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Topic: commitment from a 13 years old DJ - Page: 1

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Hi Good Day!,
I got invited as a DJ to a kick off party happening next month, i'm only 13 years old and what else should I bring aside from my mixtract pro and laptop? do i really need to have an NI audio 8 to bring my music as its best? I only have mixtrack pro with me and I heard that the level of volume from mixtract pro to speakers are not that good.
please help! there's no turning back right now, I already gave my commitment. =(
thank you
 
geposted Thu 12 Feb 15 @ 1:01 am
You'll need licenced software for a start, then what is the Rig arrangement? (What kind of gear will you be outputting music from)
What kind of party is it, house party or at a venue. Have you got a backup music player that you can use if the laptop or controller blows up?
If you have a mixtrack pro then you shouldn't need a NI audio 8. You already have a Audio interface on board

We need more info from you to give you some decent advice, as how you've asked is like me posting

"I have a test tomorrow, what should I bring?"

Is it a maths test? a spelling test? a blood test? a driving test?
See context matters.
 
Hi!

I'm gonna be playing in a bar, they only gave me 1 hour to showcase my skills so I really need to bring the best out of me.. I just thought playing club/dance music is enough. would that be ok?
thank you for the advised, Maybe I need to backup my phone tablet in case laptop and mixtract pro fail me.
thank you
 
See my reply to your duplicate post here


If it's a bar with installed DJ equipment, their stuff should be adequate enough to cope with the output from your MIxtrack Pro.

Chances are they have a mixer installed, so just run your MTP through that (which can boost the output a little).

Yes, take backup. If the bar has CD players installed, take a few CDs.

--->>> As locodog says, strictly speaking you do need to be using the full licensed version of VDJ......if you're getting paid. If that's the case, you could simply buy a subscription license to cover you for that date.
 
A. 13 year old playing in a bar........
B. 13 year old getting paid to play in a bar.........

I would love to talk to this owner of this bar......

Now tell me DJ's don't need a union and more labor laws
 
yes i'll be playing in a bar without being paid, my dad will accompany me. He's part of the production team.
they just want to showcase that kids today are being engage actively in music so i'm part of the experiment.
thank you
 
@groovindj,
so I only need to have is a laptop, controller and a backup.
anything else sir?
appreciate your help.
 
"anything else sir?" yep, enjoyment! I hope you get loads of it on the night... good luck.
 
Goodness! the event is just 1 month from now and i'm nervous as hell..
 
I see above your plan was to play House music, etc. It is always good to know your crowd. I would ask the bar what they normally play? Just make sure you don't stray too far from the format that your guests expect. If you are only on for an hour, maybe listen to someone that is on before you (if you are not the first).

A bit of advice, look up from the laptop. Might seem simple, but if people are not dancing or showing much obvious interest. Look to see if anyone is singing along or "chair dancing" like tapping feet or bobbing head. Even singing along. That will help you see if they like what you are playing. You may not get any reaction at all which happens to all of us. But you should always look to see what the majority of people react to most and try to play more of that.

I have built many "pick lists" that are just play lists with lots of good ideas to help me out with different hits when I am feeling the pressure of a crowd that has not connected with me yet. That pressure still gets to me some times and that makes it hard to think in that moment. That will get to you when you least expect it. When I play for a new crowd I usually play a couple songs from each kind of music to see what they seem to like best. Don't make one good song decide your whole set, but it is a clue that will help you find more music that the crowd in front of you that night wants to hear. Also 1hr is short, a little short to really connect with a new crowd that you have never played for. So this may be advice for future sets.

If you play a few songs that people are just not into, try playing some Mega Hits to get them started. Like selections from here http://djeventplanner.com/mostrequested.htm or your local radio stations may have a current Playlist posted on their website.

Last trick I use may be hard for you. I don't expect you to know this yet, but most people love the music from their High School days. It just is what makes people smile most. if they are in their 20's play hits form 2000-2010 in the link posted above. In their 30 years old 1990-2000 hip-hop or dance. 40 years old play 80s rock. People love a couple "throw back" songs but they have to be good songs that everyone knows.

Good Luck my friend! I appreciate how respectful your are and trying to learn at such a young age. Nervous is normal, just smile and take it all in.
 
 
DJmongkz wrote :
yes i'll be playing in a bar without being paid, my dad will accompany me. He's part of the production team.
they just want to showcase that kids today are being engage actively in music so I'm part of the experiment.
thank you


Ok a few more things to consider, for things to bring, you may need to supply the cables to go from the mixtrack to the house rig. House rigs are much more prone to earth/ground loop noise, and it can be disastrous, you should get a ground/earth loop isolating wire (like $10) and power extension cords bring a couple of them.

And from now to then try play/practice with people listening, try get nervous you want to try normalise playing with people around because that first time live is quite a rush.
Good luck!
 
@locodog and @djhoude

thank you sir!.
would you mind if you listen to some of my mix? I admittedly this are the worst mix but I'm trying hard just to make my skills work. feel free to criticize it, I need opinions oh how can I improve it.
thank you so much!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC72Wqwvyx2wr6NtWCqYmmGg
 
One thing when you want other djs to critique your stuff, tell them when the mixes are (you'll get more takers if they can skip to the meat)

3:30
7:00
9:30
13:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGER73onT3s
9:51 mix is abrupt, maybe mix the next track in earlier and for longer
13 mix has a good ear those should two mix together main to main

It's a bit "radio" (from one end to the next beginning) but not bad, the crossfader sounds like it makes a slow transition from deck to deck and I'm rather a fan of chopping in and out in places, keep at it.
 
 
@DJmongkz have a look over in the Mix Lessons area here (at the topics with stars).

You will find lots of written info on different methods of mixing and on DJing in general.
 
Bit more difficult at your age but always good to go in and check what you are going to be wiring up to a few days before to make sure you have the right leads. Testing it is even better
 
DJmongkz wrote :
Goodness! the event is just 1 month from now and i'm nervous as hell..


That is more than natural if you are doing a kind of "dj audition"
Remember: choosing the right tracks is also very important ( extended versions are better to mix than radio versions at the beginning )
and practice, practice, practice ;-)
Unfortunatley YT has blocked your Video in my country but will try to have a look.
Feel free to ask in the appropriate forum for any tips or support .... that is why we are here for also ;-)
 
I listened to your short set at the link you posted and also your "EDM Outerspace Mix" you posted a few months back. Pretty basic but sounded good. Nothing that sounded bad at all. Just keep at it, practice often, don't be afraid to try new techniques. Learn to mix out at other points of the track other the intro and out. Try mixing at some drops or the bridge. You are on your way, sounding good. Just let yourself go, take a few chances with the mix.
 
TDBennett wrote :
...Try mixing at some drops or the bridge. You are on your way, sounding good. Just let yourself go, take a few chances with the mix.


I mentored another young DJ who only mixed at the intros and outros. It is fine for a start but the above is a good idea. I showed my learning friend this same skill his way and then mine and he was shocked at how much more energetic it sounded. Practice this, but you may not want to do it live unless you know it will sound good. No point in doing something if you are not sure it will work, you will just show them your weakness.

Better to sound good while you learn, then to show everyone a bad mix just to introduce a new trick in your set.
 
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