always play with a smile on your face. This will keep up the fun for you and get you more creative.

My party pace pusher for this week is IVD and Zlatan

– Bolanle