What makes a DJ a great DJ?
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Today's question is a great topic for a discussion: What makes a DJ a great DJ?
We all have our own way of deciding what makes someone or something great. For DJ's like you and me it could be based on things that the crowd wouldn't think or care about.
Let me share my way of rating DJ's and share your way in the comment section. Join the conversation! :)
Enjoy the video and share the knowledge!
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Technique 25% + Crowd Control 25% + Track Selection 50%= Great DJ
@Blake Khalid omg STOP THESE BOTS YOU ALSO HAVE SUPER OBVIUS BOT NAMES
Track selection is 70% i guess
Being sexy AF can’t hurt either;)
A great DJ should also be willing to #ShareTheKnowledge
+Coby Davon 👊🏽
respect
I heard
"The great DJ always knows what's the next song"
For me a great DJ can touch people's souls. Connect with people on a higher plane and then take them on a musical journey.
I love this guy, out of all DJs on YT he's by far the most down to earth and respectable dude. He's the only one I found who really has an open mind and understands all sides of an argument and that people have different views and opinions ✌ big up my guy, I learned a lot from you. From DE to NL!
Where Im from versatility counts.... Around these parts (The Caribbean) you gotta play ALL genres from Hip Hop, Dancehall, Soca, Reggaeton, Reggae, EDM, Club, R&B, Soul, Pop, 80s, 90s, Dubstep etc.... Its all about looking at your crowd & what fits the mood & dropping the right tracks... Also having a VERY huge knowledge about music & all different genres..
fr! I like to just transition through likable songs of different genres until I see the crowd most engaged, then I narrow my selection. Personally I find it more effective than a premade set. As long as everyone hears a few tracks they like, they'll have a good time
100% agree ....
- Technique
- Music selection
- Skills
- Clear transitions;
Its to me the most fundamentals factors to rate a DJ
Thanks for the video & topic, its a good one'
Dj Tlm, I pretty much agree with your statement. It's all about song selection & how a Dj creatively delivers it. Showing off ones personality & expressing yourself is a great way to connect with your audience.
Observing the crowd! Having something unique in their set!
off the subject..you always motivate me because you dont talk down on the different rates and genres of dj's you always keep it positive and for that i thank you..
p.s.
most likely why you get such few dislikes..keep it up bro
The way i see it, a great dj is flawless in their transitions. Dynamic and smooth transitions that lets the music be the show. A lot of big djs just mash in tracks, and forget about blending. They also use effects in a positive and creative way, instead of just mashing in a 1/4 loop roll with a filter over it and calling it unique.
hahaha. very true. It's annoying.
Yeah like when they forget about mixing on time or even dropping in the one and just toss some Pionner Echo out FX and that's it lol.
I just came across your page today. This was the second video of yours I've watched and I have to say that both were excellent. Your b-boy analogy was perfect and I don't even know a lot about it. You communicate this stuff well and you don't take any longer than you have to to explain things, so I didn't get bored like I do with a lot of other DJ videos. So far you've only reinforced what I've already felt to be true about your topics, but I have a feeling that as I keep watching more of your videos I will learn some new things. Keep up the good work DJ!
DJ-TRAXX djtlm has become one of my favorites lately for some of these same reasons. great resource
Me as a retro house, hardcore/gabber, old trance listener and starting dj, love when the dj can keep the vibe going, in waves, as if it's al one super big song with just different 'vibes' if you know what i mean, and that the energy comes in waves, like when the music get's more energetic, then more hypnotic, then more energetic and so on. Or what i really love when done well is when the climax of one song 'feeds' the other song and the beat of the other song becomes the 'drop/end of climax' of the climax of the first one (sorry for my bad english, i normally speak dutch)
Excellent bboying example and great advices!!! Thank you for your work and dedication. We appreciate it !!! Peace!!
Ander E. A. No doubt. Love doing it!
As a DJ myself I pride myself on my word play with different tracks and making good segues into the next track...That sticks out to me when I go out clubbing, I specifically look for that In the DJ along with the other standard criterias
Wow, I love how you used the B-boy comparison at the end as I've been breaking for 10 + years. That has to be EXACTLY how the average person see's Djing. Most just trying to have a good time and enjoy their night. Thanks for putting that into perspective!
K3nk3N Yeah, I've seen that happen so often. The crowd goes craze for the headspin and the b-boys go nut for a move the crowd didn't even catch :)
I'm my area mixing is real big scratching is almost never a fav .. So I have to do that at home as I LOVE the skill it takes to do so .
Now what you said about dropping a track that the crowd didn't expect and hadn't Heard in years is my most favorite thing to do .
What I consider a great DJ is one that can play to any age group and rock the all . Extreme knowledge on all music is a must for me ..
Iv played for preschoolers, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges, Christian schools, bars , karaoke nights , downtown clubs , countless weddings , festivals, beauty pageants, all adult ages party's ..senior citizens.. My fav one was the 80 yr old jazz loving black lady birthday party . I was the only white person in the building, the looks I got as guest were arriving was "wth she's going to suck" .. To their surprise this white chick knows what you want to hear even if you don't. I booked 7 gigs from that crowd and play for them on a regular basis.
Point being .. Great DJ knows & loves all music and guest leaving with legs sore from dancing, and turn you back in time with music.. Memories of the awesome time they had .
TheJennyg76 True, being versatile is really adds something important to your style
GREAT VIDEO I NEEDED THIS!!!
For me, what makes a good deejay is playing the right song at the right moment. Creating a flow and surprising me. Mixing smoothly and with intent. I am also impressed by tricks, musical range, and uniqueness of tracks. I don't care what equipment you use as long as you know how to use it WELL
Thats it!!
Thanks man!
Their SOUND and creativity!!!!!
Song selection is a +. Some times DJs know what to do but when they transition into the next song they kill the vibe/energy.
I think transitions for me is in the top 3, my favorite DJ who transitions like a pure god would have to be Eric Prydz. They're always Harmonic, they're a core in his sets & they're LONG & makes you ecstatic for the next song to come on yet you're sad the song you just heard is coming to an end.
why don´t u start a competition? Give us 20 Tracks and we´ll create a nice mix ;) u go ahead an rate dem
just like u my main man ur the man behind all my dreams thnxxx #ShareTheKnowledge
Love that comparison about breakdancing to parties. It seems to be accurate. Most people at a house party that are unfamiliar with DJing won't care how technical you got in your mix because they most likely don't understand. As long as you played the banging tracks then that's all they notice.
itsAdrianUltra Yup
Ability to read the confidence knowing your levels like you said in that video before I seen some dj DJ and not check the levels but rock the crowd anyway
DjBlackTxArk I see checking levels as part of technique. If someone doesn't check the levels and still rocks the crowd, he/she did his/her job. But if that DJ does also check the levels I would rate them (a little bit) higher
nice videos sir, i judge a dj by his song selection and mixing skills. i dont expect turntableism in every dj cause i am myself not a turn tablist but if someone scratches nicely with rhythm or does something technical then its amazing.
Hey man... I have a request hommie, can you make a video on how you use effect in different genres of songs and how do you mix different genres of music !!
Another great topic. I was recently interested in this as well. Posted in a DJ forum I'm a part of to see what they thought were the most important skills for a DJ to have.. Had 59 responses n here were the results:
Track Selection - 14
Ability To Read Crowd - 13
Musical Originality & Integrity - 6
Unique tunes - 5
Beat Matching - 4
Mixing ability (inc. Phrasing) - 3
Playing in key - 3
Equipment control - 3
Set structure - 2
Crowd sourcing ability - 2
Knowing your role - 2
Mic skills - 2
I DJ purely in a mobile setting and am often baffled by what seems to be the most important factors for the crowd in this setting. 1. If they don't know it.. they won't dance. 2. Less is more (technical skill can seem like showing off) eg. Often a cut on the 1 is more effective than a clean transition. It has a heavier impact and they like to hear that clear change from one song to the next. 3. Personality is key. As I am often interacting with them in a conversation, discussing requests and discussing parts of the night with the key guests etc. If they like me and the way I interact with them, they will always provide positive feedback.
My question would be.. why is what makes a good DJ in a mobile setting so different from what makes a good club/festival DJ?
Grant Broad To be honest, most of what you said is the same in clubs. If they don't know it they won't dance and dropping it on the one has more impact than bringing the track in with a transition. I'm not sure if they few technical skill as showing off because half of the crowd doesn't even notice the technical aspect. Sad, but true ;)
djTLMtv Hah so true about the technical skill. You don't find though that in a club setting if you find a brand new track (or an old gem) that no ones heard but has a good groove that they will respond well? For example, about a month or two before it was released here on the charts I was testing Want To Want Me - Jason Derulo. I listened to it and was like yep this will be perfect warm-up song to transition into dancing for 18ths/21sts. No response from the crowd. It gets released on the charts - next week different story, everywhere I played it, dance floor packed and people start dancing. If that was in a club setting as opposed to a private function do you get the same result?
I agree with all of what you said and I'll add, transitions. transitioning between genres needs to be smooth. That for me shows the versatility and grade of a good dj.
As an aspiring DJ who is first and foremost a bboy...gotta love the analogy at 5:30. Props TLM, hopefully we'll meet someday.
Giving somebody what they want before they know they want it
DJ Jazzy Jeff is the best technical DJ I've ever seen. And he isn't afraid to play something off the wall and make you understand why he's playing it until he transitions it with something modern later. From Lenny Kravitz, Linus & Lucy, De Barge, The Mario Theme, Sister Sledge, Sade. It's amazing how he makes it all make sense into the mix.
kiddo215 Yes indeed!
I agree with you on that too. I am guilty already that i do sometimes copy his tricks, because why not? it is so good he makes me wanna do it my self.
I agree with you on that too. I am guilty already that i do sometimes copy his tricks, because why not? it is so good he makes me wanna do it my self.
I want to feel that LOVE in the mix. I believe you can hear it in the performance when someone is DJing in order to look cool or trying to get laid, as opposed to a true lover of people and music. Anyone agree?
Do you think you could do some turntablism tutorials for beginners? I've been wanting to get into it, but can't find any basic starter tutorials. :(
I observe the type of music that they play. I also check out the mic skills. That's what sets the mood at the party.
I do a lot of EQ work!!! EQ is the key you can do a lot of genres without using any air horns or special effects... The only color effect I use is filter.. when I do my spin backs I use echo with filter smooth as hell..lol... I do a little scratching here and there but my EQ work is important. Believe me I respect the skills of scratching DJs.. that's why I practice my scratching... With DJing you're always learning and learning different skills!
i think creativity is also a aspect of djing
hey DJTLM, you should give a list of 20 tracks and give us a chance to show you what we got. just a list, not free music of course. but i think that might be fun! keep it up, love your vids, and have definitely benefited from your tips. :D
jott1234 Good tip for a future competition. I was thinking about mix contests and this could be added to that
djTLMtv WOW! wasn't expecting such a quick response! I was curious, would these be genre specific, or maybe a little mixed up to make it crazy? either way, cant say enough positive things about your videos!
by the way, I was curious on your opinion on the current state of "main stage DJs". it seems DJing has become somewhat of a concert event with lighting, special effects, etc... of course, a good DJ doesn't need those things, but in my experience, it can really make your favorite DJ really shine. you haven't really touched on effects other than what is present on a mixer/controller etc... was curious on your opinion.
Thanks again for everything you do for us! :D
btw tLm i watch all your videos im a big fan of you greetings from germany
damiendayx thanks neighbour :)
Originality... Improvisation... Endurance (30min set or 6h gig)
You mentionned what makes a dj good, you should do what makes a Dj bad. Stupid air button hands up djs :)
Luca Vervoort I will make that video too! :)
Originality and improvistation are also things that can showcase the personality of the DJ. I love it when a DJ can 'surprise' me by playing a certain song or mixing two songs I would have never chosen to blend (and it sounds good)
its true. i remember way back before i became a deejay, i was mesmerized by the way i could see a deejay play around with knobs on the mixer and also the players, but now to me its normal.like that's how it should be done anyway.
The most important thing that DJs need to learn.. is how to read the crowd because ultimately it's you and your crowd.
For my style of music what makes a great dj is, well dnb drum n bass. Watch dj marky scratching upside down. For tricks and the whole package is dj marky and craze back to back bouncing off each others scratching, mixes, tricks. For mixing a guy called Andy c he can read any crowd and play a mix that tells a story and gets better and better every toon. These djs are on UA-cam easy to find and you will hear and see why they are great. Jazzy Jeff crime not to mention. But a dj has to have love respect and belief In every aspect of what skill he or she is learning and share the knowledge ;-) I don't have to write a big piece just read the comments they are all great.BELOW ⏬Helpful⏬ awesome video bro
+djcranium1210 True that, that's why Andy C is at the top :p
To me it is song selections and adding new twist to an old school track. nothing worst than a boring DJ ,playing top 40 songs over and over again (WHICH IS OK, for the crowd) but like you said i hear DJ's different then normal crowd. also i love when they remix on the fly,
Jose Lugo Yup, our ears work in a different way ;)
I see this is a couple of years old, but I’m going to comment anyway. I’m a house music DJ. My list of great DJs consist of Tony Humphries, DJ Punch, Louie Vega, and a few more. What makes a great DJ to me in the house music genre are: 1: Transitions
2: knowing what to play next
3: reading the crowd
Not necessarily in that order, but in my opinion, all 3 are important.
For me track selections and being able to tell a story with the music and not just play music
I love your english, its the only one I can understand!
American
Yo jazzy jeff is lit af 😂 he was at an edm festival and he killed it
Great topic, and I think you hit it perfectly. Song selection is paramount in my eyes, with skills(working your equipment) as 1A. Nothing worse than a bored DJ sitting up there staring at his/her phone pushing play when a song ends. Rakaa from DIlated said it best, "Learn scratching, but please learn blending it in". But skills to me also include crate digging. Cats now a days just play the latest and greatest which i get but thats easy, wow me, show me you know music and that's why you got into DJing, for the love of good music not free drinks and the appeal of saying youre a DJ.
Christopher Wright True
hey im a new up coming dj out of kansas city im Deej Mesmerizing and i looove sample old school beats in another video you said its wack to use other djs mix but what about sample??
Knows the advantages and limits of his/her equipment.
Doesn't expect his/her hardware or equipment to do all the work.
Plays songs that bring back memories.
Knows what to play to trigger sexual emotions in both males and females.
Knows that lights and smoke or pyro plays a BIG part in a djs set.
Knows that he/she is more of a experience that just a dj.
Hey, do you have any tips on how to develop track selection?
Times have changed and for me I see it this way... If a Dj Can get so deep into music he can become a producer or remix dj to add more to his style and catalog, that can make him great. So besides Technique,Selection and Charisma I think a Dj's catalog can make him become Great. The public going to parties as well as other djs will rate him whether they want to admit it or not... Just imagine going to a party and hearing djs play songs or remixes of a particular dj who also has Technique and selection on Lock... Thats a #Boss.
I would say creativity and the way he approach a crowd along with music selection. Not really the equipment because I know dj's that can DJ better on a beginner controller than those on a professional DJ controller.
What do you think is the best mixer for scratching? I am looking for a true battle mixer with very sharp sound how you described in your tutorials. I'm looking into a vestax. if you can name 5 for me that a be awesome
thanks for responding to my question just wanted your opinion
Desmond Jones Thanks for the question
Yo I'm a Bboy, too, and you're definetly right ;)
the ability to read and adjust to the crowd... Also the ability to take the crowd on a ride thru different genres without loosing energy! that makes an awesome dj to me... also thanks for recognizing philly in your video! philly has some of the sickest dj's on the planet! check out our movement the international Dj cafe on facebook or search the internationaldjcafe.com
back then a dj was dope when he took requests
Yeah ahahahaha
Track selection and how and when you implement those tracks into the mix #1 and probably 50% of the game .
#2 Ability to adjust to the crowd and keep the dance floor... a lot of the clubs I visit are non smoking but have patios where you can smoke. If the patio is pulling the dance floor away from the "Headliner " that's a red flag. 25%
#3 How the DJ treats his fans... if they don't have time to mingle and touch base with fans I won't rebook them.
Trackball represent!
Hie TLM i have a question? Is it important for a dj to play all kind of music.I love playing house music and i understand it better.so i always get people saying i must play all music for you to make money and get shows.
Can you do a tutorial on how to do transitions
Good song selection, levels in check, mostly clean transitions. I'm so much more impressed with good mixing and selection than I am with sloppy word and tone plays. Turntablism is fine when it's sprinkled in party style but it can ruin a mix too. Some DJs try too hard. Here's looking at you, Thre3style competitors.
+erratic_calm even though I totally understand what you mean, I feel the Thre3style example isn't really fair. The whole objective of that competition is to show as much as possible (multiple genres, turntablism, showmanship and creativity). If you would join the competition with nothing but clean transitions and a good selection you wouldn't get far.
But, I must admit, I do feel some of the competitors take it too far. We don't need forced tone play tricks on every transition ;)
djTLMtv Word. The 2016 DJ Trayze US Finals Winning Set is definitely up there with my favorite sets of all time. He did a great job of balancing it all.
Live: I would like to see a DJ entertain, show charisma and bring a different type of energy to the room, delivery, make me feel in the moment in between songs
On a Mix: Energy, Song Selection, transition between song A and song B, Techniques, introduction (i feel that the first song should be the most important, dosent neccesarily have to be a big hit song, but should get me hype atleast), Closing
Side Note: If they are a GOOD MC then they should also display that talent as well, just not over due it, i'm learning the art of MCing right now
Is it alright to change tracks really quick?
To me I most of the time take Armin van Buuren as example.
(I know he is a great dj but still)
To me armin is really really good, even if you don't like the music he is playing.
I have been to 4 sets of him and everytime I walk away with the WOW feeling.
Even he is not flawless but the way he brings it and the trackselection is just perfect.
Also Paul van Dyk is really amazing when it comes to his trackselection.
And as you said, it shows their personality and their own style.
And to me in the end seeing people play their own style is probably the most important part of being a great dj.
A dj that plays what HE/SHE likes to play and feels good with even if there are people not liking you for that.
Dj's who interact with the crowd and not limited to hands in the air or talking on the mic.
But really taking the people in their show and making everybody stay although they wanted to leave.
In the last 6 months i heard more and more that mixing itself isn't everything and when listening to the live shows from big dj's you notice that is to true.
Jeroen Kolkman Yup, playing their own style is what will set them apart from other DJ's
ey dj tlm what video camera do u use? video so clear!
Alec T Canon EOS 600D with a Tokina 11-16 lense
I might be a little controversial on this one, but I think if a DJ is able to move the crowd he or she plays to, then they are a great DJ in that crowd's mindset. To illustrate, I know a DJ that basically plays to older crowds (50 plus) and this crowd is moved by a DJ that only uses playlist in windows media player ( no mixer, controller, CDJ or anything) and a preamp to the club's sound system. To me, this is DJing (if you can call it that) in it's lowest form, but the crowd that is played to doesn't care. Their "jam" was just played. So to me, that is a great DJ for that crowd. For my personal taste I think I might agree with most of our fellow DJs in that a DJ should have a certain amount of skill and ability to feel the vibe of the crowd and get them moving. A great DJ would be able to work in any genre close enough to what they personally enjoy and get the crowd pumped. Others might like that DJ that is always talking or getting the crowd to yell out the hook to the current or past club banger. That ain't my type of hype, but for some it is. I think this question may be too broad and should probably be broken down into types of DJs or at least what we are willing to classify as a DJ. Some of the examples I gave above, for me, don't make the DJ cut. They are either human jukeboxes or frustrated MCs with a mixer. Just my thoughts.
DJ Onixx I know what you mean
DJ Onixx It's interesting you say this because I've personally had the experience where I have DJed at 40th's 50th's and I would go as far as saying if you actually try to DJ "properly" to these crowds they will walk away from the dance floor. One example, I was cutting up a few older classics at a 40th bday thinking oh yeah this will go well I'm playing the songs they will like but doing it in a creative way. No. They weren't happy I was cutting their songs short and changing them. So I reverted back to playing songs in their simplest form - start to finish. Fade Drop next. They loved that.
I think this is a generational issue though because I think music production and the concept of a good DJ is evolving. If I go and play an 18th or a 21st they're more than happy (almost expecting) for me to be more creative with the songs they like - remix on the fly etc. because that's what they're hearing at the clubs and festivals and that's what their concept of a good DJ is.
Note: I'm from Australia where where rock was still the predominant music genre until probably late 90's / early 00's when Hip Hop and EDM started to really become popular music culture.
Grant Broad This example was speaking more of a person I know that will only and can only DJ in that fashion. (has even used some of my mixes for a party). The issue ran into is just an example of knowing how to read your crowd. In the end, we got to give the people what they want, right? I've found for these age groups (and it doesn't work all of the time) starting the mix when you get to the middle eight or at least allowing two verses to play before mixing in the next song receives a better response. Then there are certain songs that need to be played longer for these crowds. I've heard "Set it Off" play for what seemed like 20 minutes and the crowd was loving it. A great DJ, in my humble opinion, will adjust to they crowd they are in front of and give them what they want. It appears you did just that.
DJ Onixx Good tip man. I wonder if this advise is generalisable in terms of age groups. Like if it's fair to say that if someones playing to an older crowd they should expect to be playing more of a song than for younger crowds. It would seem so.
🖤
for me its:
1 - has to play music that i like
2 - overall selection in relation to the crowd
3 - mixing has to be good enough that i dont notice it
4 - does he make this for a living. (i think most people ignore this, but i'll automatically have more respect for somebody that managed to make a living of it)
macboogieland , number 4 makes no sense. If I have a full-time job making six figures, but still love DJing and is good at it. That's going to be a strike compared to a person that works solely as a DJ. That makes no sense. If anything, the person with the full-time job has less time to practice. And they can be just as good as any other DJ, they are showing the same love and dedication to their craft and the art form.
I totally agree, rock the crowd mixing clean enough. And yes, I feel the same about making a living out of it. If a Dj can live only from Djing then you know they are in direction towards full success or already there and they know how to please the crowd, the club owners, the managgers, promotors and still enjoy their performance. I mean, it is not a requirement for being a good or even great dj, but it is very important when talking about respect for our work.
are you born in the states and live in Amsterdam or what :P I am from Kansas (U.S.A) and live in denmark.. I just can't tell cause your English is extremely good ... like I can't tell for real
I was born and raised in Amsterdam. All my English came from watching movies and (of course) listening to music :)
Play some Motown on the Dance floor! It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!
Best said by the Egyptian Lover... What is a DJ if he can't scratch
OrdaneNN classic
Nice 😎🎧
For me a (when I go to a club as a DANCER ) I think a GOOD dj can mix and transition well, but a GREAT dj can smoothly mix cross culturally , IE mix different language/ genre, styles without loosing the crowd who isn't necessarily into that style. And they are much fewer and far between. I will stay on their floor all night, even getting cramps because of it
djTLMtv I try to go to clubs based on the dj that is playing. I am an amature dj but I know what I like in a dj. I like djs that communicate to the audience through their set. For instance the new NWA movie just came out so a dj that might play some nwa tracks, then the dj goes in playing the diss tracks between nwa members. Then from there the dj may go into playing dr dre produced songs. To me Im like oooh I see what you did there. Its like he is having a convo with his set. Not sure If that makes sense or not.
thats dope idea
for me the best dj's are dvlm cuz they way they control the crowd and the things they do on stage are just amazing but my true love in music is martin garrix as he is my inspiration
How can i find a song that fit to others?
I'm looking to start djing but I don't know what all I need. So if you would please respond and I will be very thankful.
For me the best and most complete DJ right now would be A-Trak. He has every aspect of DJing and production,which is looked at as modern day DJing, mastered. He won the DMC world championship very young, so you know his turnablist skills only got better over the years. But he isn't stuck in the past, he mixes and produces all kinds of old-school and fresh upcoming genres.He has produced stuff that everyone recognizes, solo or as a member of Duck Sauce. What gives him that final edge is his laidback attitude and funny social media presence. He doesn't spam with DJmag voting and other stuff like that, he uploads hilarious hotel guides and instagram videos. Those things just make me want to meet him and hang out.
Dzeri96 Also he runs fool's gold, a great label and his brother is part of Chromeo so I'm waiting for their collab.
Dzeri96 Yes indeed, A-Trak is very dope!
I think a great DJ should know to play a variety of music.
Hey TLM, what part of the track can i use to mix if i can't wait until the end of the song.
William Petcos I never wait until the end of the song ;) I usually mix when one track goes into the chorus (the hook)
in addition to what you have mentioned. but i think your song selection should be accordance with the crowd. its like communications to the crowd. i judge a dj base on how he communicate with the crowd with his selections and also how a dj can turn a boring party to the best party. there are some dj no matter how boring the party is when they play the crowd go gaga
DJ shiftee . that guy can DJ. In my opinion he his a turntablist and uses que points and controllers to the best of his capabilities in my opinion.
Hey TLM contest idea... You just said "I could give twenty DJs the same tracks..." How about it? Put up a track list of say four or five tracks, we all record a mix with those tracks and you choose the top one or three. Winner gets a TLM tee or something. Just for fun and the element of competition can be inspiring. What ya think?
It's been mentioned a couple of times and I have added it to my contest plans. So this will happen!
I think ideally, what makes a dj a DJ is if he can essentially scratch(which rocks the crowds)!!!! Although, lately as I've seen entertainment companies dj , where we do pool parties and they chose good songs. So there is radio dj's too, but we need help getting better at scratching please sir.
Justin DJRedHoT Check out my Scratch Tutorial series on this channel
To everyone else, what makes a great DJ is if the crowd gives you a positive response. To us DJ's, I think it's creativity. djTLMtv you and I can play the exact same songs, but how we play them would separate us, and I think that's more important than a lot of aspects to being a DJ. Beatmatching is easy. Hell I'll even let sync go (only a few times XD), but if you sound like every other DJ and are very predictable, then IMO you're not a great DJ.
Same as when a guitarist sees a great guitar solo, only a guitarist will appreciant it more than the general public. I think the main thing a DJ can do is make great song selections and control the energy in the room.
TLM you need to come to the state bruh. Stop playin' and come to the states man…LOL
DJ Takin' It Back Man, it's been 11 years since my last visit. That is way too long!!! :)
djTLMtv how long is the flight homie. Brah you should come through man and serve the masses of people that follow you..LMAO. Do you get booking calls from the states?
I love bboy reference!!! Im a bboy and That's exactly how us bboys rate each other! Lol
Do u play soca
I guess I better start throwing in some turntablisim in my sets
What's up djTLMtv ?
I was wondering if I should put my windows laptop aside and get a mac if I really want to Dj seriously ?
I mean if I play in a club and I have to use their equipment will I have less compatibility issues with the mac ?
Hey. Jumping in... Using Mac or PC doesn't make you more or less compatible. The question is more if you will use a laptop at all or go for standalone units. Most clubs have like the Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus/DJM-900 Nexus in the booth and expect you to use them. If that's the case you could buy a XDJ-RX and get a unit that is very similar to a full Nexus setup for 2/3 of the price for one CDJ-2000 Nexus, and can also be used as a standard controller.
Denon just released a similar unit but with 4-channels and fully supported by Serato and Engine prepared music on USB devices. Not as good effect unit as the Pioneer and then you may have to double up with Rekordbox anyway... But more options and cheaper.
Visit the clubs in you area and check out what equipment they have. Then you know what gear to practice for. In some areas it's common for DJ's to bring their own gear, in others you need to use what's already there. If you're new in the game, you may not be aloud to fiddle with the installed gear yourself. In the areas where I play, there's usually a Pioneer setup so all I bring is my music on USB-devices and my head phones. In a few places they've cleared the Booth and we get paid to bring our own gear to play on.
If Pioneer is what you will have to play on, you can practice on any similar gear, but you will have to use Rekordbox to create your libraries and export to a USB-device. In some cases you could bring your laptop with Rekordbox installed. Connect it via Lan and access your music that way from the players. Until you can afford to bring a Nexus2 setup to your gigs :) , use what you have, and remember that it's OK to practice on gear that makes it a little more difficult. When you step up to the next level, everything will feel more easy.
Remember. It's not the Gear that makes the DJ, It's how the DJ works the gear that makes him/her a great DJ. Most professional DJ's prefer the Top notch gear because of its reliability and familiarity. They are usually very good at the basics of mixing and that's what they use most of the time. That's why old dogs like me prefer to spend the hard earned money on insanely expensive Pioneer gear every 3-5 years. It's not because of a new button or a slightly better screen. It's because I need stuff that I can trust every weekend for the next few years to come.
dj-peterofficial Thanks I apreciate your advice.
I want to be a Dj but I just dont know what to do. Do I have to make music? Do I have to combine songs? I Dont know.
In My opinion any DJ should get envolved with The croud. The Thing is: what do a DJ wants? He wants to Make people like his music and most of all like his performance. So a what makes a good DJ is The way he interacts with The croud. Not saying jumping or putting your hands up but The way you Make your transitions and Knowing when The beat should drop etc... A good DJ is a dj that makes people think "best party ive ever been on, The DJ Was great". And obviously giving your personal touch to your set is something you should do.
Dynamic transition and be always try something new even if you fail you can try another way but never follow something on viral
How old should I be to be a Dj?
R u Chauncey billips?