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Sujet: How Do you pick you song selections - Page: 1

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For anybody who makes personal mixes (youtube, mixtapes) or even the vdj radio dj's, how do you pick you song selections for your mixes. i mean whats your process do you hear songs in your head and feel the motion to add it to a mix.. the reason im asking is i keep tryin to make mixes and pick songs but my success of this is not good so far and thus preventing me from making a good list to practice and eventually distribute or even think about distrubitn.

my process i find some songs that i like, get them set up via bpm and go at it but it seems to never "work out" in a smooth flow..help me out .
 
Posté Mon 23 Nov 09 @ 9:50 am
OK when you begin making mixtapes you first need to decide your target audeince. IE. Gangsta, House, Best of, Blends, Radio.. what type of mixtape audeince you want to reach and then you go for songs that fit the bill. goole my name I have a few mixtapesthat done well. make your mixtape with a multitrack software and do your drops after.
 
A bit of everything. 4 or 5 songs at the most of each sort of Genre. IE: From Hip-Hop to Urban, then say Tinchy Stryder then old school songs etc. Just veration.

But BPM dose help out alot.
 
For me there are a number things that come to mind:

Often when listening to a tune I will think "that would mix with ..." and then try it the next time I'm at a gig.

Some mixes are obvious, for example here in the UK an artist called Chipmunk has released a new tune and the backing track sounds almost identical to the BEP's I Gotta Feeling - Obvious!

Sometimes I have mixes going on in my head (that's the nerd in me again)

I'm not sure what Remix Services you get over in the US, but here in the UK the prominent ones are DMC and Mastermix, they have a monthly CD release which will always contain a number of mixes - different eras, different genres. I will rarely play these at a gig (unless I need a loo break) but will listen to them to get ideas for mixes.

The thing is to listen to as much music as possible. Also study other DJ's - that's where VDJ Radio comes in ;-)

It can also depend on the crowd and this is where VDJ comes in to its own. I sometimes have a track lined up to mix in and then someone will come and ask for a track either 'cos they've heard it mixed before or because it fits with the current "mood". I've switched tracks and queued up ready to go with 20 seconds left of a track to go thanks to a good search facility, cue points, my trusty sync button and loops. Kudos with the crowd too as they get what they ask for instantly...

Regular work is another advantage, there's nothing better than mixing while the music is loud, the lights or going and there is a crowd so you can judge the quality of the mix. Some mixes just don't work in a low volume environment - you need to be in the zone too... I tend to use the early part of the evening to practice a few new mixes when the clubs queit.

Finally let VDJ help you. There should a filter called "Compatible Songs" with the filter "bpmdiff<=4 and keydiff=0". Click on this when you are playing a tune and it will return other tunes from your library which should mix well. You can then create new filters and narrow the results you get back, like including the genre.

Use the waveform and count beats. Work out whether you need to mix on 4's, 8's or 16's. One of the cool things on the RMX is that the track search buttons, just above the toggle wheel, will go forwards/backwards one 4:4 (large block to large block in the waveform). Therefore you can make sure your mix is on the 1's. Reading the waveform means you can spot mix points (I used to look for the darker grooves on vinyl back in the day).

Always premix in your headphones, make sure it sounds ok. Practice hitting the 1st beat a few times until you are comfortable.

Just some random thoughts, but hopefully will give you some ideas.

I keep meaning to do a "highlights" mix from my weekly club night and upload it somewhere to share to get some feedback myself. Must get round to doing that...

Cheers,

Roy
 
thanks all, your rite...i actually have been studyng you tube mixes getting ideas, learning techniques, so forth, then i practive practice practice., i guess home and live wil make a difference being that my 10 and 4 year old are the only ones who will run in an dance then leave when they dont hear what they want.lololol anyway ill keep at it and keep spinnin.
 
GadgetMan wrote :
For me there are a number things that come to mind:

Often when listening to a tune I will think "that would mix with ..." and then try it the next time I'm at a gig.

Some mixes are obvious, for example here in the UK an artist called Chipmunk has released a new tune and the backing track sounds almost identical to the BEP's I Gotta Feeling - Obvious!

Sometimes I have mixes going on in my head (that's the nerd in me again)

I'm not sure what Remix Services you get over in the US, but here in the UK the prominent ones are DMC and Mastermix, they have a monthly CD release which will always contain a number of mixes - different eras, different genres. I will rarely play these at a gig (unless I need a loo break) but will listen to them to get ideas for mixes.

The thing is to listen to as much music as possible. Also study other DJ's - that's where VDJ Radio comes in ;-)

It can also depend on the crowd and this is where VDJ comes in to its own. I sometimes have a track lined up to mix in and then someone will come and ask for a track either 'cos they've heard it mixed before or because it fits with the current "mood". I've switched tracks and queued up ready to go with 20 seconds left of a track to go thanks to a good search facility, cue points, my trusty sync button and loops. Kudos with the crowd too as they get what they ask for instantly...

Regular work is another advantage, there's nothing better than mixing while the music is loud, the lights or going and there is a crowd so you can judge the quality of the mix. Some mixes just don't work in a low volume environment - you need to be in the zone too... I tend to use the early part of the evening to practice a few new mixes when the clubs queit.

Finally let VDJ help you. There should a filter called "Compatible Songs" with the filter "bpmdiff<=4 and keydiff=0". Click on this when you are playing a tune and it will return other tunes from your library which should mix well. You can then create new filters and narrow the results you get back, like including the genre.

Use the waveform and count beats. Work out whether you need to mix on 4's, 8's or 16's. One of the cool things on the RMX is that the track search buttons, just above the toggle wheel, will go forwards/backwards one 4:4 (large block to large block in the waveform). Therefore you can make sure your mix is on the 1's. Reading the waveform means you can spot mix points (I used to look for the darker grooves on vinyl back in the day).

Always premix in your headphones, make sure it sounds ok. Practice hitting the 1st beat a few times until you are comfortable.

Just some random thoughts, but hopefully will give you some ideas.

I keep meaning to do a "highlights" mix from my weekly club night and upload it somewhere to share to get some feedback myself. Must get round to doing that...

Cheers,

Roy


I agree completly with you Gadget Man, you have gave a great summary.

I agree, where to place the next song can be tricky, espically if its a Hip Hop song say, a backspin or a 'Drop' works best for hip hop i found. Unless you get a song like 'usher - Yeah' then you can loo the instrumental at the end of the tune and then lower the bass, add a flanger then introduce the next song. Works a treat i found.

May i ask gadget man, where is this "Filter" (Highlighted in bold) I've seen a few people talk about this option now.
 
dannyboy2005 wrote :
I agree completly with you Gadget Man, you have gave a great summary.


Thank you...

dannyboy2005 wrote :
I agree, where to place the next song can be tricky, espically if its a Hip Hop song say, a backspin or a 'Drop' works best for hip hop i found. Unless you get a song like 'usher - Yeah' then you can loo the instrumental at the end of the tune and then lower the bass, add a flanger then introduce the next song. Works a treat i found.


You can always extend those instrumentals with loops and even jump back to the instrumentals with cues. I'm just starting to get in to this now. Never really done this on the fly before, always been more of a traditionalist.

BTW, Usher - Yeah in to Cassie - You and Me goes well ;-)

dannyboy2005 wrote :
May i ask gadget man, where is this "Filter" (Highlighted in bold) I've seen a few people talk about this option now.


Should be in the browser window. If not, just create it by cutting the filter test from above.

Cheers,

Roy
 
When im gonna make a mixed CD, i pick whats hot at the time. Pick out the songs you want on a cd and then you decide what order you want to put them into. I want to make sure that the listener doesnt get bored from start to finish.

Here are some of my mixes on myspace page www.myspace.com/CalienteNY

 
GadgetMan wrote :
dannyboy2005 wrote :
I agree completly with you Gadget Man, you have gave a great summary.


Thank you...

dannyboy2005 wrote :
I agree, where to place the next song can be tricky, espically if its a Hip Hop song say, a backspin or a 'Drop' works best for hip hop i found. Unless you get a song like 'usher - Yeah' then you can loo the instrumental at the end of the tune and then lower the bass, add a flanger then introduce the next song. Works a treat i found.


You can always extend those instrumentals with loops and even jump back to the instrumentals with cues. I'm just starting to get in to this now. Never really done this on the fly before, always been more of a traditionalist.

BTW, Usher - Yeah in to Cassie - You and Me goes well ;-)

dannyboy2005 wrote :
May i ask gadget man, where is this "Filter" (Highlighted in bold) I've seen a few people talk about this option now.


Should be in the browser window. If not, just create it by cutting the filter test from above.

Cheers,

Roy


I've done that. Sounds really good when you cue and keep playing back the same beat on me and you.

I have only started on the fly to. I've noticed on youtube a few dj's rarely use their headphones. But i use them to listen to loops, or finding a cue point on the other track.

I'm startig to use the cue features so much now
 
i sort tracks by bpm and try to stay close to whatever range feels good for the occassion. this way you mix more eras and genres.
 
mistah_p wrote :
thanks all, your rite...i actually have been studyng you tube mixes getting ideas, learning techniques, so forth, then i practive practice practice., i guess home and live wil make a difference being that my 10 and 4 year old are the only ones who will run in an dance then leave when they dont hear what they want.lololol anyway ill keep at it and keep spinnin.


Just a lil help. Its always good to make a mix tape with the same Genre. We basically jam the same thing being that we are a few hours away from each other. Don't want to go with a mix that will put your listners in different moods you want to be very on point when making a mix start off easy and bring it to them at the end....Or pick the best jams all the way through....Im always listening to the radio for the hot new jams that are out....Even all time greats I even check the apple store to find out whats hot for the month even the year......Last but not least ask a female what she likes they have the best taste in music they are the ones that drives men to the dance floors anyway...If they don't dance no one does Good luck DJ Double "A"
 
Caliente123 wrote :
When im gonna make a mixed CD, i pick whats hot at the time. Pick out the songs you want on a cd and then you decide what order you want to put them into. I want to make sure that the listener doesnt get bored from start to finish.


I agree, it's easier to make a mixtape/cd if you are playing regularly...

Cheers,

Roy
 
If your not DJing every week e.g. not really a DJ, just a hobbyist! then even the simplest things such as song selection will be difficult. It's the audience that suggesting stuff that makes your playlist with your overall opinion and say of course. Any new ones that fit throw in for good measure making sure you mix it up good.
 
Charlie Wilson wrote :
If your not DJing every week e.g. not really a DJ, just a hobbyist! then even the simplest things such as song selection will be difficult.


Unitl I got my latest club gig I was mobile 2-3 time a month - Sometimes more somtimes less!!! By my own admisssion I call this a "professional hobby" as I don't use DJing as a source of income, just to cover my costs. With over 20 years experence I don't think I'm a hobbyist ;-)

However what I do have on my side is experience and nothing beats that!!!

Roy
 
i dont really wanna b a club dj..i like my mobile adventure as it suits me...i get to pick an choose my events.. i get to make money on top of my 9-5 plus its follup up to my live audio gigs i do at church and for local events ...

but the reason to my askin of this thread is because a live music flow is completely different from what you want to put out as it showcases your personal skills and talents and allows you to free will what you wont/cant do when in a club/live gig..
 
I would say that over the last 15 years the industry has now become 80% hobbyist with just 20 percent pro, how many people go out two times a month only? loads I imagine with some just doing one event a month I'm sure.

Same amount of work, more people doing it, means the four night week is gone unless your doing a residency for peanuts. Cheapo gear from China, India and Taiwan doesn't help.

I now want nothing more than Sat night each week at £250, this will make me a hobbiest too and I know at this I'll struggle with music selection. I remember been able to feel the difference in myself, by been out 3 nights a week as a-posed to 2 and thinking that two nights a week was bad.

In the old day's when everyone was on good money and out every week at least two nights you didn't even have to think about the music, all I can say is that you will just have to listen to music at home to yourself more. Or go out with a list of the top 40 from across a few genera's n play off spec live n direct.

 
so are you a full time club dj?
 
If that's for me? no, used to be until a couple of weeks ago, given up the 6 night a week thing as i took the enjoyment of it away and am still in the loop from that music wise but am finding it harder the less you do but I knew that. keeping away from clubs to do mobiles as a hobby as it's preferred now
 
Charlie Wilson wrote :
If that's for me? no, used to be until a couple of weeks ago, given up the 6 night a week thing as i took the enjoyment of it away and am still in the loop from that music wise but am finding it harder the less you do but I knew that. keeping away from clubs to do mobiles as a hobby as it's preferred now


sorry yeah that prev post was for you..and yup like i said erlier the older i get the less i wanna do any type of club gigs...mobiles will be my route until im ou the game...
 
 
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