Probably the best video on the subject that I've seen. I've been a DJ for 21 years. I learned to beatmatch on an ancient belt drive Citronic Hawaii II console. (not easy) and very soon realised that 90% of the time I was wasting my time. People dance to tunes, not transitions. These days I let sync handle it. Sure, I could do it manually, but why would I? The technology has freed me to focus on what matters: Interacting with the crowd and making sure they have the best time (And spend the most at the bar) possible. I think nowadays there is an excessive focus on technical ability, as if the people have come out to watch you mix; this belief in the DJ as rockstar. Believing you are the sole reason for the night's success is a mistake I've seen DJs make time and time again. I've seen people complete a 16 bar mix and then look up at the crowd with a look that says "How awesome was that?" like they expect a round of applause. The only people who care how well you can mix are other DJs and the kind of club nerds we used to call 'trainspotters' back in the 90s. The hottie in the short dress? She cares that I managed to work her request for INXS into a dance set. Who's approval would you rather have? If there is one thing that an aspiring DJ cannot afford to have. It's a big ego, Look at your crowd. It's not about you. It's about them.
Visionism You’re right on it with the whole “only people who care are the other DJ’s” when you’re mixing. I get that DJ’s get into their craft and there are definitely going to be things that might annoy a little. But the way i always look at it is this - are people still dancing and having a good time? If yes then the DJ is doing a good job regardless of sync or beatmixing etc.
This is very true, I recently DJed at a prom afterparty for my high school. As I had to play everything from 'Teach me how to Dougie' to music like Skrillex and a lot of dance stuff in between, I barely mixed. I would let the song play out, maybe give it a bit of an echo freeze or reverb fade off and then bring in the other tune. The feedback I got was amazing, I knew I didnt mix all at well but people enjoyed it.
This is well said! I've had many an aspiring DJ come and complain to me about my lack of beat matching whilst I have been playing to a crowd of hundreds. I usually ask them where they play - in the bedroom is the usual answer... Knowing what to play and when to play in front of your audience (in that place and at that time) is the absolute key.
you are on the nose. their is soooo much more to DJing, absolutely song choice and timing. mixing the two prefect songs is to simple and will make your audience bored fast. learn to keep time, drop on the one, stay in key ( when applicable.) when to use and not use effects. DJing is dynamic, fluid even. one of your best videos man. heart to heart greatness!!!
Pretty simple stuff, but so true. In fact most times when I am having a blast dancing to awesome music, unless I am there for a specific DJ, I don't even notice when they are mixing the songs perfectly. :)
mate..your words of wisdom will encourage the young and up coming DJs.. well done coming from an old school Dj who grew up with that mentality …but thankfully saw the light and realize at a start of my DJing years that most or all crowds didn't care in the slightest ..only about the music that was played..I heard amazing DJs in clubs mixing was top notch but the music sucked.. cheers mate..
ur very correct, at my first gig i went in there blind not knowing how to beatmatch, scratch, etc. But since i was able to put the right tunes on at the right times and keep the party going, i got so many compliments. Your insights on djing are some of the best out there keep doing what you do
fair enough. Know what you mean,;-) grateful for your hard work & dedication, it's inspiring.. I guess I'm just old fashioned, never got used to loud obnoxious commercials getting in the way of good stuff like your clips..
u r talking gold mr , mixing is not everything , counting bars and drop on the one and organising tunes together ( timing ) is more important than beatmatching along with reading the crowd
leave them up. . on posters that i really like, like this channel, ill even give the ad a click to open in another window. . which will give ya a lil bit more when anyone clicks the ad. . heeh. .
I have always enjoyed playing music and collecting music but doing public function I haven't done it in years. The last time was like 2 years ago when I help my son who was taking a DJ course and I got him his first gig. I started watching this series last week and got the itch. I did a party last night NO big event and I had NO mixer nothing but my Ipod...... I tried to put some dj software on my Ipod but it slow me down so I just slammed the music. At first I did not want to do it because of no equipment. But good music is good music so with no MIXING I just slam song after song....And the people had a great time. As for me I can't wait to get another chance but this time with my Mixer (once I get One) and really show how it is done.... Thanks for this series....
I love this fucking video I completely survive of this style of djing...people noticed during my karaoke shows that I played great filler music in between singers rocking the house giving everybody a great time... I didn't and can't mix shit don't even try just smooth blends and I keep getting hired as a dj even without karaoke I'm known as a kjdj so this video is on point.
Interesting. I have a couple questions. I've only DJ'd a couple times, so I'm a total noob. I've used VirturalDJ with just my laptop, no controller. Now, how I did it was, was (for example, a church Valentines day party I DJd this month) I went through my collection, and chose about 2 and a half hours worth of music and built a set list order of warm up, dance, cool down, then dance again, then a close out. Kinda building a 3 act story if you will. (I mostly stuck to my arrangement, but I had to be flexible as well. Skipping and reordering songs if things if it looked like its work better for the people, and replaying a couple of the popular dance songs when requested) But all I was doing was cross fading close to the end of one track, into the beginning of another. Nothing fancy like beat matching or mixing. Just making sure there is no dead air. My question is, is this an acceptable way of starting out, or is it totally the wrong way to go about it? Also, since I've never used a controller, I've always been a little confused at to how you can check the next track with headphones, without it being heard over the mains as well? Is there a button or something on a controller that will play it through headphones only?
I guess what I'm trying to say is put in even a lil bit of practice then play out somewhere.I think it's irresponsible for a dj to play out having only been djing say a month or 2.Young dj's need to have respect for all aspects of djing,including beat matching if they are taking it seriously and have others take them seriously if they wanna get booked.Thanks for all your vids Phil,keep up the great work.
Is there any point in learning beat matching when the computer can do it for you? It's all about the tunes and crowd at the end of the day. Tech is not going away and this is how it is. It's like you say, you get the right tunes, read the crowd and away you go. Does it matter what medium you use? There's going to be a lot more tech coming out in the next few years that will change how the DJ/VJ delivers.
Absolute wisdom. I wish all the DJs who write hateful comments on youtube and other forums could see this video and understand what you're saying. And I wish all the people who think being a good DJ is about knowing how to do fancy scratching and mash ups could watch this video and understand that that's not what it's about either
So like you said in the other videos choosing your set wisely pays off. Check the bpm's of your tunes before playing out so that they would be easy or better to beat match? Or can you not just adjust the pitch very quickly for tracks that are say 30 or 40 bpm different? or does that sound terrible of take some serious skill?
I've just used the sync button on two Prodigy tracks, first played Smack my bitch up then synched into Diesel power, LOL, after Smack my bitch up Diesel power started into chipmunk mode, not good. I've got a lot to learn here mate. Forget synch button.
REAL DJS---MIX... u don't have to, but don't say djs don't mix... I know drops, timing, overlaps & selection, etc... Ur right about mood, mix, and not knowing how to play the music is definately the prob w/most new mobile/bedroom jocks. They just play wat they're friends want to hear at the time... No hate...
Thanks for this vid, sir.. I'm totally noob here, I just got my new DJ gig, and learning how to beat match all I got was ruining the songs.. I think the audience just wanna dance, they don't care about your skills.
You're welcome, thanks for watching :) Beatmatching is a good skill, but most people don't care as long as the music is good and they can keep dancing!
oh give me a break the least you can do in return for the great videos is watch a few seconds of a commercial.. if its really that terrible just download adblocker.
you could be the most technically talented dj but if you dont play the right music at the right time, and dont play FOR the crowd then it doesnt really matter. Thats what always annoys me about these "real" djs trying to put others down because they can scratch with their eyes closed, ive seen guys on a laptop, no mixer school those guys because they had a great selection and rocked the crowd vs the guy that was playing for himself
This is idiotic. Yes you do learn at home. How the hell will you ever get any technical skill if you don't practice. Telling someone to get up in front of a packed room with their Mixtrack 2 hours out of the box is just stupid. Sure, I understand what you're saying, a DJ controls the night, and there's no way to learn how to do that until you do it. Regardless, spending countless hours at home practicing technical skill is the only way to become a well rounded DJ. Sync buttons are for pousers.
And for all you djs thats gonna get your butt hurt by this video because he makes you feel less than special with this golden advise if you don't have an open mind click off now!
While I love most of your videos,I'm inclined to disagree with you Phil.It sounds like your telling people to cut corners & that beat matching is not needed.You said programming is 99.999999999% more important.I believe a truly great dj should strive to be the best at all aspects of djing,both programming,beat matching,effects use,crowd interaction,etc,etc..I know when I play out I like the people who play aside me to know what their doing.Well rounded dj's is what there should be,no hacks.Thnx.
oddio95 I agree 1000.00% with you. I like all of Phil's videos but this one had me feeling some sorta way. To say that you could make it without beatmatching is a little irresponsible. Im a Latin DJ and Latinos are very particular about there music. If you mess up a transition while they're dancing, they will let you know. I've been there. Otherwise, you're THE MAN Mr. Morse!
Probably the best video on the subject that I've seen. I've been a DJ for 21 years. I learned to beatmatch on an ancient belt drive Citronic Hawaii II console. (not easy) and very soon realised that 90% of the time I was wasting my time. People dance to tunes, not transitions. These days I let sync handle it. Sure, I could do it manually, but why would I? The technology has freed me to focus on what matters: Interacting with the crowd and making sure they have the best time (And spend the most at the bar) possible.
I think nowadays there is an excessive focus on technical ability, as if the people have come out to watch you mix; this belief in the DJ as rockstar. Believing you are the sole reason for the night's success is a mistake I've seen DJs make time and time again. I've seen people complete a 16 bar mix and then look up at the crowd with a look that says "How awesome was that?" like they expect a round of applause.
The only people who care how well you can mix are other DJs and the kind of club nerds we used to call 'trainspotters' back in the 90s. The hottie in the short dress? She cares that I managed to work her request for INXS into a dance set. Who's approval would you rather have?
If there is one thing that an aspiring DJ cannot afford to have. It's a big ego, Look at your crowd. It's not about you. It's about them.
Visionism You’re right on it with the whole “only people who care are the other DJ’s” when you’re mixing. I get that DJ’s get into their craft and there are definitely going to be things that might annoy a little. But the way i always look at it is this - are people still dancing and having a good time? If yes then the DJ is doing a good job regardless of sync or beatmixing etc.
This is very true, I recently DJed at a prom afterparty for my high school. As I had to play everything from 'Teach me how to Dougie' to music like Skrillex and a lot of dance stuff in between, I barely mixed. I would let the song play out, maybe give it a bit of an echo freeze or reverb fade off and then bring in the other tune. The feedback I got was amazing, I knew I didnt mix all at well but people enjoyed it.
This is well said! I've had many an aspiring DJ come and complain to me about my lack of beat matching whilst I have been playing to a crowd of hundreds. I usually ask them where they play - in the bedroom is the usual answer... Knowing what to play and when to play in front of your audience (in that place and at that time) is the absolute key.
you are on the nose. their is soooo much more to DJing, absolutely song choice and timing. mixing the two prefect songs is to simple and will make your audience bored fast. learn to keep time, drop on the one, stay in key ( when applicable.) when to use and not use effects. DJing is dynamic, fluid even. one of your best videos man. heart to heart greatness!!!
Pretty simple stuff, but so true. In fact most times when I am having a blast dancing to awesome music, unless I am there for a specific DJ, I don't even notice when they are mixing the songs perfectly. :)
mate..your words of wisdom will encourage the young and up coming DJs.. well done coming from an old school Dj who grew up with that mentality …but thankfully saw the light and realize at a start of my DJing years that most or all crowds didn't care in the slightest ..only about the music that was played..I heard amazing DJs in clubs mixing was top notch but the music sucked.. cheers mate..
ur very correct, at my first gig i went in there blind not knowing how to beatmatch, scratch, etc. But since i was able to put the right tunes on at the right times and keep the party going, i got so many compliments. Your insights on djing are some of the best out there keep doing what you do
Good work and thanks, we are always glad to help :-)
I agree you Phil, I believe beat matching is more about showing off your skills. Good music get you paid and beat matching get you a pat on the back.
Wow I'm playing my first gig in less than 24 hours and this video couldn't have been released with better timing! Cooled my nerves down! Thanks Phil!
fair enough. Know what you mean,;-) grateful for your hard work & dedication, it's inspiring.. I guess I'm just old fashioned, never got used to loud obnoxious commercials getting in the way of good stuff like your clips..
Thank you DDT !
You made a few good points here!
Cheers man! That was the best video so far! It was fairly basic stuff but it was encouraging to hear you say it and put me at ease going forward
What you said was very inspirational. I wish more people could think like that.
Such great tips! Thank you so much for them! :)
great video totaly changed my perspective on mixing!
u r talking gold mr , mixing is not everything , counting bars and drop on the one and organising tunes together ( timing ) is more important than beatmatching along with reading the crowd
leave them up. . on posters that i really like, like this channel, ill even give the ad a click to open in another window. . which will give ya a lil bit more when anyone clicks the ad. . heeh. .
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your expertise is most appreciated by a new DJ. I am learning a tremendous amount from your videos!
Thank you for the knowledge
This completely genre subjective, with some its OK not to mix, however with certain genres, (house, Techno, minimal, ect) it is essential.
Thanks for this video! It really helped !
Great video!
best advice I've heard so far, two thumbs up
I have always enjoyed playing music and collecting music but doing public function I haven't done it in years. The last time was like 2 years ago when I help my son who was taking a DJ course and I got him his first gig.
I started watching this series last week and got the itch. I did a party last night NO big event and I had NO mixer nothing but my Ipod...... I tried to put some dj software on my Ipod but it slow me down so I just slammed the music. At first I did not want to do it because of no equipment. But good music is good music so with no MIXING I just slam song after song....And the people had a great time. As for me I can't wait to get another chance but this time with my Mixer (once I get One) and really show how it is done....
Thanks for this series....
whereabouts in southern spain, I will be around in la herradura next week?!.....
Great Phil totally agree with your vision here!;-)
One small request though.. please switch of the youtube commercials they're so annoying!
100% agreed.
Great advice.
Cheers!
very good tip!
Great video, i have been having alot of thoughts around this, questions has been answered :)
It depends if you're DJing as a living or as an art on which is more important.
That's some good advice right there! I shall most certainly be referring my fellow noob dj's to your videos, this one specifically!
I love this fucking video I completely survive of this style of djing...people noticed during my karaoke shows that I played great filler music in between singers rocking the house giving everybody a great time... I didn't and can't mix shit don't even try just smooth blends and I keep getting hired as a dj even without karaoke I'm known as a kjdj so this video is on point.
Interesting. I have a couple questions. I've only DJ'd a couple times, so I'm a total noob. I've used VirturalDJ with just my laptop, no controller. Now, how I did it was, was (for example, a church Valentines day party I DJd this month) I went through my collection, and chose about 2 and a half hours worth of music and built a set list order of warm up, dance, cool down, then dance again, then a close out. Kinda building a 3 act story if you will. (I mostly stuck to my arrangement, but I had to be flexible as well. Skipping and reordering songs if things if it looked like its work better for the people, and replaying a couple of the popular dance songs when requested) But all I was doing was cross fading close to the end of one track, into the beginning of another. Nothing fancy like beat matching or mixing. Just making sure there is no dead air. My question is, is this an acceptable way of starting out, or is it totally the wrong way to go about it?
Also, since I've never used a controller, I've always been a little confused at to how you can check the next track with headphones, without it being heard over the mains as well? Is there a button or something on a controller that will play it through headphones only?
Thanks, yes this does help a lot!!!
I guess what I'm trying to say is put in even a lil bit of practice then play out somewhere.I think it's irresponsible for a dj to play out having only been djing say a month or 2.Young dj's need to have respect for all aspects of djing,including beat matching if they are taking it seriously and have others take them seriously if they wanna get booked.Thanks for all your vids Phil,keep up the great work.
Preach Phil!!!!!!
so good
Thanks Jonathan :)
Is there any point in learning beat matching when the computer can do it for you? It's all about the tunes and crowd at the end of the day. Tech is not going away and this is how it is. It's like you say, you get the right tunes, read the crowd and away you go. Does it matter what medium you use? There's going to be a lot more tech coming out in the next few years that will change how the DJ/VJ delivers.
Absolute wisdom. I wish all the DJs who write hateful comments on youtube and other forums could see this video and understand what you're saying. And I wish all the people who think being a good DJ is about knowing how to do fancy scratching and mash ups could watch this video and understand that that's not what it's about either
Thanks for watching and understanding it, really good to hear :)
Thank u
So like you said in the other videos choosing your set wisely pays off. Check the bpm's of your tunes before playing out so that they would be easy or better to beat match? Or can you not just adjust the pitch very quickly for tracks that are say 30 or 40 bpm different? or does that sound terrible of take some serious skill?
I've just used the sync button on two Prodigy tracks, first played Smack my bitch up then synched into Diesel power, LOL, after Smack my bitch up Diesel power started into chipmunk mode, not good. I've got a lot to learn here mate. Forget synch button.
REAL DJS---MIX... u don't have to, but don't say djs don't mix... I know drops, timing, overlaps & selection, etc... Ur right about mood, mix, and not knowing how to play the music is definately the prob w/most new mobile/bedroom jocks. They just play wat they're friends want to hear at the time... No hate...
4 years ago and i get a damn 'notification'... Geez... The internet is gonna kill us ALL...
2:48 That is it!!
Thanks for watching :)
Yep, i gotta learn how to beat match.
Very good video. does anybody know which dj console is the silver one that is similar to the pioneer cdj?
CDJ 850? :)
How did it go?
alright I'll give you break Spuddy10.. I'll try and install adblocker, thanks for the tip;-)
Thanks for this vid, sir.. I'm totally noob here, I just got my new DJ gig, and learning how to beat match all I got was ruining the songs.. I think the audience just wanna dance, they don't care about your skills.
You're welcome, thanks for watching :) Beatmatching is a good skill, but most people don't care as long as the music is good and they can keep dancing!
Other time we freestyle on the decks and the mic and STILL get the crowd pumped until the sun comes up...
Practice, practice, practice...
Cool :)
But you need a crowd to play in front of to practice in the first place.
sir yes sir
oh give me a break the least you can do in return for the great videos is watch a few seconds of a commercial.. if its really that terrible just download adblocker.
Sometimes I like my beat mixing to be off a little--A LITTLE!
I want my crowd to know a human being is DJing for them.
But yes, timing is more important.
you could be the most technically talented dj but if you dont play the right music at the right time, and dont play FOR the crowd then it doesnt really matter. Thats what always annoys me about these "real" djs trying to put others down because they can scratch with their eyes closed, ive seen guys on a laptop, no mixer school those guys because they had a great selection and rocked the crowd vs the guy that was playing for himself
This is idiotic. Yes you do learn at home. How the hell will you ever get any technical skill if you don't practice. Telling someone to get up in front of a packed room with their Mixtrack 2 hours out of the box is just stupid. Sure, I understand what you're saying, a DJ controls the night, and there's no way to learn how to do that until you do it. Regardless, spending countless hours at home practicing technical skill is the only way to become a well rounded DJ. Sync buttons are for pousers.
And for all you djs thats gonna get your butt hurt by this video because he makes you feel less than special with this golden advise if you don't have an open mind click off now!
guilty as charged? - here
While I love most of your videos,I'm inclined to disagree with you Phil.It sounds like your telling people to cut corners & that beat matching is not needed.You said programming is 99.999999999% more important.I believe a truly great dj should strive to be the best at all aspects of djing,both programming,beat matching,effects use,crowd interaction,etc,etc..I know when I play out I like the people who play aside me to know what their doing.Well rounded dj's is what there should be,no hacks.Thnx.
oddio95 I agree 1000.00% with you. I like all of Phil's videos but this one had me feeling some sorta way. To say that you could make it without beatmatching is a little irresponsible. Im a Latin DJ and Latinos are very particular about there music. If you mess up a transition while they're dancing, they will let you know. I've been there. Otherwise, you're THE MAN Mr. Morse!
haha once u dj in public u were learn that beat matching is cool an all but the people dont care...