Choosing Tunes for a Set

[keithace]

my gig lists are never in order and are merely a suggestion

Hi,

I am trying to plan a set and am having some trouble putting my music into some sort of order. I am probably over thinking it tbh but hope i can get some ideas of how others do it.

Thanks M

He wants to plan a set.

[mostapha]

If you want to plan a set from start to finish...I'll warn you that it works okay for recorded sets but not so much at a party. I stil think it's an important stage of a DJ learning, but, I also think you're skipping a crucial step.

Almost every DJ I've talked to about it (anyone else chime in whichever way) made mixtapes, mix-CDs, or playlists (depending on their age) before they started DJing.

When I was a kid, I used to use the dual tape deck on my parents' (crappy) hi-fi to copy the songs I wanted to listen to off cassettes of albums so I could listen to what I wanted in the car. Mom thought I was going to break things, but they never used it anyway and let me get on it with it. I did eventually break it, but it was like a sub-$500 Sony (I think) integrated turntable, dual tape deck, AM/FM, and amp with two crappy bookshelf speakers that was older than me. They/I got their money out of it. I think the receiver is still at my dad's place (because he never throws things away).

I did the same thing when I borrowed a zip CD burner from a friend early in high school and later when I got my own.

And again when I discovered Winamp. I remember running the battery to zero listening to music...a LOT.

And again when iPods became a thing (I never owned a Rio or Zune or anything).

I don't think I actually listened to full albums (with a couple standout exceptions) from when I was about 8 'till I was in my 20s. It was more fun to make and listen to mixtapes/mixCDs/playlists.

That's how you learn to put songs in order.

Also, watch High Fidelity.

[Not Applicable]

A better movie to check out is "It's All Gone Pete Tong" or if you want a super cheesy and inaccurate movie about DJing you can check out "We Are Your Friends" BUT The best and something I think EVERY DJ should watch is "Scratch"

[astromech]

A better movie to check out is "It's All Gone Pete Tong" or if you want a super cheesy and inaccurate movie about DJing you can check out "We Are Your Friends" BUT The best and something I think EVERY DJ should watch is "Scratch"

If you want a realistic journey from dream to superstar DJ as a teen, Kevin & Perry Go Large is top tier documentary.

EDIT: Though it's a bit dated now...

[Jester]

All i wanna do is do it !!!

[Romkasoundz]

All i wanna do is do it !!!

True inspiration