How do you personally create a “musical journey”
Title says it, I want to hear how others do it. I want to incorporate as much knowledge as I can into a set and being either re assured or hearing others is a great way to learn and accomplish that!
Christ - where to start! I always pick a song that I want to start with (usually something low in energy, but still funky). Sometimes I’ll also pick a tune I want to end with.
Then I just fill in the gap in the middle! Every time you pick the next track, you do so with the next couple of tracks in mind. Each track will give you options for the next mix out - and the route you take can change drastically based on which track you choose.
Years ago, we used to do this by always having 3 or 4 tracks in mind for the next mix. Take a look at old DJ pictures - we used to have 3 or 4 12"s stood up on the record box/bag/crate to choose from. It was easier with the physical records to look at! Now, you have to do it all in your mind, and the problem with that is, without a visual indicator, you forget about the tracks that you WERE considering!
There’s probably a way around this using playlists/crates, etc… but I’m not up on Traktor so I hope someone else can shed some light?
Start with a song. And then, at that moment, try to think of something that goes really well with it. And keep that thought going. I guess, in its most basic form, is what you would call; A Musical Journey 
Before you can set off on a musical journey you must find a white winged Unicorn. Preferably with a horn tuned to E#. Then you may gather an elf choir, usually found near the pot of gold. Only then will the electric rainbow become visible and the musical journey can begin.
This… but I never seem to end up where I had planned to, as its something which ends up becoming really personal for me and something that I love doing!
Enjoy!
Sounds like rainbow flipping while watching the chronicles of narnia.
It’s kinda like algebra, or some other weird-ass equation. You have values for A (the track you are playing) and you know the value of the track that you want to end up at (Z). You just have to choose what letters (tunes) you are going to use (like stepping stones) to get you from one to the other!
Thanks a lot for the replies guys. Yes even yours @loverocket lol!
It’s different every time. That’s why it’s a journey! 
If i’m playing for a few hours, I like rise through the bpms till I can halve them and bring it back up again. That way I get a chance to play most of my favorite songs and dip through other genres. Get some flava up in them shits.
I’ve been trying to think of my set as the finished product of combined elements.. like how a song is constructed out with intro verse bridge, chorus kind of progression with each track being a new or part of a new element to create the ‘set’.
So basically ill think what kind of track(s) would serve well as my intro then as I play these I think of where I want to go next, usually I’ll pick up the energy a bit and use a track that pumps a bit harder as the start of the verse etc.
I find the best thing to do to get the ‘journey’ kind of feel is to not peak too early by playing banger after banger but to build up to those big tracks and to try to tie it in to a kind of theme.
Reading back on this it might sound like a bunch of shit but that’s how I think about it in my head. My favourite DJ’s are the guys that can do this reaally well.. I enjoy a fun pumping set like the next guy but I really appreciate the guys that create epic flowing sets.
It depends on the length of time I’m playing. An hour isn’t really enough to take you on a journey but it’s more than enough for me to show you the path. Also, uptempo and downtempo are very different in this regard.
In regards to making a mix - Its always most difficult for me to settle on first two tracks as this sets the tone. Then I have an overall theme that im going for, not just a genre but more an idea theme, Maybe even a pacific location I might play this type of set. Atm im working on something I feel I would play at the “stadium” in jakarta.
Sometimes I have two tracks that bang on together but the lead out track just dosnt fit the theme in my mind, the two tracks by themselves together without the whole mix in mind could be awsome but gain I come back to the theme the idea of what im trying to best express (as best you can using other peoples tracks) and even yes… the unicorn journey.
oh ya…and no cheap tricks.
I’m not sure about using the music itself to take people on a journey - I think you have to be one of long/progressive type mixers for that, but what I aim for is the relationships between songs to bring back memories:
- Songs that sample one another
- Songs that use similar elements (e.g. trumpet songs, songs with that retro house piano sound)
- Songs that were out around the same time
I just make sure to slowly change the mood/vibe and energy level. I’m a roller coaster type so I’ll go up in energy and/or mood and then back down. I’ll usually peak it about 2/3rds to 3/4s of the way through the mix. Difficult to do properly in an hour.
Thanks for all the info guys! Ill be posting a new mix soon as well, would love some constructive criticism
In terms of the “journey” or “experience” I think everyone has their own personal take on it. I tend to have a relative concept in my mind before I start a set. Sort of like the energy or attitude I’m trying to convey by playing.
Based on this I’ll make my track selection, with the focus being the coupling of one track to the next. I feel it’s important there should be at least 1 link between tracks, in various forms: key, drive, rhythm, subject material (lyrics), energy, etc. Figuring out where these links are is what I do when practicing, so essentially I’ll know ahead of time (during a set) what will work. For me it just comes down to “Does this make sense?” AND “Does this fit inside my concept for this set?”, if I can answer yes to both, I’ll go ahead with the mix. It’s easiest for me to stick to these two questions so the mix can remain organic.
Technically it’s boring, start and end set with song that sets the mood, play for as long as I’m allowed (or can be bothered to when practicing).
I start with the squelching of their mothers uterus and screams as she violently pushes them out, then ridicule them and give them false hope for about 18-20 years, then hit them with harsh reality. 40 years in, things start to drop, heavier as the years roll by, and then I finish with the sound of them drawing their last breath.
How’s that for psychedelic?
start with a song, pick another song in the same key and move around from there. it really just depends on how you’re feeling. If you’re not feeling it, it doesn’t matter what songs you play or what key. Normally I just go for a general vibe. Its something thats hard to explain