How can I get better at mixing?

[U-31]

I miss Sex Panther...

[Jester]

practise, practise, practise in front of people. rinse and repeat.

[RockingClub]

Just get inspired by demo videos like those being shown to introduce new DJing gear. For example the ones done by Ean Golden for Native Instruments are quite impressive. Why not try to imitate them and learn by figuring out what those DJs are doing?

[Frank112916]

Honestly the best thing you can do is get out and watch other djs spin. Train spot for a bit, it's not exactly a cardinal sin when you are new. Just listen to the transitions, listen to the flow, watch the club and how it moves with each change. There has been nothing more beneficial to my growth as a Dj than hearing other good/great djs spin and trying to replicate the flow they had going. Even hearing bad djs spin has been beneficial. It's not about stealing mixes they do or stealing tracks - I can find my own - its about understanding their mechanics and how to get in a good rhythm and flow.

[deco]

best advice i read yet was: listen to your recorded mixes - you'll think "oh i shoulda brought that in 4 bars later" or not added the delay at a certain point, etc. then go back and do it again.

some of the routines you watch on youtube are developed over days or weeks and practiced until perfected. don't get discouraged. just come up with a concept for a strong 30 minute mix, make notes and practice it until you get it down. then perform it in front of others.

[ZxZDeViLZxZ]

That is the best advice to take. The biggest thing for me was mixing with other people a good and I would spend countless late nights mixing over and over it is very crucial to be flexible. The other thing is know your tracks this has been made easy with visual mixing since you can see the drops and hits and time them. I personally shoot for every transition to end when track 2 hits again I will start track 2 before but loop 32 until the timing is right then hit the first cue to make sure both tracks are flawless. With that said I will also ride 2 tracks that play well together for as long as 5 minutes. But I also know these tracks and make it way easier.

[tararan]

Great post and response. This beneficial as i'm on the same situation. recently picked up an S2 and trying to improve my transitions in my mixes. i find it easier to do it with electro/house type of music.