Tips and Tricks To Use While Mixing

[Stewe]

DJ rule number one: Always look like you are doing something.

[elliot1106]

Don't listen to everything you hear, not many people are that bothered about tempo changes, in fact on a night out it doesn't usually even cross my mind.

[chavezm3]

Thanks Guys for the replies.

I mainly play hip hop/r&b/top 40. From reading people's replies, it seems i have to work on buildup to make my mixes more exciting. I understand when you guys say use FX, but what do you mean by using loops??

[lethal_pizzle]

Work on your song selection

[rdale]

I often use a loop of the same song to prevent a track from breaking down, and keep the energy going. I use loops to build a better place to transition, maybe there are vocals at the end of a song, or the drums are going to change to something that doesn't work as nicely. I like loops to beat cut, you know where it is at all times and it isn't really going to change, so you can let it ride and hit it when you want. Lately I've been playing with looping harder drums, then mixing it with a downtempo track, then beat mashing liberally on the looped tracked to change it up, make drum rolls for tension, create pauses and stuff.
Loops are a great way to add a little character to the mix...

[dual citizen]

not many people are that bothered about tempo changes

Work on your song selection

Practice FX and loop routines a lot, then use them extremely sparingly.

[Phaided]

I have to say some of my most amazing work has been at home alone when i have no fear of making a mistake. I get completely submersed in the mix and start off boring and simple with some good songs I know and like. As cheesy as it may sound I will think about life all the highs and lows. I allow my feelings to control the mix as I would let a crowds energy and feeling normally control it. Then I start to take calculated risks and start letting go then when I listen back I can hear all the emotion and feeling I put into it. And some of my transitions just .......I don't know how to describe it but they are just amazing!!!! If you love what you doing, love what your hearing, and keep doing it for all the right reasons you can be an amazing!

[Yakov MIK]

My #1 tip for DJs: Find a local gig where you can practice in front of an audience. Markus Schulz said the same thing in his interview when asked what beginners should do -- get out there and play as soon as you sound half-way decent!