The one thing most DJs get wrong

DJing to a pumped up crowd is obviously super-fun. To get there, you have to know how to do more than just the fun stuff. Learning different styles of music is a stumbling block for most DJs. Have a favorite style, but at least know how to spin the rest. They’re trusting you to play what they like, even if they’ve never heard it before. Here’s more.

It starts at home

House is the home base for most DJs. It’s where you first start out. The groove is solid, the genre is popular and there’s nothing tricky about most house music. Once you’ve got beatmatching down, you’re on your way. But it’s also an easy place to get stuck. Getting stuck in a formulaic predictable style is one place that most DJs go wrong. Remember, the goal is to get better at DJing at eventually stand out! 

Get unstuck

Pick a type of dance music that you think is the absolute worst. Whatever that is for you. Then, grab three tracks from that style and import them into your software. Practice mixing them, even though it feels like you’re wasting your time. You’re not. Versatility is a key part of being a professional DJ. But yeah, you might want to take a shower after. 

Stay in the loop

There’s always some new track charting that’s a little different to the others. Find these outliers and add them to your set. It might have a weird vocal sample, new-sounding instrumentation or a strange choice of mastering. Collecting tracks that show this type of distinctiveness are what show your taste. Use them to practice formulating your own unique style.

Anyone can DJ. It’s true. It’s not hard. So what sets a good DJ apart? Experience. Taste. Attitude. Make these the pillars that you build your house on. People want to have a good time, and you’re there to give it to them. Level up your DJ game with one of the DJ Courses Online courses today.

3 ways in which DJs get exploited

Yikes! But yeah. Sometimes, being a DJ can be like dodging the dodgy dealers. Event organizers are under huge pressure and take huge financial risks. Sometimes, the events are disastrous. Then, they try to save money by squeezing their way out of all the handshake deals they’ve made. In this post, we’ll check out three things to watch out for when signing up to DJ.

Being asked to play for free

The topic of playing for free is a tricky one. It’s easy to say “no, you should never play for free”. But there are circumstances in which you actually should DJ without payment. But you should never play for nothing. Always get something out of the deal, even if asking for it means you risk losing the gig. And besides that, you only learn when you DJ in front of actual crowds. A good deal can sometimes be a good deal, even if there’s no payment involved. Only a Sith deals in absolutes. 

Being asked to pay to play

This, on the other hand, is utter rubbish. Avoid any kind of pay-to-play deals. They resemble multi-level-marketing (pyramid) schemes, where money comes from inside the event company rather than outside. Never, ever pay to DJ. And make sure you report or spread the word about those who offer you “an exciting opportunity for exposure.” That’s not the path towards being a respected professional DJ (but this is).

The deal changes after the gig

You’ve made an arrangement with an event organizer. You show up and play  the gig. Suddenly afterwards, you’re not getting paid the full amount. Or you owe something for a technical issue that wasn’t your fault. The promoter says you didn’t bring in the crowds. These types of post-gig disagreements are very common. The best thing you can do is prepare for the disputes beforehand. Always find out something about the reputation of the person hiring you. And if they’re legit, they won’t mind signing a written document, will they?

Most of the stuff we put out on DJ Courses Online is meant to build you up and encourage you to be the best DJ you can. We want you to win! So don’t be too alarmed by this post. It’s not meant to scare you off. It’s meant to warn you about the occasional nasty realities of the industry. But you got this. Get stuff in writing if you’re not sure. Always stay positive and focus on the fans.

Should you ever DJ for free?

What a monster topic! On the one hand, you don’t ever want to undervalue yourself. On the other, how else do you learn than by playing to actual crowds? Of course, in an ideal situation, you won’t have to decide, because someone will offer to pay you. But in reality, you’ll often be the one even raising the topic of payment. Let’s unpack this often controversial topic from different points of view. 

Yes, you should sometimes DJ for free

Marshmello’s coming to town, and he wants you to open for him. The catch? There’s no paycheck. As unlikely as this situation is, there are cases in which you ‘play the game’ by doing free support slots. These can be for friends or for visiting headliners. They can be shows where awesome quality video is being filmed, or it’s some kind of talent showcase. Free gigs can be charity or full-on favors for people you like. Yes, like it or not, you will end up doing shows for free while you’re learning to become a more professional DJ. 

No, you shouldn’t ever DJ without payment

Others say that to DJ for free is to devalue your own skills. But it also devalues the whole game for others. When you undercut your local DJ by playing for free, you teach the event organizer that in your town, they can get something for nothing. If someone’s throwing an event where alcohol is being sold or sponsored, the organizers should pay anyone who is contributing value to the event. There are no exceptions. The risk should be on those who profit, not the employees of those who profit.

What’s the answer?

The reality is that beginner DJs don’t pull crowds, and should consider some events worth doing for free. If you’re in charge of the party, you often don’t have a choice! But never DJ for nothing. In your negotiations, you need to include something that benefits you (other than a good time and a feeling of importance). In exchange for playing without payment, you should at least be given access to a folder of premium event video footage that you can use on your socials, a few drinks and a meal, comps for a few friends and a decent writeup in the event description. Get all of this in an email to avoid later disputes.

There’s an old saying: Never pay for something when you can get it for free. Most of the people above you in the profession will think like this. It’s your job to prove your value. And when you’re ready, you will. Until then, you need all the help you can help becoming a pro DJ. Now’s the time to head over to the DJ Courses Online course material and choose the one that best suits you.

3 places to share your DJ mixes

You wanna get noticed? Start with a great DJ mix. Something that raises the eyebrows of those who hear it. Something that gets the room moving. Then, share it. Back in the day, that meant getting a cassette or record pressed. Now, it’s just a matter of picking a platform and hitting a few buttons. Here’s how to grow your DJ presence online by sharing your mixes.

Soundcloud

Soundcloud has been on a bumpy ride in the past decade. The world’s most popular audio sharing platform has hung on by the fingernails, fighting copyright strikes and competition to remain a place where DJs can share their mixes with fans. In March 2021, Soundcloud announced the first-ever fan-powered royalties system. This enables listeners of your music to support the artists you spin directly.

Mixcloud

Mixcloud has always been pushing the DJ game forward. The platform has supported fair practices for Twitch streamers by doing blanket deals with rights-holders. This allows Twitch streamers to use tracks on Mixcloud without copyright takedowns. Mixcloud has gone even further, allowing streamers to bypass OBS and go live straight from their browser. If you’re a DJ, you should be putting your mixes on Mixcloud.

Direct

Of course, not everyone is trying to be public with their new releases. You can also submit them directly to other DJs, tastemakers and bloggers who want exclusive, previously unreleased stuff. A good old-fashioned direct link is the way to go here. Google Drive, Dropbox and MediaFire are ways to share a full length WAV mix. 

Sharing your stuff makes sense, right? As a professional DJ, you do need good photos and live videos. But even if you don’t have that stuff yet, a good solid DJ mix will set you apart from the others. Make your tastes known to the world. And while you’re here, check out the DJ Courses Online curriculum. 

3 mistakes DJs make when video recording their set

Having a well-shot 3-camera video of your DJ set feels awesome. Makes you feel like you’re doing a Boiler Room set or something. It’s worth putting in a little extra effort to get a good one. Avoid these common mistakes and level up your DJ skills with DJ Courses Online today.

Poor lighting

This is such a tough problem to get around. Most venues don’t have lighting which optimizes the DJ. And besides that, DJs generally don’t enjoy having lights in their faces. But you gotta play the game. A subtle ring light should show just enough of what you’re doing with your face and hands. And it beats the grainy lighting of most webcams. 

Redlining the master

The levels in your DJ software might be good, but how about the levels on your recording computer? You might be redlining, or even too soft. An in-the-box stereo recording isn’t really good enough. Look at the Boiler Room DJ set videos. All of them have crowd sounds. 

Bad framing

In photography, the size of your shot and what’s in it is known as composition. To get good composition, you have to position the camera so that your head is fully in the frame (not cut off) and there’s nothing blocking the camera. Ignore the crappy backing music and check out these 9 tips for better framing.

Getting a good live video requires that you think like a photographer. Get on YouTube and check out some basic photography tuts. Get on DJ Courses Online and sharpen your DJ skills. Yeah, another hat for you to wear. But making a name is the game we’re playing, right?

Video recording your DJ set

Now that most DJs have had a couple of years to practice streaming their sets from home, it’s time to get back in the live events game. Nothing screams “hire this pro DJ” than someone getting a whole room going. And to communicate those moments, you’ll need video recordings of your DJ set. Here’s how.

Good picture

There are a range of affordable webcams on the market that you can position around your gear and connect directly to a secondary laptop. Three cameras should do the trick. Get good angles which show what you’re doing with your hands, face and don’t forget to get one on the crowd. This videographer shows us a few tricks to filming DJ sets.

Good sound

It’s a good idea not to try using your DJ software to record while DJing. There’s a dedicated feature for recording sets in most software. But without any room sounds, the whole video looks fake. You’ll need a couple of “whooo!” moments in your audio to show people that you didn’t just edit the soundtrack afterwards.

Good performance

You come alive at gigs. Show people. Have a good time, and play to the camera (but not too much!). When you’re rolling, do put on a little bit of a show by fist-bumping, singing along and generally vibing right. That’s the stuff that booking agents are looking for. 

Getting those three things is trickier than it sounds, and a lot can go wrong. Minimize your risk by carrying that extra bag of equipment. Yes, it’s a pain, but once you see your first 3-camera shoot edited together, you’ll be hooked. DJ Courses Online is the place to get all sorts of practical music industry DJ tips. Consider signing up for a DJ course today!

3 mistakes beginner DJs make

Want to be a better DJ instantly? There are a million things you can implement right away that will help you escape the ‘beginner’ category. To those who have been DJing for a while, these common rookie errors are obvious. Follow these career tips by DJ Courses Online.

Peaking too early

As fun as it is to have a slot, it’s critical to realize that as a beginner DJ, you’re there to warm up for the main act. Don’t try to be the headline act before you’ve paid your dues. It’s a process, and you earn it. Besides, the 9pm slot is a pretty sober crowd. Hitting them hard too early usually doesn’t work. The temptation is real. The restraint in not going full-on is worthy of respect. 

Excessive FX and ‘action’

It’s OK to just hang back and wait for the track to end. It’s normal to feel ‘like you should be doing something.’ DJing is mostly about looking busy, vibing and waiting for the track to play out. Surfers only catch a wave once every 10 minutes or so. They’re still surfing. Don’t overdo yourself, and obviously don’t be seen checking your phone. Just be cool, and you’ll start to look less like a beginner.

Vocal clashing

Two people singing different stuff at once? Yikes. Bit of a no thanks. Rather than having the outro chorus of Track A play over the intro of Track B, make sure one of the tracks is playing an instrumental part at a time. The results are less dissonant and make you look like less of a beginner. 

It’s not hard to get better as a DJ. You just need to find DJ course material that works for you, pay attention to it and then practice as much as you can. You need to love music in general, and your tracks in specific. You also need to like people, because you’ll be a magnet for them.

DJ gear is getting more expensive

Noticed a rising trend in DJ equipment prices recently? So have we. The supply chain for many manufactured goods has been disrupted by the pandemic. Many components - including the semiconductors required in everything that computes - are rising in price. Here are 3 things DJs should be thinking about right now. 

Costs are rising

Component costs are going up. Labor costs are going up. Tariffs on trade are going up. The price of copper, which is used in pretty much every type of electrical product, has nearly doubled in the last year. To be fair, it’s not a new all-time high. The price has been this high before. But compounded with other factors, we’re in for extra expenses when it comes to buying DJ gear. 

Transport is changing

There’s currently a line of ships waiting to dock at both Long Island and Los Angeles ports. Ocean shipping has been overbooked and delayed for months. It appears that global logistics in shipping are reaching a bottleneck as DJ equipment fails to make its way from seller to buyer quickly.

Semiconductor shortage

This is pretty huge, and it’s likely to make computers and phones more expensive than they have been for the foreseeable future. Apple is still firmly in control of their high-end semiconductors. But the lower-cost silicon-based products that we use at our DJ gigs and streams are going to be less readily available. 

Fortunately, live events seem to be slowly and cautiously (or not so cautiously) opening up again. And that means more actual gigs. So what’s your comeback plan? Managed to get your 2022 set together yet? Get back in the game by picking the right DJ course material to get yourself in the zone.

The underground DJ capital city

You know the history, right? How EDM only really started up in the USA in the 2000s, about 20 years after it kicked off in Europe? More specifically, in Berlin. You see, DJs and artists have always gravitated towards areas of controversy (in this case the Berlin Wall). It’s where we get our kicks and use our talents to make social changes. So what went down in those 20 years? 

Make no mistake - dance music was well underway in the USA in the 80s. But it was the Detroit ‘warehouse’ sound which got the crowds moving. The industrial spaces of Detroit’s city limits became the venues for parties, much in the same way that the decaying inner city of East Berlin did. It was just a different sound, but the aesthetic was the same. We prefer to dance in the dark. 

The electronic music happening in Europe in the 1980s and 90s was the bedrock of the shared EDM culture we enjoy today. Extended mixes, big risers and reverb washes all owe something to the Berlin scene. Festivals such as Winterworld, Love Parade and MayDay gained popularity. During this time, DJs such as Paul van Dyk, Zedd and Robin Schulz flew the flag high and popularized the music globally. 

To this day, Berlin is basically the capital of club-music culture. The city is a magnet for producers and DJs from all over the world. The nightlife of the techno scene is unparalleled. Clubs on every corner, events for days and labels coming out the wazoo. And a thriving economy around new dance music. 

For anyone looking to become a professional DJ, location is half of the game. It’s easier to gain traction now than ever by using livestreaming to grow your audience. But if you have a chance to get to Berlin and pursue a career in DJing, take it. Your other secret weapon? This DJ Careers course. Grab that knowledge which gives you the edge!

DJing in real life vs live streaming

Like most entertainment jobs, DJing has taken a major knock in the last 18 months. When was your last set? Do you still own your gear, or have you offloaded it onto someone else? Now that all DJs have completely forgotten what it’s like to DJ in public, let’s recap on some of the differences between DJing sets in front of people and doing it via Twitch, Mixcloud Live or other similar services. 

Energy

The biggest difference between DJing in real life and live streaming your set is being able to feel the energy of the room. You still get a buzz from seeing your Twitch stream get busy, but we all know it’s not the same. Rooms of people are less predictable, less controllable and more committed to what you’re doing. They can’t just turn you off. This makes you more responsible, and the pressure feels greater. But so does the payoff - a great time! 

Technical matters

Solving technical problems is one of your best friends in the DJ techniques toolbox. Cables, volume levels, power issues. In real life, these typically differ from gig to gig. You’re not always sure what equipment the venue has, or how much table height and surface space you’ve been given. There may be other DJs or interruptions like speeches. But once you’re set up on Twitch (or wherever you stream), it’s easier to save settings and predict the outcomes.

Followers

One great thing that live streaming has done for DJing is given them identities. In a real life event, you’re usually part of the background. Most of the guests don’t know your name and couldn’t really tell their friends about you even if they wanted to. With live streaming, however, all your data and links are splashed out in front of them. You get to control and divert attention much more effectively, even if it’s through a screen. Those are the people who come to your in-person gigs when they ultimately can.

It’s a bit weird even comparing live streams and real life gigs. As if our digital selves are anything more than a simulation of our real selves. But now that we’re able to connect with people everywhere all the time, there’s no reason not to begin employing both to our advantage. Get the industry advice from pro DJs by checking out the courses offered by DJ Courses Online.

3 ways to bore your crowd

There are times when, as a DJ, you find yourself checking the time on your phone while you get through a set. Typically, it happens during functions like weddings, where you’re required to play the same old hits. You gotta at least pretend to be interested, though. Unless you really want to bore your crowd (like this guy). Oh, you wanna know how to bore your crowd?

Delaying the drop for too long

We all know the feeling of having left the drop too late. The instant regret after triggering the final 16-bar loop of a build one time too many. You can feel the energy in the room drop. That’s called delaying the drop for too long. Most experienced and professional DJs are selective with the start and drop points of a track. We don’t always play it from start to finish. Practice thinking and ‘hearing ahead’ to make those types of decisions.

Selecting the wrong energy level

There’s music which bores people because it’s too low-energy. But then there’s the type of fatigue that comes from blasting bangers to an empty floor. Adapt, improvise, overcome! First trick to DJing: find the energy of the room! If people at the bar are just tapping their feet for 2 hours, they’re probably waiting for the right energy level before they join the floor.

Being bored yourself

Assume the crowd knows when you’re bored. Until you’re a professional with a reputation for slaying the night, the crowd is going to copy how you’re behaving. No need to make a big show out of it, but you’d better be moving around. And you know what? Even if you’re not in the vibe, sometimes you can trick yourself into having a good time by going along with the expectations people have of DJs. Fake a groove and it might catch you.

Don’t worry about playing uncool stuff every so often if you’re just doing it to earn that dollar. But when it’s your turn to play the music you love, you’ll want the crowd to feel your energy. Wanna find out more about how to vibe like a pro? Hit up the DJ Courses Online course material and think about signing up for access.

DJ like a boss

Spinning a few records in your bedroom on the weekend is fun. But maybe you’re at the point where you’d like to take it further. Here’s where the professional DJing advice from DJ Courses Online comes in. Follow these steps and move forward with your DJing. 

Get out into public

Truth is, you can only get so far practising in your spare room. You have to get out. Learning how to mix a set, hold a track and stoke a crowd comes from being in front of other people. Crowds are honest, and if you’re not killing it, they’ll move on. This type of feedback can hurt (we know!). But it’s also you best friend as a gauge of your selection and mixing skills. 

Know thy music

Track selection is a skill. Software seems to be perpetually catching up, but there’s something legit about a person learning the tastes of a crowd hungry for fresh stuff. But you need to know your music. Have a reason that you play the tracks you do other than ‘it’s at the top of the chart’. Know the stories of the artists. Know the metadata. Learn more about what’s in your library, and the vibe will come alive for you, and the crowd by extension.

Don’t be bored

Is the music you play boring you? Are you doing it just to get the gig? That’s cool, if your aim is to do the jukebox thing for money. That’s how you pay your bills. But if you’re throwing your own party or have a chance to share your own taste, make sure that stuff sets you on fire! Half of your role as a winning DJ is just being excited! Do a cull of any tracks that aren’t doing it for you, and keep hunting for those that do. 

Taking your DJ hobby to the next level might require a change of thinking. You gotta start doing it for you, and be brave enough to share that with others. Growing as an artist will always make you feel vulnerable. You put yourself on the line at every gig. But you’re not alone. You’ve always got the friendly course instructors at DJ Courses Online. Sign up for a course today.

The big secret to DJing

Technique and song selection are the two pillars of DJing. Technique can easily be improved on (as all members of DJ Courses Online know). You simply follow the tutorial and practice your mixing skills over time. But what about song selection? How do you improve your nose for a good track? Here’s the trick. 

The problem

When you’re doing your next set, there might come a moment when you really wanna play that hot new track. But you also know that the 7-minute edit won’t work. It’s too long, and you haven’t set your hot cues yet. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to select a shorter version of a track? 

The secret

The big secret to DJing like a pro is having access to DJ edits. What is a DJ edit? When a producer releases a new track, they often include different versions of the track. Usually, there’s a shorter version for radio, There might be an acapella-only version. There are also VIP edits, clean edits, mashups. There are options for different circumstances.

The club

Professional DJs tend to get their music not only from the Beatport charts (yeah, we see you poking around the Top 20!). They tend to hang out in DJ pools, which are limited-access track libraries for unreleased tracks, white labels and commercially unavailable tunes. That’s where you get DJ edits. There are versions for all situations. 

So now you know the secret to levelling up. If you aren’t part of a DJ pool like Digital DJ Pool or iDJPool, get access to one. You might be fluid on the decks already. But you don’t wanna be setting hot cues for the choruses of all your tracks forever. You’ll hit a ceiling at some point. Get into a DJ pool and enter the next chapter of DJing today.

How long should you hold a track when mixing?

How do pro DJs seem to do what they do with so little effort? How do they know when to keep a loop going and when to drop the next track? How do they make it look so easy?! Anyone who’s DJed before knows that there’s a skill to it. Feel out the room and make the call. Here’s how.

Know your role

Pace yourself according to where you are in the lineup and how long your allocated set time is. Opening the floor? One set of rules. Headlining? Closing? Different approach. Maybe you’ve only got a 20-minute DJ set. Maybe you’re on for 8 hours. Over time, you’ll want to prepare different versions of your set to play these different games. Your 20-minute power set is gonna go down well when you need to hit a home run. And your extended set allows for more loop time and vibe building. 

Energy changes

Here’s a good general rule for DJs and moodscapers: quick changes in the tracklist result in a more lively atmosphere, while slow changes result in a more subtle and long-term build-up. You can use both to your advantage, but know what you’re trying to do. The speed of your transitions should match the vibe you’re going for. So brush up on looping on-the-fly with the Advanced DJ Techniques II Course lesson video 9.

Adapt, improvise, overcome

Too many DJs panic when they make the wrong selection. So you switched genres and the crowd disappeared. So what? Now it’s time to double down and make sure you hit that new genre with everything you’ve got. Next step? Hit them up with a crowd-pleaser in the new genre. Then watch how many people didn’t realize they came here to dance to the style you selected! People aren’t here to judge, they’re here to laugh along with the changes. Smile through it all.

Keep your loops in multiples of 8 (so 8 bars, 16 bars, etc.) Most dance music is written to be looped in these divisions. Find the sweet spot between and drop that sounds too early and a loop that goes on too long. Read the crowd, and if there isn’t one yet, keep your transitions slow and build, build, build that energy! The Ableton Live DJ course lesson 3 is a delight for DJs who want to get more creative with their transitions.

3 common mixing mistakes

DJing involves a combination of technical skills. You have to know how all sorts of cables and programs work. But even when you’ve got that stuff down, you still need to learn the best DJing techniques. Or at least how NOT to DJ. Let’s check out a few common errors that new DJs make.

Playing full tracks start to finish

Most DJs start out playing the full song. But the DJs that slay the dancefloor are the ones that know where to set their hot cues. Sometimes, a DJ might only play the most banging 45 seconds of a song! In other cases, only certain stems from a track. The point is that only playing full tracks from start to finish result in a lifeless DJ set. Get creative by setting your hot cues to interesting points in the song. Or drop in at the chorus and see what happens.

Mixing tracks too quickly

If you’re starting the lineup and the room is still quiet, start slow. Performing music is a type of climax control. It’s not quite satisfying when the end comes too quickly. Often, the DJ’s excitement can override the early crowd’s desire for a slow warmup. Mixing into your next track too quickly is a sign that a DJ is misreading a room or perhaps unaware of their position in the lineup. 

Big BPM leaps

Since the first CDJs, CPM detection has allowed DJs to really codify their sets into sections. BPM is the master. Many DJs are defined by the BPM they play (220BPM, anyone?). So whether you’re warming up a floor or in the thick of it, don’t make sudden changes to BPM. If you make sudden changes of more than +-5BPM between tracks, you’ll probably confuse your crowd! If you need to make subtle changes, do them during breaks, not choruses or main drops.

Have you found yourself making any of these basic mistakes? It’s cool, they’re not carved in stone. And you’ve probably encountered them already. Like playing an instrument, practicing your DJing is key. And practice is always more fun with a friend. Have you checked out the catalog of DJ Courses Online video DJ courses recently?

Live stream your DJ set

Maybe it’s the fact that the plague seems to be in decline. Maybe it’s the fact that Roland just released a smartphone mixer that allows you to livestream from anywhere. Whatever the case, we’re all itching to get out and play. Here are a few ideas for live streaming your set and showing ‘em how you’re living your best life. 

Technical stuff

Live streaming is still a little complex. Solutions are appearing, but you still have to learn how to connect everything. And you probably still need a laptop to capture that bass. Also, you’ll need a mini-tripod to hold your phone and a couple of specific cables. And an external soundcard. Yeah, it’s still a bit of a hack, but the results are worth it.

Get out

Videos of DJs playing sets in outdoor spaces always do well. Especially after 90% of us have spent the last 2 years caged up like animals. We all want to be where you are. You’ll need to think about places with a great view but which also have a power supply for your gear. And preferably spots where you’re not gonna get mugged! Greenery, open air, sea views, gardens and parks are all gold. 

Video specs

Live streaming is a bit of a power play for DJs who release music online. In videography, background blur makes the shot easier on the eye. If you don’t have a camera with an adjustable depth of field, try to find a spot which has a lot of distance behind where you’ll be standing. Either an outdoor space or an indoor space like a warehouse or somewhere with windows and a view. You can use Zoom filters to create artificial background blur, but it can look a bit weird, especially in low light.

It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re reaching people. Remember, though, that having an online presence means showing up regularly, even when it appears that the follower numbers are a little light. Ignore them. Look for the people that matter, and reward them with interaction in the comments during your set. Social media is one half of it. The other one is knowing how to DJ like a pro.

3 things software DJs can expect

Most music calamities at DJ events are as a result of a software issue. Programs are the bottlenecks through which a lot of (analog) audio usually passes. Unlike fixing a faulty cable, our inability to easily pop the hood of a computer program usually causes more trouble than hardware. Let’s understand a little more about how Serato and Traktor DJs solve their software problems on the fly. 

File not recognized

One common problem when DJing is when your software or decks fail to recognize a file. The dreaded ‘file not recognized’ issue can come as a surprise, particularly when you’re playing on a set of decks that belongs to the club. Or something on the older side. While it is a bummer being denied your banger, you can usually just skip to the next track. Best solution? Do your research into which decks are buggy, and know your downloads. Here’s a nice brief overview of how different file types tend to behave.

Laptop updates

It’s incredible how laptops seem to time their software updates right as you’re about to play a gig. If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to see a ‘please wait while XXXX updates’ message, you’ll know what we mean. It’s enough to give a DJ a stroke. Laptop DJs: disable automatic updates on your event machine. You’re welcome. Here’s a DJ that pranks the crowd with a Windows error message song.

The oldest fix in the book

When all else fails, restart your laptop. Obviously not the most awesome thing to happen mid-set. That’s why you should always have an emergency mix loaded up on your phone, plugged into the desk via an aux cable. In the time it takes for you to diagnose the problem and restart your main machine, you can hit play on your phone and if you’re lucky, the crowd will be none the wiser. You should come prepared to every gig with an emergency switch-and-reboot setup. It fixes most software problems and also beats 7 minutes of silence.

Ah, software. The solution to (and cause of) all of life’s inconveniences. Software is eating the world, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim of it. In fact, learning how to use your gear better is the only way you’re gonna get on top of it. Learn from YouTubers, or learn from professional DJs. Either way, have a banging set!

3 tips for DJing with USBs

You spend the afternoon at your mate’s place getting some new tunes on a flash drive. You take it home, plug it into Traktor and some of the files aren’t reading. Sometimes it’s the files, but often it’s the USB stick, because there are a whole bunch of ghost files that came with the music. Sound familiar? Check out a few career tips from pro DJs on which flash drive to use for your set. 

USB type

The USB should be built for durability. Make sure it’s not that brittle plastic type, or something too fancy or novel. A Garfield keyring flash drive simply isn’t made for professional DJ equipment, and especially not equipment running proprietary software. Avoid the generic ones. You know, the ones that you get given at trade shows. 

USB specs

Capacity isn’t that important. Most of us have collections under 32GB in length, which works out to about 220 hours of MP3s. If you want to futureproof a year or two, get a 64GB for your music collection. More importantly, get a USB 3.0 drive. Pioneer gear, for example, only uses USB 3.0 at this point in time. 

File type

You can format your drive as NTFS or FAT32, which are the Windows and MAC file systems respectively. Here’s an in-depth rundown on FAT and NTFS files systems, including their strengths and weaknesses. And the winner for DJs is FAT32. It’s compatible with a wider range of systems. And while the maximum file size is still 4GB, that shouldn’t make a difference unless each of the tracks in your library is 80 hours in length. 

Bonus tip! whatever USB drive you store your stuff on, get 2 copies and always keep their contents identical. Always take a backup USB! 

Yeah, stuff like file formatting and USB specs isn’t the most glamorous side of being a touring DJ. But learning to be a technician is something that all the pros have to go through. That’s why the gear is called ‘Pioneer’ and ‘Technics’, right?! Level up your skills with acclaimed DJ course video lessons from the pros.

How DJing vinyl is different to USB or CD

Spin vinyl much? You’re a rare commodity, and your planet salutes you. Seriously though, vinyl DJing is the rare, expensive and inconvenient art form that unites the purists, pushes the limitations and embraces the past. For those who seek to walk the vinyl road with records or courses like Serato DJ, here are a few quick tips on what to expect from our round, waxy friends.

Needles misbehave

Needles have a way of jumping around. A buildup of dust on your needle can cause the whole tone arm to migrate across the plate mid-song. Scratches have a way of teleporting the needle to a different moment in the song. People have a tendency to bump the table. Do what you can to minimize it. This dude even uses squash balls as shock absorbers for his vinyl setup!

We like analog hiss

When CDs were first commercially available in the 1980s, they were praised for their clarity and precise reproduction of the recording. As the era of cassette tapes and vinyl was coming to an end, people were all amazed to hear new music with such crystal-clear accuracy. Now it’s 2021, and vinyl has been making a comeback for 15 years straight. It’s actually a reaction to the clinical fidelity of digital files. Why? Because we actually like the warmth and hiss of music on vinyl. 

Embrace the mistakes

You know the way old school hip hop scratching sounds? It originated when dancers would bump the table, causing the song to make that scratch or reverse sound (and probably also cause the crowd to go “Aaaaaw c’MON!” or applaud sarcastically). The scratching became a normal part of the music, and DJs started getting creative with it. Point is that scratches, hiss and spin outs are all normal parts of the vinyl experience. Embrace them!

Being a professional Serato DJ or vinyl DJ is different to most careers. The criteria for a good ‘product’ (ie DJ set) are lower. People generally go to parties and follow DJs around because they’re just into a vibe. As a working DJ, it doesn’t really matter too much if you’re on digital or vinyl. Just make sure the vibe you’re putting out isn’t too self-important and people will love your energy.

Common DJ hardware problems

DJing does require a certain level of technical ability. Of course at the end of the day, it’s all about the music and knowing how to deliver good times. But having a technical side will certainly remove some of the frustration when real-life debugging is required. Here are a few things to watch out for. 

Headphones

If you need one mini-jack headphone adapter, buy three. Always have a couple in your bag. They tend to vanish. Having to ask the DJ before you if you can borrow (or buy) theirs is a little embarrassing. Another common problem is faulty cabling, which crackles or causes one of the sides to fail. Most of the value of a pair of headphones is the cans themselves, so you can replace cabling with a soldering iron. Finally, if your headphones aren’t working check if they’re plugged in! Don’t worry, it’s a common mistake. 

Club equipment

Nightclubs are like train stations. Loads of traffic. People in clubs also tend to put their drinks on any surface available. Speakers, DJ booths, equipment tables. Next to the DSP. If you gave them a chance, they’d rest their beer on the mixing desk. People steal mixer and crossfader knobs. Things get messed up quickly, and moisture gets in everywhere. Faulty club equipment is the source of many woes. As a professional DJ, there’s not much you can do other than being prepared to play on equipment that’s a little ghetto sometimes.

No Sound

No sound? Problem. But one you’ve diagnosed and fixed before, even under pressure. Remember to follow the signal flow, starting with the memory on your computer and ending with the front of house speakers. It’s probably software. Usually is. Check the volume, but also check the EQ. Sometimes it’s filtering out all the frequencies, even if the volume is up. If it goes dead in the middle of your set, here’s a pro tip: frown at one of the venue employees. The crowd will follow your gaze and assume it’s their fault!

You’ve got this. Ain’t a problem you can’t fix. The secret with hardware and technical issues is to remain calm and breathe. Extra oxygen means clearer thinking. Also remove anyone from the scene who is panicking or isn’t helping you think it through. Remember your Jedi training. And remember your DJ course material.