Hah, I keep myself so busy with so many musical projects and scene projects sometimes I forget about the essentials.
The DJ Mix.
I haven’t done a new one since Feb 2007. Hell I really haven’t found time to do much of any of my ‘basics’ for DJing in the last 2 years. Mashups, Portfolios, Press Kits, DJ Mixes, Tours, etc.
How do you guys with a bagillion other projects cope?
I’ve got one band, 4 musical projects, and 3 club nights. Seems like the nights I have the time to work on them are the nights I’m just so tired I just want to watch some TV and pass out!
Since djing is not my main activity, I’m always trying to find more and more time to work on new songs and djmixes. Right now I’m trying to learn how to create on Logic Pro and still learning how to master Traktor Pro. So it’s like that: when I’m not working on my art projects, I’m working on my dj stuff.
I DJ 1-2 nights a week (depending on the week) and I have 2 music projects. My last band broke up a while ago. Not nearly as much as you have going on, but still… I work an office day job that has a lot of down time. SO, during that time I pull out my laptop and mess with digital synths and sequencers. I spend tons of time on Reason, Live and traktor. Just organizing and creating. So. If you have a day job with lots of free time… It could work.
RSDJ sounds like you plate is full, unless we move over to a 25 hr day…its going to be hard to get stuff done. Do burn yourself out, I’ve seen too many dj’s crash and burn when they have too many projects. You have to find time, if its not avail you have to make time.
I’ve just joined the millions in the US on unemployment and i’m already starting to feel the throws of laziness. Yesterday was the first day in about 6 years that i literally didn’t do shit. It was everything i expected it to be. But now, I’m putting together a few DnB routines as well as cleaning up existing ones and trying weird stuff. Still trying to keep a normal schedule is hard when u don’t have a day job.
As sad as it is for me to say, I think I need to cut back on the booze, and start waking up early 7 days a week. I think it’d help get things done, especially Sundays (which usually start for me around 5-6pm. lol)
JesC = Jesse…and my father is Jesus (no joke) and he told me that quantum physics could wait…take time to rest, once your fully rested. Its time to work on a Rock Star DJ Mix CD! Plus dont forget is DM season again and the new ablum is coming next month with 5.1 DVD, did someone say Center Channel?! Remix time…
Two things I use to fight procrastination (a losing battle recently):
Exercise.
Exercising makes me sleep more regularly, evens out the food intake (hence the name) and gives more energy to the creative engines.
Mix in the morning.
Before you leave the house, even before breakfast, mix. Even if it’s just selecting two random tracks and one crossfade, mix. Do it every day. Get up, put on music that requires you to interact (no mixtapes - save them for exercise or work) and MIX!
I think the biggest thing is learning how to switch off fully and not feel guilty about it, not worry about taking a break and then come back 100%. The risk is taking too long of a break, so it is a bit of a paradox.
understanding limits is probably one of the most important things you can do.
i set aside 2-3 nights per week to hang out with friends or spend time alone. it does wonders for the soul.
all religious aspects aside, which i could go into, taking a full day off of working is actually extremely healthy. im 99% sure studies have been done.
i quit watching tv but started watching more anime on the internet, then when i cut back on anime i watch more tv a never ending cycle
but its hard trying to balance school, girlfriend, work, friends, studying, and mixing in one week, some times i go a week with out touching ableton, wish i had more time to actually sit down a mix more and record more mixes.
