Building A Better DJ Mix: Tips and Tricks
What makes a DJ mix memorable? I’m sure you’ve listened to quite a few mixes before that are absolutely boring. They aren’t necessarily bad, it’s just that nothing exciting is happening.
Next time you are throwing down a mix, try out a few new tricks to make it interesting. This post contains a few tips and tricks for building a better DJ mix.
Do The Unexpected
One of the reasons why I love catching Sahsa and Digweed live is that they let a track ride on and on and on. At first you almost get tired of the same beat but then there’s a switch – you become entranced in the hypnotic beat.
Then it all breaks down and everyone goes fuckin’ bonkers.
When you’re building your mix, try to throw in something people wouldn’t expect.
These variations could be:
- A funny line from a movie
- An abrupt stop right before the bass drop, let people wonder then slam it on them
- Multilayering tracks to create a once-in-a-lifetime mix
Mix For Your Audience
Have you ever been at a club where people are really into the mix and then the DJ drops a track which immediately makes everyone stops dancing?
This often happens when they break the mental involvement. It happens often. DJs try to throw in an obscure track that doesn’t fit in with the set that completely throws off the rhythm.
If you know you’re mixing for people that are die hard trance fans, appeal to their taste by balancing your mix with underground and big hits. You’ll be able to keep it all within the same scope of the mix but also allow them to explore deeper into the genre.
Tighten Up The Mix
A sloppy mix is easy to distinguish between good ones. You can notice them by poor mixing between tracks. Even the slightest out of sync beat can be the proverbial shit in your cereal.
When you’re creating your mix, don’t settle for anything less than perfect. You want to give your listener your best which means your mixing should be extremely tight.
Cut in and out of tracks, mix it up and make it so seamless your listener won’t even notice you mixed into a new track until the chorus started.
Find Inspiration With Great DJ Mixes
When creating your DJ mix, it’s great to have inspiration from others and DJs you look up to. You may have heard an amazing break down, build up or sample in a set that’s given you goosebumps.
Could you replicate this same feeling?
The easiest way to find inspiration is to listen, listen and listen. Try to replicate some of the tricks DJs you love do. Don’t just copy them however, make it your own, make it your own personal style.
There are plenty of free DJ mixes available on the net on websites such as:
Final Thoughts
Every time you go into your DJ mix, put in all that you’ve got. If you plan to promote your mix, you want people to walk away thinking “wow, that DJ can throw down – I need to find more”.
By using some of the tips and tricks in this post, you’ll be able to build a better mix so people will recognize your skills.
