Forum: Music discussion

I like the tips here, but here is my experience:

Most songs should be 3 to 3:30 minutes. Good songs average that length and people like to her their favorite parts and get pissed when you cut off a song before they here their favorite line. Also, not all songs mix to the kick drum. Hiphop is notorious for an inconsistent kick drum, so you mix to the hihat. Also if you are mixing from a song that is strong to the hihat to a strong bass beat (or vice versa) you should cut out the bass initially on your cross over and work it in matching the hihats (this will usually make it look like your songs are out of phase by about 50%). check out my vid in this forum for more info.

Big tip. Don't go out in lala land and play what you think is cool. Play to the crowd. And give them a break every 30 to 45 minutes. Work in a song with a good break the flattens the music and than work towards a different style. This keep half the people at the bar and the other half dancing. While we would love to keep the dance floor packed all night you have to do you part to keep the bartenders busy (unless your Tiesto filling up a stadium) and thus the bar owner happy. Just my input based on spinning at American and Canadian clubs.

Lastly, DJ to play music, not get chicks or a cheap bar tab. When you are playing music at a bar or club it is a job, not a social activity, don't get caught up in the melee, focus on the music and watch what the crowd likes and doesn't like, and always leave them wanting more.