Tips and Tricks To Use While Mixing
Hey guys! I have learned to beat match and can mix songs pretty well. I was wondering if you guys can tell me any tips or tricks I can use to make my mixes sound better or more funky. I know beat juggling and scratching are some ways, but what are some other ways. Or are there any tutorials or websites that can help with this? Thanks!
My biggest tip is to limit the tricks as much as possible. Simple, done really well, is better than even your best tricks strung together.
Don’t mix track A into track B only. Creat buildups with FX and looping, get the energy up and then bring it down slightly, then bring it up higher. Also, try not to just stay with 128-130 BPM, speed up and slowdown to build up tension in the mix. Think about your mix like a movie. Intro-plot-crisis-resolution-build up-climax-denument.
Mixers like the Pioneer DJM series have built in FX that allow you to perform tricks…either basic add-on FX or more complex ones depending on how deep you wish to go.
Add-on FX units like the EFX and RMX series (again all by Pioneer) all do what the mixers can and more.
Check out videos on Youtube and see which you think will suit you best.
^i don’t think OP is looking for new gear, he’s looking for a way to make his mixes delicious.
Ah, I get you…sorry if that’s not what you meant OP…just a suggestion if you ever wish to get a new mixer/add-on to your set-up.
Why?
At what point did he mention BPM or genre he’s playing?
Ignore the BPM part OP …play what you want.
Because after 4-5 hours it gets boring for the DJ and people on the dance floor. they could just listen to the radio or an iTunes playlist. A/B mixing is ok but put a little surprice in there every now and then just to make the night something more then just one more night out for the crowd.
3heads first - he wants more punch to his mix, so dropping every track as the previous track is ending won’t have the punch. Building up, breaking down and building up again will give it some punch, as well as using some fx or loops to help. I’m not at all saying that track A to track B sounds bad, if you have banger tracks, it will be great, but might lack the punch OP is looking for.
FV- most dance/house music is 128-130, mixing that through your whole mix kinda sounds a bit boring, but you already knew that.
DJ rule number one: Always look like you are doing something. 
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.
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??
Work on your song selection
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…
Practice FX and loop routines a lot, then use them extremely sparingly.
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!
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!