Song selection and creating an enjoyable listening experience

Howdy!

So I am planning my next mix and thought I would share some thoughts about my process. Much of my process I have to attribute to what I have learned from Dave Epstein and Jon Boy; two good friends who were willing to listen to my first couple of mixes.

Mood…what kind of mood do I want to create? What kind of mood am I in when thinking of a new mix? What was the mood of my last mix? Do I want to go big and make a peak hour set or select tracks with an emphasis on drums? Do I want to go deep and groovy? The mood of the mix is where I start.

Once I figure out what mood I want to create in the mix, I start previewing tracks and making a list of tracks that fit that mood. At this point there is no programming,(order of the tracks) just a list. I have perhaps 30 tracks I haven't used in other mixes so it takes time to weed out stuff and try to remember tracks that worked well when I played out.

Once I have a list to work off, I decide what direction I want to take inside the mix. So many mixes start mellow and build and that’s it. I have tried to create valleys or the “up and down the mountain” type of mix. Typically I try to establish a great opening track and start looking for tracks that mesh well. I am always looking for the next track to either move the energy up or down depending on what effect I am trying to create in the flow.

Jon Boy had a great piece of advice...place your big, showcase tune about 3/4 of the way to the end. This track doesn't have to be some big, peak hour monster. You know, its the track that just rocks your world. This is the track that you are driving the listener to and then beyond.

Dave said he likes to throw in a "curveball" track that works with the theme yet is strange or different. This is tough because most of us select and buy tracks that drive within the guardrails of our style. For my deep house mixes, this might be where I drop a crazy tech house groover that sticks out from the other tracks. The real talent comes in selecting the right tunes.

Selecting the right tunes is truly the least recognized talent of the club/rave DJ. Song selection is your style yet basically its your ability for programming. DJ sets typically are most enjoyable when the tracks work together and can take a listener on a ride. The whole "take the listener on a journey" is a bit over used for what can be accomplished on an eighty minute CD. When I think of a journey, thoughts of an eight hour set performed in a club rings more true.

Well I hope this has been beneficial. Please feel free to post your thoughts, comments or if I have missed anything. Hopefully my next mix will meet my own tough scrutiny.

Geoffrey / mint DJ

ps. congrats go to Dave Epstein and Jon Boy(together as 4th Dimension) for being selected to play the Las Vegas Dance Music Conference coming up in September.

Getting booked as a DJ

Aloha,

Occasionally I am asked about how to get booked as a DJ, playing in clubs, lounges and/or bars. It can be tough for up and coming DJs to learn the industry and how to get started. Below are some ideas that may be helpful when you are ready to move from the bedroom to the club. I am not saying this is a complete list, just things I have learned and have worked for me.

1) Play every show you can at first, even if there is no pay involved. The experience will pay off.

2) Get to know the promoters and DJs that run and operate your local record shop. Most promoters and DJs that work in the local record shop are available during the day. It is hard to strike up a conversation about your demo in a loud, busy club.

3) Your demo cd...make it honest! Don't fix your mix with software. So your first decent demo has a bad or sloppy mix. Keep it! Over time as you work on your skills, your improvement will be recognized and hopefully rewarded.

4) When scouting a club, make sure your musical style matches with what the patrons want to hear. "Will people in this lounge want to hear happy hardcore?" "Will people in this dance club want to hear trippy IDM?"

5) Be seen! Club promoters and DJs typically book people they know and can trust. It takes time to get to know people yet people do business with people, not strangers.

6) Be honest if someone asks you how many people will come out to see you play. If you know that only 5 of your best friends will make it out than “5” is what you say to the promoter. Bottom line, be honest with people.

7) Make sure you show up on time and touch base with the promoter a few days before the show. This lets the promoter know that you are dependable and serious about what you do.

8) Use the internet! With all the opportunities to meet people, upload your mixes and network, the internet can be a great way to let people know who you are.

9) Know your price! If you are going to meet a promoter or DJ that might book you, be ready to tell them how much you charge. This is tough sometimes to figure out. Depending on how long they want you to play, I would say $50 is a good starting point. If you have friends that DJ on a regular basis, they should be able to give you some insight into what to charge.

10) Always have demos on you, where ever you go. You never know who you will meet.

Well I hope this helps!

Geoffrey / Mint DJ