Thank you for "sharing the knowledge"! I agree with you on knowing your music! I'm new to DJ-ing but here's my approach to prepping a set. What works for me is the rule of three: while practicing at home, I create mini crates of 3 or so songs that go together (key, tempo, genre, energy). Then I select which crates to play music from based on the vibe of the dance floor. That way I can... 1. Switch vibes quickly. 2. Have an idea of what song to mix next. 2. Be familiar and confident with transitions. 3. Experience less anxiety of whether a song matches the next. The crates of three aren't the end all be all though. I try to be open and free, but do it through familiar territory. Kinda like organized chaos. HAHA! Thanks again for sharing.
"Feelers" are the most important songs to have. You start playing and warming the crowd up and put out a few feelers. The reaction to those songs dictates the direction you go for the rest of the night. You are absolutely 100% correct that the DJ needs to KNOW his music, how to bring it in, where the break is and the best place to get out of the song. If it has a good hook or break, know them and how to use them to your advantage to pump the crowd to 110%. I always think of DJ'ing as a chess game, always think 3 songs ahead.
Its nice to see a true pioneer in the dj community give back. Share the knowledge. That's dope. I been djing since Grand Master flash made his first single. Born an bread in the Bronx. I never really took my skillz to the next level cause I had to be a dad. But do your thing. Dj. TLM . Count me in. im going to make a come back with my son. You have inspired me to come on board with this spread the knowledge. Keep them videos coming. You'll hear about me soon. Peace to all the deejays out there. Stay in the mix.
Hi guys, I've been extremely busy with different projects, gigs and private life and as a result I was not able to make new video's in the last two weeks. I'm back in the lab right now and the new video's are dropping asap! Thanks for the support and patience. TLM
TLM, Just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos and they really help a lot. I did a new years house party for a friend. Even though it a small crowd of about 30 people, for about 1 hour every song that I played hit! Dude every time a dropped a song everyone in the crowd pointed at me...it was the most amazing feeling I ever had as a DJ! As a 41 year old who has been doing this for hobby for about 2 years, it makes you think "Dam....what if I REALLY put some time into this!!!" Anyway, please keep up the hard work. You are very much appreciated. One love from ATL.
First off, I'm a newbie to the world of djing, an I have to say thus far your channel is one of the ones I find to be the most informative an streate to the point, an ofcouase I learned something in the process. Thanks
Great video as always, TLM. An additional consideration for those DJing in clubs (and a case against "total mix preparation"), which pertains to the business-side of DJing: if everyone is on the dance floor, no one is at the bar buying drinks. While every DJ loves to see a full dancefloor, it is important to keep club owners happy by throwing in some sedated tracks that will send people to the bar (because while clubs care about good tunes, they care even more about liquor sales!).
Thanks for the input. That's an interesting theory that i have never heard before. I don't know if I agree with it. It's true that the venue wants to have good sales at the bar, but it shouldn't be the DJ's responsibility to "send" people to the bar. I think it depends on the length of your set. If you have 1 hour (prime time) you should focus on making the crowd dance their ass off. If you're playing for a couple of hours, you should always make shure that you give the crowd a couple of moments to "breathe" so you don't go full throttle non stop. I wouldn't call it sedated tracks, but I understand what you mean.
djTLMtv Thanks for the reply, TLM. I think you understand this gist of what I'm saying...it mainly pertains to DJs playing the whole night, rather than a one-hour primetime set. I've found the use of "breather" songs especially important as a DJ/promoter, as bar sales are ultimately tied to my revenues as well!
Shawn Byron Beckett I agree, sometimes I have events where there is no admission fee. Then I'm paid from the bar so even though I may not always play breather songs sometimes when you switch genres you can have the same result with some patrons going to the bar.
Great video lots of really good points! Part of what I do for preparing for gigs is making sure I have all my cue points and loops ready. It can get pretty stressful having to set them on the fly and it's pretty essential to make sure tracks don't overlap. I also like to make sure I update my songs, especially if your a mobile dj that doesn't dj on a consistent basis there might be new songs your missing out on.
Once again very good info, the way I preparing for my sets, to be honest it's more like when I start preparing for the event. I start preparing the moment you sign the contract and give me that 25% deposit. I start from the type of event, length and anything that needs to be added in the event ect. thanks, speeches things like that. I try to get the host to get me a playlist, now remember I my start 6 months before and music will change, but you have a basic ideal of what type music they want. Once I get the playlist I may do mock shows, maybe 4 or 5 depending on time so I have a ideal of when and what to mix. As to the flow, I mostly do events and parties that have people from little kids to great grand parents. What's works for me is what I call the time machine effect, that's where I start from way bad, maybe some Sam Cooke, little Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. The reason for that is to get the older crowd in the mix up and dancing. From there I come up in time and go back in time. I do this by using my eyes, by not only seeing who's on the dance floor but who is not. Sometime I use the little kids, give them a mike and play a Micheal Jackson song. Don't know why but females love seeing cute little kids dancing. At that point I turn on the bubbles and smoke machine and break out with a line dance. After that the older folks seem to thin out, little kids are tired out and then you can bust out for the youngins lol. Just a point on what works for me at this type of events DJ BIGDADDIE
This definitely helped me out . im still new to Djing and so far ive learned that a lot of you guys thats been doing your craft for years have different and amazing styles and i hope be on that level one day
Thanks for the input and perspective. I generally work the same way you do, I prep generally for the night based on genre specifications and tracks I know I want to play or will fit the night. Thanks for the great videos!
This was a question that was asked by a fellow House DJ. I can only answer for me. I have a monthly radio show, I often asked to be featured on other radios shows and I have a gig line up in March 2019. I prepare my sets. That what works for me. I am still young in the DJ game and don't gig regularly. It also helps me in case I have a second or headliner spot. You want to be certain you have the right tracks, cued up and you know when to make your transition. That comes with preparation and practice. Plus, I find it fun creating a set and allowing others to hear what I came up with.
I like your videos thanks,would be very interesting to see the video you mentioned about organising crates and playlists,I know there are various ways to do this and everyone's way is different but would like to see how you organise yours?
Thanks for this video. U are straight to the point.Some Events are nightmares if Event Organizers do not give you full details of crowd. I just forwarded this to my partner
I play a very open format typically, from a bit of country and blues, to some classic rock, funk and disco, 80s, hip hop and rap, modern pop and edm, and everything in between. ... so I have crates set up , but I frequently use the prepare tab/section within Serato for my sets... this works well to prep a few tracks to get started, and then add tracks to the list that I'm not playing right away, but I think will work well based on crowd reactions to tracks I have played or am playing at the moment... kind of like bringing 3 crates of records to a gig, and then pulling records out of those crates and stacking them on the table next to the decks... you've still got the crates behind you on the table/floor, but the ones you're most likely to play are sitting right there in front of you.... I also work up small "mini-mixes" , where I have certain pairs or small groups of tracks that fit really well together and I usually play them as a group of tracks when I play them, some of these I have practiced a few different ways of mixing or transitioning these track quite a bit as well... not quite developing into a DJ routine just yet... but I'm working up to that as my skills develop more... thanks again for all u do, keep shining bro...
Also I have a ton of crates with certain joints that I like to play and I made all the crates interchangeable so that I could freestyle from the crates. They're all types of genres in them so I'll put certain tracks in the crate that will allow me fuse the genre's together without the help of an effect like an echo,loop or sample. But some times it's good to use one of those three because it will allow you to throw a banger on from the very beginning and get that OOHHH SHIITTT out of the crowd. By the way rocked my saturday session with you. Wife was impressed with the way my cuts are coming along. Hoping to get to your level. gonna see if I film the next one and put it up for some critique. Keep the good shit coming fam!!!
def helpful (all your videos). still on the look out for tips on how to mix songs where both have vocals playing dor example mixing during the hook. i have been playing at the base clubs where im stationed. most of the songs i play are current hip hop and old school hip hop but i find myself going from song to song where lyrics are there and im keep trying to think of clever or non jumbled sounding ways to mix....keep killing it with these videos....all of them are good
I will make some example tracks with hooks to use for the video because i can't use any music that i don't own due to copyrights. But do you run into this problem a lot? Because most songs do not start with vocals.
well most of the newer songs have very short intros, and no breaks so i end up having to slam them over quicker than i would like. plus i hear other djs and i feel like they have ways to play with lyrics on both tracks and it not sound sloppy. just looking for ideas. i really like the style of dj that you do and think your advice is very realistic and helpful
When I first started out I would just write a list of songs I liked and play them, jumping around here and there, super flexible. Then I moved to listing songs by "type" or "genre" or "mood," so I could mix within smaller chunks of songs. THEN I went to full out planning entire sets by BPM and time of night/energy etc. etc. Honestly I think it's about finding the style you really prefer as a DJ, and testing out various set planning strategies for live audiences to see what suits you the best.
Thanks. Here are a couple of links. You can find more on my channel page. Check the playlists. DJ TLM @ Classic Material (90's R&B set) DJ TLM - Classic Cutterz set for Planet Black Beats DJ TLM - New Jack Swing @ Set It Off (June 4th) DJ TLM @ Classic Material (Dancehall set)
You can forget about the first link. UA-cam removed the audio ;( That's why I only use my own material on this channel because I want to make sure they can't do that to one of my djTLMtv video's.
Appreciate it so much DJTLM... Thanks for the knowledge... You're no.1 DJ for me... with your video, you inspired a lot people including myself... more power to you bro... "share the knowledge"
Great video, I'm learning to dj and have stared watching your channels. I understand everything your saying and you make it very easy for me to learn the art of djing! I have a pioneer DDj-SX and love it , still working on beat matching and knowing my music. Thanks for you're videos!
And that's the reason why i love Dj Jazzy Jeff. He's just everywhere when he plays music (except EDM i believe so) This video gives a lot of info Dj TLM. All i thought before was there is gotta be a planned set for each night. Now, i gotta practise bringing songs freestyled.
Hey DJ TLM, first things first. Your videos are great. Nice and easy to watch. Thank you for sharing your skills and thoughts. I work with Serato since two years, after i purchased the Numark NS6. I like the uncomplicated layout much more than Traktor. Anyway, i got a hint for preparing tracks in Serato. I analysed all my tracks with a software who find the key of the songs. After that, i created 24 crates and named them 1a, 2a, 3a and so on. The same with 1b, etc. And with the crate rules the tracks are automaticly filled in. Because of this system my mixes are really harmonical and i get new ideas which songs i can play next. Maybe you or some of your fans can use this for his own. Bye the way ... the video about old and new djs is awesome. I think the same way. Best Regards, Dennis
I usually start my sets out at my spot with some of that lounge house music because it's usually dead and people are still coming in. once I see it getting a lil crowded then come in with some top 40's and that edm shit(which I hate). By that time people are getting some drinks in them and start vibin and partying. the I'll hit some merengue and from their it's freestyling the rest of the night. Jumping from hip hop,r&b,reggae,funk soul classics,njs,salsa,etc etc. just genre jumping the whole night. Always works. But like you said their are certain ways to play depending on the venue and you have to know when and how to do it. Great to spread the word so younger cats can be successful in this game.
i just discovered you today. I even suscribed because I really appreciate you sharing you knowledge. It will really help me in the future. im a new mobile dj and i will surely use ur tips. MERCI BEAUCOUP.
Yes indeed! If i do more mix video's like the ones in the description, i will post those on my site, but i am doing performance video's with my own material on this channel this year. I can't post anything i don't own on this channel because of copyright issues. That's why i only use my own beats here
I'm a very new at this and I have not played a club or been a warm up DJ but what I've done is birthday parties and weddings and music selection have always been on the top of my list what do I play so this is what I've done so far I would meet with my clients with ipad and speakers in hand play some music and get a feel for what they want I don't know if this a good thing or bad but it's working for me
Great video! I have a question though. For the beginner DJ, How exactly do you "Read a Crowd"? Are you looking for certain cues from the people in the audience? What are those cues?
To keep it real basic: if they stop moving/dancing or start leaving the dance floor, then the song(s) selection isn't working. There's way more depth to 'reading the crowd' so i might have to do a video. Too many nuances to put in one post ;)
Hi!, I'm from Trinidad & Tobago and I'm not a DJ, but.., I dream about it. For five years I've been experimenting with the free Virtual DJ (trial version). I've never had a mixer, controller or any other type of equipment due to my terrible financial situation but, I'm really anxious to ''Step Up''. So much so, that I'm about to purchase a Vestax Typhoon (second hand) next week. I figure that with no experience and ''tight'' funds, I better take one small step at a time (pun not intended but, it's all good). Anyway, I think that your videos are very educational and on point and I know that they'll be very helpful to me and many other people. I also want you to know that you are highly respected by me (at least), for taking the time to do these videos and making them available to the public (and for free too). This respect is fuelled by, what seems to be your, ''MOTTO'', ''Share The Knowledge''. This makes me feel inspired to share any knowledge or skill that I may pickup from you or otherwise, with anyone genuinely showing interest. So, love, respect and many thanks to DJ TLM and djTLMtv. Yours truly, Roger.
cant go wrong with a typhoon I will tell you one true thing though If your learning to DJ you want to get onto using industry standard gear as soon as you can. Find a DJ buddy who owns gear and is willing to let you Jam on there gear. ie pioneer Cdjs. The reason for this is it will help you develop your skillset as far as beatmatching goes since there isnt the crutch of sync or software, you ahve to use your ears this will increase your abilities ten fold and youll avhe the basics nailed also when you walk into your first gig with CDJS sitting infront of you youll know what your using. I learnt on a Controller I DJ in a club on CDJs and im learning turntabilism skills on vinyl put the time and effort in to get the basics down and most of all play to your crowd its a service industry. If you do these things you'll be successful.
kent spence Hi. Thanks for the info. So, I got the Typhoon and I'm terribly disappointed. First of all, the Virtual DJ software that came with it has very limited capabilities. It also keeps freezing during performance. Once this happens, I can't use my free version (vdj) either since becomes disabled. So, I've long disconnected it, (the Typhoon) thrown it in a corner (never to be used again), uninstalled the software and started back using my free version of vdj. I'm now doing some research to find a Pioneer controller that suites my needs. Once again, thanks for the info.
DJ TLM I like the beat you used on the latest tutorials with that mellow sound to it,Your channel is one of the most insightful on the web,Maybe opening up doors to MCs on a dope beat youve produced might be interesting.I have been producing beats for a little while(for the love of it :) and the best ones can be so universal in that deja vu feel..its at that moment you feel inline with everything. DJing isthe same feel, Im thinking of even throwing an MC UNANNOUNCED as part of a mix (smoke and Lighting) In and out as part of the mix...Fresh Unknown and solid with a slick beat and awesome outro mix..Crowds going 'What just happened?'
Thanks. MC's are free to use the beats that i make available in the download section. It's always dope if you can add extra elements to your show and an (good) MC can add energy to your set
I´m djing for about 13 years and could not agree more with Dj TLM. At the Club I allways do freestyle. already tried to prepare a DJ set for the whole night but halfway through I had to abandon that idea and do freestyle. As he said, you have to read the crowd. When a do a podcast in this case I prepare all the dj set before, sometimes i make some changes in the middle but in general i´ll stay on the playlist.
Hello TLM, first I want to say nuff respect!!! You the man. I wanted to ask if there is a way to make all the songs I play the same volume/level. I use Serato and virtual dj, is there a setting or something in the software, or this something you do manually as you play. I see a lot of the big dj's live,on videos and I don't see them messing with the levels but there songs are all at same level all the time.
Can you make a video giving insight into how you prepare a routine? I mean a short battle style routine... When it comes to sets, I prepare crates of music in Serato for the night, and also look for mini-mixes of 2-4 tracks within those crates while practicing... My goal is to have an intro and some bits for later in the set that are pre-practiced, and then to let the set flow freely from within my crates. Thanks for the videos.... Keep shining my friend, Moonshadow
Thanks for the video, clear as always TLM ;) However, one thing that I I know as a Club Dj in Sweden (which of course applies to wherever you are world) is that most nightclubs has a "profile" that you need to work with. Some clubs play underground only, and have a non-cheesy music" policy, some only play nostalgia and others mostly radio. Be sure to ask before you play at a new club (or venue) what they wish you to play and work from that. Not only will the night flow better but the club personel (manager) will most likely be very happy with you and ask you to come back. Works every time. //Felix Persson AKA FLX
Thanks for the jnfo. well put. I'm DJ Tiz and I've been playing off and on since 1977. I'm gonna subscribe and be proactive in your videos as far as comments. thanks.
I want to add up, that you can also prepare the music set/s the following way/s. It applies to the djs doing long sets, you can do the reading the crowd type of music selection like during the warm up and closing sets, at the same time have a pre-set ready for the high peak moment (for me the high peak moment you don't really want to be looking what to play next) I find this very useful and makes you look good as a dj.
Hey! my name is Dj Red-G, and my question you probably answered i recently purchase a pioneer ddj-sb and i'm in the process of changing from CD to Digital my question is how is the best way to organize your crate for fast and easy access
I mad a video 2 years ago and you can watch it here: Tutorial: how to make and use cue points (by DJ TLM) If you still have any questions just let me know.
Thank you for "sharing the knowledge"! I agree with you on knowing your music! I'm new to DJ-ing but here's my approach to prepping a set.
What works for me is the rule of three: while practicing at home, I create mini crates of 3 or so songs that go together (key, tempo, genre, energy). Then I select which crates to play music from based on the vibe of the dance floor.
That way I can...
1. Switch vibes quickly.
2. Have an idea of what song to mix next.
2. Be familiar and confident with transitions.
3. Experience less anxiety of whether a song matches the next.
The crates of three aren't the end all be all though. I try to be open and free, but do it through familiar territory. Kinda like organized chaos. HAHA!
Thanks again for sharing.
"Feelers" are the most important songs to have. You start playing and warming the crowd up and put out a few feelers. The reaction to those songs dictates the direction you go for the rest of the night. You are absolutely 100% correct that the DJ needs to KNOW his music, how to bring it in, where the break is and the best place to get out of the song. If it has a good hook or break, know them and how to use them to your advantage to pump the crowd to 110%. I always think of DJ'ing as a chess game, always think 3 songs ahead.
Its nice to see a true pioneer in the dj community give back. Share the knowledge. That's dope. I been djing since Grand Master flash made his first single. Born an bread in the Bronx. I never really took my skillz to the next level cause I had to be a dad. But do your thing. Dj. TLM . Count me in. im going to make a come back with my son. You have inspired me to come on board with this spread the knowledge. Keep them videos coming. You'll hear about me soon. Peace to all the deejays out there. Stay in the mix.
Hi guys,
I've been extremely busy with different projects, gigs and private life and as a result I was not able to make new video's in the last two weeks. I'm back in the lab right now and the new video's are dropping asap!
Thanks for the support and patience.
TLM
djTLMtv o
djTLMtv I know I’m late but thanks for posting this!
TLM, Just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos and they really help a lot. I did a new years house party for a friend. Even though it a small crowd of about 30 people, for about 1 hour every song that I played hit! Dude every time a dropped a song everyone in the crowd pointed at me...it was the most amazing feeling I ever had as a DJ! As a 41 year old who has been doing this for hobby for about 2 years, it makes you think "Dam....what if I REALLY put some time into this!!!" Anyway, please keep up the hard work. You are very much appreciated. One love from ATL.
Best feeling in the world :)
First off, I'm a newbie to the world of djing, an I have to say thus far your channel is one of the ones I find to be the most informative an streate to the point, an ofcouase I learned something in the process. Thanks
DJ TLM is strait up!
Been watching for years man, just coming back and re-watching for inspiration… keep it going, Saturday sessions are dope.
Thanks! I’m dropping a new Saturday Sessions later in the week👊🏾
Your tutorial are some of the best on UA-cam keep them coming!!! And thanks for all help is appreciate
You are an inspiration not only as a DJ but what you are doing with your website and videos. I look forward to what 2014 brings!!!
Great video as always, TLM. An additional consideration for those DJing in clubs (and a case against "total mix preparation"), which pertains to the business-side of DJing: if everyone is on the dance floor, no one is at the bar buying drinks. While every DJ loves to see a full dancefloor, it is important to keep club owners happy by throwing in some sedated tracks that will send people to the bar (because while clubs care about good tunes, they care even more about liquor sales!).
Thanks for the input. That's an interesting theory that i have never heard before. I don't know if I agree with it. It's true that the venue wants to have good sales at the bar, but it shouldn't be the DJ's responsibility to "send" people to the bar.
I think it depends on the length of your set. If you have 1 hour (prime time) you should focus on making the crowd dance their ass off. If you're playing for a couple of hours, you should always make shure that you give the crowd a couple of moments to "breathe" so you don't go full throttle non stop. I wouldn't call it sedated tracks, but I understand what you mean.
djTLMtv Thanks for the reply, TLM. I think you understand this gist of what I'm saying...it mainly pertains to DJs playing the whole night, rather than a one-hour primetime set. I've found the use of "breather" songs especially important as a DJ/promoter, as bar sales are ultimately tied to my revenues as well!
Shawn Byron Beckett
I agree, sometimes I have events where there is no admission fee. Then I'm paid from the bar so even though I may not always play breather songs sometimes when you switch genres you can have the same result with some patrons going to the bar.
Thank you for your videos, your teaching is very accurate and I have to say that I learned a lot from you.
Once again thanks for sharing this!!
Great video lots of really good points! Part of what I do for preparing for gigs is making sure I have all my cue points and loops ready. It can get pretty stressful having to set them on the fly and it's pretty essential to make sure tracks don't overlap. I also like to make sure I update my songs, especially if your a mobile dj that doesn't dj on a consistent basis there might be new songs your missing out on.
THANX djTLMtv!!!!You do great job!!!
Peace Love and Respect from Belgrade Serbia!
Just starting out as DJ, so I'm going through your older video's. So happy they are here. This and all of your video's have helped me. Thanks!
Excellent advice bro. Thanks for confirming that some of my practices for preparation are ok. Great videos
Thanks berry much I am a new Dj and this was berry helpful keep it up bro make more vids please
Awesome Video.... I am now currently trying to get back on the Djing Scene after 5 years. I need all the motivation and tips I can get. Thanks!!!
Once again very good info, the way I preparing for my sets, to be honest it's more like when I start preparing for the event. I start preparing the moment you sign the contract and give me that 25% deposit. I start from the type of event, length and anything that needs to be added in the event ect. thanks, speeches things like that. I try to get the host to get me a playlist, now remember I my start 6 months before and music will change, but you have a basic ideal of what type music they want. Once I get the playlist I may do mock shows, maybe 4 or 5 depending on time so I have a ideal of when and what to mix. As to the flow, I mostly do events and parties that have people from little kids to great grand parents. What's works for me is what I call the time machine effect, that's where I start from way bad, maybe some Sam Cooke, little Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. The reason for that is to get the older crowd in the mix up and dancing. From there I come up in time and go back in time. I do this by using my eyes, by not only seeing who's on the dance floor but who is not. Sometime I use the little kids, give them a mike and play a Micheal Jackson song. Don't know why but females love seeing cute little kids dancing. At that point I turn on the bubbles and smoke machine and break out with a line dance. After that the older folks seem to thin out, little kids are tired out and then you can bust out for the youngins lol. Just a point on what works for me at this type of events
DJ BIGDADDIE
This definitely helped me out . im still new to Djing and so far ive learned that a lot of you guys thats been doing your craft for years have different and amazing styles and i hope be on that level one day
Keep it up👍🏾
You give awesome tips keep up the good work Dj Tlm
With more than 25years djing…i liked your take on being Prepared….
Your putting in a lot of work for the community. Thanks for the videos!
Great advice!!!!
Thanks
Share The Knowledge S.T.K. That's right keep up the good work
What TLM said at 8:44 was definitely the truth right there. I was nervous as hell at my first gig and messed up a few times during my transitions.
Great video boss... Everything you said is right on the money.. keep sharing
Love these videos!!
Thanks for the input and perspective. I generally work the same way you do, I prep generally for the night based on genre specifications and tracks I know I want to play or will fit the night. Thanks for the great videos!
Might have my first club gig in 17 years, this Thursday. Im glad I have your vids to turn to for all my worries. Appreciate that bro!
This was a question that was asked by a fellow House DJ. I can only answer for me. I have a monthly radio show, I often asked to be featured on other radios shows and I have a gig line up in March 2019. I prepare my sets. That what works for me. I am still young in the DJ game and don't gig regularly. It also helps me in case I have a second or headliner spot. You want to be certain you have the right tracks, cued up and you know when to make your transition. That comes with preparation and practice. Plus, I find it fun creating a set and allowing others to hear what I came up with.
I feel you. I have the same methodology, but one thing that I do practice is tempo transition, takes a little more thinking for me. Cool video
This video has been a perfect lesson. Thanks DJTLM!
Wanting to DJ & doing my research. Came across your channel & love it. Love the info & attitude!!
djTLM is solid. share the knowledge and continue to be an inspiration
You're a really good teacher and advisor
Everything you said made sense sir...thanks..
Thanks for the tips & inspirations!!!
I like your videos thanks,would be very interesting to see the video you mentioned about organising crates and playlists,I know there are various ways to do this and everyone's way is different but would like to see how you organise yours?
Thank you for all your videos you are a good teacher excellent dj
Thanks for this video. U are straight to the point.Some Events are nightmares if Event Organizers do not give you full details of crowd. I just forwarded this to my partner
Thank you.... i have picked up alot on this ....im a freestyle dj and just that most times i still search for a track at the spur of the moment .
Very helpful djTLMtv thanks!
Good one.
I play a very open format typically, from a bit of country and blues, to some classic rock, funk and disco, 80s, hip hop and rap, modern pop and edm, and everything in between. ... so I have crates set up , but I frequently use the prepare tab/section within Serato for my sets... this works well to prep a few tracks to get started, and then add tracks to the list that I'm not playing right away, but I think will work well based on crowd reactions to tracks I have played or am playing at the moment...
kind of like bringing 3 crates of records to a gig, and then pulling records out of those crates and stacking them on the table next to the decks... you've still got the crates behind you on the table/floor, but the ones you're most likely to play are sitting right there in front of you....
I also work up small "mini-mixes" , where I have certain pairs or small groups of tracks that fit really well together and I usually play them as a group of tracks when I play them, some of these I have practiced a few different ways of mixing or transitioning these track quite a bit as well... not quite developing into a DJ routine just yet... but I'm working up to that as my skills develop more...
thanks again for all u do, keep shining bro...
Also I have a ton of crates with certain joints that I like to play and I made all the crates interchangeable so that I could freestyle from the crates. They're all types of genres in them so I'll put certain tracks in the crate that will allow me fuse the genre's together without the help of an effect like an echo,loop or sample. But some times it's good to use one of those three because it will allow you to throw a banger on from the very beginning and get that OOHHH SHIITTT out of the crowd. By the way rocked my saturday session with you. Wife was impressed with the way my cuts are coming along. Hoping to get to your level. gonna see if I film the next one and put it up for some critique. Keep the good shit coming fam!!!
Thanks for your videos!!! I plan to be the best DJ in town one day and your videos are definitely helping. Keep up the good work!
Thanks I needed this video. I like your page now I kno where go 2 get that help I need thanks. DJ TLM
def helpful (all your videos). still on the look out for tips on how to mix songs where both have vocals playing dor example mixing during the hook. i have been playing at the base clubs where im stationed. most of the songs i play are current hip hop and old school hip hop but i find myself going from song to song where lyrics are there and im keep trying to think of clever or non jumbled sounding ways to mix....keep killing it with these videos....all of them are good
Yes, i will try to shoot that video asap! Like this week
I will make some example tracks with hooks to use for the video because i can't use any music that i don't own due to copyrights. But do you run into this problem a lot? Because most songs do not start with vocals.
well most of the newer songs have very short intros, and no breaks so i end up having to slam them over quicker than i would like. plus i hear other djs and i feel like they have ways to play with lyrics on both tracks and it not sound sloppy. just looking for ideas. i really like the style of dj that you do and think your advice is very realistic and helpful
When I first started out I would just write a list of songs I liked and play them, jumping around here and there, super flexible. Then I moved to listing songs by "type" or "genre" or "mood," so I could mix within smaller chunks of songs. THEN I went to full out planning entire sets by BPM and time of night/energy etc. etc. Honestly I think it's about finding the style you really prefer as a DJ, and testing out various set planning strategies for live audiences to see what suits you the best.
Great video. I really like how you said share the knowledge. Help each other... Great stuff!
Great tutorials man as a beginner it helps a lot. I would love to see some videos of you doing live sets, how you blend etc. big ups
Thanks. Here are a couple of links. You can find more on my channel page. Check the playlists.
DJ TLM @ Classic Material (90's R&B set)
DJ TLM - Classic Cutterz set for Planet Black Beats
DJ TLM - New Jack Swing @ Set It Off (June 4th)
DJ TLM @ Classic Material (Dancehall set)
You can forget about the first link. UA-cam removed the audio ;(
That's why I only use my own material on this channel because I want to make sure they can't do that to one of my djTLMtv video's.
Definitely post a video about how to record a set
Appreciate it so much DJTLM... Thanks for the knowledge... You're no.1 DJ for me... with your video, you inspired a lot people including myself... more power to you bro... "share the knowledge"
+Marvin Guilaran Appreciate it man.
Really good video as always, pros and cons of both styles straight knowledge, props! Peace
Great video, I'm learning to dj and have stared watching your channels. I understand everything your saying and you make it very easy for me to learn the art of djing! I have a pioneer DDj-SX and love it , still working on beat matching and knowing my music. Thanks for you're videos!
Its good to have a "hype mix" which is fully prepared and also a "normal mix" for warm up or chilled relax set.
God bless DJ TLM @10:37 to @11:25
Once again, great video. Thanks a million.
DjTLMtv you have help me a lot!! appreciate your knowledge and Time!!!
Great video! There is no direct answer for preparing your sets.. Agreed
solid.
you are my favourite DJ
Amazin vid TLM. You tell it like we want to hear it. Thanks bro!!!!
Great video.
And that's the reason why i love Dj Jazzy Jeff. He's just everywhere when he plays music (except EDM i believe so) This video gives a lot of info Dj TLM. All i thought before was there is gotta be a planned set for each night. Now, i gotta practise bringing songs freestyled.
your the best dj tlm thanks for every video.thanks alot.!!!
Hey DJ TLM, first things first. Your videos are great. Nice and easy to watch. Thank you for sharing your skills and thoughts.
I work with Serato since two years, after i purchased the Numark NS6. I like the uncomplicated layout much more than Traktor. Anyway, i got a hint for preparing tracks in Serato. I analysed all my tracks with a software who find the key of the songs. After that, i created 24 crates and named them 1a, 2a, 3a and so on. The same with 1b, etc. And with the crate rules the tracks are automaticly filled in.
Because of this system my mixes are really harmonical and i get new ideas which songs i can play next.
Maybe you or some of your fans can use this for his own. Bye the way ... the video about old and new djs is awesome. I think the same way.
Best Regards,
Dennis
I usually start my sets out at my spot with some of that lounge house music because it's usually dead and people are still coming in. once I see it getting a lil crowded then come in with some top 40's and that edm shit(which I hate). By that time people are getting some drinks in them and start vibin and partying. the I'll hit some merengue and from their it's freestyling the rest of the night. Jumping from hip hop,r&b,reggae,funk soul classics,njs,salsa,etc etc. just genre jumping the whole night. Always works. But like you said their are certain ways to play depending on the venue and you have to know when and how to do it. Great to spread the word so younger cats can be successful in this game.
i just discovered you today. I even suscribed because I really appreciate you sharing you knowledge. It will really help me in the future. im a new mobile dj and i will surely use ur tips. MERCI BEAUCOUP.
Thanks for all that you teach! I have been practicing on my pioneers ddj sx it's beginning to work for me!
Take care
I appreciate these info vids they are very helpful . Will you at some point do more performance videos?
Yes indeed! If i do more mix video's like the ones in the description, i will post those on my site, but i am doing performance video's with my own material on this channel this year. I can't post anything i don't own on this channel because of copyright issues. That's why i only use my own beats here
I'm a very new at this and I have not played a club or been a warm up DJ but what I've done is birthday parties and weddings and music selection have always been on the top of my list what do I play so this is what I've done so far I would meet with my clients with ipad and speakers in hand play some music and get a feel for what they want I don't know if this a good thing or bad but it's working for me
Great video! I have a question though. For the beginner DJ, How exactly do you "Read a Crowd"? Are you looking for certain cues from the people in the audience? What are those cues?
To keep it real basic: if they stop moving/dancing or start leaving the dance floor, then the song(s) selection isn't working. There's way more depth to 'reading the crowd' so i might have to do a video. Too many nuances to put in one post ;)
Great video. Keep up the good work!
Very helpful video man. Thank you!!!
Hi!,
I'm from Trinidad & Tobago and I'm not a DJ, but.., I dream about it.
For five years I've been experimenting with the free Virtual DJ (trial version). I've never had a mixer, controller or any other type of equipment due to my terrible financial situation but, I'm really anxious to ''Step Up''. So much so, that I'm about to purchase a Vestax Typhoon (second hand) next week. I figure that with no experience and ''tight'' funds, I better take one small step at a time (pun not intended but, it's all good).
Anyway, I think that your videos are very educational and on point and I know that they'll be very helpful to me and many other people. I also want you to know that you are highly respected by me (at least), for taking the time to do these videos and making them available to the public (and for free too). This respect is fuelled by, what seems to be your, ''MOTTO'', ''Share The Knowledge''. This makes me feel inspired to share any knowledge or skill that I may pickup from you or otherwise, with anyone genuinely showing interest.
So, love, respect and many thanks to DJ TLM and djTLMtv.
Yours truly,
Roger.
cant go wrong with a typhoon I will tell you one true thing though If your learning to DJ you want to get onto using industry standard gear as soon as you can. Find a DJ buddy who owns gear and is willing to let you Jam on there gear. ie pioneer Cdjs. The reason for this is it will help you develop your skillset as far as beatmatching goes since there isnt the crutch of sync or software, you ahve to use your ears this will increase your abilities ten fold and youll avhe the basics nailed also when you walk into your first gig with CDJS sitting infront of you youll know what your using. I learnt on a Controller I DJ in a club on CDJs and im learning turntabilism skills on vinyl put the time and effort in to get the basics down and most of all play to your crowd its a service industry. If you do these things you'll be successful.
kent spence Hi. Thanks for the info. So, I got the Typhoon and I'm terribly disappointed. First of all, the Virtual DJ software that came with it has very limited capabilities. It also keeps freezing during performance. Once this happens, I can't use my free version (vdj) either since becomes disabled. So, I've long disconnected it, (the Typhoon) thrown it in a corner (never to be used again), uninstalled the software and started back using my free version of vdj.
I'm now doing some research to find a Pioneer controller that suites my needs.
Once again, thanks for the info.
I had a ddj wego for a long time even gigged with it my friend had a typhoon but he used it with serato with no problems
Great video man... very helpful!
Thank you very much for your help
I agree with the comment below. Can you please do a video on how to record our own mixes. Thanks!
There are many software's available, you can try audacity its free.
You are a big help.
DJ TLM I like the beat you used on the latest tutorials with that mellow sound to it,Your channel is one of the most insightful on the web,Maybe opening up doors to MCs on a dope beat youve produced might be interesting.I have been producing beats for a little while(for the love of it :) and the best ones can be so universal in that deja vu feel..its at that moment you feel inline with everything.
DJing isthe same feel, Im thinking of even throwing an MC UNANNOUNCED as part of a mix (smoke and Lighting) In and out as part of the mix...Fresh Unknown and solid with a slick beat and awesome outro mix..Crowds going 'What just happened?'
Thanks. MC's are free to use the beats that i make available in the download section.
It's always dope if you can add extra elements to your show and an (good) MC can add energy to your set
Honestly I think this video helped with what info I was looking for.
You say it like it is. Respek to this man
Great video !! You rock!
I´m djing for about 13 years and could not agree more with Dj TLM. At the Club I allways do freestyle. already tried to prepare a DJ set for the whole night but halfway through I had to abandon that idea and do freestyle. As he said, you have to read the crowd. When a do a podcast in this case I prepare all the dj set before, sometimes i make some changes in the middle but in general i´ll stay on the playlist.
Could you post a example warm up playlist?
A Hip Hop/R&B list?
djTLMtv Yes. That would perfect!
djTLMtv You can also email it to me at dj42ent@gmail.com if that works better.
Thanks again!!
Ur great.. Respect... 🙏🙏🙏
Hello TLM, first I want to say nuff respect!!! You the man. I wanted to ask if there is a way to make all the songs I play the same volume/level. I use Serato and virtual dj, is there a setting or something in the software, or this something you do manually as you play. I see a lot of the big dj's live,on videos and I don't see them messing with the levels but there songs are all at same level all the time.
Do that Warm Up DJ Video!!!!! Thanks!
I also hit you up in your email... Hola back.
You can check warm up video on Dj Tutor a.k.a ellaskins channel hope you find that informative as well.
Thanks, I saw it the other day when he put it out.
Can you make a video giving insight into how you prepare a routine? I mean a short battle style routine... When it comes to sets, I prepare crates of music in Serato for the night, and also look for mini-mixes of 2-4 tracks within those crates while practicing... My goal is to have an intro and some bits for later in the set that are pre-practiced, and then to let the set flow freely from within my crates. Thanks for the videos.... Keep shining my friend, Moonshadow
Thanks for the video, clear as always TLM ;) However, one thing that I I know as a Club Dj in Sweden (which of course applies to wherever you are world) is that most nightclubs has a "profile" that you need to work with. Some clubs play underground only, and have a non-cheesy music" policy, some only play nostalgia and others mostly radio. Be sure to ask before you play at a new club (or venue) what they wish you to play and work from that. Not only will the night flow better but the club personel (manager) will most likely be very happy with you and ask you to come back. Works every time.
//Felix Persson AKA FLX
Thanks for the jnfo. well put. I'm DJ Tiz and I've been playing off and on since 1977. I'm gonna subscribe and be proactive in your videos as far as comments. thanks.
I want to add up, that you can also prepare the music set/s the following way/s. It applies to the djs doing long sets, you can do the reading the crowd type of music selection like during the warm up and closing sets, at the same time have a pre-set ready for the high peak moment (for me the high peak moment you don't really want to be looking what to play next) I find this very useful and makes you look good as a dj.
Thats right brother you giving some great information :)
As a warm up DJ
Having a bad-ass "out of left field" track
to catch em off guard to start your set is the way I go.
Hey! my name is Dj Red-G, and my question you probably answered
i recently purchase a pioneer ddj-sb and i'm in the process of changing from CD to Digital
my question is how is the best way to organize your crate for fast and easy access
Can you do a video hot cues in how to set them
I mad a video 2 years ago and you can watch it here: Tutorial: how to make and use cue points (by DJ TLM)
If you still have any questions just let me know.
Respect, still helpful man
PREACH
I'm a freestyle type dj myself I like it