whats the best way to actually become decent and be good enough to play at parties??i know youwill say practice but is there any good books that would help with all the stuff on the mixer and so on...???thanks
2006-12-17 04:32:52 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Ello ello ello,
I bet it's killing you having all your gear and not being able to listen! Headphones for now I suppose...
As you know deep down, it's all about practise - although there are a few ways to accelerate the process.
Run through the manuals of your gear - especially now when you can't actually play with it all properly. You may well find hidden or not-so-obvious features - especially with the mixer.
Dig out your favourite mixed compilations and really LISTEN to them - figure out why that mix is so sweet, or how the hell he got the bassline of that tune with the vocals from another. Get an ear for what works and, more importantly, what YOU like.
Also, really listen to your own tunes. You may even make little post-it notes for each one i.e. Long intro, acapella, tempo change etc, so you will have a better idea about what records go well with each other and be better equipped to deal with the inevitable soundclashes.
Now there are good books about how to mix but you may prefer a DVD. Try Hard to Find Records (htfr.com) they have a wide selection of DJ tips and tricks DVDs. Then you can mix and scratch along with the guy on your telly and learn a few different scratch methods and more advanced DJ techniques. Get some battle wax while you're there - records full of weird noises and samples made purely for scratching with. I recommend Cutmaster Swift's series and the Breakers Yard series.
Join the forums at breakbeat.co.uk for more tips and links to online movies. Obviously YouTube.com is another good source. Search for "DJ tutorial" - there are loads on there.
But remember, it's not about being "good enough" to play at parties, it's about finding your own groove, being happy in what you do - relax and have fun and your audience will too. No-one will care about the occasional imperfect mix if your personality and passion shines through...
Welcome to the brotherhood
Peace
KaiBosh
2006-12-17 05:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by KaiBosh 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just have a good ear, and know what records will work well together.
I think most of it is trial and error.
Also listen to as many mix CD's as possible and get a feel for the music.
I don't know of any books available.
2006-12-17 12:47:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been a dj for 21 yrs now, & practice does make perfect although if you live in Birmingham I would be willing to teach you all that I know for free.
2006-12-17 12:46:10 · answer #3 · answered by Because I Said So 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah my hubby is a d j and guess what practice makes perfect
2006-12-17 12:38:28 · answer #4 · answered by ann n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋