The Passionate DJ Podcast: Recent Episodes
David Michael
Mo goes on the road to Athens Ohio to spend some time with fiend of the Show B Funk to talk about a very unique show he’s created called The Trust Me Dance Party.
B Funk shares the premise of the show, its origins, the impacts of the pandemic, and the future of The Trust Me Dance Party.
How to find The Funk!
DJ B Funk Home Page
DJ B Funk YouTube
Episode Mentions:
Predators Dancing
Double Dribble Dunk
Homer Simpson Making Lean
Trust Me Dance Party Poster Artist: Rocky Davies @ageofnerd
First Appearance of B Funk on the Passionate DJ Podcast: Mixing Up Athens (Passionate DJ Podcast #174)
2022: Year in Review
David did lot’s of gear reviews, Tony was back on the road again, Trip got a new neighbor, and Mo took over the wheel! A lot went on during they year that was 2022.We get the crew together for the first time in a minute to talk about what we covered in 2022, and what are planning on 2023.
If you have not done so yet, don’t forget to join the Passionate DJ Community Facebook Page. It’s a great place to meet other DJ’s from literally all over the planet, and see what’s going on in the DJ space. It’s an amazing peer driven community with lots of voices and experience in the DJ space. Join today!
Intro/Outro: Earth Stands by: Cryztal Grid
Bumper: Paradise by: Yestalgia
How do you take it to heart when someone asks you to keep a secret? If it’s a close friend, does that matter more than a casual acquaintance?
What about trade secrets at your work place? Do you share the secret recipes with your friends and family? If you have the inside on the next big piece of tech hardware, are going to break that news on your MySpace Page to let all your friends know?
In this weeks episode, we discuss a recent incident within the DJ space where a new piece of hardware was leaked to the public, several days in advance of if official release date.
To most DJ’s out there, it’s not a big deal. As a matter of fact, it’s probably a bonus to get the inside scoop on new kit! However, for content creators, honoring embargo can have a huge negative impact on your reach vs those that chose to “leak” information!
Tune in as we discuss these recent events, and also cover some news on the problems that Ticket Master faced this past week when tickets for the latest Taylor Swift world tour went on sale. The long waits in line and the high processing fees even caught the attention of a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Taylor Swift Ticketmaster fiasco is part of a bigger problem in the music industry.
by Cody Mello-Klein of News@Northwestern
https://news.northeastern.edu/2022/11/17/taylor-swift-ticketmaster/
Music:
Crystal GRID
https://open.spotify.com/track/797fo2wi5LSUx7GlRx3vTi?si=BMsxh1U3TAmewJ_y-idnMg
Magiksolo
https://artlist.io/artist/1446/magiksolo
Passionate DJ Main Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/PassionateDJ
The DJ Hookup: https://thedjhookup.com/
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Dayton's very own DJ Chris Lutz. As a staple here in Ohio, Chris spans the spectrum of events from radio, corporate, weddings, clubs, as well as professional sports teams and colleges!
Chris shares his journey from working in fast food, Mixed Martial Arts fighter, and a lover of dogs!
Sit back, relax, and get to know a little bit more about DJ Chris Lutz.
If you have not had a chance, take a look at the review of the New Denon DJ SC Live 4
Don't forget to hit up The DJ Hook Up for all of your gear needs!
Music Credits: Cryztal GRID: Earth Stands | @Cryztal Grid Aves: Sneakers Show Links: Passionate DJ Main Channel Passionate DJ Performances
We'reeeeeee Baaaaaaaccccckkkkk!
Did you miss us? We missed you all! The team has been busy this spring and summer, which means...life happened these past few months.
We had lots of travel, some surprise home improvements, more travel, and someone bought a house. All that and we still managed to play a few gigs and do some gear reviews.
David and Mo join forces to get Passionate DJ Nation up to speed on where we have been and what our plans are for the future.
Pioneer DDJ-REV1: Best DJ Controller under $300? | Review & Guide If you have not done so, join The Passionate DJ Community on Facebook!
Music Credits:
Cryztal GRID: Earth Stands | @Cryztal Grid
Aves: Sneakers |
Show Links:
Passionate DJ Main Channel
Passionate DJ Performances
The DJ Hookup
As a mobile DJ, we do our best to provide clients the best quality of service at the best price based on our respective markets and the experience we bring to the table. You send out the contract, and then the client offers what friend of the show FireCat451 calls ‘Insult Money’ other wise as a Low Ball offer!
During this weeks episode, Mo, DJ Serrato of Phoenix, and DJ Freeman of Greensboro jump online to have a conversation about things you can do in your market to avoid you catching a case of the Lowball Blues!
Remember, if you are looking for any DJ kit, hit up our preferred equipment provider The DJ Hookup for all your gear needs.
Show Links:
Noel Serrato (@bestphoenixdj)
https://www.instagram.com/bestphoenixdj/?hl=en
Shawn Freeman (@freemandaddy5)
https://www.instagram.com/freemandaddy5/
Passionate DJ Main Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/PassionateDJThe DJ
Hookup: https://thedjhookup.com/
In this weeks episode we welcome back friend of the show B Funk.
With over 20 years of experience behind the decks, B Funk shares stories of how the pandemic made him quickly adjust from DJing in front of crowds, to making the switch to streaming online, all while working full time and taking care of a family.
B Funk also talks seriously about how he considered leaving DJing all together, and the stress that comes with playing High School events.
Don’t forget to check out the Passionate DJ Main Channel for the latest in gear reviews from our friends at The DJ Hook Up!
Show Links: B Funk Direct Support Set for Rezz
DJ B Funk Homepage
Episode 130: (The Return of) Bad DJ Gigs at 1:00:00
Today we speak with Mitch James, Columbus-based DJ who brings the perspective of a young festival performer in the Midwest. He tells us what it's like to be a DJ in this strange, post-covid world, the difference between older and younger DJs, and the struggles he's had in his local community.
While he was here, Mitch played a set for us that included house music, big-room EDM, and other forms of electronic and dance music. Be sure to check it out!
Watch the Mitch James Performance: https://youtu.be/P5clJdhA2ZQ
Mitch James on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mitchjamesoffical
In today's episode, Trip Turlington shares a few throwback house/pop tracks while sharing memories surrounding those songs and the times they were released. This is a true return to form, as we haven't released a Trip's Throwbacks segment in a few years. He brings us on a journey through storytelling, bringing us to the clubs and raves of the 90s... and talking about the association of music and memory.
We round out the episode with some DJ news and updates. We talk about the recent pulling of content from Spotify, go over a list of the best DJ laptops available right now, and talk about what's new in the world about Passionate DJ.
Trip makes dope-ass music, which you can check out here: 👉 https://soundcloud.com/tripturlington
Source: Best DJ Laptops 2022 (MusicRadar) 👉 https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-dj-laptop
Mo Dingo officially takes over hosting duties in today's episode, and he hits the ground running by bringing a terrific trio of DJs to Passionate DJ Studios. Dayton's Silent Disco crew joins us on the mic, featuring return guests John Chapel and Kim L, along with podcast virgin Sexbox.
Mo, David, and the Silent Disco crew are all buddies, so this is a fun episode full of jabs and nonsense. But we also do a deep dive into what the silent disco nights actually are, what's fun about them, and why they aren't nearly as awkward as they sound.
We discuss the technical capabilities and concerns of using 500 wireless headsets, the different musical "lanes" each DJ represents, the psychology of reading a "silent" crowd... and much more!
Dayton's Silent Disco happens at Yellow Cab, on the last Friday of every month.
(Red Channel) John Chapel | Modern Pop/Hip-Hop (Green Channel) Kim L | EDM (Blue Channel) Sexbox | 70s/80s/90s
Today's episode has two purposes: making up for missing the 2021 "holiday" recap episode, and making a big announcement regarding the future of Passionate DJ and the podcast.
(Spoiler ahead:)
Mo Dingo is now the official host of The Passionate DJ Podcast. This comes as a result of expanding Passionate DJ into many different types of content. Between our online guides, our hardware reviews, industry updates, DJ mixes, live events and more... it became too difficult for David make due dates for the podcast.
Making Mo the host is both a logical progression, and an exciting proposition. We will all still be regulars on the show, but Mr. Dingo is the guy hosting and publishing the podcast, so that David can continue focusing on other Passionate DJ content.
As we do in our typical holiday episodes, we also reach out to some old friends. Today we're talking with Brian James (The Engineer), DJ AXCESS, B-Funk, and DJ Serrato (no relation). We also recap all of 2021, talking about all the great stuff we did as Passionate DJ.
Also, all video podcasts will now go to our new podcast YouTube channel!
See it here: https://passionatedj.com/crossroads
Thank you all for subbing to the new channel... and remember... KEEP ON SPINNING!
Today, we present our most informative and actionable podcast episode of the entire year. Return guest Alex Pyatetsky, CEO of The DJ Hookup, brings insider industry knowledge... to help us understand the supply shortages plaguing us all. If you appreciate those old-school episodes of the Passionate DJ Podcast, with highly-researched bullet points and teachable moments, you'll love today's show.
We Talk About:
⓪① | 00:00:00 | Introduction ⓪② | 00:02:58 | Alex & The DJ Hookup ⓪③ | 00:05:08 | What's Been Happening (So Far) ⓪④ | 00:12:47 | Unavailability of Components ⓪⑤ | 00:17:25 | "Couldn't You See It Coming?" ⓪⑥ | 00:30:09 | Supply & Demand vs. Pandemic ⓪⑦ | 00:33:48 | How Society is Adapting ⓪⑧ | 00:38:20 | The Re-Opening ⓪⑨ | 00:42:30 | Freeze Austin, Fire in Taiwan ①⓪ | 00:44:36 | Industry Reactions ①① | 00:49:56 | https://PassionateDJ.com/merch 👕 ①② | 00:51:08 | What Should DJs Do Now? ①③ | 00:56:40 | How DJs Overvalue Discounts ①④ | 00:58:08 | "Should I Wait Forever?" ①⑤ | 01:00:44 | Buy "Up" or "Down"? (Listener Question) ①⑥ | 01:03:11 | The Importance of Preordering ①⑦ | 01:12:11 | The Second-Hand Market ①⑧ | 01:14:55 | Picking Alternate Gear (Strategies) ①⑨ | 01:22:52 | Tech Support? (Listener Question) ②⓪ | 01:26:50 | What Are The Positives?
Resources:
Time Estimates: ➡️ https://TheDJHookup.com/eta
DJ Hardware Alternatives: ➡️ https://TheDJHookup.com/alternatives
Guide to Selling Used DJ Gear: ➡️ https://TheDJHookup.com/blog/dj-community/sell-used-dj-equipment-trade-in/
========================= The Passionate DJ Podcast is a talk show dedicated to the art & science of mixing music. Together, we're becoming better DJs through passion & purpose.
In today’s episode, we’re primarily talking about Passionate DJ’s latest adventure: throwing live events! In our main segment, we feature an interview with Entel. He was the headliner for our launch event, where he played lovely progressive house and other forms of melodic dance music to a small outdoor crowd of around 150 people.
We threw a secret warehouse pop-up party in Downtown Dayton, OH. This was the first event that PDJ has thrown under it’s own name since 2014, so we wanted it to be special. We asked ENTEL to headline the show for us, because his melodic and emotional style fits Passionate DJ well, but also because he’s been making moves in the industry. Many more events at this spot (which is called HQ|DYT) are to come.
We also talk about the upcoming launch of our new channel, Passionate DJ Performances. This is where we will be posting our DJ sets and mixes, going forward. You can check it out by going to PassionateDJ.com/music
Before diving into the main topic, we also talk quickly about some news in the DJ space, such as:
- The new Traktor beta, with Beatport integration
- Serato support for the CDJ-3000
- “End of Life” RANE gear
- Rekordbox and their new “Professional” plan
Also, David got a new doggo.
Today's episode features special guest Isicle, who joined us for an in-studio livestream on our Twitch channel. While he was here, he was gracious enough to give us an interview to tell us a little bit about what he does... which is create amazing music on the fly.
Isicle is a Dayton-based DJ, producer, and pianist. His full-time job is wedding gigs, but today he shares his more artistic side. We talk about how he jams on his many keyboards, improvising over beats. He played some incredible piano keys for us, while creating cool music that we described as "LoFi Soul and Electro". There's definitely a bit of hip-hop flavor in there, too.
Make sure to hit up our YouTube channel, where we've posted the full hour-long musical performance for your enjoyment.
📹 That performance was originally broadcast on our Twitch channel, which you can find at Twitch.tv/passionatedj
We also talk about the many, many things that are coming in the near future for Passionate DJ. Stay tuned and enjoy!
Episode 221 is focused on the sounds of Drum N Bass and the surrounding genres, and features our very good friend Mister Shifter. He joined us recently for a DJ performance on Twitch, and we've posted a teaser of that set on our YouTube channel which you should definitely watch! We'll be posting his full DnB set later in the summer.
While he was here, we recorded this interview where we talk about Drum N Bass and the surrounding genres. We also discuss the struggles of forging an identity while playing and making multiple styles of music, working in duos/trios/collabs, DAW software and music production, piano lessons, DJ gear, mixing "DJ unfriendly" music and 45s... and of course, our guest's obsessive collecting and organizational habits.
Columbus-based DJ/producer Mister Shifter is a purveyor of fine bass-minded music, and former founding half of Random Movement. He's seen releases on Dispatch Recordings | Bassbin | Innerground Records | Skeleton Recordings | Flexout Audio | Foxy Jangle | Aufect | Lightless Recordings | Flight Pattern.
In today's epsiode we present an interview with return guest ZAANDR, who joined us to talk about all the great new stuff he's got going on and to share some encouragement with us Passionate DJs. Before we get into that, Mo and David get into a little bit of behind-the-scenes discussion: what's coming up soon, what we're thinking about, and general catching-up.
We talk about: - Livestreaming and Twitch - Upcoming content and experiments - ZAANDR's latest single, and his experience shooting a music video - What kept ZAANDR busy through the pandemic ... and much more!
We really appreciated ZAANDR’s approach to dance music. While his sound is very accessible and festival-friendly, there’s also a lot of “underground” influence. He transitions between house music and halftime trap beats, yet manages to make it all sound cohesive.
While he was here, he brought the heat in a much different way... playing a livestream of more subdued dance music. We'll be posting the set on Thursday... subscribe so you don't miss it!
In today’s episode we catch up with Cody and Gerrad of Cryztal Grid, to find out what they’ve been doing in the last several months. As it turns out…. a lot! Today, we hear all about their other projects:
💙 Chilled Samples A podcast and sound sample source for lo-fi producers: ChilledSamples.com
💙 Red Rocks Dubstep & Riddim Drums A unique sound pack capturing the energy of Red Rocks amphitheater: ColoradoSounds.com
And their musical side-projects:
💙 Summit One (a lo-fi hip-hop project by Cody) 💙 Cloud Effect (an ambient music project by Gerrad) 💙 Celestial Intentions (a binaural beats project by Gerrad) … all available now on Spotify!
And, of course, always check out the lovely sounds of Cryztal Grid: 💎 CryztalGrid.com
Since their inception in 2017, Cryztal Grid has exploded into the electronic music scene. Their live sets infuse a wide variety of bass music with live saxophone and both organic and electronic drums. Cody and Gerrad combine their rhythmic and melodic talents to create an experience, self-titled as, Rhythm Meets Melody. Similarly, they utilize their unique personalities and perspectives to create emotionally charged, melodic bass music. They center their production and live shows around connecting with people, sharing experiences, and inspiring listeners to be their best, happy selves.
We've got the whole band together for today's episode of The Passionate DJ Podcast. Since we're getting to the point where we can, knock on wood, see the end of the pandemic on the horizon... we all talk about what we've done in the past year, and what we hope to do in the coming summer.
We also talk about:
Being hesitant to get back to business The Pioneer DJM-S7 David and Tony... switching to Serato?? Beatport and Beatsource LINK Using Dropbox as a DJ library Our renewed focus on Twitch
Check out our Twitch channel for great new performances to come: 📺 https://twitch.tv/passionatedj
Follow David's personal Twitch, as well: 📺 https://twitch.tv/davidmichaelthedj
DJ/Producer, content creator, and thoughtful human Kilma joins us today on The Passionate DJ Podcast. Kilma is an early fan and long-time contributor to the show, and we're thrilled to have her back! She joins us today to speak with us about her experiences as a woman in the music industry, and issues surrounding gender diversity in the DJ space.
A big shout-out to The Mighty Mo Dingo for putting today's interview together.
Follow Kilma on Instagram: @kilmamusic
Follow Passionate DJ on Instagram: @passionatedj
In today's episode we're talking with Spare Change, Competition Turntablist. Spare is a 5 x DMC US Finalist (2013 Vice Champ), Scribble Jam Champion, Redbull Thre3style US Finalist, and 2 x Guitar Center Spinoff US Finalist.
Today, we'll hear what it's like to participate in scratch battles and DJ competitons, and get a few killer demonstrations along the way. Later this week, we'll be posting an extended set where Spare Change demonstrates what he can really do! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss it.
Follow him on Instagram at therealdjsparechange
Today we're proud to present one of our hometown heroes, Ike B (da bad boy). Ike has an impressive DJ resumé, and has spent many years on FM radio as a mix show DJ. In today's episode, he shares with us a little bit about his history, what he misses about old-school radio, his love for hip-hop (especially The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff). Today's show comes with a language warning!
Ike also shared a little about a brand he's working with, called Keepin It 1200. You can check the apparel out at KeepinIt1200.com
We also hear a brief news spot from the homie, Mo Dingo, following up on his CASE Act segment back in Episode 213. The CASE Act refers to new litigation about media piracy, which may or may not eventually trickle down to DJs.
We'd love to hear your thoughts about today's episode, and radio DJing in general. Is it a lost art? Does podcasting play a role in bringing it back? Let us know by joining the conversation at PassionateDJ.com/community
On today's episode we're joined by special guest Firecat 451. He’s a DJ, MC, and Producer, and has an entire repertoire of gigs ranging from headlining act, to direct support, to host and MC. Today he joins us to talk about his love for House, various forms of Drum n Bass, and for DJing in general.
Firecat 451 is a DJ, MC, and Producer, and has an entire repertoire of gigs ranging from headlining act, to direct support, to host and MC. He originally joined us in Episode 130 over three years ago, for one of our "Bad DJ Gigs" episodes. But today, it's all about the love of the craft.
Today's episode also continues our experiment with mixing musical performances and interviews together. If you like this idea for the podcast, or if you think we should keep the podcast strictly a talk-show only, we'd love to hear from you. Just hit us up in the comments.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Passionate DJ Instagram: https://instagram.com/passionatedj
Firecat Instagram: https://instagram.com/firecat451live
RANE ONE Coverage: https://passionatedj.com/raneone
Sayonara, 2020! It's a fresh new year, and for Episode 213, we're bringing you our year-in-review, backed by some killer tunage by our own Trip Turlington. We talk about the things Passionate DJ did in the past year, the guests we talked to, and the topics we covered.
What kind of topics did we cover? What were the most popular episodes? What were some of our favorite moments? Our struggles?
2021 marks the start of our 8th year at Passionate DJ. We thank you so much for listening, whether this is your first or 200th time!
For Christmas Eve this year, we're releasing our fourth annual "Ten Years Ago" episode. This time around, we're taking a look back to 2010. We talk about what was happening in pop culture and music, what was popular in the world of DJing, the films that were released that year, some notable events, the people we lost, and more.
If you are not able to be with your family during the holidays this year, we hope that this episode will help you feel a sense of normalcy. In Episode 213, we'll be back with our annual New Year's Special!
Mentioned in this episode:
- CDJ-3000 Comparison Video (via The DJ Hookup) https://youtu.be/zdXV1cRxar4
- Instagram https://instagram.com/passionatedj
- Scratch Video (DJ Axcess & Tony DeSaro) https://youtu.be/STbM1nOVBD4
- The Passionate DJ Community: https://passionatedj.com/community
Today's show features the return of DJ Axcess, who joined us in-studio for an interview and live performance. Since 2007, Mike Salone has been entertaining crowds across the United States. Known for his open-format style and creative mixing abilities, Axcess has the skills and experience to rock any crowd.
You can normally find him performing at weddings, hosting corporate events, playing sold-out arenas (pre-pandemic) or helping to train the next generation of outstanding DJs.
During the interview, we discuss stuff like:
• The new Native Instruments MASCHINE+ • The new Pioneer CDJ-3000 • What it's like to play a "Covid wedding" • Streaming services for DJs (Beatport, SoundCloud, etc.) • Why Mike loves his RANE TWELVE players • The Columbus DJ Podcast
...and much more, all while Mike plays a smattering of great tunes!
Check him out at https://djaxcess.com
In today's episode, Tony DeSaro tells us all about the recent drive-in concert phenomenon, springing up during an otherwise dismal year for live events. We talk about these socially-distant music experiences from Tony's perspective while working with Prime Social Group. | https://primesocial.com
What started as a potentially awkward concept has developed into a uniquely special kind of event (much like we saw with the Silent Disco). From Montell Jordan, to Shinedown, to Major Lazer... these concerts are providing a safer option where live music would otherwise not be allowed.
Thanks to these shows, people in the Midwest have been given a little slice of normalcy.
For more information about this concert series (based in Columbus, OH): https://www.westlanddrivein.com/
And don't miss our annual flash sale: Our "Midnight Edition" t-shirts! A fan favorite! https://passionatedj.com/merch
Today we have the brand new Pioneer DJ CDJ-3000 multi-players in studio. In this episode, David, Tony, Trip, and Mo spend about an hour messing with the decks and talking about their first impressions.
UNBOXING VIDEO: https://youtu.be/N54GNtubq7g
FULL REVIEW COMING SOON
The MPU (micro-processing unit) is the first Pioneer has ever put in a CDJ. It drives the unit, delivering stable performance and enabling advanced new features, and creates a smoother overall DJ experience.
Today we'll talk about the removal of the optical (CD) drive, the placement of the new Hot Cue buttons, the overall build quality, the price point (and who these are for), and much more!
In today's episode we feature Columbus-based DJ/producer ZAANDR. He showed up in-studio a few weeks ago to perform a live stream, but Passionate DJ was having some unfortunate internet issues at the time. So, we decided to bring his music to you in this week's podcast episode.
Today's show will consist of original music, mixed and recorded live in our studio, and our interview with ZAANDR sprinkled throughout. If you'd like to hear the entire unmodified set (without the interview), check it out on our SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/passionatedj
We really appreciated ZAANDR's approach to dance music. While his sound is very accessible and festival-friendly, there's also a lot of "underground" influence. He transitions between house music and halftime trap beats, yet manages to make it all sound cohesive.
Today we are speaking with highly-skilled turntablist, hip-hop aficianado, and all-around nice guy Fatty Lumpkin. After coming up around the rave scene and finding an interest in DJing, he eventually honed his skills in hip-hop... becoming a member of the former Skratchmatik crew. Now, he plays regular private gigs for comedy legend Dave Chappelle... sometimes multiple times a week.
We ask Fatty about what he does, and how he got to where he is as a DJ. He tells us a little bit about what it's like to perform at socially-distanced gatherings, and the precautions they take to stay safe. He tells us what it was like to be standing just out of the camera frame, when the now-iconic "8:46" segment was recorded. (Hint: it was emotional.)
All in all, we want to thank Fatty (aka Jesse Twopair) for showing up and telling us about performing live, his approach to DJing, and what it's like to basically be Dave Chappelle's resident DJ!
To start the show out, we also discuss the release of the new RANE TWELVE MKII and RANE SEVENTY-TWO MKII. Check out our YouTube channel to get the scoop.
📹 YouTube: https://youtube.com/passionatedj
Today is all about the state of DJ software, streaming, podcasting, and services. In today's "industry update" epsiode, we look at all the latest happenings in the digital DJing space (since we last covered this topic in February), and talk about our personal struggles with the idea of DJing via streaming services in a live environment.
We talk about:
Rekordbox 6.0 and its "Cloud Connect" features, including integration with Beatport Link, Soundcloud Go+, Dropbox, Inflight. The "Creative" pricing tier allows you to sync your library across multiple devices.
The removal of Spotify access from third party sources - namely, the removal of Spotify from Algoriddim DJay. They have partnered with companies like Soundcloud Go+ and TIDAL to continue offering streaming services.
The pros & cons of using TIDAL in DJ sets (Mo Dingo shares his experience after a few months of testing).
The addition of "stems"-like technology to both Virtual DJ and Algoriddim DJay. Both companies are trying to make it possible to separate different pieces of a complete stereo track – for example, vocals or drums, rather than requiring a special file format (such as the one practically abandoned by Native Instruments).
All of this, and more, in today's episode of The Passionate DJ Podcast!
👫 | Facebook Group | https://passionatedj.com/community
📸 | Instagram | https://instagram.com/passionatedj
👕 | Merch | https://passionatedj.com/merch
This 9-part video series is a beginner's guide for learning how to become a DJ. It's based on the original written article, and can be used as a video companion. Since its original form in 2013, this guide has helped thousands of beginner DJs to get their start.
📖 Full Guide: https://passionatedj.com/howtodj
A DJ, or disc jockey, is a person who hosts recorded music for an audience. But there are many different kinds of DJs, and many reasons for them to exist. We cover several types in the video:
• Club DJs • Mobile DJs • Radio DJs • Turntablists • DJ/Producers
We also discuss the difference between DJing and music production. While DJing is hosting pre-recorded music to an audience, producing is the original creation or recording of music. (e.g. someone produces a techno song, and then a techno DJ plays that song at a festival.)
It may seem confusing, because many performances are hybrids of these two concepts. When the creator and performer of a song is the same person, you might refer to them as a DJ/Producer.
For additional help or encouragement along your journey, join our free Facebook group:
https://passionatedj.com/community
Need help finding your first bit of DJ hardware? Check out my other mega-guide to DJ controllers:
https://passionatedj.com/controllers
"When you’re learning to DJ, you’re learning to match your own musical expressions with the desires of an audience. It isn’t just matching beats, or scratching over songs. It’s about being observant, empathic, and reactive.
Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time. It’s not difficult to start. But it is difficult to stand out, and to be exceptional."
Today we're joined by Vegas-based DJ/Producer Black A.M. We talk about his journey through music, including his former role lead guitarist for Machine Gun Kelley and touring with NGHTMRE.
In the last decade, multi-talented instrumentalist/producer/writer Sinclair Wheeler (born in Indianapolis) was signed as rapper MGK’s guitarist for multiple tours, Wheeler went on to perform live, as direct support, during NGHTMRE’s recent “The Portal Tour,” and has collaborated, performed alongside, and touched hundreds of artists, industry figures, and fans along the way.
Few have been as heavily immersed in US electronic music culture as Black AM. Pair this with a lifelong devotion to music, and you have the groundwork of something that will turn heads and stir souls.
Thanks so much to Sinclair for joining us today on the podcast!
➡️ https://iamblackam.com ➡️ https://passionatedj.com/merch
In Episode 203 we are joined by DJ Brains to talk about some basic tips for making sure your livestreams go smoothly. "Going live" has become rather popular in the DJ community during the year 2020 for obvious reasons, so today we'll discuss how to make sure they look great, sound great, and keep a stable connection.
Some topics we discuss:
• Some reasons you may want to buy a fancier router. (Stability, transmit distance, features, and "getting under the hood")
• Things that affect your WiFi signal. (Distance from router, solid barriers, microwaves, other WiFi signals, etc.)
• Things that affect your bandwidth. (Other users on your network, upstream vs. downstream, rural vs. urban)
• CPU and other bottlenecks (PC specs, solid state drives vs. HDD, RAM.)
• Video and sound tips (Lighting, sound, adapters, ambient noise.)
DJ Brains offers professional DJ services in Southwest OH for special events, weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. He's also one of our original Passionate DJ Amassadors crew. Special thanks to Leo for joining us, and to Mo Dingo for putting this together!
Today we bring Bit Flip back from Episode 200, because a full proper episode was necessary to contain all the goodness he has to share with us Passionate DJs! Mark Naegel is a multi-genre dance DJ, and the founder of #Freshlist in Cincinnati. As a supporter and proprietor of Midwest dance music culture for 15 years, Mark's insight was much appreciated while discussing event promotions, DJ hardware, collaborations, "portablism", and much more.
Since 2006 Bit Flip has been rockin' dancefloors with his breakbeat oriented style. Now more than ever expect multi-genre infused sets that develop from a G-house groove through drum and bass madness and anywhere in between. Expect the unexpected and prepare to move.
Freshlist is a monthly dance music and art event in Cinci, described as "a collection of fresh new sounds in electronic music of all genres without limits performed by some of the hottest acts around."
Check them out: https://freshlistcinci.com/
Today's show features special guests Shawn (DJ Freeman) and Noel (DJ Serrato), here to talk about mobile DJing... or the current lack thereof. Episode 201 is hosted by our beloved Mo Dingo.
We talk about the current state of affairs, considering the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, and how this affects those who rely on DJing for income. How are mobile DJs coping?
Noel tells us about a virtual dance party that he was booked to play, and was paid $150 for. This brought up some interesting discussion about the idea of using contracts for playing online gigs... something that would have seemed strange to us only weeks ago.
We talk about struggles with webcams on Macs, online crowd reading, the MIXON 4 vs. Pioneer hardware, connectivity & bandwidth, and Spotify vs. TIDAL.
Noel, Shawn, Mo and the rest of the gang are always very active in the Passionate DJ Facebook group. Interact with us here: https://passionatedj.com/community
LOOK US UP ON TWITCH!
In today's episode, we celebrate 200 episodes of The Passionate DJ Podcast. To properly highlight this milestone, we brought in a giant roster of guests. Unfortunately, due to current stay-at-home orders, we had to do it virtually. We talk about Passionate DJ, and about what we're doing with our extra time at home. Plus, a surprise special guest appears!
Here's the roster of lovely people you'll hear from today:
B-Funk | 📸 https://instagram.com/djbfunk
Brandon hails from Athens, OH and his first visit with us was Episode 174. As a working DJ, he has been drastically affected by current events. We talk about getting back to business, the anatomy of DJ sets, and Paul van Dyk.
Fatty Lumpkin | 📸 https://instagram.com/fatty__lumpkin
Jesse is an experienced turntablist with impressive skills, and like Brandon, is a working DJ severely affected by stay-at-home orders. We talk scratching, streaming, and keeping our virtual audiences happy.
Mister Shifter | 📸 https://instagram.com/mistershifter
Jack is a kick-ass DJ/producer holding it down from Columbus, who originally appeared way back on Episode 34. As always, we loved hearing his thoughts on Drum n Bass, streaming nerves, and recent Rekordbox woes.
John Chapel | 📸 https://instagram.com/heychapchap
John was one of our earliest guests on The Passionate DJ Podcast (#009), and our hearts have quietly wept in his absence. He gives us his thoughts on how the Dayton, OH scene has changed since his first visit, then harasses the other guests.
Kim L | 📸 https://instagram.com/iamkiml
Back in Episode 166, Kim came on the podcast to talk about "Hometown Hustle". Today, she returns to the show to talk about her B2B live sets with John, the success of Silent Disco, and her foray into music production using Logic.
Bit Flip | 📸 https://instagram.com/djbitflip
We've been wanting to get Mark on the show as a proper guest for a long time, and we finally made it happen! He's from Cincinnati and not only makes and plays great music, but is a prime force in making sure people can enjoy great music, through #Freshlist.
Matt Freeman | 📸 https://instagram.com/djmattfreeman
Matt first appeared in Episode 133, appropriately titled "Acid Attack", because he's in love with those squelchy 303 sounds! Today he talks to us about the long-running Asylum Reunion event series, and how it may be coming back sooner than we think...
Mike Donovan | 📸 https://instagram.com/volumedeep
Way back in Episode 78, local house head Mike Donovan graced us with his presence in a show titled, "The 8th Day of the Week". Today he comes back to talk to us about how he fits DJing into his busy family life, his love of house music, and geek out over Nintendo.
Firecat 451 | 📸 https://instagram.com/firecat451live
Will has been with us for a few episodes now, and I'm sure you'll understand why: he's great behind a microphone, and has a lot of interesting perspectives to share! Along with Mark, he's involved with #Freshlist. Will tells us about live streaming, artist branding, and hating trance music.
Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a special drop-in guest!
And of course, you can find us regular-ass co-hosts here:
David | 📸 https://instagram.com/davidmichaelthedj
Tony | 📸 https://instagram.com/tonydesaro
Trip | 📸 https://instagram.com/tripturlington
Mo | | 📸 https://instagram.com/thedjdingo
In today's episode, Mo Dingo shares with us some of his favorite workout tracks, and his reasons behind choosing them. Mo is particularly qualified to talk about this, since it's a perfect intersection of worlds. Not only is Mo a fitness coach and health nut, but he's also a DJ. Mo has spent a lot of time DJing for people while they are literally working out, doing CrossFit, lifting, and just generally getting sweaty. Today, he shares with us some of his go-to tracks, what they do to people's energy level, and the psychology behind music in the gym.
SPOILERS - ignore below if you don't want to see the songs
Today's tracklist: Highly Suspect - Lydia Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love Geto Boys - G Code King Bee - Back By Dope Demand The Crystal Method - Name of the Game Black Sheep - The Choice is Yours (Revisited) Saliva - Click Click Boom Metallica - Fuel Motley Crue - Wild Side
That's right, it's that time again...
Our "Bad DJ Gig Stories" series is BACK for a third installment, featuring several previous guests of The Passionate DJ Podcast, as well as submissions from our Facebook group. Since the world is basically on lockdown right now, we thought it was a good time to remember how going out isn't always sunshine and rainbows!
In this episode:
-
a story from B-Funk on a drunken wedding guest
-
a stormy submission from Corrupt
-
a sudden health emergency described by DJ Axcess
-
Chris Heckman's touring tales from abroad
-
Alex (The DJ Hookup) and stories from times past
-
a last-minute panic from MASIN
-
a literal news story involving our very own Trip Turlington
... and submissions from our Passionate DJ Community group on Facebook, which you can join here:
https://passionatedj.com/community
Stay safe out there!
On today's episode we talk about the latest news and happenings in the DJ industry in the past month or two, starting with COVID-19 and its potential effect on the festival scene. We move on from that after about 10 minutes, and talk about things that you aren't already tired of.
It may seem weird that I’ve decided to focus on festivals and clubs. After all, in the grand scheme of things, one’s ability to party isn’t exactly top of the list of emergencies. But, I’m sure you’re all aware of the general state of things, so there’s no reason for me to restate all of that here.
By the time I’m able to record and produce this segment, you’ll probably already have more up-to-date info on the virus and its overall impact in your area. So, being that this is Passionate DJ… this is the unique perspective we can offer on the subject.
Today's topics: - Coronavirus vs. festival season - The sale of Pioneer DJ (and other Pioneer news) - Software & streaming updates for DJs - The Apollo Masters fire (and danger to the vinyl industry) - Andy King (Fyre Festival) goes on tour - Fuser (upcoming DJ video game) - Air duct club attendee (lol)
There is also a rather large segment where we explore the new division of techno as defined by Beatport. Peak/Driving/Hard, vs. Raw/Deep/Hypnotic.
Stay safe, and keep on spinning!
On today's episode, we are visited by Cody and Gerrad of the band Cryztal Grid. This is the first time they've been on the show since moving across the country. We wanted to catch up with the fellas, and hear what they've been up to in the past year. The Cryztal Grid project has relocated, but is it still going strong?
💎 Check out Cryztal Grid: https://cryztalgrid.com
Since their inception in 2017, Cryztal Grid has exploded into the electronic music scene. Their live sets infuse a wide variety of bass music with live saxophone and both organic and electronic drums. Cody and Gerrad combine their rhythmic and melodic talents to create an experience, self-titled as, Rhythm Meets Melody. Similarly, they utilize their unique personalities and perspectives to create emotionally charged, melodic bass music. They center their production and live shows around connecting with people, sharing experiences, and inspiring listeners to be their best, happy selves.
🎷Cryztal Grid on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cryztalgrid 🌇 Branden Uhrig Photography: https://instagram.com/thebrandenu
There are so many changes in my life I don't know if it's wrong or if it's right And I want you, want you by my side Everything is gonna be alright!
In today's episode, we talk about all the changes we've been making to our home studio setups. All four Passionate DJ co-hosts have been changing up their personal DJ booths and production desks. We talk about the various reasons for these modifications, such as aesthetics, convenience, ergonomics, efficiency, and more.
Coming soon, we'll post a video tour of these changes on our YouTube channel so that you can see for yourself!
By the way, Passionate DJ is trying to build our Instagram following. Help us get to 10K followers! Follow and interact: @passionatedj
https://instagram.com/passionatedj
In Episode 194, we focus on The Passionate DJ Community – an official Facebook Group for fans of Passionate DJ and other music lovers. David scrolls through the past few months of posts, picking out a few questions and giving responses from the microphone.
Here are some of the questions that are covered:
➡️ Will the Pioneer XDJ-RX2 work properly with Traktor software?
➡️ When it comes to DJing, are all USB thumb drives equal?
➡️ Where do you keep your DJ collection, and is it combined with your "listening music"?
➡️ What's the best program for changing the key of a song?
➡️ In creating a DJ mix, how do you create "flow"?
➡️ What are your thoughts on the Reloop Kut mixer, and the KRK Rokit studio monitors?
➡️ At what age did you decide that you wanted to create music?
➡️ How do you stay prepared to play on any available DJ equipment (Rekordbox vs. Serato vs. Traktor, etc.)?
If you love Passionate DJ, don't forget that we have merch:
https://passionatedj.com/merch
This both supports us monetarily, and by helping promote our message to other DJs!
Now that NAMM 2020 is over, and your social media feeds have calmed down a bit... this episode of The Passionate DJ Podcast summarizes all of the DJ-related hardware releases that happened this month.
Here's what was released or announced in the month of January:
➡️ Denon DJ SC6000 & SC6000M PRIME Professional DJ Media Player w/10.1" Touchscreen & WiFi Music Streaming Original breakdown @ The DJ Hookup: https://youtu.be/DavSOjPTLfI
➡️ Denon DJ X1850 PRIME 4-Channel Digital Mixer with Multi-Assignable Inputs & Pro DJ FX Comparison to the DJM-900NXS2: https://youtu.be/rSa7MB5ko_g
➡️ Denon DJ PRIME 2 2-Deck Smart DJ Console with 7” Touchscreen
➡️ Denon DJ PRIME GO 2-Deck Rechargeable Smart DJ Console with 7” Touchscreen
➡️ Pioneer DJM-V10 High-end 6-channel Professional DJ Mixer First reaction: https://youtu.be/_jbl4-dFgo4
➡️ Numark DJ2GO2 Touch Pocket DJ Controller with Capacitive Touch Jog Wheels Order Now! https://amzn.to/2U0TtZJ *
➡️ Rane SEVENTY 2-channel Serato mixer for the Pro-Performance DJ
➡️ Akai MPC One Standalone MPC – No Computer Required
Today we’re presenting an episode that was recorded about a year ago, but never got published. Sometimes, we record “bank episodes” (shows we save for later). But, due to our summer break in 2019, this one just ended up sitting.
Rather than let it go to waste, we’re playing it for you now!
This is a freeform discussion about various topics, such as Tony’s adventures on the road (working the festival circuit), Mo’s experience with the DDJ-1000 (which he had just purchased), the time we spent at Dayton Podfest (a live audience event from last year), and much more.
Not much else to say… just some studio chat amongst friends. Sit back, and enjoy!
Happy New Year, Passionate DJs! In today's episode we look at the year in review. What kind of topics did we cover? What were the most popular episodes? What were some of our favorite moments? And why did the podcast disappear for a few months in the middle?
We play clips from previous shows (including some off-air blooper moments...), present a bonus segment from last week's holiday episode, and then wrap up the episode with a letter from David to all of you.
With 2020, Passionate DJ will begin its seventh year. Just incredible.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Here's to many more!
Keep on spinning.
⚠️ This episode contains gangsta rap with loads of swearing. You have been warned!
We're back with another Holiday episode! In one of our favorite shows of the year, all four Passionate DJ hosts exchange records with each other for Christmas. We then share our spoils with you by playing samples from each record, and giving our reactions as we listen together.
We cover a lot of ground this year, as we always do. Expect to hear pop, 80s rock, blues... and yes, tons of hip-hop.
David, Tony, Trip and Mo all have a great time in this episode as we share some laughs, and prepare to wrap up another great year of podcasting… as well as continuing to become better DJs through passion and purpose.
We'll keep the tracklist quiet this time... listen to find out.
Happy Holidays, Passionate DJ fam. We'll see you next week for our annual New Year's Special!
Today we're talking about DJ controllers, and deciding which is the best DJ controller to buy as we head into a new year. There are so many options these days... how do you know which to choose?
Since 2014, The Controller Compendium has helped thousands of DJs compare the top DJ controllers so that they can get the most for their hard-earned money. This version, as posted on YouTube and on the Passionate DJ Podcast, is based on the written guide which can be found at https://passionatedj.com/controllers. That will be the most up-to-date version of the guide featured in this video.
The guide is divided into several price categories: * Premium ($1000+) * Midrange (under $1000) * Budget (under $500) ...each containing a Top 5, plus several honorable mentions.
The guide then addresses each of these platforms separately: * Rekordbox DJ * Serato DJ * Traktor DJ * Algoriddim DJay * Standalone ... each containing a top recommendation, plus several honorable mentions.
We also talk about what you should consider when you're shopping for a DJ controller, and the knowledge you should bring to the table before hitting "buy". While this guide can't determine a "one size fits all" answer for every single DJ... by the end of the episode, you should have the confidence of making an informed choice for YOUR needs.
Once you’ve decided what your requirements are, you should decide how much money you’re willing to spend on your hobby or business. There are great options in every price point, which is why this guide is initially segmented by price.
Never feel like you have to buy high-end gear to be a “real” DJ, or to keep up with the times. Buy the controller that fits your needs, for the amount you have to spend. Even in the “middle” price point, you’re mostly just paying for additional luxuries. All the basics will be covered.
DJ hardware is only part of the equation. For a steady fix of DJ news, tips, stories, and adventures… follow The Passionate DJ Podcast here on YouTube or on your favorite podcast app. Our show features inspiring stories, interviews with famous DJs, tips to increase your DJing skill, industry news, and much more.
📖 Find the full guide here: https://passionatedj.com/controllers
- We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
DJ CONTROLLER GIVEAWAY (Win a Reloop MIXON 4!): https://passionatedj.com/giveaway
As the third entry in our "Ten Years Ago" series, today's episode will focus on the music and happenings of 2009. From the death of the King of Pop, the creation of Glee, and the launch of Farmville... we leave no stone unturned as we explore the events of a decade ago.
Of course, we discuss the DJ hardware that was launched that year (ever hear of a little something called the CDJ-2000?) and the winners of the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs Poll. We listen to a few best-selling 2009 tracks on Beatport, and learn what words were added to the lexicon that year.
Before diving in to our main topic, we take some time to discuss the latest release from Pioneer, the XDJ-XZ standalone DJ system, and how it stacks up vs. the Denon DJ Prime 4.
Other stuff coming soon:
-
Hands-on reviews of the Denon Prime X1800 & SC5000
-
Video: Day of the Big Show (Up & Up Festival)
-
Update to Controller Compendium; Best DJ Controllers 2020 episode
-
Holiday episodes!
DJ CONTROLLER GIVEAWAY (Win a Reloop MIXON 4!): https://passionatedj.com/giveaway
Today's episode features Matt Masin, a DJ from Long Island who has been doing serious work as a club and festival DJ for the past year and a half. Matt joined us for a two-part interview about Up & Up Festival, for which he was playing direct support under headliner Elephante.
The Up & Up's innovative guerrilla ticketing system is simple: students crowdsource demand on their campuses leading up to a 48-hour competition period, and the top colleges with the most pre-orders win a festival. The Festival Series launched in 2016, with headliner Cash Cash, and expanded nationwide in 2017 and 2018, featuring Alan Walker, GRYFFIN , Two Friends & Slushii, Lost Kings and Elephante.
As a relatively new DJ, Masin has gained more experience in the past year than many DJs ever will. We wanted to talk to him about his active new music career, and get a feel for how he approaches his music. And it's a good thing we asked, because Matt drops a lot of golden nuggets in today's episode.
We also get some perspective from co-host and stage manager Tony DeSaro, who tells us about the problems he needed to solve leading right up to the moment the first DJ hit "play"!
Coming soon to YouTube: our latest entry in the "Day of the Big Show" series, featuring Up & Up Festival.
Check out MASIN on Instagram:
📸: https://instagram.com/masin_music
Check out David and Tony on Instagram:
📸 https://instagram.com/davidmichaelthedj
📸 https://instagram.com/tonydesaro
In today's episode, David and Trip crawl over the Denon Prime setup... consisting of the SC5000 and X1800 Prime. This rig has made waves in the industry (being pushed along by Denon's #ChangeYourRider advertising campaign)... and now that Trip owns them free and clear, we take the time to explore the system in-depth and record our results.
💿 Denon DJ SC5000 Prime | https://amzn.to/2MKog8V * 🎚 Denon DJ X1800 Prime | https://amzn.to/2BFp2xN *
Essentially, we throw ourselves under the bus and simply hit record, without any real planning, so that you are getting our true reactions to spending time with these things.
This episode to be followed up with "proper" review videos, but if long-form discussion is more to your taste, this will be the episode for you.
Will Trip keep this setup, and #ChangeHisRider? Or will he simply flip it? Only time will tell...
P.S. - this is your last opportunity to get in on our October special:
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Passionate DJ Classic Logo Tee – Midnight Edition!
https://passionatedj.com/midnight
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Available ONLY during the month of October! Get it while it lasts!
The Denon SC5000 Prime Player includes: 7-inch HD display with multi-touch gesture 24-bit/96Khz digital audio outputs Uncompressed audio formats (flac, alac, wav) Dual-layer playback with individual audio outputs 8 multifunction triggers for cues, loops, slices and rolls 8-inch rugged metal jog wheel with HD jog display Customizable RGB around the jog wheel (3) USB and (1) SD input for music playback LAN output to Link to up to four players
The Denon X1800 Mixer includes: (4) phono/line switchable channels; (4) digital inputs for high-resolution audio mixing Dual USB audio connections Crisp OLED screen for precise menu based adjustments Dedicated sweep and BPM FX knobs Expressive EQ - choose classic or isolation modes Adjustable filter resonance control
💿 Denon DJ SC5000 Prime | https://amzn.to/2MKog8V * 🎚 Denon DJ X1800 Prime | https://amzn.to/2BFp2xN *
- We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
OCTOBER SPECIAL! Passionate DJ "Midnight Edition" Shirt https://passionatedj.com/midnight
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
Today, David and Mo talk about common mistakes made by inexperienced DJs. If you're worried about making common faux pas as a DJ, this is the episode for you!
We talk about:
• Tranwrecking, and generally mixing poorly • Poor gain staging • Being unfamiliar with gear and concepts • Being under-prepared (not knowing tracks) • Being over-prepared (not reading crowd) • Overdoing it with FX or hyperactive mixing • Disregarding the importance of progression • Not knowing your history, or doing your homework • Chasing fame over the love of music • Dependency problems • Getting drunk, etc. • Playing low-quality sound
... and much more!
This week's episode is brought to you by shameless self-promotion:
➡️ David's YouTube channel ➡️ https://passionatedj.com/david
➡️ Mo's Mixcloud channel ➡️ https://passionatedj.com/mo
➡️ Tony's Twitch channel ➡️ https://passionatedj.com/tony
➡️ Trip's Soundcloud channel ➡️ https://passionatedj.com/trip
🎃 OCTOBER SPECIAL! 🎃 The Passionate DJ "Midnight Edition" tee is back! https://passionatedj.com/midnight
The Passionate DJ Podcast RETURNS from a long break! After a long summer... and spring... David, Tony, and Mo get together in the studio to catch up and talk about the happenings of the season.
We talk about:
• Our break, and Passionate DJ going forward • Happenings in our home town #DaytonStrong • Fam Jam I • New hardware: Roland DJ-707M, Pioneer DDJ-1000SRT, Pioneer DDJ-SB3-N Gold and HDJ-X5BT-N Gold, V-Moda Crossfade M-100, MasterSounds Radius Two Valve, Alpha Model 9900 • DJ news: streaming service updates, layoffs at Native Instruments, Phase firmware updates, Apple kills iTunes
➡️ Links and Resources:
OCTOBER SPECIAL: Passionate DJ Midnight Shirt https://passionatedj.com/midnight
ONE MORE REP (Mo's other podcast) https://onemorereppodcast.podbean.com * or your favorite podcast player
TONY'S TWITCH https://www.twitch.tv/theylovethed
DAVID'S PERSONAL YOUTUBE https://youtu.be/GlteKGglnjQ
FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://passionatedj.com/community
We're glad to be back... Keep On Spinning!
⚠️ Get bonus episodes on Patreon: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
In today's episode, David and Trip talk about DJ hardware upgrades, the struggles of time management, the pros and cons of RGAS (Rapid Gear Acquisition Syndrome), gaining motivation, and general life stuff.
Trip recently picked up a new production toy, trading up his old Native Instruments Kontrol S25 keyboard for the sexy new edition of the S49, with all black keys. We get his first impressions on the new keyboard, talk about some of the latest features of Kontrol and MASCHINE, and drool over the "murdered out" look.
We also spend a little bit of time discussing the struggles of committing to a particular DJ platform. While most "typical" DJ gigs at a club lean towards the ease of use of Rekordbox, there's something to be said about the features offered by other software-centric companies like Native Instruments or Serato.
⚠️ Get bonus episodes on Patreon: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
⚠️ Support Passionate DJ on Patreon: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
✅ Special offer on DJ gear: http://thedjhookup.com/passionatedj
On today's episode of The Passionate DJ Podcast, David speaks with Alex Pyatetsky of The DJ Hookup. Alex has a long history within the DJ community, including a 10-year pursuit as a DJ himself. Now, Alex runs the highest-rated online retailer for DJ hardware for several years running.
Here are a few of the things we discuss in this week's show:
- Why some DJs are perpetually broke
- Networking as a DJ
- Existing within the DJ communityGetting more DJ gigs
- The value in mobile DJing
...and much more!
⚠️ Support Passionate DJ on Patreon: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
✅ Special offer on DJ gear: http://thedjhookup.com/passionatedj
In today's episode we present a recording from Dayton Podfest where David and Mo spoke in front of a crowd about podcast production, content creation, and why we're passionate about DJing.
⚠️ The Passionate DJ Podcast is supported via Patreon. Gain access to bonus episodes: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
We discuss our roles in production, the struggles we have with time management, the pros and cons of working on a team... as well as some stories about how we use DJing to help attach music to an important memory.
The audio from this show was originally published on The Gem City Podcast, and is being shared here with the permission of Terry "Izzy Rock". Video provided by Passionate DJ.
Preceding the main segment, we speak to Chris who was running audio for the event. He gives us some insight on lights and sound from his 30 years of stage experience.
Check our merch! https://passionatedj.com/merch
BONUS EPISODES: https://patreon.com/passionatedj Today, we go over recent news headlines in the DJ and music industries as we head into the spring season. Here are the news topics we cover in Episode 180:
Serato DJ Pro 2.1.1 Released
Lets you sync up with Roland drum machines (e.g. TR-8S, TR-8, TR-08, TR-09) Remapping capability for OSAs (Official Serato Accessories, e.g. Novation Dicer, Reloop RP-8000MK2)* Independent pad modes per OSA device * Excludes CDJ/HID devices
Rekordbox 5.4.4 beta Released
“Cloud Analysis” Track Analysis data sharing between users Reduce overall time that users spend analyzing music, by downloading it from server whenever possible
Traktor 3.1 Update
Overmapping (for Kontrol S4, S8, D2, S2) Alter function of a single knob/button in an “additive” way, without destroying entire mapping. Standalone Mixer for S4 Firmware update. Filter still works! New View Options Preparation view (single deck) Parallel waveforms (2 or 4 decks) External Mixing (bypasses all internal audio processing) Gets cleanest and clearest signal straight out of Traktor for pro systems. Can still use limiter. Tag-writing Mode (select whether to write tags to files) Preferences Tooltips (to understand what everything does)
Speaking of Native Instruments... A recent Windows Update “killed” several NI products without warning In latest builds of Windows 10, 8, and 7, the Kontrol S4 mk2, Maschine Studio, and Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards were all unrecognized by the OS. Problem now fixed
Mixvibes Cross DJ 4 Released
“Album Cover” view in library Parallel Waveforms Customizable UI through Maquillage (scripting language) Touch-screen compatibility 3 synchronized FX per player, create your own FX with “Tweaker” SoundCloud Go integration Improved Autoplay “Phrase Analysis” - find the intro, outro, “best track parts” Master clock & Ableton Link New remote app for iOS and Android “Track match” and “Track playlist” panes Import/Export from Rekordbox, Serato DJ, Traktor, and Virtual DJ Export to external USB
Kado Shuts Down
Kado was an app that let you drag a song from your collection, and pull tracklist data from thousands of DJs (see what was played before/after, and by whom) Operations will cease on March 31, 2019. All subscriptions have been canceled. Founded by two former Twitter and Google employees + Ean Golden
Rane Twelve allowed at DMC
“RANE and DMC are excited to jointly announce that the RANE TWELVE motorized turntable controller is now officially accepted as performance hardware in the DMC mixing championship events from this year onwards. This announcement includes all regional heats, finals and the online competitions. To support this, RANE is offering custom made 12” acrylic control discs to any DJ that competes in the 2019 DMC globally using the TWELVES.”
Streaming Music Domination
RIAA report: streaming services now account for 75% of music industry revenue Digital downloads = almost half of industry sales, but dropped by 25% from 2017 Vinyl sales saw its most profitable year since 1988, at $419 million
Beatport LINK is almost here
In-software integration of Beatport library Store songs in an “offline locker”, making it available for use in DJ apps Based on Pulselocker technology, which they purchased in 2018. Platforms haven’t been announced, but Pulselocker was integrated w/Serato DJ Pro, Virtual DJ, Rekordbox DJ
Return of Beatsource
Partnered with DJ City Caters to open-format, Top-40 DJs needing access to charting songs DJ City’s record pool will be accessible within BeatSource Will work with Beatport LINK, potentially making this a great resource for mobile/wedding DJs!
Spotify vs. Apple Music
Spotify filed complaint with the European Commission, after resolving directly with Apple Music team didn’t work. Spotify alleges that paying a 30% tax via Apple’s forced payment system, it gives their platform an unfair advantage.
Warner Makes Deal with Dubset
Dubset is a startup which help DJs publish licensed songs, and monetize. Helps give access to artists like Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, etc. Sets can be distributed via Spotify and Apple Music. Sony was the first to partner, in August 2017, followed by Tidal and Merlin. In October 2018, SoundCloud partnered with Dubset to add them as a distribution channel.
SoundCloud Premier Distribution
Get payouts from all major music services (e.g. Amazon Music, Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify, Tencent, and YouTube Music). No additional cost… comes as part of SoundCloud Pro or Pro Unlimited.
Fyre Festival Merch Auction
Your chance to win branded t-shirts and other merch from the infamous festival that never was. All proceeds of the event go to those who were scammed. Billy McFarland left a $25M+ debt when his event collapsed, and is currently serving a 6-year sentence in an NYC jail after pleading guilty to fraud. https://PassionateDJ.com/172 (Cross Fyre)
Kernkraft 400 turns 20
The Zombie Nation classic celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 18. The most well-known version is actually the later-added DJ Gius remix. “It was a weird feeling because this track kind of became the original,” the creator recalls. “A lot of labels didn’t bother to say it’s a remix.”
And finally, RIP to Keith Flint of The Prodigy.
Passionate DJ is supported via Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Today is the return of our Pick 3 series, and this time it's all about TRANCE! On Pick 3, each co-host brings in three tracks that fit the category and shares it with the group as we react and discuss.
Today, you'll hear trance magic from several different time periods, from the 90's on... and our special returning guest B-Funk shares his own brand of rainbows and unicorns with the rest of us old school trance-heads.
The songs you'll hear in today's episode:
Tiesto - Traffic Libra pres. Taylor - Calling Your Name
GTR - Mistral
Signum - First Strike (Sebastian Brandt Remix)
Robert Miles - Children (Quivver Remix)
Cass & Slide - Perception
Michelle Nicole - Time
BT - Flaming June
Union Jack - Papillon
and finally, we send off with a bonus classic: Chicane - Saltwater
B-Funk has been producing music since late 2012. He started making house edit and trap bootlegs of classic hip hop songs before stepping into making original house music tracks in 2013.
Raised on Hip Hop and Top 40 music in his home of Athens, Ohio he has a strong understanding of the crowd and uses this past knowledge to weave a seamless mix between Electro, Progressive, Trap, Moombah, and Party Jams in his sets. B-FUNK is a DJ first, that keeps things fresh with a constant mix of genres and styles focused on creating a truly kinetic experience.
Passionate DJ is supported via Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
⚠️ Passionate DJ is supported via Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
In today's episode we speak with Mike Salone, also known as DJ Axcess. Mike is a busy guy to say the least: he plays 40-50 weddings a year, hosts loads of corporate events (with a specialty in sports), and has worked with clients such as NCAA, The Ohio State University, IBM, Target, and many more.
Not only that, but he has an impressive club and festival resume, having performed alongside artists like Boyz II Men, Kesha, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, Claptone, 3LAU, and Nicole Moudaber. He's made appearances at Breakaway Music Festival, Haunted Fest, Number Fest, Ohio State Welcome Concert, and Buckeyethon. It was fun to talk to Mike about "DJ Axcess the service" vs. "DJ Axcess the artist".
We talk a bit about gear, including his current preferred setup: the Rane Twelves (https://amzn.to/2ThCIpb) and the Rane Seventy-Two mixer (https://amzn.to/2Tbhc5b). We also talk about how he uses SoundSwitch to control impressive-looking visuals that work in perfect sync with his music.
Finally, we also discuss streaming, Tidal, YouTube, and how all these things currently factor into our DJing. This episode is loaded full of golden nuggets, and for as many topics as we covered, we end up going pretty deep into several.
Learn all about Mike and connect with him via social media: https://www.djaxcess.com
⚠️ Passionate DJ is supported via Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
- We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This week, we bring back our #AMA segment and answer your questions, as received through our Facebook community page. If you're not already a member, you can join at https://passionatedj.com/community.
This is the fourth time we've done this segment, and we really had a great selection of questions to choose from. Here's what we answer in this episode:
Vinyl. We are seeing a strong return of the physical support for the music. For a beginner DJ, is it still worth it? Does it still represent an added value from the point of view of club managers, people, fans, etc. (Giacomo R.)
Specifically for Tony, how do you figure out what you're willing to pay when booking talent? I've heard rough numbers like 50% of expected ticket sales, any insight to guidelines such as that would be appreciated! (Jackson F.)
I wanna hear your views on the new Akai Force. Game changer? Can I trash my Mac, yet? (Jordan R.)
Production of this show. Is there a profit in there, or is it completely a labor of love? What makes you do what you do? How much would you say you have invested into the show since day one? (Corey S.)
I played live for over 6 hours this weekend, and there were multiple intoxicated dancers that were banging things and making so much noise that I couldn't hear in my headphones, monitor, or even the PA to correct the pitch during mixing. What do other DJs do when things like this are happening? (Matthew M.)
I’m looking for advice on how to organize my music on USB stick without using playlists, rekordbox, iTunes or anything else... just by using folders and subfolders. (Eren K.)
Where's the line between being pushy and asking for help? As a newer DJ, I've been asking friends and fellow DJs to listen to mixes. Just want to revisit some best practices for breaking in to the scene to get behind the decks in the club. (Adam C.)
What do you do when you hit a long bridge? Continue working on your beat matching and EQ? Take a break? Look forward to possible tracks down the line? I occasionally find myself frustrated just waiting for the track to kick back in. (Scott C.)
What was the longest set you prepared for? How do you prepare for sets? (Christopher L.)
When do you upgrade your gear? When it breaks? When a new version comes out? What motivates you? Being forced or enticed? (B-Funk)
How long do we plan on being DJs? 😆 lol. When are you guys throwing a PDJ party? (DJ Serrato)
Support The Passionate DJ Podcast via Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Back in September, Paul Oakenfold visited our hometown, and played a set that none of us will soon forget. Our very own Trip Turlington was tasked with the responsibility of being direct support... in other words, he would play before Paul, and ultimately hand the decks over to him.
Today we take a look back on that special day, as Trip takes a deep dive into his approach to the music on that night. He talks about the importance of maintaining energy without "showboating" or burning out too early. We discuss the planning process, and his approach to track selection. And we discuss how closely Trip followed his original plans, vs. how much he had to pivot in the moment.
Overall, this is an intimate glimpse into the mindset of a DJ tasked with what is arguably the most crucial time slot of the night... the one immediately before the headliner.
Back before the show, we had a similar conversation with Trip in our bonus show. He talked about what he might play, and the directly he might take his set. Those of you who subscribe to us on Patreon have an extra layer of context, which makes his story even more interesting! Gain access to our bonus content by subscribing at https://patreon.com/passionatedj.
In today's episode we speak with James Caudle, also known as Corrupt. Not only is he a killer performer (as he describes it, a "hybrid" DJ), but he's known for his massive remixes and pounding original tracks.
Corrupt made the hour-long drive from Columbus to visit us in the studio, and tell us all about his life as a working DJ/producer.
Early in his career, he was at the forefront of the music industry around The Ohio State University. While successfully managing four college nights simultaneously, he quickly became the performer everyone planned their weekend around.
Fast-forwardinging a few years, Corrupt's first originals received massive artist support from the likes of Tiesto, Don Diablo, and The Disco Fries. He then followed-up with remixes of The Chainsmokers - Something Just Like This, 3LAU - On My Mind, and Blink 182 - Adam's Song... all which gained him further support from The Chainsmokers, 3LAU, Alison Wonderland, Two Friends, and many more.
With over 1.5M combined track plays, Corrupt's dedicated fan base continues to grow. We truly appreciated the opportunity to gain his insight. Check him out at http://corruptmusic.com.
Like what you hear? Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
On today's episode we sit down with B-Funk: a multi-format, multi-faceted DJ from Athens, OH. Brandon drove several hours to meet with the team and talk shop. He's a long-time fan and supporter of Passionate DJ, so it was great to take the opportunity to put him behind the mic!
We enjoyed speaking with Brandon about his experience with DJing and promotion in Athens. While we are in the same state, we live quite far apart. Athens shares some common traits with our own city of Dayton, but also has some unique struggles.
B also brings a lot of varied experience to the table: he's worked in the festival circuit, he's played bars, he knows how to rock a college crowd, he's experienced with playing weddings, and he's played his own share of "passion gigs". We appreciated hearing his varied perspective.
B-Funk has been producing music since late 2012. He started making house edit and trap bootlegs of classic hip hop songs before stepping into making original house music tracks in 2013.
Raised on Hip Hop and Top 40 music in his home of Athens, Ohio he has a strong understanding of the crowd and uses this past knowledge to weave a seamless mix between Electro, Progressive, Trap, Moombah, and Party Jams in his sets. B-FUNK is a DJ first, that keeps things fresh with a constant mix of genres and styles focused on creating a truly kinetic experience.
Like what you hear? Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
My first trip to The NAMM Show was, in a word, overwhelming! There was a lot to see and, I don’t think I could’ve visited every booth I wanted to if my life depended on it.
Still, it was a very exciting time for me to witness the hustle and bustle of this iconic show. NAMM is an annual event, described as “The World’s largest trade-only event for the music products, pro audio, and event tech industry.”
⚠️ Order (or pre-order) the stuff you hear in today's podcast: https://passionatedj.com/hookup/namm
NAMM stands for the “National Association of Music Merchants”, and was founded in 1901.
It’s a business show which caters to dealers and distributors, with the main draw being product exhibits where manufacturers show off their latest in music products and technology.
Of course, only a very small percentage of the NAMM displays are DJ-related, but it was still pretty difficult to cover all the bases. Ultimately, I decided to focus on a few key items that I thought would be most important to our Passionate DJ audience, and cover those well (going deep rather than wide).
So, I got on a plane from Ohio, where there was snow and ice on the ground, flew across the entire country… over the snow-covered plains and beautiful Rocky Mountains, and many hours later I was enjoying the sunny low-70s weather of the west coast... in January. And it was glorious.
Anaheim was beautiful and the convention center is located almost on top of Disney Land. The walk to-and-from the show was a sea of convention badges and mouse ears.
Inside the convention center, I barely knew what to do. You can go in any direction, up any escalator, and there will be another part of NAMM there just waiting to be explored.
Here's what we will mostly focus on today:
• Denon Prime 4 • Akai Force • Rane Twelve & Seventy-Two • Reloop Elite • Technics SL-1200mk7 vs. RP8000mk2 • Phase DVS • Traktor DJ 2
Gemini also showed off their all-in-one unit called the SDJ-4000. It seemed to have decent build quality, uses Gemini’s own software, and is essentially a cheaper alternative to the Prime 4 or the Pioneer XDJ-RR.
Speaking of Pioneer, while their entire DJ lineup was well represented at the show… they didn’t really have anything new on display.
Besides all the new Traktor news, Native Instruments also released a new three-octave keyboard called the M32, which is compatible with their Komplete Kontrol plugin and contains transport controls, touchstrips, and so on to control your studio software. NI also released the Audio 1 and Audio 2 sound cards, for very basic connections for those needing inputs on stage.
⚠️ Order (or pre-order) the stuff you hear in today's podcast: https://passionatedj.com/hookup/namm
It's February, which means The Passionate DJ Podcast is back! ➡️ Keep us going by supporting us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
During our break, the Internet was abuzz with the unveiling of two rival documentaries about the utopian island festival that never was.
We watched both the Netflix and Hulu versions, and then brought our perspectives back to this episode.
This episode contains SPOILER ALERTS!
If you plan on watching the documentaries, you may want to watch them before listening to this episode.
Fyre Festival was meant to be a musical utopia for well-to-do millennials. Instead, it turned into the festival disaster of the decade.
We talk about the differences in both documentaries (both in content, and in tone), the extreme measures that were taken by some of the workers, and the absolutely disastrous handling of the attendees.
We talk about how the failed festival wreaked havoc for the locals, the financial ruin it caused for business owners, and contemplate whether the debacle has had a lasting negative impact on the overall music scene.
Watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/passionatedj
Well folks, that’s another great year in the bag! 2018 was a busy one for Passionate DJ, and like we do at the end of each year, we looked back and reflected on everything that made it special.
In this New Year’s celebration show, we start out by having a look at some interesting stats including what the most popular episodes were, and which countries had the most listeners.
We then have a look at all the “firsts” of this year. For example, we finally started making video versions of the podcast, and started our bonus show for supporters. (https://patreon.com/passionatedj). We also started The Passionate DJ Community on Facebook… which was one of the best decisions we ever made. Interacting with the fans in a more direct way has been both enjoyable and helpful… and we love learning more about what you do as a DJ.
Per usual, we check in with lots of friends of the show. This episode features short interviews with our friends Kilma, Dubmaster Bluebear, GMoney, Tom Reed, and DJ Brains. We also play clips from the previous year, and voicemail messages that some of you submitted to wish the community a Happy New Year!
All of us here at Passionate DJ hope that your 2019 is an awesome one.
It's time for one of our favorite shows: our annual Holiday Record Exchange!
In this episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast, the whole crew gets together to exchange records for Christmas. We then open the records and play them for each other, while talking about what we like about the tracks, or the memories they bring back.
Unfortunately, YouTube's algorithm is picky and not all of the publishers are cool with us sharing their music on the platform... so we had to cut a lot of the content out. We'll be setting those clips aside to give to our supporters at Patreon. If you'd like access to these bonus shows, please consider joining at http://patreon.com/passionatedj
David, Tony, Trip and Mo all have a great time in this episode as we share some laughs, and prepare to wrap up another great year of podcasting... as well as continuing to become better DJs through passion and purpose.
SPOILER ALERT: track listing is below. Stop reading if you don't want to see it!
Tracklist:
Milli Vanilli - Girl I'm Gonna Miss You The Outfield - Your Love Gravediggaz - Defective Trip Prodigy - Keep it Thoro R.L. Burnside - Poor Black Mattie The Osborne Brothers - Rocky Top The Egyptian Lover - Dubb Girls Outkast - Rosa Parks Midnight Star - Don't Rock The Boat Tower of Power - Rock Baby Tiffany - Could've Been Cheap Trick - The Flame The Whispers - Rock Steady
Stay tuned for the bonus episode, for the other half of the songs.
Happy Holidays!
Today in Episode 169, we present a conversation between Mo Dingo and another one of our Passionate DJ Ambassadors, Noel aka DJ Serrato of Phoenix, AZ. As an active mobile DJ advertising his services, he has encountered many different scams and has nearly fallen victim himself.
Noel listened to our episode with DJ Brains last week (Mobile DJ Life), and a Craigslist scam was mentioned that sounded very familiar. In this episode, we explore some of the red lights and warning signs to help keep yourself (and your money) safe!
In the introduction, Tony and David talk about shadiness in the EDM/festival industry, trade booking, and more.
Also, we should mention that we have a winner for our Passionate DJ Holiday Giveaway! Congratulations to Brent Roberts of Cincinnati for being the lucky winner of a Reloop Beatpad 2! As it turns out, it's Brent's birthday too. Awesome!
We'll see you next week for our annual Holiday Record Exchange episode... the whole crew will be in-studio!
In Episode 168, David and Mo hang out with special guest and Passionate DJ Ambassador, DJ Brains! In our conversation, we talk about the ins and outs of mobile DJing.
Brains (aka Leo) specializes in weddings, corporate events, and other types of mobile gigs requiring him to bring his own sound and lighting rigs, take requests, and work with responsible parties to ensure a smooth night. With the help of his wife, Leo has been able to run a successful mobile DJ business for years, making sure that he does it on his own terms.
Since Mo does quite a few mobile gigs himself (especially in the fitness space), he also shares his insight about these types of shows. And while the topic is based around mobile DJing, there are plenty of golden nuggets of knowledge to be collected by all types of DJs.
Leo and Mo also talk about their recent attempts at using cloud or streaming libraries in the DJ booth (such as the Spotify integration offered by Algoriddim's djay PRO 2, or the now-defunct PulseLocker service), and tell us whether or not they think streaming is ready for "prime time".
Leo also shares some fascinating (and scary) stories about some recent scams that he nearly fell victim to, and how other mobile DJs can avoid these issues!
By the way – we're giving away a Reloop Beatpad 2 for Christmas! Enter here: https://passionatedj.com/giveaway
Special thanks to DJ Brains, not only for joining us on today's show, but for being a longtime fan and Ambassador of The Passionate DJ Podcast!
- Note: the mic cut out at the beginning and we lost 2 or 3 minutes. Ain't technology great? To catch you up: Tony met Brian who was DJing at a local club back in the 90s. He began to observe, study, and learn the craft of DJing by watching Brian work. They've been great friends for over 20 years.
PATREON: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Today on The Passionate DJ Podcast we have a chat with Brian Savage: club DJ, mobile DJ, radio personality, and a brand ambassador for Denon. He also works behind-the-scenes with the team for Shaquille O'Neal - aka DJ Diesel.
Brian and Tony have known each other for over two decades (in fact, Brian introduced Tony to many DJing concepts back in the early 90s). Brian's body of work covers many different areas of DJing. He's basically done it all, and has always fearlessly pursued gigs of all times.
This breadth of experience makes him a well-rounded DJ, and experienced industry insider.
We cover many different DJ-related topics in this freeform conversation. Enjoy!
MERCH: https://passionatedj.com/merch
Today, David sits down with KimL to chat about small-town DJing, electronic music, mixing hardware, and more!
Kim has been DJing for about three years, and in that time she has made a name for herself in her local scene. From warming up rooms for the likes of AC Slater and Paul Oakenfold, to her bi-monthly gig at an extremely successful Silent Disco, Kim has quickly built a resumé to be proud of.
PATREON: https://patreon.com/passionatedj.com
With a few residencies, and several headliner support gigs under her belt, Kim has hit the ground running with her DJ hustle. She insists on doing it her way (only taking gigs which are of interest to her, or her career) and treats DJing as a passion first.
Kim shares her experience as it relates to self-promotion, equality, learning to crowd read, and adjusting a failing business model.
We also take a voicemail message from Sean (which you can also do, at PassionateDJ.com!), and end with a clip from our bonus show.
MERCH: https://passionatedj.com/merch
BONUS EPISODES: https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Today on the Passionate DJ Podcast, we're taking a trip to The Asylum with special guest co-host Matt Freeman.
What's The Asylum? Well, during the 90s and early 2000s, it was an alternative dance club on Patterson Rd. in downtown Dayton, OH.
Matt used to DJ at this legendary local venue, which brought many different cliques and social groups together. You’d hear techno, industrial, hip hop, disco, 80s wave and all sorts of music in-between.
From the big crowded dance floor, to the staring mannequins, to the DJ booth built out of a speed boat... The Asylum was a unique experience for those who were lucky enough to visit it.
If you are a local listener, you can experience The Asylum vibe for yourself for one night only, Friday Nov. 23rd at the reunion show (hosted at Therapy Cafe, 452 E 3rd Street in Dayton.)
In an interview with online magazine Dayton Most Metro, Matt said of the club, "The memories of the Asylum are endless. If you were a part of that time, you know how easy it is to still share stories with a fellow club goer even after being closed for over 13 years. Maybe it was the fact the venue brought straight edge kids, goths, punks, b-boys, ravers, college students and outcasts together and it all just made sense. You’d hear techno, industrial, hip hop, disco, 80s wave and it all simply worked. No cell phones, rarely a camera, it was what it was, and you had to be there to experience it all so you never wanted to miss a night. There was a sense of urgency to always be in attendance. "
(Source:) http://www.mostmetro.com/the-featured-articles/remember-daytons-hottest-club-of-the-90s-at-the-asylum-reunion.html
Thanks to Matt for sharing his experiences with us!
GET MERCH: https://passionatedj.com/merch
BONUS EPISODES: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
In Episode 164 of the podcast, David is joined by Passionate DJ Ambassador Greg Lane, aka Gmoney. Greg and David crawl over responses from our Passionate DJ Facebook Group, answering "What's unique about your own DJing style?" We take these responses and turn them into ten individual traits of unique DJs.
Join the Passionate DJ Community group on Facebook: https://passionatedj.com/community
The ten traits we discuss are:
- Adaptability (Knowing how to pivot, working within a set of circumstances)
- Adventurousness (Going outside of the box)
- Eclecticism (Reaching into unlikely areas for musical inspiration)
- Entertaining (Mic work, personality, wit)
- Patience (Restraint as a DJ, attention span as a listener)
- Musicianship (Using musical knowledge to your advantage)
- Open-mindedness (Allowing ourselves to be inspired)
- Preparedness (Putting in work now to reap the benefits later)
- Diverseness (Playing more than one kind of music)
- Authenticity (Staying true to yourself)
As DJs, we often get stuck in our own little box. It becomes easy to stay within our comfort zone. In today's episode, we hope to inspire you to embrace what's unique about YOUR DJing style.
Check out Greg's podcast at https://theSoundUnderground.net
or check out David's episode at https://PassionateDJ.com/davidsug
Want these great podcast episodes to continue? Please consider supporting us on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/passionatedj
In Episode 163, we explore the music of a quirky old box from the 1980s called the Commodore 64. Thanks to the power of its onboard synthesizer, called the SID chip, the C64 was capable of producing lots of amazing and iconic sounds.
To do this episode properly, I brought in a special co-host: my Dad.
Back when I was growing up, I watched him create several volumes of mixtapes containing the music of this weird old computer. Today, we share some of these old chiptunes with you (played from a real, vintage Commodore 64c), and explain why we love them so much. We also talk about the process of creating the mixtapes, and the thought process behind them.
While we know this episode is a bit off the beaten path, we hope you'll enjoy our little trip down memory lane. 🕹
Special Thanks:
High Voltage SID Collection
https://hvsc.c64.org
Stone Oakvalley's Authentic SID Collection
http://www.6581-8580.com
C64 Wiki
https://www.c64-wiki.com
SD2IEC (SD card reader for the Commodore)
https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/index.php/sd2iec-info
Merch:
https://passionatedj.com/merch
⚠️ Gain access to our monthly bonus show, Afterparty, by becoming a supporter at https://patreon.com/passionatedj
In today's episode, we talk about all the recent news in the DJ software space... including the latest release of Traktor Pro 3! The new Traktor brings several new features to the table, including the new "Mixer FX" which are one-knob effects similar to the Pioneer "Color FX" system. There's also a redesigned UI, improved time-stretching algorithms, and included DVS (timecode) support without the need for a separate "Traktor Scratch" license.
We also talk about SoundCloud, and it's coming integration with several pieces of DJ software including Traktor, Virtual DJ, and Serato. Serato is also getting access to music service Tidal. We also talk about a new Mixed in Key release, the issues with upgrading to Mac OS Mojave, and the story of how Proton is bringing DJ mixes to Spotify.
We wrap the episode with an edited-down version of David's Traktor "unboxing" video, where he tests it for the first time and records his results.
⚠️ Get Passionate DJ Merch: https://passionatedj.com/merch
Electronic music duo Cryztal Grid re-joins us this week on The Passionate DJ Podcast to chat about their first year of performing together.
Check out Cryztal Grid on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/cryztalgrid
Since forming their band last August, Cody and Gerrad reflect on what they've learned by performing in night clubs and festival stages all across Ohio.... and what their next steps are, to stay on their hustle.
These fellas are very motivated to further their careers as musical artists, and there is much to be learned from their experiences as they constantly "throw themselves under the bus" for the good of the music.
We also get insight from Tony on his recent stage management adventures, as his 2018 festival season starts coming to a close.
Don't forget that we're selling our limited edition "Midnight" classic logo shirts, but only until the end of October. Get them now, before they disappear like a ghost! https://passionatedj.com/shop/merch/classic-logo-tee-midnight-edition/
And don't forget about our monthly bonus show! https://patreon.com/passionatedj
OCTOBER SPECIAL! "Midnight edition" logo tee: https://passionatedj.com/shop/merch/classic-logo-tee-midnight-edition/
Today we're talking with John Becker of Fresh Local Producers. The goal of FLP is to spotlight and bring together producers of electronic music who live, work, record, and perform in the Midwest.
Based out of Cincinnati, FLP aims to bring together music creators, and to show fans that they don't have to travel far to hear incredible quality electronic music while supporting their own scene.
John explains to David that he wants to promote a feeling of togetherness in the scene which escaped him when he entered the scene. Fresh Local Producers gives people like John a place to learn, share, and grow. We also spend some time discussing the struggles of music producers, and how they are similar (and different) from those related to DJing.
At The Passionate DJ Podcast, we depend on your support. To gain access to our bonus episodes, sign up to support the show at https://patreon.com/passionatedj
In today's episode, Tony and David are joined by a special guest who is a DJ and long-time participant in a local electronic music community. In this candid discussion, Marcus tells us about the changes he's noticed in the overall scene... and how not all of those changes have been for the better.
We discuss issues such as the barriers of entry to DJing, automation, shortened sets, and a lack of actual dancing. While it's easy for these things to leave Marcus feeling a bit jaded, he says that he's never left his little "rave community" and has no plans to go anywhere.
Marcus is a Traktor DVS user, vinyl fanatic, dancer, and lover of underground dance music.
Just a reminder that you can become a supporter of Passionate DJ by signing up to gain our monthly bonus episodes at https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Today's episode features the recording of a Facebook live stream from last Friday - a "stream of consciousness" recording where David answers questions from the chat room and addresses recent posts in the group.
If you haven't joined the Passionate DJ Community on Facebook yet, you can do so here:
https://passionatedj.com/community
We talk about mixing in key, organization of tracks, shady business deals, marathon DJ sets, and much more.
Before the main topic, you get an exclusive teaser clip from the September episode of Afterparty - our monthly bonus episode. This clip features co-host Trip Turlington, as he discusses his mindset before stepping up to the decks as direct support for a Paul Oakenfold show.
You can access Afterparty, or support us at any level, by becoming a Patron:
https://patreon.com/passionatedj
In Episode 157, we talk about the idea of “real DJing”, and ask the Passionate DJ Community YOUR thoughts on beatmatching, fast-mixing, and what makes someone (or keeps someone from being) a real DJ.
Join the Passionate DJ Community on Facebook: https://passionatedj.com/community
In the Group, we posted two separate questions:
-
Is Beatmatching an important skill in 2018? Why or why not?
-
What’s YOUR definition of a “Real DJ”?
We got a lot of similar responses, but also got a feel for the different types of things that Passionate DJs value. While some DJs find it crucial to have a core set of fundamental DJ skills, others think that intent matters more.
By defining the term “real”, are we being elitist? Are we creating an “us vs. them” scenario, where one doesn’t need to exist?
What do you think? Join the Facebook group and let us know your thoughts!
If you want the Passionate DJ Podcast to continue, please consider supporting us on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/passionatedj
This week, we spend most of the episode highlighting the work of iconic superstar DJ/producer Paul Oakenfold. David plays 10 different tracks which show the breadth of Oakenfold's work... you'll hear many different styles represented, including trance, hip-hop, breaks, pop, and more.
This coming Saturday (September 22), Paul will be traveling to our home town to grace the decks and give us a night to remember. This is made possible by 3DMentional Entertainment (half of which is our own Tony DeSaro), and direct support is being provided by our very own Trip Turlington.
Buy Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/234061040696386/
Check out Trip: https://soundcloud.com/tripturlington
We start the episode out with a phone call from Tony, who is on the road working with Prime Social Group. Tony's in charge of stage management and all kinds of stuff that happens behind-the-scenes at large scale festivals, but he was able to call in on his lunch break and give us an update.
Paul Oakenfold is a three-time Grammy Award and two-time World Music Awards nominee. He was voted the No. 1 DJ in the World twice (1998/1999) by DJ Magazine. He's produced over 100 remixes for over 100 artists... including such names as U2, Moby, Madonna, Britney Spears, Massive Attack, The Cure, New Order, The Rolling Stones and The Stone Roses.
Enjoy!
https://passionatedj.com
https://patreon.com/passionatedj
Native Instruments has finally made some recent announcements in regards to new hardware and software coming down the pike this year. Namely, new revisions of the Kontrol S2 and Kontrol S4 are on they way, along with Traktor Pro 3 which is said to be written "from the ground up".
Traktor fans are excited to see signs of life, but there has been a larger conversation taking place for many months now. Has NI abandoned Traktor? Has it fallen off their priority list? Did they stop listening to their fans? David and Mo give their thoughts on the new announcements, and the overall problematic few years that Traktor has had.
We also talk about other recent news in the DJ space, such as the announcement of the Pioneer XDJ-RR, the "not quite a recall" of the Pioneer DDJ-SX3, and the newly motorized Denon SC3000M player.
This episode was a livestream experiment, and the first live show we've done since Episode 100! Follow us on YouTube for the video version, coming later this week.
Wrap-Up Speech (transcript):
As a long-time Traktor user, I’m excited to finally see some signs of life in the Traktor ecosystem. In fact, I had planned on creating this episode long before this past week’s announcements from Native Instruments. But the question remains: will it be enough for Traktor to reclaim its spot as one of the biggest players in the DJ game?
This episode is titled Wherefore Art Thou Traktor?, and I feel obligated to comment on the grammar. The word “wherefore” is not short for “where”, even though it’s often misused in this way. It’s actually short for, “for what reason”.
In the iconic scene of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, their feuding families kept them apart. She isn’t asking “Where are you, Romeo”... she’s asking “Why are you Romeo? Why, oh why, did I have to fall in love with Romeo?”
Indeed I’ve had similar feelings about Traktor, lately. I don’t mean to be overdramatic, but as a longtime user… I find myself asking “Why did I have to fall in love with Traktor?” Because for a while, it looked like Native Instruments was going to leave me standing with a knife in my hand. How long would they back-burner it? Is Traktor going by the wayside? The other big software packages were adding feature after feature, while Traktor itself stood still.
Many users have already jumped ship, in favor of Serato or Rekordbox or some other platform… and don’t get me wrong, they are all great! But Traktor was always… um, a “pioneer” in the DJ space. NI was always at the bleeding edge! It’s what the nerds used! It’s what you customized! It’s what you got down and dirty with! But lately, it’s felt a lot more like an abandoned property.
We may be hearing more in the coming weeks, but for now, we still haven’t heard anything about streaming integration, or standalone hardware, or other features which might be imposed by a changing industry & technological landscape. Whether Traktor will embrace these necessities is yet to be seen.
I certainly hope that Native Instruments isn’t paying lip service, and that they truly want to put Traktor back on their priority list. This new hardware and software is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, Native Instruments makes me start to feel loved again.
We’ll keep tracking the progress on this as it develops, but for now… this has been The Passionate DJ Podcast.
We're back from break!
In this episode, we take a Question of the Week from our Facebook Group (PassionateDJ.com/Community): "What do you wish other people understood about DJing?" We read all of your great responses to this question, and give our own reactions.
One recurring theme we found: feeling underappreciated. Do you ever feel like you don't get enough credit for your role as a DJ? We'd love to hear your thoughts... send us a voicemail and tell us what you think.
At the beginning of the show, Tony catches us up on his stage management work on the road, as he just got back from managing the back line at Breakaway Festival. He explains how the booking process works, and the logistical puzzle that needs to be thoughtfully completedm, for a successful large-scale show. We also talk about the upcoming Paul Oakenfold show in Dayton, being thrown by 3DMentional Entertainment with direct support from our own Trip Turlington.
This episode also features a voicemail message from Matthew, asking advice about how to incorporate DJing and live performance into his current world of music production. We give our thoughts and advice on how to go about this.
Get Bonus Episodes: https://patreon.com/passionatedj/
Join The Community: https://facebook.com/groups/passionatedj/
3DM pres. Paul Oakenfold: https://www.facebook.com/events/234061040696386/
Today we're talking about DJing, growing older, and celebrating the knowledge of seasoned DJs. In Episode 153, David skims over his article Twenty DJs Over 50 Who Still Top The Bill. Along the way, we listen to various clips from these seasoned and insightful DJs, pulled from the interviews found below.
P.S. - don't forget, we offer a monthly bonus episode for our Patreon subscribers! We're now officially more than halfway to our summer goal! 🙏
Interviews referenced in this episode:
In this conversation at Loop 2016 (presented by Ableton), Jazzy Jeff talks about how he's learned and adjusted over his years of DJing... and shares an interesting story about a conversation he had with Mac Miller.
From this interview on Radio Sunshine Live, Carl Cox talks about being successful and happy... yet needing to tune down his touring schedule for lifestyle reasons.
Giorgio Moroder tells us about his long career in music, and what it was like to become a rockstar DJ at an unusual age, in this Videodrome Discotheque interview.
Grandmaster Flash discusses what it was like to be a DJ in the 1970s, and what his favorite time period in DJing is, in this 2014 interview by Anne Mavity.
From this DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2015 video, Greg Wilson makes a few comments on the rarity of music, nostalgia, and DJing in the present day.
Joey Negro talks about how the music industry has changed in the last two decades, in this 2012 interview with DMC Magazine.
Larry Heard, also known as Mr. Fingers, drops lots of knowledge nuggets about dreams, regrets, and following trends in this Stamp The Wax interview from the end of last year.
Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, talks about his overall goal as a performer while chatting in this 2017 London Real interview.
From Billboard's Beyond The Beats series, Paul Oakenfold talks about the rise of EDM in America and modern technology in DJing.
Rounding out the episode, Pete Tong talks about how DJing has been a sort of eternal side-gig for him, and his secret to maintaining such a long career, in this O2 Academy TV interview.
We also mention Detroit techno legends Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, and Juan atkins. While we don't play interview clips, you can hear plenty of them in our previous episode titled The Belleville Three.
Other DJs mentioned in the episode include Ben Watt, DJ Kool Herc, Jeff Mills, Junior Vasquez, and Marley Marl.
Special Announcement:
We're taking the month of August off of publishing the podcast. We'll return September 3 (Labor Day) with a crispy new episode. To stay in touch in the meantime, make sure to join our Facebook Group! 💙
Today we discuss mobile DJing. If you spend your time DJing weddings, corporate gigs, private parties, or special events.... this episode may be invaluable to you, thanks to the wisdom shared by co-host Mo Dingo.
We talk about the importance of knowing your music, anxiety over the size of your music library, the need for using contracts, and more. We discuss the need to set aside ego, and the special considerations that come into place when DJing as a service.
Mo spends many of his weekends setting up DJ gear, talking on the mic, mixing music, and making sure someone's special event is going off without a hitch. In today's episode, David picks his brain about the struggles of mobile DJing, and they both break it down into a list of Dos and Don'ts.
Also, The Passionate DJ Podcast will be off for the month of August. So we have today’s episode, next week’s episode, and then we’ll be taking a little 4-week summer break. We’ll still be recording and posting videos to our YouTube channel in the meantime, so don’t go anywhere. We’ve already got some great shows planned once the podcast returns in September.
The one exception is that we’ll still produce an episode of our monthly bonus show, called Afterparty, for our Patrons. By signing up to support the show, you can help us to continue working as content creators, and bringing you more of what you love. We’re still shy of our summer goal, and need a few more people who are willing to step up and make a monthly pledge to the show… however small.
One more thing: from right now, through the end of August, you can get 15% off all Passionate DJ merchby using the coupon code “August”.
Ahhhhh... this episode is really fresh! Today we're exploring some of the earliest DJ scratching noises ever put on a recorded release.
Back in the 1980s, hip-hop DJs were just beginning to discover how a turntable (or two) could be used as a sort of musical instrument. Some examples of these early scratches landed on albums or singles... there, to be preserved for all time.
• Become a Patron of The Passionate DJ Podcast, and gain access to bonus episodes!
In Episode 151, David picks one track from each year in the 1980s and we explore some early turntablism together.
The songs we listen to are:
(1981) Grandmaster Flash - The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel
Joseph Saddler, aka Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Grandmaster Flash, is known as one of the pioneers of turntablism. Wheels of Steel is one of the earliest examples that was ever... well, put to wax.
(1982) Malcolm McLaren - Buffalo Gals
One of the stranger tracks on this list, Buffalo Gals was a UK smash and also hit big in some major US cities. This early 80s pop track contains quite a bit of early turntablism.
(1983) Herbie Hancock - Rockit (I mean, obviously...)
This show basically couldn't have been done without including this song. D.ST, the DJ on Rockit, was only 21 years old when asked to join Herbie's band and ended up touring with them for three years.
(1984) DJ Chuck Chillout - Hip Hop on Wax Vol. 1
In '96, Chuck Chillout (aka Charles Turner) was responsible for helping DMX break onto the scene by playing Get At Me, Dog on the radio... but way back in the early 80s, he put out this scratchy cut.
(1985) UTFO - Leader of the Pack
UTFO's DJ, Mix Master Ice, took the classic Ahhhh scratch sound to a new level... and showed what a turntable can do in the hands of a capable DJ.
(1986) Schoolly D feat. DJ QS.T - Maniac (Remix)
A remix from a 1986 promo record, which featured “Gangster Boogie” on the other side. Listen to how clean some of these cuts are!
(1987) Sir Mix-a-Lot - Electro Scratch
Born Anthony Ray, he's been producing, rapping, and DJing since '83. While primarily known for Baby Got Back, many people aren't aware that he's a pretty wicked DJ.
(1988) Hijack - Doomsday of Rap
This group, credited as being inventors of Britcore, put out this highly-energetic hip-hop cut which contained some very spirited scratching.
(1989) Gang Starr - Words I Manifest (Remix)
A remix of this classic track was the much-preferred version of DJ Premier, who himself said "When we did the original I was still not that good at making beats yet."
We also have a listen to the very first DMC Championship set from 1985 by Roger Johnson, which you can also check out here.
The audio clip from the very end of the episode was sourced here.
Also mentioned in this episode:
The 100 Greatest Songs of the Century – So Far (Rolling Stone)
Support us via our Patreon Page
Hayoooo, we made it to Episode 150! Today, David and Tony talk about recent club shutdowns, lawsuits, and legal issues within the DJing, EDM, and festival communities.
We talk about:
- The first successful lawsuit against the ill-fated Fyre Festival, to the tune of $5 million, by festival "survivors" Seth Crossno and Mark Thompson.
- Recent libel and defamation lawsuits from Behringer against a Chinese blog called Midifan, and against 20 members of the pro-audio forum Gearslutz.
- A lawsuit against Orlando Police in regards to the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, one of the deadliest shootings in modern American history.
- A romantic comedy on Netflix called Ibiza, for which the Spanish government is suing, due to the fact that it was actually filmed in Croatia.
- A Beruit nightclub which was shut down by its government due to verses of the Quran accidentally getting played over the loudspeakers.
- Fender, Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg – and how their offices were raided by the CMA under suspected breaches of competition law.
- A Swedish festival which was shut down after a sexual assault plague.
- A Miami-based ban on.... horses in nightclubs?
- The "war on raves", and how it continues into modern times, based on stories from South Wales and Edmonton.
- The sentencing of the parties being held responsible for the tragic Ghost Ship fire.
Don't forget that we offer a monthly bonus episode, strictly for Patrons of the show. Sign up now!
On The Passionate DJ Podcast, we encourage everyone to dream big, make bold moves, and constantly get out of the comfort zone.
But Episode 149 is about the small wins. Today, we're going to talk about 20 different ideas that can help get you get mild (but immediate) results!
These are things which you can do to improve your DJing, boost your promotion, expand your horizons, or simply make your life easier... all without taking longer than an afternoon break.
Don't forget: every month we release an exclusive bonus episode, only for our Patreon subscribers!
Here's what we cover in today's episode:
Small Wins Win #1: Create Some Playlists (05:45) Even when you aren't actively DJing, it can be helpful to "always" be building playlists which match a particular theme, sound, or concept.
This can happen within your DJ software, but is also useful in your everyday media player, such as Spotify, iTunes, or even YouTube.
Win #2: Prepare Your Bag (07:40) While not under the pressure of a gig, why not check out the status of your gig bag?
How hard are you working to set up? How many times have you panicked, after realizing that you were missing something?
What "extras" should you drop in there now, that might save your ass later? (Hint: you can never have too many headphones adapters* ...)
Win #3: Build a "Rescue Kit" (09:00) Speaking of things that could save your ass, I highly recommend putting together a sort-of first aid kit for your DJ gigs.
This could include any number of life-saving adapters (such as 1/4" to XLR, gender changers, RCA couplers, extension cords for audio and power...)
In my own bag, I have a small plastic box which contains a plethora of these adapters. And yes, that little plastic box has bailed me out, more than once!
I also recommend getting a breakout strip - that is, your own power strip to connect your hardware to, when sharing a booth with other DJs. This helps keep you out of each other's way.
Win #4: Soft-Delete Your Collection (13:14) If your music collection has gotten unruly and oversized over time, it may be time to "delete" it and start over.
But, don't panic... you can simulate this deletion without actually losing all of your hard-earned music.
By simply removing the collection and creating a new one in your software... or alternatively, by creating a new playlist that you work out of "from now on", you can get a fresh new perspective on your own DJing.
Win #5: Key Your Tracks (16:09) Harmonic Mixing is a method which allows you to transition and layer tracks which are key-compatible. This allows you to mix styles that may otherwise clash, to mix melody-heavy tracks with each other, and to create amazing sounding mashups on the fly.
Key-mixing is a lot of fun, and it allows you to seemingly get away with murder. We discuss the Camelot Wheel (used to identify compatible tracks) and the benefits of this mixing method.
Recommended Listening: Episode 105: Thinking Harmonically (Our Chat With Mixed In Key)
Win #6: Go Manage Your Cables (21:05) Perhaps now is a great time to figure out how you can tidy up your setup... for good.
By simply searching for "cable management" on Amazon, you can yield loads of results* and come up with ideas on how to manage that booth-spaghetti.
A little bit of cable management goes a long way, but it's important not to paint yourself into a corner. Cable management can also be an extreme annoyance, if done the wrong way.
For example, consider velcro wire ties instead of plastic zip ties. This way, you don't have to bust out the scissors and ruin your hard work every time you want to slide your CDJ over 4 inches.
You can also find products which will help keep your cables and power strips hidden within a box, such as this Bluelounge* one that I use at my own desk.
Win #7: Learn How To "Over-Under" (24:13) Speaking of managing your cables, this would be a great time to learn the over-under technique of cable wrapping.
This was taught to me years ago, by a backline tech. By altering the way you wrap your cables, you can save yourself a lot of headaches when you go to unwrap them later.
Here's a demonstration of the technique.
Recommended Listening: Episode 120: Know Thy Cables
Win #8: Clean & Calibrate Your Gear (26:09) Dust! It's the bane of our existence.
Why not take some time to remove that dust? While it can be a pain to get inbetween all the nooks and crannies of your DJ mixer, I've had pretty good luck with these Swiffer Dusters*.
Do you have scratchy faders or sticky contacts? I had a situation like this with my Kontrol S4, and was able to remedy it using DeoxIT D5*. Of course, your mileage may vary... and please read the instructions and do your research before spraying anything in or around your gear.
In the interest of keeping your gear protected, Decksaver* is a great way to keep your gear clean, neat, and protected... while still looking nice and having perfect fitment. They can get expensive, but having it snap on perfectly is quite satisfying.
DVS users: how's your timecode signal? Is your signal coming through the needle properly? Turntable users, have you calibrated your decks?
Recommended Listening: Episode 45: Turntable Maintenance & Mods
Win #9: Contact 3 People (28:41) Take the time to reach out to 3 different people which can help you make moves in your DJ career. You'd be amazed at how a small amount of outreach can lead to helpful small wins!
Get in touch with that promoter you've wanted to play for, or the owner of that venue where you want to promote a weekly show. Call that graphic designer friend and get your logo done, or call someone you've been wanting to collaborate with.
And don't forget the value of speaking in person, rather than sending an impersonal email or text!
Win #10: Create an "Emergency" Mix (30:03) For those moments when things go wrong (CDJ doesn't power up, headphones go missing, or other hardware issues during changeover), it's extremely helpful to have a fallback.
Come up with an emergency mix (or playlist) which well-represents your sound as a DJ. Try to make it universal to you, so that it's helpful in any situation where you might need it.
Even an (offline) Spotify playlist on your phone is much better than 20 minutes of silence, while you're figuring it out!
Win #11: Learn a New Feature (31:52) What does this button do?
Between gigs, why not explore those features of your hardware and software which you are unfamiliar with. Maybe you'll discover something that you like!
If you haven't ever taken the time to try Traktor's Remix Decks, to understand Slip Mode, or to realize what Serato's Pitch-N-Time does... now is your opportunity!
We tend to get set in our ways, but discovering a helpful new feature can be its own small win.
Win #12: Schedule a "Creativity Block" (32:57) Set aside a block of time to explore creative ideas (try new sounds, play new genres, try a different tempo, attempt scratching, play with FX).
Change things up.... throw yourself under the bus! Don't just play a DJ set, but go in with the intent of trying stuff.
This is a great way to stimulate some creative energy, without waiting for the inspiration to put together a full mix or start a new project. Get your hands dirty!
Win #13: Set Cues and Loops (35:08) Take a little time to think ahead. Find those cue points which will help you skip awkward intros when necessary.
Or, find some clean loops and have them already set up within your collection. (Example: right before certain "events" happen in the track, like a big breakdown.)
This one is simple, but often overlooked!
Win #14: Schedule Social Media Posts (37:02) Pick a day, and schedule a week's worth of posts from your fan page.
You want to keep the conversation moving in-between mixes and gigs, and you don't want to use your fan page solely as a distribution service. Social media platforms (like Facebook) want to see engagement, not spam.
I recommend picking a day, and scheduling 1 - 2 posts per day for the next week. Make sure you vary the types of posts, and make them relevant to you and your audience.
Once again, don't make it all personal spam. Sprinkle in the self-promo.
Win #15: Hand-Invite People to your Page (39:20) When was the last time you actually directly invited people to your fan page? If it's been a while, this can be a significant small win.
You can often get 5, 10, 20, 30 new likes (depending on your friends list) just from taking the time to ask.
I do not recommend trying to game the system or send out mass invites to your entire friends list. Rather, take the time to directly invite people who you think would be interested, or are willing to support you.
Win #16: Check Your Gain Structure (40:54) There are a lot of places to check your gain levels! Are you doing it right?
Obviously, step number one is to stay out of the red. That's the easiest way to make sure you aren't doing harm to your precious audio.
Outside of that, the best way to check optimal gain staging is to read the manuals of the involved hardware and software. Now's the time to learn, so that you have confidence going forward!
In my own personal setup, I counted 8 places where I need to set levels. We go over those checkpoints in the episode.
Win #17: Create Backups & Redundancy (43:03) It's always a good time to make sure you have backups.
Mac users, run Time Machine. Save yourself the headache.
Everyone: keep a file-level backup. Whether it's to a USB key, external hard drive, or "in the cloud"... make sure you have a simply copy/paste backup of your music and important files. This could save your butt.
In the episode, I also discuss the importance of having hardware and software redundancy while gigging.
Recommended Listening: Episode 97: Disaster Preparedness
Win #18: Learn Your Shortcuts (48:05) Is there some function of your software that you want access to, but there's no button for it on your controller?
Almost every function in all DJ software is mapped to some sort of keyboard hotkey. Now might be a great time to learn the important ones (e.g. Pitch Bend) in case something goes wrong. For example, a USB hub dies and you suddenly have no control over your tracks.
Win #19: Add Social Media CTAs (49:24) Check all your social media bios and profiles. Figure out where you can put a link.
Fill that spot with the one most important link, which points to the one thing that you want someone to land on the most.
This could be your latest mix, your SoundCloud profile, a promo video, etc.
Using a service like Bit.ly, you can make these links short and tidy. This also allows you to track them, so that you understand where the clicks are coming from.
Win #20: Create a (Measurable) Goal (51:21) Often, the hardest part of any pursuit, is actually deciding and giving yourself permission to do it.
Now is the time to create a solid goal, which helps get you to where you want to be as a DJ.
I recommend setting goals that follow the classic SMART criteria:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
News This Week * Rane releases v1.2 Firmware for their Flagship mixer, the Rane Seventy-Two. They made lots of small tweaks, implemented based on user feedback. See the full list of changes at Rane.com. * Pioneer releases the new DDJ-400 DJ controller, set to replace the DDJ-RB at the $250 price point.
Don't forget: every month we release an exclusive bonus episode, only for our Patreon subscribers!
- We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
In today's episode of the podcast, we give our thoughts on the struggles people are having within the Passionate DJ community. We reached out to our Facebook Group, and pulled lots of great topics.
Not a member of our Facebook group? Well, what are you waiting for?
https://passionatedj.com/community
Here are some struggles which we address in Episode 148:
- Mental stamina with longer DJ sets
- Balancing professional life and DJing
- Knowing and remembering digital tracks vs. records
- Finding help with all the non-DJ stuff (promo, writing, design, video, etc.)
- Saying no to bookings, and finding time to record mixes
- Dealing with requests
- Dwelling on mistakes in the mix
- Finding new venues to play
- Stage fright; confidence
- Getting better gigs; playing the shows we want
- Getting clients to leave reviews
- Determining which DJ hardware to invest in
Tony starts out the show by telling us about his experience at Breakaway festival, and the story behind the awesome photo he took with legendary duo Sasha & John Digweed:
David also takes a few minutes to discuss other happenings within PDJ, including lots of incoming hardware reviews on our YouTube channel.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Episode 62: Advice for Busy DJs with Day Jobs
- Episode 143: How to Get More DJ Gigs
Today, David talks about happenings in the DJ industry, and the latest hardware to come out during the summer so far. We kept this one brief, as we didn't want to drag out the news stories out too much. But there's a lot going on, and you should know about it!
Here are some of the news stories we talk about in Episode 147:
Hardware & Software Updates Xone:96 Announced Allen & Heath has announced its first flagship mixer in over a decade. A modern evolution of the iconic Xone:92, the silver-faced kit features the analog architecture that made its predecessor popular. However, it adds some great modern features, such as a dual sound-card and onboard Traktor Scratch support.
It's also a great mixer for multiple-DJ sets (due to its dual-cueing setup), or any setups that require complex routing.
Pioneer DDJ-SX3 Launched This third iteration of the original DDJ-SX follows the trend of dual-USB, while also adding another mic input, Color FX made popular on other Pioneer gear, and improved jog wheel latency.
It's interesting to see that Pioneer is still creating hardware dedicated for use with Serato, where they've spent much more time lately developing Rekordbox-centric controllers.
The SX3 is advertised at about $1000 and is available now.
Release of Virtual DJ 2018 With a heavy emphasis on video and visuals, the new Virtual DJ is sure to be a hit amongst its huge fanbase. The software includes built-in support for streaming to all the important platforms, including the ability to overlay waveforms, track info, logos, etc.
Check out all the new features of Virtual DJ here.
Denon to add Traktor Collection support According to some teaser pics on social media, and statements made both by Denon DJ and Native Instruments, it seems likely that we'll soon be able to import Traktor libraries into Engine Prime (much like you can currently do with Serato).
Theoretically, you should be able to take your playlists, beat grids, cue points, etc. and play them on Denon Prime players from a USB key (instead of using a laptop).
This may be the closest thing we've seen to a "standalone" Traktor experience.
FL Studio Finally Launches for Mac Image-Line's latest version of its DAW, FL Studio 20, comes with native Mac support for the first time in two decades.
Apparently, the reason in the long delay for porting the software to Mac had to do with the programming language used to write it (Delphi)... which is much better suited to writing software for Windows.
FL Studio 20 comes with loads of other updates, including support for time signatures, freezing for clips (to save CPU - finally!!), and the ability to have multiple arrangements so users can work with different versions of the same project.
Has the Electronic Music Industry "Peaked"? According to the recent IMS (International Music Summit) Report, the overall value of the electronic music industry has fallen 2% to $7.3 billion. However, there may be an explanation: the fact that many "EDM" songs are actually being classified as Pop.
The full 29-page IMS Report is available in PDF format, here.
Girl (A documentary on Female DJs) Released From the website, GirlTheMovie.com:
What started as a lark became an obsession after meeting the notorious DJ Sandra Collins.
Kandeyce Jorden's exploration of a blossoming subculture of the electronic music scene slams her face to face with a connection that can only be found by getting completely lost.
Detroit House Pioneer Dwayne Jensen Passes Away R.I.P. to influential house producer Dwayne Jensen, who passed away on May 28. As a tribute, we send the episode out with this track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGKBYm12MGQ
P.S. - don't forget to check out our content on YouTube!
Today we're giving you a full preview of Afterparty, our monthly bonus show which is exclusively for Patreon subscribers of The Passionate DJ Podcast.
Become a Patron here: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
If you're not familiar with Patreon, it's a great way to support your favorite creators and help pay them for the stuff you love. You decide the pledge, and then receive rewards in order to thank you for your support.
In our case, we offer a monthly bonus show called Afterparty. The show is similar to The Passionate DJ Podcast; in fact, much of the show is made up of side recordings, deleted scenes, and other bonuses which would otherwise never be heard.
Sometimes you'll hear exclusive interviews with your favorite DJs. Other times, you'll hear pre-show banter and side conversations. We even toss in field recordings and on-site raw interviews. We then stitch all this together, polish it, and present it to you in a monthly bonus episode.
Patreon is a great way to support your favorite content creators, because it allows us to keep making the stuff that you love, and keep the advertising to a dull roar.
Many don't realize that creating a single episode of our podcast can exceed 20 hours... not including promoting it, and not including the creation of our written and video content. By subscribing, you not only help the podcast to continue existing, but you get access to more of the show you already love.
Gain access to Afterparty here: http://patreon.com/passionatedj
In this exclusive, free episode, you'll hear:
- Bonus tips from How to Get More DJ Gigs
- Extended discussion from our interview with DJ 2nd Nature
- A deeper exploration into Detroit Techno and its iconic tracks
We understand that not everyone is willing and able to support Passionate DJ monetarily, and hope that you will continue enjoying The Passionate DJ Podcast!
If you'd like to support in other ways, you can...
- Share our episodes when they go live
- Leave comments on social media or PassionateDJ.com
- Tell your friends about Passionate DJ
- Leave ratings and reviews wherever you listen to us
But above all else, we really just appreciate you listening to the show!
One last time, that URL is http://patreon.com/passionatedj
See you there!
2008: the International Year of Languages, Planet Earth, Sanitation... and Potatoes. The Summer Olympics were in Beijing, Bitcoin and Spotify were born, the Large Hadron Collider was built... and Rihanna takes over the pop charts.
Today we explore what was happening ten years ago, in the realm of music, DJing, and life.
We listen to the tracks that topped the charts at Beatport and the Billboard Top 25, explore some of the 2008 DJ Mag poll, and talk about all the interesting events that occured in music and DJing.
At the beginning of the episode, we talk about 3DMentional Entertainment's upcoming September show featuring Paul Oakenfold as headliner, and our very own Trip Turlington as direct support (under his alias Digital Psykosis).
One last thing: don't forget about Afterparty, our monthly bonus episode! You can gain access by subscribing to us on Patreon, here:
- http://patreon.com/passionatedj
As each normal episode of the podcast takes about 20 hours to put together, in addition to all of our other written and video content... Passionate DJ is quickly becoming a full-time job. We've set a new goal of gaining 30 patrons by the end of the summer, to let us know that we should continue making Afterparty.
Sign up now to gain access, and support your favorite show!
Not ready to sign up, but still want to support? Please consider leaving us an honest rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Facebook, or wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts. It truly helps people discover us, and we truly value your feedback!
In honor of the Movement festival, where techno heads converge on Detroit over Memorial Day weekend, we spend Episode 144 diving in to the Belleville Three: Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, and Derrick May.
Here, we listen to clips of interviews and some of the iconic tracks that put "Detroit Techno" on the map. This is a bit of a misnomer, in that these pioneers actually developed their sound from living in Belleville, a rural town about 30 miles away from Detroit. But, regardless of that technicality, there's no denying that their contribution to music history became a worldwide phenomenon.
They heavily cite influences form radio DJs in Detroit, which was often used as a test market, which gave them exposure to lots of experimental types of music. That, along with the lack of subscription to the concept "we should like black music", allowed them to consume and experiment with music in a way that felt right, to them. The three also discuss in some of these clips, about the influences they had on each other, as they each have their own sound.
In some other interviews, Kevin and Derrick explain an early lesson in crowd reading, playing the right tracks, and getting past amateur status, that the three learned when playing a gig. Kevin also explains his musical connection bridging between his original home in New York, and Detroit, and how Mojo (radio DJ) opened Kevin’s eyes to all kinds of music.
In another clip, Richie Hawtin is doing a recap of the CNTRL tour, where he discusses Detroit, the Bellville Three, and the Midwest of the US (including Dayton!). There's so many interviews, full of so much great information, and we hope you enjoy learning more about the Belleville Three. Dig in!
Also, in honor of Memorial Day, the Passionate DJ Podcast would like to remember our military members who gave the ultimate price, those who served and are no longer with us, and thank the families who have lost their loved ones in service to these United States. Thank you for your sacrifices, so that the rest of us have the freedoms we enjoy.
MOCAD Interview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt4aQEXqMRw DJ Mag Interview w/Juan Atkins: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyqhPVPZ_3c Derrick May discusses Strings of Life: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt3QvoF8eK4 Signed Media Interview w/Kevin Saunderson: www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_6huw5Y6MI Richie Hawtin discussing Detroit, the Belleville 3, and Dayton: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9qrbT_Nb0
Episode 143 focuses on a heavily requested topic: HOW DO WE GET MORE DJ GIGS?! While there's no magic formula, we do have some tips to try and connect with more people and line up more gigs!
Make sure your online presence is up to snuff! Make sure to have a personal website to act as your "home base" that reaches out to your sociasl media platforms of choice. Then, use social media for your interactive engagement with your current and potential fans.
You'll also want to develop effective promotional materials, for when you're ultimately asked. At least an EPK or a One-Sheet is mandatory, but you could go really interactive and present a promo video introducing yourself to anyone discovering you on the web.
Do your research, think outside of the box! You never know what is happening at a gig, another show, or any number of unique opportunities that exist. Build your own event, do some outreach in to the scene you want to be active in, and make sure to look for opportunities for collaboration! Not for the queasy. as this requires some REAL communication time and effort.
Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon page to receive our monthly bonus show: Afterparty!
Links Mentioned in this episode!
https://medium.com/swlh/how-to-create-a-promotional-video-707fa7a63019
http://www.fiverr.com
It's time for one of our favorite recurring episodes: Pick 3! Each of our co-hosts brings in three tracks in a "show and tell" format, where we listen and give commentary.
For this installment of Pick 3, we decided to go to each of our respective "back in the day" memories and picked some tracks that invoke those old school memories!
MC Breed - Ain't No Future in Yo Frontin' B Rezell - Blowed Away DJ Quik - Tonight Parliament - Flashlight Midnight Star - Freakazoid PM Dawn - Looking Through Patient Eyes Gang Starr - Who's Gonna Take the Weight Laid Back - White Horse Notorious BIG - Hypnotize Naughty By Nature - Everything's Gonna Be Alright (Ghetto Bastard) L.A. Style - James Brown is Dead Yellow Blackbird - Superfly (Andy Moor Remix)
Don't forget, you can now access our exclusive bonus show "Afterparty" by subscribing at www.Patreon.com/PassionateDJ - For about the price of a 3 track EP on Beatport, you'll get access to another show full of extended interviews, content that was edited out of the published episodes, candid conversations between us co-hosts, and more! By subscribing, you're helping to keep Passionate DJ going...and for that, WE THANK YOU!
In Episode 141, we catch last week's guest co-hosts Gerrad Wise and Cody Christianson for a deep dive in to all things Cryztal Grid. Despite being a very new performing duo, they're getting all sorts of attention and we were able to snag them as they have just finished performing for Number Fest (16) in Athens, Ohio.
Join us as we do a deep dive in to how they met, how and what they use to perform, their methods and approach to DJing and music production, and the philosophy behind everything they do. Plus, they even share some Easter eggs, one of which is hidden right in their name.
As the face of electronic music and DJing is changing, what makes us unique is what helps us stand out from the rest. One way of doing so is incorporating live musical elements, like they have....but even that isn't enough. We also do a deep dive in to how they planned every move to get where they are, and how they are planning to keep taking it to the next level.
We are absolutely loving these guys, as they are a breath of fresh air, in terms of music, talent, and attitude. We hope you enjoy them, their music, and this interview, as much as we do.
Ladies and Gentlemen...Introducing: Cryztal Grid.
Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon subscription to receive our monthly bonus show: Afterparty!
Episode 140 has us pushing back some of our regularly scheduled content, in order to bring you some of the latest headlines in DJ and dance music related news! And, our good friends Cryztal Grid join us for some in depth discussion! If you’re not up on Cryztal Grid, yet, make sure you tune in NEXT week, where we will be interviewing Gerrad and Cody and giving you an up close look in to their music, performances, and insights.
Sadly, we start the episode addressing the obvious loss to the EDM community. Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii, was found dead at 28 on April 20th. Having had very public battles with stress, depression, and anxiety from touring, and given the message released from his family, the PDJ team takes a moment to reflect on Avicii, as well as their own struggles.
Rane announced a recall on the new Rane 12’s! The popular new DVS controller needs a firmware update to adjust an issue that most people would never encounter, but in order to be applied, the units need to be sent in. Luckily, Rane says the turnaround time should be shipping units back within 1 working day upon fixing. Go to http://dj.rane.com/twelve-warranty-support if you have a Rane 12 and would like the patch!
Preorders for the new DVS unit Phase are available, as of April 25th. The new units are a little steeper than we expected, at $349 per pair of remotes and receiver. They work with any DVS system, according to Phase, which allows DJs to shed the need for using tonearms or timecode vinyl. Pretty cool idea with their own patented wireless data transmission technology, so we’ll see how it does!
Beatport in the news again, this time they acquired the recently closed up Pulselocker. Not sure what’s going on there, but apparently we’ll be seeing a relaunch in the fall. Meanwhile, Mixcloud has raised $11.5 million in fundraising, so we anticipate more development and marketing of their services.
And, of course…Native Instruments shakes things up by announcing new hardware for Traktor, as well as totally rewritten Traktor software on the way. This is interesting, given all of the questionable directions Native instruments has taken Traktor over recent years. Not to mention the lack of delivery on some expected or rumored functionality, and missing the boat on some obvious hardware support (no HID for CDJ2000NX2 until the latest beta release…SERIOUSLY?!). Lots of speculation around what is to come, but between hardware being discontinued and new products being teased, we’re definitely keeping our eye on NI!
Don’t forget about us here at Passionate DJ, as well! If you follow us at Patreon, you can now access our show “Afterparty”, which is a monthly bonus episode that consists of extended interviews, deleted scenes from the published episodes, exclusive “hot mic” moments during set up/tear down, and other specially curated content for our paid subscribers. To subscribe, go to www.patreon.com/passionateDJ TODAY!
Episode 139 is a continuation of last week's latest installment of "Ask Us Anything"!
- Do we avoid food like tacos before recording sessions?
- What will DJs who rely on iTunes do now that their business model has changed?
- What music did we used to love that we no longer don't?
- What spirits does the team like to drink?
- Is DJing getting older or younger (in terms of the new people coming in to the craft)?
- How to fill the room with an audience?
- Do virtual assistants really help?
- Prodigy or Chemical Brothers?
- What's a lie about the industry that you believed when you started, what's a truth?
Don't forget, you can now access our exclusive bonus show "Afterparty" by subscribing at our Patreon page - For about the price of a 3 track EP on Beatport, you'll get access to another show full of extended interviews, content that was edited out of the published episodes, candid conversations between us co-hosts, and more! By subscribing, you're helping to keep Passionate DJ going...and for that, WE THANK YOU!
Episode 138 brings all of the co-hosts back together for another installment of Ask Us Anything! There were a ton of great questions, and we had a lot of fun with this one.
- Is spinning vinyl more fun?
- Are you ever too old to start learning how to DJ?
- Is it ok to sample/use older music?
- When do I know that I need an agent/manager? Who should it be? how should they be compensated?
- What are some favorite ways to mask mistakes in a mix?
Don't forget, you can now access our exclusive bonus show "Afterparty" by subscribing at our Patreon page - For about the price of a 3 track EP on Beatport, you'll get access to another show full of extended interviews, content that was edited out of the published episodes, candid conversations between us co-hosts, and more! By subscribing, you're helping to keep Passionate DJ going...and for that, WE THANK YOU!
Today’s episode features a side conversation between David and Tony, about interactions within a personal circle. You’ll hear their brainstorm session, as they discuss how to network with DJs (and other influencers within the music community) in a positive way.
As DJs, it’s often necessary to reach out to others within our community in order to help both parties reach their goals. At Passionate DJ, we try to encourage a spirit of collaboration whenever possible… and we hope that spirit shines through in this conversation.
Much of the conversation consists of David picking Tony’s brain about how he interacts with the people in his network. As a promoter, DJ, stage manager, and business owner… he’s had lots of opportunities to have these kinds of interactions.
David also describes the personal adventures he’s had this week, dealing with a flooded basement and the partial loss of his home studio.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Afterparty, our monthly bonus show. Gain exclusive access by becoming a patron.
Main Topics * Tips on interacting with followers, fans, and influencers within the local community. * How to interact with headliners and famous people. * The story behind how Tony began working with rave legend Disco Donnie. * When it’s appropriate to make an ask from someone. * Breaking into new markets by reaching out to those in your network. * The phenomenon of fair-weather fans. * Building trust with those around you.
Resources * Disco Donnie: Rave Legend (Episode 52) * The Passionate DJ Community (Facebook Group)
In Episode 136, we ask....what is longtime fan? Where do you find them? How do you make them? How do you KEEP them?
Spoiler alert, we rehash SEVERAL topics that we cover frequently, here at Passionate DJ, because guess what? It's MOST relevant here, when you're trying to create and grow the audience that is in to your music and DJ craft.
- Create more content, play more shows, get in front of more people. Is this too obvious? Sometimes not. We wear a lot of hats, these days, and it's easy to get all caught up in logos, websites, social media promo, and networking to forget what we ACTUALLY want people to know us for.
- Give, Give, Give before you make an ask. People want stuff. They want your content, they want your swag, they want your merch...you get the idea. But, rarely do people want to be solicited. So, for people to be ok with you making any asks, make sure your giving them the value they want so you can utilize them for your own needs.
- Use your social media to be….social. Don't use it as an autospammer. It's 2018, and the algorithms are actually doing work to reduce the spammy posts. It's the REAL stuff you post...about you, your day, your experiences, and yes, your music and events, that people get invested in. When people connect with you and feel like they are part of your story, or that you are a part of theirs, you'll get a LOT farther.
- Networking - Get to that first "true 100" fans, and they will utilize their network to get you to 1,000. Utilize YOUR network to work with crews, promoters, and other DJs to get in front of more people and gain some of THEIR fans, while exposing them to yours. Win/Win!
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
Also: MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ The Passionate DJ store!
Episode 135 is all about playing well with others, social cues, and respect...in other words: Etiquette 101 for DJs!
We can all think of at least a handful of DJs we know or have seen that violate everything we consider to be good etiquette. But, do we know what it really means to practice "good etiquette", in and out of the booth?
- Approach the booth humbly, and with appreciation. You wouldn't be there if it weren't for a number of factors. Check the ego!
- Understand what is expected of you. Sometimes, the best way to make sure everyone is happy is to make sure everyone knows what is expected. Just going in to a situation blind can lead to some faux pas moments.
- Respectfully communicate issues. It's easy to get frustrated or let tempers fly in the heat of the moment. It's also easy to just play and leave. But, by properly communicating issues and letting the right people know what they are, respectfully, you save yourself a lot of headaches and potential arguments or bad PR.
- Crowd control is especially important...in that you balance the expectations of those who may not be in to what you're doing, or worse, properly handling overly intoxicated partiers.
- Make sure that if you're going to call yourself a DJ, that you have some mixes and promote them properly. Don't just SPAM.
- Always be managing your brand & proper PR -- Who you are, in public, is who you are as a DJ....for better or worse.
- Help and Encourage Others - By helping others, you're helping to carry on the craft and raising the bar for everyone. And, that helpful spirit often pays forward and usually comes back around.
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
Also: MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ Passionate DJ's Store
Today we're proud to present our exclusive interview with KRANE!
KRANE is a Producer/DJ from Oakland, CA who is making huge waves in the EDM/Trap/festival scene. His latest album, Fallout, was released this past October. It's a powerful electronic album full of big synths, wonky drops, beautiful strings, and gritty bass.
With roots in jazz music, and a love of modern classical music... much of his time is spent creating powerful festival bangers, lightly dressed with pretty synth melodies.
We were very thankful that KRANE was willing to take time out of his busy schedule (as a touring headliner!) to hang out with us on today's show.
If you prefer to watch instead of listen, we recorded a video version of this interview for YouTube.
In the interview, we ask KRANE about his live setup, and how much his live shows influence the music that he creates in the studio. We ask about his history with music and his career (and the struggles of becoming a full-time musician).
We get insight from KRANE on what he aims for his audience to feel, and his approach to building a cohesive album. Overall, we got the impression that he truly cares about the overall experience for his fans. We greatly enjoyed our opportunity to gain his insight.
Just a reminder: later this week, we will be releasing the very first episode of our new show: Afterparty. This monthly bonus episode is available only to our Patreon subscribers. Stay tuned!
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
Also: MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ Passionate DJ's Store
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Passionate DJ is now on Patreon, and will soon be releasing bonus shows and material for paid subscribers! Go to the Patreon page for Passionate DJ for more details!
We know how much you all have been digging the "genre deep dive" episodes, so here's another coming at ya for Episode 133, with some help from a close friend of Passionate DJ: Matt Freeman.
Matt has well over 20 years experience rocking crowds of varying scenes and genres with precision, skill, and all the fun one could hope for. From industrial and goth, to techno and house, and all kinds of other music, Matt has been a mainstay in the Dayton, Ohio music scene, and for good reason.
One of the things he is known for, is dropping acid house & techno music, and being quite the connoisseur of great music in general. When he drops acid in a set, he grabs hold of his crowds and uses it as not just a party moment, but a teaching moment. Matt takes the next hour to share some of his favorite Acid tracks (known by their iconic squelchy, resonant 303 leads), while chatting about his experiences as a DJ.
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
Also: MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ www.PassionateDJ.com/merch
Today's episode is all about showing love for the HOUSE PARTY!
For Episode 132, we discuss what we like about house parties, while sharing some stories and tips for throwing and enjoying house parties.
What's not to love about a smaller, more intimate crowd? You can generally play what you want, with lower stress than a full scale event, in an environment that's typically a bit more lax and tolerant. This is a great place for new, up-and-coming, and veteran DJs alike, to practice in front of smaller crowds and try new things without "winging it" on a main stage.
There's some etiquette to follow, though. Remember, this is either YOUR house or you're entering SOMEONE ELSE's house. So, be courteous and respectful, and be mindful of your things, and theirs.
Do you have any great house party stories? What are some of the things that make for a memorable house party, for you?
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Passionate DJ is now on Patreon, and will soon be releasing bonus shows and material for paid subscribers! Go to the Passionate DJ Patreon page for more details!
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ www.PassionateDJ.com/merch
Thanks for tuning in to Episode 131, where we bang out another installment of our popular Pick 3 series. The theme, this time? Dance Classics!
What makes a song, a classic? Totally depends on the context, time period, and the listener. What is classic for some, may not be for others. We left the term "dance classic" to be interpreted by the presenter, so it could have included anything from Funk to Disco, 80's New Wave to 90's Club, Warehouse Techno to UK DnB, and literally anything else in between.
We think as you listen to this episode's candidates, you'll agree they all fit the bill. Special thanks to Firecat 451 for joining us, again. If you missed his full introduction, make sure to check out the bad gigs episode from last week.
What are some tracks you would consider "classics" that no DJ should be without?!
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ the PassionateDJ.com Online Store!
Episode 130 is one we've been wanting to do, for a long time. Way back when, in Episode 17, David did a show all about bad DJ gigs from the audience...and it's been a fan favorite, ever since.
There was so much ground to cover this time, that we brought in extra-special guest Firecat 451 to guest host! He's an established rock in the Midwest music scene, with his roots in Cincinnati, Ohio. He's a DJ, MC, and Producer, and has an entire repertoire of gigs ranging from headlining act, to direct support, to host and MC.
This episode is packed FULL of all kinds of stories of gigs gone wrong....from the irritating, to the painful, and the flat-out ridiculous. So strap in, because the next 90 minutes will have you laughing, cringing, and whispering "WTF?" to yourself a lot because YES....these things have actually happened to people during real DJ gigs.
What's the worst thing that has happened to YOU at a DJ gig?
Closing music credit: Trip Turlington & Firecat 451 - Push Back (Available on Base Industry Records)
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ www.PassionateDJ.com/merch
Have you ever done a tag team or B2B set with a friend? It takes a little extra something to pull off a great set with someone else in the booth with you, so that's what Episode 129 is all about!
Between NAMM and some other industry news, there's plenty to cover from Ableton, Pioneer, Reloop, Native Instruments, and Phase!
As we're talking about sharing the booth, though, we cover everything from why you would want to, different approaches on how, and even some ways to make even more fun.
Purchase the new Pioneer DDJ-1000 on Amazon!
B2B Games To Play With Your DJ Friends (from DJ Tech Tools)
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
MERCH NOW AVAILABLE @ the PassionateDJ.com store!
For Episode 128, David & the whole crew are together and rummaging through a lot of interesting news that gives us some insight in to the state of the music industry, right now.
From Spotify offering up an unconventionally filed IPO, to cryptocurrencies and their role in protecting artists' rights, things are getting pretty exciting and charting some new territory. But that's not to say the tried and true markers of success, such as live ticket sales and [gasp] VINYL SALES aren't beaming as well...because they are.
Adding that DJ gear is an increasingly lucrative business, and an actual robot DJ is now DJing in a club in Prague, that leads to some interesting discussions about how the barriers of entry to DJing are dropping for newcomers to the craft, but the influence of AI and technology is becoming ever more influential for the future.
What does this mean for DJs today, and tomorrow? Sound off in the comments and let us know what YOU think!
This week's episode is brought to you by Bandzoogle. Get 15% off your stunning new DJ website using the promo code PASSION.
Links mentioned in this episode: Episode 103: Will Robots Take Our Jobs? Sophia - Saudi Arabia's first robot/AI with Citizenship
For Episode 127, we present an exclusive interview with 2nd Nature: DJ, VJ, video editor, and sound designer with a repertoire and a reputation that is second to none.
Starting as a DJ at a young age, 2nd Nature (Brett) has honed the skills it takes to rock any party to a razor's edge, from scratch battles to corporate events, and he delivers with unmatched precision.
In this interview, Brett touches on everything from how he got started, to his work flow and how under pressure he performs as if it were "second nature", as well as what it takes to make it and maintain at his level of success. But, we also got an unprompted raw, uncensored look in to what kind of toll it can take on one's physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as a number of techniques Brett uses to combat those issues.
This interview is the kind of "real" that doesn't emerge, often, as many people don't put themselves out there, like Brett did during this episode. It serves as both an inspiration, and a warning, and it's our honor to share his insight with you.
If you are not familiar with 2nd Nature, or his body of work, we assure you, it's not hard to find. Simply Google "2nd Nature" and you get more than enough to keep your eyes, ears, and mind busy for HOURS. But, a great place to start, is the source, so we urge you to visit his website.
Googling things can be such a fun rabbit hole, and David & the PDJ crew are doing it again in the second installment of "The Google Episode"!!!!
We take a bunch of random questions related to music and DJing, and run it through Google to see what happens!
Find out the answers to the following questions, and more, in Episode 126!
- Who was the highest paid DJ in 2017?
- What was the world's first drum machine?
- What is the origin of the "hip hop air horn"?
- What was the first digital DJ software?
- What was the first mp3 file?
- What was the first DJ mixer?
- How many remixes of the "Electric Slide" currently exist?
- What was the first fully produced "electronic music album"?
Also, if you are following the podcast via iTunes, please do us a solid and go leave us a review! It helps us with iTunes algorithms, and helps us know what you do and don't like!
Resources from this episode:
- Video clips of the Chamberlain Rhythmate and the Wurlitzer Sideman, early drum machines.
- Old press videos from the early 2000s about PCDJ software.
- Clips from the soundtrack to Forbidden Planet and The Fascinating World of Electronic Music (early electronic albums)
David & Company are BACK for 2018! And, for Episode 125, fresh back from our 2 week break, we want to start things off on a positive note and find out what inspires us!
Before we dig in to that, though, we have to address the big CPU vulnerability scare, as it relates to us digital DJs. If you're a Serato user on the Mac platform, you may have heard that Serato DJ is not yet compatible with High Sierra, so you can't update your OS, just yet. However, we did find a Serato Support Forum post that has some details for the upgrade (which patches the Spectre and Meltdown issues), and Serato is, indeed, now compatible with High Sierra. Go to this link for more information!
Also, another vulnerability was mentioned in the tech world, albeit not as widely advertised as the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities, with Western Digital's MyCloud hardware and cloud software. It seems someone intentionally hard-coded a back door in to the MyCloud software. However, if you have one of the affected machines, as long as the firmware is up to date, you should be fine, according to WD.
So, back to the main topic: What inspires YOU? David, Trip, Tony, and Mo go through some of their main points of inspiration, which range from nature to emotionally charged situatiions, exposure to new genres to searching for new music for a gig, festivals and headliners to driving in the car. We can derive inspiration from just about anything we have around us, and it can come from both positive and negative experiences. It's what you DO with that inspiration that really matters.
Speaking of inspiration, the team here at Passionate DJ are inspired to keep making this show better and keep building on the foundation we have, and 2018 is going to be a big year of action, for us. We will be bringing you all the same content you love, but we're also working on a lot of ways to make it better and offer even more. We want you to be an active part of that growth, as the community we serve. One way you can help, is to leave us a review on iTunes! This helps us with visibility within iTunes, and lets us know what you like, and areas we may need to work on.
Other links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 97: Disaster Preparedness
Happy New Year, and all our best to you and yours for 2018, from the Passionate DJ Team!
Strap in, because we're going to go over the industry happenings of 2017, the gear no one could stop talking about, and the stuff our team did throughout the year. We'll also cover some of our favorite moments on the show over the last year, allude to what's on the horizon for us in 2018, and even take a crack at our clairvoyance skills and see if we can speculate what to expect in the next year.
Of course, the big buzz this year was all about the financial and structural integrity of Soundcloud, as a company. Between Chance the Rapper and some former executives from Vimeo getting involved, Soundcloud seems to be sticking around, but things seemed pretty grim, for a while.
Did Denon convince any of you to #ChangeYourRider? They've been the talk of the hardware circles, all year. Love it or hate it, they are coming out swinging against Pioneer, feature-wise...but it's hard to compete with the tenure and relationship Pioneer DJ has with DJs in booths all over the world.
This past year was no time to rest, for the PDJ team. We all attended the Dayton Record Fair, which we've all agreed is one of our new staple events. And, even though most of us didn't see quite as many gigs as we'd like in 2017, we all reflected back to what we were able to do and use that as fuel to push even harder in 2018.
For Tony, it's all about the next stage and the next adventure, but this year 3DMentional put on his birthday show titled "Another Trip Around The Sun", where they were able to bring the one & only Sasha to little ole Dayton, Ohio. Mo has been tearing up the highways traveling for his sons' football games. Trip tore his ACL and had to have surgery, but didn't let that slow him down (much). David reflects back on doing direct support for Sasha with great pride and excitement, but now yearns for more of that feeling behind the decks.
The team also goes over some of our favorite show moments of 2017, including the LIVE video stream of Episode 100, changing our intro theme music, our interviews with DJ Craze and Mixed in Key, as well as DJ Crazy (no relation) from Mo's visit to grandma's in Jamaica. From fan favorites like the Digging For Bedrock episode, or one of our favorites like Pet Peeves, we've got plenty of flashback clips to look back on.
And, let's not forget our good friend Kilma! David and Kilma got caught up on 2017 happenings and 2018 plans, with some fresh new Kilma kuts as the backdrop. Make sure to check out her Soundcloud, website, and YouTube channel to stay up to date on her comings and goings, as well as plenty of tips to help DJs along in their aspirations!
Don't forget, we now have merch and an online store, an active Ambassador program that we will be looking to recruit for again in 2018, and TONS of more initiatives we are taking on in the coming year, and looking to involve our community. We're looking to also keep wading deeper in to the video world, and to start generating bonus content for you hardcore Passionate DJs.
Speaking of you, the Passionate DJ community, we can't thank you, enough, for being as supportive, awesome, and engaged as you have been. We are experiencing growth on a consistent basis, and picking up new listeners all the time. You guys are keeping us honest, and on our toes with your questions, comments, and voicemails. Don't stop now! Stay engaged with us, and let's continue to build this awesome community we have going. You truly are why we do what we do, here.
From the bottom of our hearts, here at Passionate DJ, we truly hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy 2018. And remember, we're becoming better DJs, through passion and purpose. Keep on spinning!
(PS -- The outro music for today's episode is an unsigned original from Trip Turlington called "Rise Up" -- Available as a free download from his Soundcloud here!)
Happy Holidays to you and yours! It may be cold outside, but David & Co are heating things up with our 2nd annual holiday record exchange!
Last year, we went shopping for a vinyl record exchange with each other, Pick 3 style. And it went over so well, we decided to do it again, this year!
Before we dive in, though, we address a couple of voicemails and emails. Thanks to all of you who keep us engaged, year round. We love getting your questions and comments, so keep them coming!
Among today's picks, we take a little detour from our typical electronic and hip hop roots, to explore a little more of our eclectic musical tastes. Though there's a couple of hip hop classics (it just wouldn't be us if there were none), we dive in to everything else from the 80's, to metal, blues, and even parody diss track, among others.
We truly hope that you all have a great holiday season with your family, friends, and beats! And, we look forward to seeing you back here for our big New Year's Episode, next week! From the bottom of our hearts here, at Passionate DJ, thanks for a great 2017 and an even bigger 2018 on the horizon!
The end of 2017 is fast approaching, and the whole gang got together to reflect back on a crazy year!
As we look back on ourselves, in terms of artist development, we discuss our gigs for the year, mixes we did (or didn't do), and what we wanted to do, but missed the mark on. Tony certainly takes the spotlight this year, in the mixes department, with his Mixcloud Top 100 Prog Chart heater, "Lost & Found".
Mo and Tony spent a lot of time on the road, this year, and 3DMentional had one of their biggest years, yet, which led to one of David's most memorable gigs, ever -- doing direct support for Sasha!
For Trip, the majority of the latter half of the year was spent either being injured by a torn ACL in his knee, or recovering from the surgery. And while that definitely presented some challenges and severely limited his ability to play gigs, he was still able to at least crank out one (unreleased) track, this year. Check it out at Trip Turlington – "Rise Up"!
Things have been busy at Passionate DJ, this year, and they're only going to get bigger and better for 2018!
Plus, PRODUCERS: make sure to check out Captain Plugins from our friends at Mixed in Key! This is a product that expands the functionality of Odesi, directly in to your DAW, so you have the power of Odesi to bang out chord progressions and music theory hacks quickly and effectively, integrated in to your workflow, rather than in an external application!
Also, if you've ever wanted to train to play piano and learn music theory, a new product called Melodics might be a great tool for you! Think Guitar Hero, but using your midi keyboard! And, Ableton Live owners get some extra freebies!
In this week's episode, the crew is doing another deep dive in to a specific genre. This time, it's Glitch Hop! From its humble roots in the obscure Glitch movement of the 90's, to the bass music heavyweights of today like Bassnectar, Glitch Hop has certainly come in to its own.
To illustrate this, Trip guides us through his experience with the genre, and shares some of his favorite tracks from different time periods, and the crew gives their reactions and thoughts on each track.
If you're into artists like Tipper, Kraddy, Pretty Lights, and The Glitch Mob, this is the episode for you. If you have no idea who these people are, or what Glitch Hop is, we invite you to join us as we jump up and glitch out with Trip.
First, what IS Glitch Hop? -- Start here!
And, in case you weren't aware, Trip creates some Glitch Hop that has gotten some attention, in its own right. Our theme music is actually his remix of Evol Intent's "Middle of the Night", and he's had a remix he did for Krafty Kuts released on Funk and Filth's label when he was a runner up in a remix contest. One of his Glitch Hop studio mixes earned him a spot on a major show for Self Diploma in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Below are some links to check out:
The mix that started it all, for Trip - Special shout out to Jack Sheets (aka Mister Shifter)!
Some Trip Turlington Remixes: Krafty Kuts - "Work That Body" (Trip Turlington Remix) Evol Intent - "Middle of the Night" (Trip Turlington Remix) - aka the Passionate DJ Podcast Theme Song! Steve Aoki, Chris Lake, and Tumajo featuring Kid Ink - Delirious (Trip Turlington's "Bone-In" Remix)
A Glitch Hop mix by Trip Turlington!
More artists to check out, if you want to explore more, on your own!
Beats Antique Beat Fatigue Blunt Instrument Cheshire Disprove Freddy Todd Getter Griz ill-esha Joe Ford K Lab KOAN Sound K Theory Love & Light Mochipet Mr. Bill Opiuo Pretty Lights Samples Si Begg Subvert Tantric Decks 2 Fingers (Amon Tobin, especially) Xenflex
And there's SO MANY MORE. This is only intended to be a primer list. Get out there and explore!
Introducing, for Episode 120: Arguably, the driest, most nerdy, technical discussion we've had, yet! :-D
Today's episode consists of CABLES. Specifically, all of the cables you may, or may not, run in to as a DJ.
Here, we go through the differences between digital and analog signals, as well as balanced and unbalanced connections. We also get a little in to what it means to have a dirty power source, and what noise and interference are, as well as how to combat it.
The Cables!
- RCA
- XLR
- TRS/TS
- S/PDIF & ADAT
- MIDI
- USB
- Ethernet
- Power Cables
- Proprietary Cables
Some parting thoughts, to keep in mind as you use and look for cables:
- There's a lot of hype out there around what a cable is made with. Do your research and make sure the company's reputation and manufacturing standards are as high as their marketing strategy. Often, a cable with a basic shielding that was made well will actually perform better than others with colorful jackets and gold plated tips, and cost a fraction of the price.
- Length matters - The longer a signal has to travel, the more that it takes to get it to its destination, and the more opportunity it has to pick up unwanted noise. Keep those connections as short as possible!
- Remember that going from a low grade connection to a higher quality connection does not necessarily mean you've "upgraded" the connection. Mind the source and targets, and the required connection types. Ultimately, especially for a show, you have to make connections however you have to, but don't fool yourself in to thinking you've changed the quality of a connection with a connection adapter!
Ever wonder what you can do to set YOUR mix apart from everyone else's? If you answered YES, then pay attention to Episode 119!
David, Trip, Tony, and Mo touch on several ways to bring something unique to a set or studio mix:
- Create a diagram or story arc, while utilizing a design, such as a Ramp, Hill, Smile, or Waves to keep the listener interested.
- Mix harmonically! You don't have to be a music theory genius, but mixing within compatible harmonics is an easy way to pull off a lot of things that would be harder to do, otherwise. (Check out Mixed In Key for a leading example of key detection software).
- Use more subtle transitions for a more cohesive listening experience. (Great for mashups)
- Push and Pull: Use restraint and patience… but then deliver! Being able to control energy levels to convey a desired meaning, message, or feeling in a studio mix is just as crucial as reading a live crowd!
- Changing up your genres is a guaranteed way to get everyone's attention. Just BE CAREFUL when doing this, as it can also be a quick way to kill a vibe, if not done correctly.
- Spontaneity and Mixing Under Pressure (ie, throw yourself under the bus). Among the many ways to do this, tagging/B2B is one of the best ways to push your comfort zone, which then allows you to learn new techniques from someone else.
- Mix for yourself (without a plan). Record it, and examine for what you like and don't like, and pay that forward in to the next mix you put out for public consumption.
- Mind your technical details, such as EQing and gain staging (Check out Platinum Notes for another piece of great software by Mixed In Key that normalizes the gains of your audio library).
- Put some effort in to the packaging & attractive album art (Check out Canva to get started, if you're not super-handy with graphics and Photoshop)
- Give the listener some context to relate to the message you are trying to convey.
- Think of creative ways to share rather than add to the noise!
All of this, and MORE to listen to, as we bash on the last of our turkey leftovers, with eyes toward the upcoming holiday season!
In Episode 118, we started with a show outline, and had a plan.
But, sometimes you have to deviate from the plan. What started out as some solid advice from PDJ Ambassador DJ Brains, turned in us going deep in to a tangent on each of the points proposed in his voicemail message.
Some of the points we discuss:
- That feeling of being overwhelmed, or getting lost, or losing motivation.
- Overcoming the frustration of what "being a DJ" means across different groups of DJs.
- The difference between technology as an augmentation of skill, versus relying on it, exclusively, for your artistry.
Mo Dingo also rejoins us in the studio after being on the road for his sons' football season, and we chat about our Thanksgiving plans, and some things we are thankful for :)
Now that we are all back together for Episode 117, this seemed like a great time to do another "Ask Us Anything" episode...aka our take on #AMA. And, you guys came up with some great stuff!
Before we get started, Trip gets to drop a "toldjaso" on the crew upon learning about Pulselocker closing their doors very abruptly, leaving a lot of DJs hanging out to dry.
- Matt See is converting vinyl to digital, and cleaning up digital files, asking for the most efficient and least soul-sucking way to manage those files.
- DJ Big Block left us a voicemail about a crashing laptop situation, asking for the best road to recovery, as it is causing issues during his gigs.
- og10speed is struggling to keep his weekend residency fresh.
- Tom Reed, one of our Ambassadors, asks what our ideal bookings are, and what would be the worst?
- Andrea left us a voicemail, wondering where to start DJing, and find a mentor that will stay patient and help her harness her love for music.
- Brian James aka The Engineer, also an Ambassador, wants to know who was the first DJ we saw that influenced us to become DJs, ourselves?
- basssnakemusic is currently debating between gear and software he likes and the gear and software that is more "industry standard".
We wrap up the episode with some great advice for beginner DJs from a couple of our Ambassadors. Don't forget that we have merch available in the Passionate DJ Merch Store!
...and if you liked this episode's outro music (Trip Turlington's remix of Nicmor's "Resistance"), you can pick that up at Beatport, courtesy of Base Industry Records!
It's November! Time for us to get caught up on the seasonal updates with our Fall 2017 Bulletin!
- First, we respond to a voicemail from Avery looking for some clarity on DJ terminology.
- Thank a Veteran! (United States holiday - Veteran's Day)
- Pioneer DJS-1000: A totally different piece of gear from Pioneer, focusing on sample based performing, allowing a new way for DJs to create loops, textures, and songs on the fly, or create projects ahead of time and play them "live", while integrating with Pioneer's Pro DJ Link.
- XDJ-RX2: The next iteration of Pioneer's WILDLY popular completely standalone Rekordbox DJ controller.
- Reloop Touch - Touch screen controller for Virtual DJ, also includes video mixing at a very reasonable price.
- Pioneer & TC Supply developed a new protocol over Pro DJ Link to send relevant song and track information to integrate with VJ software, such as Show Control.
- MixCloud & Warner Music Group strike a deal, leaving many guessing what is to come, since the communication coming from MixCloud does NOT indicate any resemblance to the $9.99/month subscription services already on the market.
- Berlin nightclub Liquid Sky bans turntables and CDJs to promote alternative styles and technologies for DJ performances.
- Rusko announces he is cancer-free!
- Seth Troxler pledges $10k at UMF, which convinced other headliners and the festival organizers to raise money for hurricane relief.
Episode 115 invites the evil spirits and psychotic demons in to the PDJ studios for a Halloween themed Pick 3!
Trip's 3 Picks:
- Gravediggaz - Diary of a Madman
- Spice 1 - Born II Die
- Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters
David's 3 Picks:
- DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Nightmare on My Street
- Rockwell - Somebody Watching Me
- Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells
Mo's 3 Picks:
- Audio & Donny - Horribly Ribbed
- Dr Dre & Ice Cube - Natural Born Killaz
- Q-Lazzarus - Goodbye Horses
For Episode 114, we get real. We've dug up some clips of world-famous DJs and then dissected their own words to discuss how it applies to the rest of us. It's not all glitz and glam, despite these people being where they are, and they all have some very unique insight due to their experiences as mega-stars of the DJ community.
- Carl Cox (Grammy.com 2014) talks about the legacy of EDM, and supporting up-and-comers.
- Richie Hawtin (Red Bull Music Academy 2013) discusses feeling “lost”.
- DJ Jazzy Jeff (DJCityTV 2013) talks about the evolution of the industry, and staying relevant.
- Z-Trip (Sway in the Morning 2013) on preservation of the craft of DJing.
- Sasha (The Edge Video Magazine 1992) speaks to the most important aspect of the club in an old-school clip.
- Seth Troxler (FACTmagazine 2014) talks about the idea of “the underground”.
- Nina Kraviz (K7 Records - DJ Kicks feature, 2015) talks about being “in the moment” of a DJ mix (and crate-digging).
During the episode, we also review some feedback from Episode 112, the Ambassador Program, and provide some marketing insight to a listener in Nirobi, Kenya.
Also, if you liked the clip of Trip Turlington's track "Get Real", released on Base Industry Records, and want to support, you can purchase it at Beatport or any of your favorite online digital music distributors.
What we gonna do right here for Episode 113 is go back. WAY BACK. Back in to time...
Ten years ago. Sounds like a long time, doesn't it? Well, David and Trip take a look back and see how much different everything was:
- 2007 marked the beginning of the mobile revolution. Apple announced the iPhone, and since then, mobile technology has drastically changed the definition of a phone. As DJs, there's so many apps and ways for our devices to help us DJ, now...all thanks to the advancement of smartphone technology.
- DJ Mag's Top 100 is saturated in trance and rife with voting controversy.
- Beatport's Top 9 selling tracks in 2007 indicates the dominance of electro-house in the years before dubstep domination.
- Daft Punk releases Alive in 2007 (which went on to win a Grammy in 2009).
- Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- Pioneer launched the DJM-700 and the CDJ-400, Technics put out a super-limited run of 1000 SL-1200MK6, Vestax released the first serious DJ controller (VCI-100), and among several other hardware releases from Behringer, Xone, Korg, and others, the Innofader drops on to the market.
- Traktor Scratch comes in to being after splitting off from Final Scratch.
- Beyonce topped the charts in 2007, but the much of the top 20 was saturated by the likes of Akon, Timbaland, Fergie, while Rhianna and others were solidifying their superstar status, as well.
In today’s episode, we spend some time digging into the progressive house and trance sounds of the 1990s and early 2000s. A close friend joins David as a guest co-host, and together, they explore the dark, tribal, melodic, and hypnotic rave sounds of “the Bedrock era”. Predictably, we spend much of the episode talking about Sasha and Digweed, though a few other names come up along the way (Nick Muir, Nick Warren, Sandra Collins, Quivver…)
First, we skim through the Bedrock album… that is, the 1999 DJ mix album titled Bedrock, mixed by John Digweed. From track one, you’re getting a serious lesson in progressive house. Raff ’N’ Freddy’s “Listen” has the uplifting diva vocals and shuffling beat of a house tune, but the dark and hypnotic features of early trance music. The whole mix is put together in such a beautifully cohesive way, that we present it here as one of the greatest examples of its kind.
Next, we have a look at Global Underground 013 (Ibiza) by Sasha. We play through the transition of Space Manoevres - Stage One (Pariah Remix) to Sander Kleinenberg - Sacred, and discuss just how beautiful it is. Things get fairly trancey in the mix… back when “trance” really meant something.
Finally, we explore Global Underground 019 (Los Angeles) by Digweed, which starts out with the classic Apollo Vibes by Pole Folder. This mix gets really down into the nitty gritty, where the influence of the rave is undeniable. This percussive, driving mix demands that your feet move without stopping. We also note how modern techno has really begun to work its way towards the sounds of dark tribal progressive house from yesteryear.
Overall, the conversation between David and his friend Tommy centers around the progressive dance music sounds from the start of the millenium. Other topics covered are: what makes a good transition, trance as an idea (rather than a genre), the joys of mixing vinyl vs. digital DJing, and the tag sets they used to play together in Dayton, 10 years ago.
Sit back, and come along for the journey.
In Episode 111, we review 13 key points that we feel are good things for new DJs to know. While there are certainly more than 13 things that every DJ should know, these were key points we felt were especially important for newcomers to the art and craft.
We broke these points down in to 3 categories: Technical, Social, and Philosophical...because believe it, or not, there's a lot more to DJing than your technical skill!
Technical
- The Fundamentals Are Worth It
- Today's hardware and software take care of a lot of the fundamental skill out of the hands of the modern DJ. But, technology can, and inevitably will, fail. How you respond is entirely dependent upon your skill and confidence in the fundamentals.
- Experience Leads to Confidence
- While it's easy for most DJs to get used to their equipment, you may not always be able to play on your desired rig. Some gigs require you to use gear you've never seen before. Getting yourself exposed early on to different gear will make you even more versatile, as a DJ, thus increasing your confidence and flexibility to take more gigs.
- Pro Gear Isn’t Necessary
- Just because we have well known "industry standards" and most of our favorite headlining acts appear playing on NXS2, TOUR1, and PRIME setups, doesn't mean you have to have that to be a successful and skilled DJ. There are many DJs out there who have vastly different riders and many are playing on very different setups. Just because you spend the money on a pro-level setup doesn't mean you become a pro-level DJ. Get what you will use, and can afford, and master it! That's what pros do!
- Protect Yourself: Always Use a Contract!
- This is especially true for our friends in the mobile/wedding/corporate event circuits. This is often the only protection you have against a client who refuses to pay. For performance/club DJs, however, using a contract from day one might not be necessary. However, as your popularity (and your booking fee) increases, it will become more and more important, so do not skip looking in to putting this together sooner, rather than later, after you've already been burned!
Social
- Be Versatile, but Focused
- It's ok to love multiple genres, but many genres have their own scenes, and each of them are filled with dedicated fans that can sniff out a laissez faire newcomer. If you spend all of your time spread too thin between multiple genres and scenes, you may find it hard to succeed or advance in any of them. And, it can be very confusing for people who see you playing techno at one show, then hip hop at another. Take the time to become proficient in a scene and develop real fans before dipping your toes in to the next one, because the fans, the music, and the scenes deserve it, and you owe it to yourself to really develop your music library, skills, and network properly.
- Nurture Your Network
- This is probably one of the most important, behind technical skill. Without the proper networking skills, you'll never leave your bedroom. You have to not only impress people as a DJ, but you have to get their attention as a person. How you establish and work within those relationships will ultimately determine what opportunities are made available to you.
- We’re Not JustDJs, Anymore
- We have to wear many hats, these days. While most of the headliners have multi-person teams of tour managers, audio engineers, booking agents, graphic designers, and marketing specialists, most of us are working on a much tighter budgets. That means we need to be able to do all of those things, or be able to network with others who can do those things for us while we barter something else, in return.
- You Catch More Flies with Honey than Vinegar
- To be blunt: Don't be a dick. There's stories upon stories of people who act unprofessionally, at best, and petulant or violent, at worst. And it's not just a few bad headliners who "made it", this is a very common attitude within local scenes, as well. Ultimately, the best thing to always do, is take the high road. Don't let people take advantage of you, but handle conflict in a much more productive manner. And, especially when things go well, make sure to be gracious, thank the promoters and anyone who helped you throughout the night, and be the type of person people want to keep working with.
Philosophical
- Know Your “Why”
- No one can tell you that your reason for wanting to be a DJ is the wrong reason. But, be honest with yourself and know what that reason is. This will allow you to take the steps necessary toward your goals, and will help you align with others that have the same philosophy and goals.
- Not Every Gig is a Good Gig
- Early on, it's easy to take any gig just so you can take a gig. This is not always best, though, as it often leads to many problems, such as getting stuck with never-ending free gigs, run ins with more inexperienced or nefarious promoters, and poorly organized gigs. As you gain more experience, most DJs start seeing the value in being more selective in when and who they play for.
- Learn From Your “Elders”
- Older DJs have been around a while. They've seen things, heard things, learned things. You can learn from their experience. Sure, you may have to endure a little "Back in my day..." conversations riddled with criticisms of all of today's new gear, software, and youth's mentality. And, maybe on some level they have a point. But, don't let that stop you from learning something from these veterans. Many would LOVE an opportunity to teach someone the things they know. And, you're not beholden to do things their way. It's ok to learn from them, and make it your own. Who knows, maybe you can teach THEM a thing, or two.
- Keep It Real
- It's good to have a dream, and having stars in your eyes is a primary driver, for some. But, always keep in mind that the percentage of DJs who aspire to be at the Tiesto, Deadmau5, or Skrillex levels, and actually MAKE IT to that level are extremely low. The music business is a ruthless one, and for every star it makes, thousands of other dreams are crushed, day in, and day out. Even if you do "make it", it can take YEARS to do so. But, that shouldn't stop anyone. You can be successful, as a DJ, in your own right. You can still enjoy it, play for people, be very talented, and even get paid to do this. Have dreams, aim for the sky, but keep a realistic expectation and try to curb disappointment from not attaining superstardom by being thankful for the successes you do achieve.
- Never Stop Learning
- Never relent on improving your game. Learning new things is what keeps you relevant. Whether it's new technology, new techniques, new genres, or new gear...there's always SOMETHING you can learn to make yourself a little better. The day you become complacent with the way things are, is the day you start becoming irrelevant...so push yourself!
For Episode 110, Tony is able to sneak home to talk all about his summer adventures with us.
From the grueling schedule, to the intricacies of preparing a stage for a major festival, to the different personalities, Tony doesn't pull any punches when describing his duties as a stage manager.
We also take a voicemail, where we unpack a controversial new app called Spinfire that aims to put DJs and producers together in a free marketplace. DJs offer to spin producers' tracks at live gigs for a given price, and then provide video proof of the play in order to get paid.
We explore how this is kind of similar to radio payola, and paying for inflated social media numbers. But, at its core, it really is a different, and more complicated animal, and we're not sure where we land on it.
This also prompts Tony to discuss artistic integrity with us, where he gives us some first hand accounts of the talent(less) hacking that happens with some of these huge festival headliners.
Where do YOU stand when it comes to artistic integrity, buying social media stats, and apps like Spinfire? We'd love to hear from you, so leave us a voicemail, or sound off in the comments!
Way back in the day...Trip had an idea for a blog: Feature songs he loved from WAY WAY WAY WAAAAAAAAY back in the day, telling stories and pointing out the features of these songs that he admired about them.
Well intentioned as that idea was, he just couldn't stay on top of it. Trip's a pretty busy guy, typically, and writing blog posts is no easy feat, on top of being extremely time consuming. Not to mention, he just didn't have the traffic, which led to a loss in motivation to keep it going.
Then, he brought the idea to Passionate DJ, thinking our established community might be just the motivation he needed, but at the end of the day...even with the motivation, he lacked the time.
So, now we are trying it out on the podcast! David and Trip take a trip down memory lane, talking about a handful of powerful tracks, full of yesteryear's glory, all while digging through the mail bag and answering more of your questions on the show!
We hope you enjoy these selections! Let us know what you think of this episode, and if you'd like to hear more like it!
Today's episode of the Podcast is a little different than normal. Every year, David gives a major update to The Controller Compendium: an ultimate buyer's guide for DJs who are trying to decide which DJ controller is right for them.
This episode is an audio version of that guide, for those who prefer to listen on the go. If you'd like to follow along, just go to PassionateDJ.com/controllers. There, you'll be able to see reviews, check the pricing, and compare features.
Since the digital DJing revolution, the art of mixing music has become accessible to many people who would have otherwise been left out, due to a lack of options or money. The development of robust mixing software, along with the hardware to control it, has been one of the most significant things to ever happen in the industry. A DJ controller gives you tactile control over DJ software, allowing you to mix music on a device that’s specifically designed for the task.
The DJ hardware market has grown exponentially in recent years; people are now able to choose a controller which fits their budget, their workflow, and their choice of software. This is wonderful news for DJs, but it also makes the shopping process difficult.
That’s where the Controller Compendium comes in! This guide is meant to help you make an informed decision, so that you can feel confident when spending your hard-earned money.
The controllers are broken into three price points: Premium, Midgrade, and Budget. David provides his top 7 recommendations in each of those categories, as well as giving some general tips for making a smart buying decision. Happy shopping!
In this week’s episode, Mo Dingo travels to Jamaica and brings us an interview from a local DJ and seasoned industry worker. In his chat with DJ Crazy (not to be confused with DJ Craze–that was last week), we learn about the rich and varied DJ culture in Jamaica.
The beautiful island country has been influencing the art of DJing (and music in general) on a global scale for generations. In this very raw interview, DJ Crazy explains to us the difference between a DJ and Selector. He speaks about playing for tourists vs. playing for locals, popular hardware and software, and some of the different venues he’s had experience with. And, he explains what it means to go “dub-for-dub”.
Crazy also shares his thoughts on the future of DJing in Jamaica, and his advice for up-and-coming DJs in its smaller and more rural areas. (We found it to be pretty good advice, in genera!)
Huge thanks to Mo Dingo for arranging this interview, and to DJ Crazy for sharing his wisdom and experience with us!
In Episode 106, we have a really special treat for you!
Hailing from Miami, Florida, we landed an extra special interview with the ONE, THE ONLY, DJ CRAZE!
For those of you not hip to DJ Craze, he’s an award winning turntablist and record producer, known for his skillful mixing of genres like hip hop and Miami bass, trap, breaks, and drum & bass. To date, he is the only solo DJ in history to win the DMC World DJ Championships three times consecutively…so if ANYONE has anything to say about DJing, this guy is probably one to listen to.
- Note: we apologize for the audio quality, as our call recording app failed on us and we had to recover the audio from a background recording. Thanks to Trip's hours of hard work, the recording is much more listenable... but those who listen to the podcast in their car (or other noisy environments) may want to save this one for home listening.
First we get a little background on DJ Craze, but then we start to cut right to the chase. Back in July, Craze sent out the following tweet:
“The dj culture is a joke cause YALL have made it a joke. We've always been here repping the artform ... lame edm producers made it a joke”
Starting from there, we launch in to a discussion about the phenomenon of EDM blowing up in the US, and the effect it's had on DJ culture.
Then we try to get to the heart of #realdjs - how it became the "battle cry" for those trying to preserve the culture, but it has become misused over time. Craze’s answer to this might actually shock you! It was actually meant to educate people about the art of DJing, rather than those who use DJing as a chance to play some remixes or edits and put their hands in the air to cheerlead for an hour. With high profile DJs who do next to nothing and yet make insane amounts of money out there, Craze felt the need to show people “what real DJing is, TO ME.”
We also talk about a lot of different topics. Why he prefers Traktor, what music is on his iPhone, his current favorite hip-hop artists, thoughts on mumble rap and where hip-hop is headed.
All in all, this interview was an honor, and we had a blast talking with him and we are sure you will love it, too.
"DJing, and hip hop in general, was kinda my escape from the whole world. I come from nothing; you know, five of us in a one-bedroom apartment. Hip hop was a voice for those of us in the inner city who didn't have shit. And that's what I loved about it. So I surrounded myself in hip hop culture. And that's what attracted me to become a DJ and turntablist. I couldn't rap, I couldn't break, I couldn't graff.... but I wanted to be part of this culture that I loved so much. And that helped me to understand the world." — DJ Craze, Passionate DJ Epsiode 106
For Episode 105, we landed an interview with James Araujo of the Mixed In Key marketing team. As the product that has been the leader of the key detection and harmonic mixing game in the digital DJ world, we are honored that they took some time to help explain not just what Mixed In Key is, but how their software is another tool we DJs can use to create better sets.
For those who are not familiar, Mixed In Key is the flagship product for the Mixed In Key company, started by Yakov Vorobyev. In short, the software analyzes your music library, and then properly tags the music with the key the track was written in.
This allows us, as DJs, to use a mixing technique called Harmonic Mixing, which is where you mix tracks together that fall in the same musical scale. Mixed in Key facilitates this by either tagging the track with the traditional key notation and the scale (C Maj, A# Min, etc) or with the numeric system (1A, 3B, etc). Both of these notations can then be used with the Camelot Wheel, which allows us to take advantage of a music theory concept called “The Circle of Fifths”, very easily.
Is this necessary? No, of course not. Thousands upon thousands of DJs have been very successful without ever learning a lick of music theory. However, if it’s a tool you can learn that would allow you to be more flexible and do some new things, then there’s certainly no harm in it!
Mixed In Key also has other features, such as batch ID3 tag processing, energy level detection, and it will even automatically place cue points to use with Traktor, Serato, and other digital DJ software.
Mixed In Key also provides other tools for DJs and producers to use, as well! Odesi Flow 8 Deck Platinum Notes Beyond Beatmatching Mashup Metabliss
Visit Mixed In Key to purchase!
For Episode 104, David and Trip do a run down of the year’s biggest gear announcements, before the Summer NAMM event. We have mentioned some of the gear, throughout the year as it came up, but now we can revisit the highlights and put the spotlight on some of the other gear that we overlooked.
Kicking things off, Pioneer introduced Rekordbox Interface 2, which is a 2 channel DVS audio interface for Rekordbox. These units will allow a Rekordbox user to connect two turntables or CDJ’s and a mixer, in order to use timecode vinyl or CDs with their Rekordbox DJ software.
Also from Pioneer, we see the MKII version of their stripped-down 2-channel DJM250 mixer. It comes Rekordbox DVS ready, which is really nice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 2-channel mixer with DVS functionality.
However, if Rekordbox isn’t your thing, or you’re just not into Pioneer, Mixars UNO has a very similar 2-channel stripped down battle style mixer, as well. Instead of Rekordbox, it comes loaded with Serato DVS functionality, and comes in about $50 cheaper than the Pioneer DJM250 MKII.
If you need something with more bounce to the ounce, however, Reloop has dropped the new RMX-90 on the market, this year, and man...is it sexy! In the same vein as the DJM (but definitely not a knock-off), this is a 4 channel, Serato DVS ready mixer with a separate AUX channel, and is Innofader compatible. Even cooler, though... is that it has a powered active USB hub BUILT IN to the mixer, so if you’re running low on USB ports on your laptop coughMacUserscough, this could help to alleviate that problem.
Gemini is also coming out swinging this year with the SDJ-4000 and the MAS-1.
The SDJ-4000 is an all-in-one, standalone controller. While the aesthetics leave David and Trip with a 1950’s Star Trek computer kind of vibe, the feature set is full and Gemini is looking to compete. With dual decks, full color 7” high-res display, routable effects, and two USB ports, this unit is a likely contender for those who are looking for features on a budget.
The Gemini MAS-1, however, is a different type of controller, as it is geared for the Ableton Live user experience. With the layout of the sliders, pads, and knobs, it looks to make the DJ experience a little more intuitive with Ableton, which is not necessarily an intuitive DJ experience.
DJ Tech Tools has made 1,000 of the HUGE Midi Fighter 64, and they are now for sale. The big brother to the original Midi Fighter controller, this one has 64 arcade style buttons, laid out in an 8x8 grid. Finger drummers will love this one, as well as DJs/producers who want to add the ability to trigger sounds from a LARGE, brightly lit unit. Gorgeous, and very fairly priced for a limited run unit.
Akai, following their tried and true path, have released the MPC Live & MPC X. Both have multitouch displays, touting 16gb of onboard storage, and are BATTERY POWERED. However, even better than a lot of the sampler workstations out there, MPC has made these units STANDALONE, meaning you do NOT have to have a computer to make music on these units. They’re both expandable using SD cards or Sata connections, and they’re even Ableton Link compatible. The only decision you have to make, is which one is the right size for you, and fits your budget. Go MPC Live for more mobile friendly and budget conscious, go MPC X for the big, bad boy, studio version.
Now, we realize that the Toraiz AS-1 is a monophonic analog synth, which doesn’t actually classify as “DJ Gear”, but it’s made by Pioneer DJ, so we made an exception. It’s another synth in the Dave Smith line of incredibly amazing gear, so we felt it was worth the honorable mention.
Finally, we know everyone is talking about Denon, and their new Prime line, and trust us… we are, too! But, we also talked about it so much, this year, that we intentionally didn’t go too deep on it, but it’s hard to have a conversation about the hot new gear in 2017 without talking about the top contenders. With the rich and impressive feature sets and aggressive marketing campaigns, we’re duly impressed with Denon and wish them the best of luck on the uphill Battle to replace Pioneer in the booth, even from the most die-hard Pioneer fanbois amongst us.
In Episode 103, David, @TripTurlington, and @MoDingo open the show with some banter about recent gigs and life happenings, and address a recent email where a listener gets shafted the day of a gig. Always remember: "Practice safe DJing - Always wear a contract!" For the meat of the episode, we discuss trends that aren't necessarily directly related to DJing, YET, but that technology is definitely moving us in that direction. The trends? Automation. Artificial Intelligence. Big Data Analytics. We touched on some of these topics back in Episode 33 (https://soundcloud.com/passionatedj/episode-33-pyro-mania) when Serato dropped their new mp3 beat matching iOS app, Pyro. But for this episode, we dig a little deeper in to the possibilities and implications of the future of technology and its possible effects on "the human element" of DJing.
For Episode 102, we take a dive in to Mo's digital crates for the next iteration of our "Crate Invasion" series. Knowing he's likely holding on to the most eclectic collection of all of us, we hold his feet to the fire, while also learning a little more about how he organizes his music.
Donna Summer - Hot Stuff Crystal Waters - 100% Pure Love Daft Punk - Da Funk (E- Rock Cover) PM Dawn - Set Adrift on Memory Bliss M.O.P. - Ante Up!
As an added bonus, Mo Dingo does a phone interview with Rob Holtzman, who is also a Passionate DJ that provides the soundtrack for women's body building shows, where his wife is a competitor!
In today's episode of the podcast, we wanted to explore some of the biggest headlines in the DJ and dance music world this summer. Of course, the hot topic right now is SoundCloud and their latest woes, so much of our time is spent speculating about the struggling streaming giant.
SoundCloud - July 12: TechCrunch reports that “SoundCloud sinks as leaks say layoffs buy little time.” - July 13: SoundCloud responds with confidence via Resident Advisor - July 14: Do they have a Chance (the Rapper)?
Spotify - Is Spotify creating fake artists? - Profiles with no external presence that have millions/listens
Piracy - Stream-ripping is now the piracy method of choice - Research finds stream-ripping now overshadows all other methods of illegal music piracy
TomorrowLand protection methods - Screens 400k ticket-holders; rejects 38 - Increased security as a defensive reaction to terrorism, according to Dancing Astronaut - 38 people were refused entry; other security measures were taken. (Your EDM) - Those 38 may have been rejected due to potential for “radical behavior”
Sony returns to pressing vinyl - Sony resumes pressing records for first time in almost 3 decades - Japanese sales of vinyl records have roughly octupled from 2010 levels to 799,000 units in 2016. - Vinyl sales outpaced digital music sales at one point last year in the U.K. In the U.S., 17.2 million units were shipped last year, with consumers 35 and younger accounting for 70%.
Dubspot accused of scamming students - In an article by THUMP, it is stated that Dubspot have accused its CEO Dan Giove of fraudulent activities and erratic behavior. - Teachers aren’t even showing up - Physical locations have closed
Age 37 is “too old” for clubbing - Why is this going viral? This “research” was done by some electronics distro in the UK - Magnetic Mag has a few suggestions for raving past 37
We finally hit the triple digits! In this special episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast, you’ll hear the replay of our exclusive livestream from July 08, 2017. We were joined by previous guests Mike Donovan, Mister Shifter, and John Chapel.
Not only did we have some great conversation about our struggles and successes in the realm of DJing and promoting, but we made several big announcements:
• We’re launching our online shop! Get Passionate DJ logo merch, exclusive t-shirt designs, and even shop for all your DJ hardware needs.
• We’re launching the Passionate DJ Ambassador Program! Are you down for the cause? Give us feedback and help us spread the word about Passionate DJ. Earn points for some friendly competition, and win rewards! Apply here for this limited-access program: http://www.passionatedj.com/survey
• We have new theme music for The Passionate DJ Podcast! Produced by our own Trip Turlington. A full new intro will be coming soon! We also collected several polls from all you dedicated listeners who were hanging out with us in the chat room, and had a terrific live Q&A session to wrap things up.
P.S. – big apologies to Kilma and Joe Pardo, who were supposed to join us, but couldn’t due to technical problems on our end!
Special thanks from David:
Stacey, Tracea, Kate, Mel Dingo, Marin, and The Ginas ™.
Thanks to Nick Gwozdz for the awesome decals, and Noel Serrato for his thoughtful voice message.
Huge props to my team. Through their hard work, The Passionate DJ Podcast is becoming something truly special. Love you guys.
Finally, thanks so much to you – our listeners. You are the reason we do this. Keep on spinning, and here’s to the next hundred!
It's the last of the double-digits!
In Episode 99, I (David) bring in five different mixes which I thinks that DJs should listen to. These mixes have a lot to offer, especially to DJs, because of their mixing style and programming.
(full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/danny The first mix is Danny Howells' Essential Mix from 2007. This mix covers a lot of ground, representing loads of different styles while somehow making it all work together. From start to finish, it's loaded full of interesting dance music. After you're done listening, you get the feeling that you've just listened to a "house mix"... yet, I would categorize few of the songs as simply "house". The standout track, for me, is right at the beginning: "Shinkansen" by Tom Middleton (though, it's pitched down in this example).
(full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/holden For the second mix, we explore Balance 005, mixed by James Holden. Back in 2003, this mix (especially disc one, which we will hear clips from) almost helped wrap up an era of beautiful and dark progressive house. There are a few "light and fluffy" moments, but overall, the mix has a somber tone. "You are Sleeping", Luke Chable's remix of the PQM track, is the highlight here: an entertaining (yet somewhat depressing) tale of a lonely man and a young woman in need of saving.
(full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/irish Then, I take you way back into my past, with a 140 - 145 BPM example of what got me into this whole dance music thing. This hour of ravey, trancey goodness is called "Essential Trance 4" by DJ Irish. It represents all the aggressive, synthy, melodic music that I was looking for as a teenager. It's a vinyl mix (which can be detected by the scratches and pops), with excellent transitions and harmonic mixing. Buckle up, and be ready for some cheesy 90s goodness.
(full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/nintendub The fourth mix is entirely different than anything else in the list. "Nintendub", by Squincy Jones, was a weirdly awesome mixture of dubstep, 90s hip-hop, and 8-bit Nintendo sounds. There are a few other nods to the 80s and 90s as well, such as music from The Lost Boys, and the Unsolved Mysteries theme (aka, the stuff of nightmares). Overall, this 2008 shows extreme creativity through its use of heavy beats, rap acapellas, video game music mashups, sound effects, and more.
(full mix) > http://www.passionatedj.com/5mixes/northern Finally, I wrap up the show with one of the best recorded DJ mix albums of all time: Northern Exposure, by Sasha and John Digweed. If you listen to only one of these mixes in full, make sure this is the one. The whole thing is just chock full of beautiful music, ethereal soundscapes, and dance music that originates from a time before most people had heard of a "rave". This 1996 mix album will be very revealing about where electronic DJs come from, as well as where it can go.
Cheers, take care, and we'll see you next week with the recording of Episode 100 Live!
In Episode 98, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the United States Independence Day holiday to honor the American contributions to DJing.
Find out more about the following advancements in DJ technology and culture from American innovators: - Beatmatching and Slip-cueing - Beat juggling (aka 'the funk') - Scratching - The invention of the phonograph, itself! - The term “DJing” - The classic American radio DJ/American radio
And, of course, some of the quintessential genres in dance music: - Hip-Hop - Disco - Chicago House - Detroit Techno - Florida Breaks - Miami Bass - Funk Music (with some focus on our hometown: http://passionatedj.com/daytonfunk)
Don't forget, we are just 2 episodes from Episode 100! There's still a few spots on our interactive live webinar, so go to www.passionateDJ.com/100 to get signed up!
In Episode 97, we investigate the worst of the worst: What can go wrong?
What do you do if your computer becomes damaged, unbootable, or is stolen?
What about when USB media or hard drive can become corrupt or lost?
How about when you encounter user errors like accidental deletion, occupational hazards like beer being dumped in mixer, software and firmware updates that cause unforeseen problems, or getting screwed by a promoter, employer, wedding planner, etc.
We don’t always know what will go wrong! But, with a little preparation and a proactive attitude, there are some steps we can take to mitigate some of the most devastating of issues:
- Computer and music backups
- Redundancy planning for the gig
- Make a checklist to reference on day of show
- Prep your DJ bag (or make a “first aid kit”)
- Comprehensive set of RCA/quarter/XLR adapters & cables
- Have a second method to DJ (CD wallet, extra USB key, etc.)
- An “in case of emergency” mix
- Arrive early for extra reaction time
- Contracts can keep you from legal or financial trouble
- Insurance: For events and for your gear
- Protecting against theft
- Know how to play on anything
Episode 100 is coming up SOON, so consider leaving us a voicemail to give us your comments and congratulations, or tell us why PDJ Podcast is important to you!
What are some disasters you've encountered, and what can you (and others) do to avoid it?
Before we let loose about all of the things that aggravate us in Episode 96, first we have to let everyone know that Episode 100 is coming upon us, FAST!
We will be live streaming, with guests, and interaction from YOU! So, if you'd like to be in on the fun, go to www.passionateDJ.com/100 and sign up!
For the next 80-something minutes, though, we're going to go through a list of things that just plain gets our goats. Maybe you'll connect with some of these, maybe you're guilty of some of these. Either way, we're getting it off our chest!
Maybe you've got some things that irritate YOU that we didn't mention? If so, SOUND OFF! Hit us up in the comments, or shoot us an email or voicemail!
In Episode 95, we tackle the subject of creating mixes.
Why do we do it? -- Promote ourselves, obviously. If you're a DJ, but don't have a mix, how do you promote yourself as a DJ? Having a mix is part of the foundation of your brand. -- Self reflection. To listen back and find our own weak points, as well as take pride in our strengths. Continue to accentuate the areas in which we do well, and work on the things we don't, that way we are better prepared for the live gigs.
How do we do it? -- Digital DJ's have it easy...just press the record button on your digital DJ software. -- Could always go old school (might have to if you're a vinyl junkie) and record to outboard gear or another computer.
Why DON'T we do it? -- APATHY. Aren't we just adding to NOISE? -- Not enough feedback, people ignore mixes. -- We are our own worst critics.
What are your reasons for recording mixes? How do you record? What are your tried and true methods for promoting those mixes and getting listeners engaged?
Send us a voicemail, email, or leave a comment!
In Episode 94, we take a detailed look at the EQ, starting with some basics, then getting in to some more complex concepts, all while giving some tips and tricks, as well as audio examples along the way.
Learn how the guys approach all manner of EQing, from how to correct audio inconsistencies and adjusting for desired audio mixing effects.
Gain an understanding of the audio spectrum and how to avoid clashing frequencies and phase cancellation.
Learn the difference between quickly swapping out bands for a dramatic mix, or longer, surgical blending for a seamless mix.
Understand the difference between filter and EQ, and how to use a filter as a mixing tool, rather than an effect.
All of this, and more, in Episode 94!
In Episode 93, we tackle a bunch of your questions in our very first AMA!
Some questions include:
- The gear / software needed for a home studio set up? (warning - this conversation starts going down the "production" discussion)
- How to broaden your popularity when you are in a particular niche.
- What headphones do we all like and use?
- When to make a playlist / setlist?
- What to do when the universe seems to be pointing all signs to quitting and selling your gear?
In Episode 92, we start this session with a great voicemail message that has us talking about the future of using social media to promote ourselves as DJs, the difference between producing and DJing and why Trip doesn't currently have plans to switch from DJing to live performances of his produced tracks, and a clarification on the "press play" controversy.
Then, we raided Tony's record collection and threw the wax on the decks. (Warning: a LOT of trance ahead LOL)
-- Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar 98 -- Kriss Kross - Jump -- Platipus Double Pack (PLAT035): 1. Libra Presents Taylor: Anomaly - Calling Your Name 2. Quiet Man - Now and Zen 3. Art of Trance - Kaleidescope
Tony also brought one in to share some love for a super talented group of rappers from our home state of Ohio: -- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - Thuggish Ruggish Bone
And we close out with one in dedication to a fellow fallen local DJ who passed away, recently. (Rest in Peace Chad Slemker) -- Dennis H. Christ & Midiman - Pennywise
In Episode 91, we start the party off by taking a listen to some of the feedback from Episodes 89 & 90, and poke a little fun at Ja-Rule and his Fyre Festival debacle.
Then, per popular demand, @Tony-DeSaro and @TripTurlington give some tips on how to pull off a proper event. Apparently there's a lot of you out there who are interested in doing your own events, or are at least curious what all goes in to a legitimate show, so Tony bears all, with Trip chiming in with some of his experiences when he was a promoter.
This episode covers nearly everything in the planning stages, leading up to the day of an event. Some of the important points we cover:
- Researching dates and venue availability
- Reach out to agent to see which artists are available
- Making an offer to an artist, and the contract work if offer is approved
- Obtaining and utilizing press kits, working with your graphic designer on promo materials
- Determine which locals and regional talent best fit your event
- Get artist, agent, and management approval on all the details
- Treat social media event page as a "launch" to maximize the organic reach
- Never rely totally on social media. Order flyers, tickets, and posters and PUT THEM IN PEOPLE'S HANDS. Hitting the streets is a MUST!
- Check with local newspapers or city zines to advertise in the artist/entertainment sections
- Pay for some social media post boosting to hit your target geo locations and demographic matches.
There's so much more, but for those who are interested in just how much work goes in to a thankless job that doesn't make you a lot of money, this is a good primer. Hit us with your comments, emails, and voicemails if you have questions or want us to expand on any of these points!
Today’s episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. In part 2, we start out by discussing some of the actual scientific research behind music therapy. We've all heard about the "healing properties" of music, but what's the evidence?
Then, we listen to a call from one of our listeners, making a great point about the problem of escapism. Don't forget: just because you use music (or anything) as an escape from your problems, doesn't mean that the problems go away.
Finally, we talk about how we can use DJing as a connection to other people. There's an "infectious" nature to the good vibes resulting from playing good tunes to a receptive audience.
Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just “get out of our own heads” for a while.
The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse.
Resources from this episode:
Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x
Moby – LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/
Today's episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. David starts off by telling a story of a recent mobile gig which he was flat-out not interested in doing, because he just wasn't feeling like himself. By the time the event began, he was right as rain. DJing has a way of just making us feel...better!
Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just "get out of our own heads" for a while.
We talk about the structure of electronic dance music, and how its accessibility, versatility, and repetitive nature influences our response.
We also discuss the nostalgia factor of music, and the way our brains intensely bond music together with memories from our past. Quite literally, our memories live on through music.
The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse.
Resources from this episode:
Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x
Moby - LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/
For Episode 88, we take some time to reach in to the mail bag and see what's going on with you all!
Before that (but after a light razzing), @modingo divulges the details of one of his recent gigs, where he played a more modern set for a teenager's Sweet 16 party. Being that Mo is the crotchety old guy that he is (LOL) -- he employed the assistance of his 4 teenagers to help him refine the playlist, which was a learning experience for himself, as well as his kids...not to mention the bonding time, with music as the centerpiece!
Through the course of answering emails, comments, and voice mails, we touch on several topics, ranging from penetrating market like Las Vegas, even when you're a working spouse and parent with little time to dedicate to "partying".
For another listener, we discuss ways of starting your own event or series, for the sake of establishing some more gigs for yourself, or to help promote a crew you're with or want to be a part of. This listener has a big gig coming up and wants to start moving things in that direction, and get a little more time behind the decks, in front of people, before the "big one"!
We also throw around some gear suggestions for a local-to-us listener who is ready to make the switch from a controller to CDJ's, but is questioning whether or not she "needs" the full-on NXS2 setup. (Hint: you don't "need" it, but if you've got the budget for it, we are all admittedly Pioneer fanbois lol)
Also, David is being cited! For a college paper, that is. One of our listeners is writing a paper for school, and the highly controversial http://www.passionatedj.com/why-djs-are-not-musicians article caught his eye. It's one of our more "viral" articles, that catches the viral wave, every so often. It's fun when it does, because it's such a polarizing topic, even though the intent of the article is often missed as a lot of people don't get past the title. But, this listener did, and is going to use it as part of a paper!
We hope you enjoy Episode 88, but more than that we hope you see just how much we value all of you, the PDJ community, and truly want all of us to become better DJ's, through passion and purpose. So, keep sending in those voicemails, emails, and comments! We love interacting with you!
In Episode 87, the gang is all together and decide to spend this time to just get all caught up with each other.
First we recap the 3DMentional show "Another Trip Around the Sun" featuring Sasha. Mad props to @Tony-Desaro and Billy for pulling it off, David for the KILLER direct support role executed with perfection, @Mo-DIngo for the stone cold sentinel-like security duties, and @TripTurlington...well....he danced :-D
We also chat about what's next for 3DMentional, and maybe even Trip has a new event in the works.
Tony has recently been playing around with a Native Instruments S8, so we poke and prod him a little for his thoughts on that versus the Nexus setup he is more accustomed to playing on.
Mo wraps us up by bringing up a friend in Saint Louis that he's been able to help over email, regarding fitness events.
As always, leave comments, or hit us up via voicemail...we'd love to hear from (and respond to) you!
In this episode: we take a voicemail about motorized controllers, David discusses how he fits DJing into his “work life”, Mo Dingo tells us about some frustrations at a recent mobile gig, and we discuss the struggles of “lone wolf DJs”.
Also... Can you get paid for online DJ mixes? Soundcloud recently announced the expansion of a revenue-sharing program to include “artists who create ‘recorded and live sets, remixes, and other user-generated content.'”
Struggles of Lone Wolves:
- It’s hard. It’s a lot of work.
- Less events to use as examples
- Useful feedback is at a premium
- The idea factory is a one-man show
- Much smaller data pool to base decisions/less crowds to observe
- Limited promotional power
- Lower chance of having an “in” somewhere
- Less social media reach/launch power
Tips:
- Forge a unique path… blaze a trail
- Learn your market & build to suit
- Fully realize your ideas and drive them home
- … But know when to try new things
- Invest in decent portable sound rig (you might have to “go mobile” sometimes)
- Know when to buy or hire your way out of something
And finally, when you're struggling as a standalone DJ without any help, you can always reach out to your online community... and Passionate DJ is here for you!
Ask questions on our show notes, blog posts, SoundCloud... Tweet at djwithpassion Leave us voicemail ... and together, we'll become better DJs through passion and purpose!
In Episode 85, all four of us finally got back together after a few weeks of different issues that kept the crew from getting together.
Unfortunately, we had to go dark, last week. @TripTurlington has taken some time off for family responsibilities and David encountered some issues with Audacity while recording on vacation. Ultimately, while we hate it when it happens, we miss episodes from time to time. We hope it doesn't throw anyone's week off, too much. While we will continue to strive for the weekly release schedule, sometimes...life just happens.
During the break, @Mo-Dingo attended a Silent Disco in our hometown. We've talked about these, before, and they're not a new concept, but it's a fairly new thing for our area, so we chat with Mo and talk about our perceptions and experiences with Silent Discos.
April 1st, amidst all of the pranks, contained some truly sad news for the music community. Ikutaro Kakehashi, the founder of Roland and creator of the TR-808 passed away. We take a moment to honor the passing of the man who spawned a movement within electronic & sample-based instruments, as well as indirectly spawned several genres of music that we all enjoy, today, because of his inventions and innovation.
And, lastly, as to the namesake of this episode, we discuss "Another Trip Around The Sun", the birthday party of our very own @Tony-DeSaro, which will feature none other than @SashaOfficial as the headliner. We ask Tony to dive in to a deep conversation about the party, from conception to execution, and every nitty-gritty detail in between. From all of us at PDJ to everyone at 3DMentional, congrats and good luck on what is sure to be a successful show!
If you are able/willing to travel for, and would like to attend this show, please feel free to contact us here at Passionate DJ, and we will assist you in getting acquainted with where to stay and eat. :)
https://www.facebook.com/events/413550768988235/
Today's episode covers a lot of ground!
After David gives some updates on his personal DJ setup (an eBay shipment arrived!) and talks about why he's making those changes, the conversation moves into the realm of 3 and 4-deck mixing. A listener calls in to the show, expressing confusion about the purpose of having more than 2 decks. We discuss some of the reasons people do this (both for utility and for artistic reasons), but ultimately land on the resolution that 2-deck mixing is appropriate for most scenarios.
For our main topic, we talk about jaded DJs, and how to prevent burnout. After pointing out several reasons that this can happen (using one of Kilma's articles as a starting point... see link below), David points out some ways that disenchanted DJs can get the magic back:
• Know your limits & set realistic goals • Find your groove, and a workflow that works for you • Directly & honestly identify your personal hurdles • Look after yourself and your body • Take breaks • Build strong relationships • Seek inspiration, encouragement (PDJ is always here!) • Pivot. Try something new. Evolve.
Kilma's "Warning Signs" Article: https://dontkilmavibe.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/6-warning-signs-that-you-might-be-a-jaded-dj/
Have you ever been a jaded DJ? Did you manage to bring back the "magic"? We would love to know your story. Leave a comment, or better yet, send us a voicemail on PassionateDJ.com. We may feature it on the show!
In today's episode, David dedicates some time to those who are undecided about becoming a DJ (or, continuing to be one). How does one know if DJing is a good fit for them, and their lifestyle?
It's not always sunshine and rainbows; there are some important considerations when deciding to actively pursue DJing as a "career" of sorts. David goes over the following questions, which one can ask to help understand what it means to become a DJ:
Are you a creative person?
Are you willing to be in the public spotlight?
Are you thick-skinned?
Are you disciplined/a self-starter? (This takes initiative, regular attention, motivation…)
Do you have time? (See "Advice for Busy DJs with Day Jobs", Episode 62)
Do you have the energy, physically & creatively?
Can you keep your ego in check?
How social are you?
Are you persistent? (Can you work hard, even when it sucks?)
Are you a patient person? (DJ careers are a slow-burn.)
Are you willing to learn / open-minded?
Do you take yourself too seriously?
Can you leave your comfort zone? (See Episode 57, "Comfort Zone")
Do you have passion? (That can help you power through anything else on this list)
In this week's episode, we check in on Trip and his fresh conversion to the Mac platform. After several months of Windows issues, he decided it was time to give the Apple platform a try.
The core of this week's topic, however, is approaching an early episode of the podcast with a modern, twist. A "remix", if you will. Now that we have a different platform, and more ideas, opinions, and experiences to draw from, we thought it would be beneficial to ourselves, and our audience, to revisit some of those earlier topics.
Some of the points we rehash from Episode 2:
-- Working Hard -- Taking Care of Your Ambassadors -- Scarcity -- Adding Perceived Value -- Leveraging Your Connections -- Work Speak -- Being Quality-Focused -- Exceed Expectations -- Reward Your Supporters
What experiences have you had with creating buzz, instead of hype?
For Episode 81, the guys report back after spending the day at the Dayton Record Fair, digging through tons of crates of records and hanging with other DJs and vinyl purists. While @TripTurlington and @Tony-DeSaro exercised a little more restraint and didn't purchase anything, David and @MoDingo picked up more than enough to share.
Before we get to the track listing for this episode, however, we also touched base with @Tony-DeSaro, who is planning his birthday party in April. And, he announces the headliner for the event, which is none other than one of the iconic DJs that got Tony in to EDM, to begin with: @SashaOfficial!
The track listing for this week's episode: Craig Mack - "Flava in Ya Ear" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMbELEUfmIA) Gap Band - "Party Train" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bACKLW19XdE) Slave - multiple selections from "The Concept" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFtlqyq34oo) Cameo - "Word Up" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZjAantupsA) & "Candy" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn8KYD1Vco0) Select breaks from "All the Breaks Vol 1 & Vol 2" (https://www.discogs.com/Various-All-The-Breaks-Vol-1/release/3551016) Ton Loc - "Loc'ed After Dark" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2lHi9alZPM) Prince & Sheena Easton - "You Got the Look" (http://www.mojvideo.com/video-prince-ft-sheena-easton-u-got-the-look/0095e502deb08bfa0323)
And, as a bonus to celebrate the upcoming 3DMentional show with Sasha, @TripTurlington closes out the show with his 2003 remix of Sasha's "Wavy Gravy" from Airdrawn Dagger, as it appears on Trip's 2003 mix entitled "EclectiK" under his Digital PsyKosis moniker.
If you'd like to check out the full mix, it's available on Trip's Mixcloud at: https://www.mixcloud.com/tripturlington/trip-turlington-as-digital-psykosis-2003-eclectik-demo/
For Episode 80, we return to the Pick 3 format! Only this time, it is David's turn to be invaded!
First up: @MoDingo pulls DJ Lima & Evanz D's "A Fresh Mood"...a fresh and funky house jam with lots of cool bassline movement, horn stabs, and filtered disco samples that had the crew bouncing in their chairs.
(https://www.discogs.com/DJ-Lima-Evanz-D-A-Fresh-Mood/release/5649606)
Next, @TripTurlington pulls The Mystery's 2002 supersaw trance giant "Devotion". This gets the guys reminiscing about the late 90's / early 2000's rave scene. A few tears may, or may not, have been shed. We cannot confirm nor deny.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkIK1uYB0Gc)
Finally, @Tony-DeSaro pulls Busta Rhymes' "Do My Thing" that strikes up lots of conversation about Busta Rhymes' upcoming during the 90's hip hop era, the unique drum and bass remixes on this 12", and crate digging in thrift stores.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XXDS69iA_s)
The guys also answer an email, while Mo reports on his 9 hour gig playing for a Crossfit events, and Trip (once again) laments yet another Windows 10 error (that's 3 in 6 months) that now has him considering coming over to the Mac platform.
In Episode 79, @Mike-Donovan drops in while David, @Tony-DeSaro, @TripTurlington, and @MoDingo reach in to the Passionate DJ mail bag to respond to some of your voicemail and email messages!
The guys take a stab at responding to a listener who is looking for more clarification on how to approach making mashups after listening to Episode 23 (https://soundcloud.com/passionatedj/pdj-023-dj-producer-remixer-whats-the-difference).
Since it's technically possible to make mashups on the fly using DJ gear, or be more meticulous and create a more polished, finished product with a producer's software tool set, the guys give an array of options that will give anyone more to explore.
The next message focuses more on the future of DJ gear, and the producer/DJ versus the DJ/producer phenomena that seems to have blurred many lines over the years, as well as the understanding of what is expected of modern DJ's.
Finally, one of our supporters in our hometown shares his challenges with politicking in our local scene, and about levels of gear quality. This is a challenge for a lot of people, even us, as Passionate DJs, so we hope that by addressing this topic for that listener, it helps many of you that may face the same challenges.
Keep sending those voicemails and emails! We love receiving them!
View full show notes at http://passionatedj.com/78
In this week's episode, David and the guys finally lock down some time with @Mike-Donovan, the promoter and mastermind behind the Volume: Deep House Fridays event series in Dayton, Ohio. (http://volumedeep.com/)
We've made mention of Mike several times on the show. Having come from a rich musical family history, and involved in the prime of the Midwest's mid-late 90's rave scene, Mike makes it easy to define passion.
Mike brings a lot to the table, and he’s as passionate about the community he’s trying to help build as he is about the music he loves to share. From his thoughtful and creative visual approach, to his ear for great house music… Mike has found a way to curate a consistent, sophisticated, and fun event series in an intimate setting.
Mike has loads of insight and great stories to share: from his early days promoting with @Tony-DeSaro and Dana as Bounce Theory, to releasing mixes through his own Featherweight Music venture, and now educating and entertaining Dayton, Ohio about Deep House through his Volume series.
Mike is also responsible for the graphic and branding for Passionate DJ. If you like our look, and you're looking to brand yourself, check out his work at http://thataboycreative.com.
Episode 77 has the guys taking an array of questions to the online oracle known as Google, ranging from the serious to the silly, and even some that you may have never thought to ask anyone, for fear of it being considered a “stupid” question.
We start out our episode with a question from a listener, who is new to DJing and wants some advice on how to provide an entertaining soundtrack for her yoga classes. Since our very own Mo Dingo is experienced with DJing Crossfit events, we defer to his expertise and provide suggestions on how she might accomplish this.
We then dive into Google to explore the reasons your ears ring after a show, the origin of the “Fresh” scratch sample, who has the largest record collection in the world, the world’s most expensive record player, and much more.
For the latter half of the episode, we dig in to the origin of some of the most highly sampled breakbeats of all time in the hip hop genre. We give them a listen, and try to name songs which have the sample. Listen along and try to decide if you can name any tracks which are sampled here!
A lot of people are finding their way in to DJing, these days. Equipment is easier than ever to afford and use, and music is so much more vastly available than at any time in history. Despite this, so many are finding that even though the mechanics and ability to BECOME a DJ have become so much easier, they don't understand WHY THEY'RE NOT GETTING NOTICED.
Now, there's potentially as many reasons for this, as there are DJs. But, in our experience, we've seen some patterns, and decided to call them out for Episode 76.
1) Don't let low barriers of entry to DJing make you lazy. Because everyone can be on a similar playing field, in terms of competent equipment and available technology within an obtainable budget range, we MUST have something that sets us apart (aka “Value add”). One of the biggest things that will get you NOT noticed, is being lazy. Respect the hustle, and hustle for your respect.
2) Improper networking and communication techniques are one of the quickest ways to get ignored. (ie, Do NOT spam the hell out of everyone) -- Build up your internet presence, but don’t spam it....treat each message you send as if these are people you are trying to build a relationship with, not just sell them something.
3) However, another major annoyance are hobby DJs that don't respect the business aspect of the club/party/DJ scenes. It's not all about you...there's other people taking huge risks and there's significant money behind it all. By all means, follow through with conflict resolution, when and where it is appropriate. But, if you're a hobbyist DJ, playing with people who make their living by DJing (or some type of supplemental income), don't expect people to bend over backward to make you happy. Just as you are looking for people to do something for you, they are looking for you to do something for them, too.
4) Being jaded, thin skinned, unable to take criticism, and having a big ego. No one likes someone with a chip on their shoulder and self-serving attitudes. Positive self-esteem, a good self-image, confidence, and the like are ok....being a prima donna or diva is NOT. Ultimately, be a part of the community you want to be a part of.
5) Support those who have proven to be worth it to you, your scene, and others. Those you support, tend to support you, back. When you don't support, or come to the shows, you're out of sight. If you're out of sight, you're out of mind.
Also, at one point @TripTurlington mentions an article posted by Aaron Simpson, the owner of @SimplifyRecs, where he talks about how to send the perfect demo. He actually gives you a laundry list of things NOT to do, but ends on a positive note, giving some great advice on how to effectively communicate your product in the music industry. Granted, he's talking about producers and sending demo tracks, but it all translates very easily to the DJ & promoter realm. Give it a read!
http://www.simplifyrecordings.com/editorial/send-perfect-demo
Full show notes available at http://passionatedj.com/75
Episode 75 is all about two important virtues which many DJs disregard: restraint and patience. Today is a short solo show, where David first discusses the latest happenings in DJ news before getting on to this beefy topic.
We live in a world of instant gratification. Everything we do is “now, now, now!” And anything that doesn’t deliver instant gratification is pushed off to the wayside.
Technology has done great things for us, but it has also made us impatient. And, like many things, this has affected the way many people approach DJing. Because of things like tempo sync buttons, digital music distribution (legal or otherwise), and ultra-portable all-in-one DJ solutions, it’s super easy to get started in the realm of DJing without “putting in your time” in the way that many people once had to.
The warmup DJ has a very specific and, seemingly, obvious job. He is supposed to prepare the room for the headliner… akin to a local band opening for a national act. When we’re talking night clubs, he (or she) is supposed to start getting people interested in what the night will have to offer.
The problem is, today’s typical warmup DJ is more concerned about “rocking out” than supporting the night as a whole. They want to play all their banger tracks in the hour or two that they have been given, in order to impress whomever may be listening. The funny thing is, I (along with many DJs and promoters with much more experience than me) am rarely impressed by someone who goes all-out to a room of people who are not quite ready to dance yet.
This DJ is impatient in two distinct ways. Firstly, he’s advancing the energy of the night too quickly (how can you find room to ebb-and-flow when you’re already starting at 10?) Secondly, many of them are simply not willing to put the time into their overall DJ career. In other words, they want to be a superstar without merit.
You can’t put all the complaints towards the DJ. Promoters are the ones in charge for putting all the puzzle pieces into place. Just as DJs should be curators of music, promoters should be curators of entertainment.
Many younger promoters are guilty of trying to jump on whatever trends are hot that particular week, and run with it. Most of them take a half-assed approach, because they think jumping on the latest bandwagon is all they need to do to sustain an audience. This is why most club nights seem fairly “watered down”.
A good promoter knows how to pick-and-choose their DJ lineup… not just because of what genre that DJ is known for, but because they know that their values line up. It’s not always the case that well-established promoters will only book well-established DJs… perhaps it’s more accurate to say that they will only book DJs who have proven to them that they know how the timeline of a successful night should look.
The best way I know how to describe 99% of today’s DJs and promoters is lazy and functional. You can’t throw a stone without hitting a DJ in the head who is able to mix two tracks together without trainwrecking.
But, think of it this way… you also can’t throw a stone without hitting someone in the head that knows how to cook something edible. Does that mean there’s no such thing as a good chef?
Today’s technology is already perfectly capable of stringing together a list of songs with gapless playback and perfectly in sync. Give your crowd a reason to have you as their selector.
That’s how to stand out in today’s sea of noise. Put in your time, perform your craft with conviction, and be patient. It’s not the only way… just the best one.
For the rest of the show notes, please visit http://passionatedj.com/75
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This year has been AMAZING for Passionate DJ, and we never saw it coming!
2016 saw a rebranding, and a shift from the articles and online blog content toward the audio podcast show becoming the main offering. The podcast has seen exponential growth, ever since David changed the format to deliver weekly content and bringing on Trip, Tony, and Mo for round table discussions. We've had some killer interviews, some great shows, and a lot of feedback from you.
This week's show is all about how AWESOME this year was for us, so we flashback to some clips of a few of our favorite episodes, check in with former guests and play their voicemails, drop some listener comments, and look forward with some predictions about what we'll see from gear companies and the American dance scene, in general. Each of the guys takes a moment to put forward a resolution to share, as well.
What were some of YOUR favorite PDJ moments of 2016? What would you like to see more of, from us, in the future? What are YOUR resolutions for 2017?
All of us here on the PassionateDJ.com team are so very thankful for all of you that tune in and listen. It's all of YOU that are making this thing work. We'd literally be talking about this stuff, anyway, so we're glad that it's helping so many of you out there.
We learned a lot in 2016, and plan on putting those lessons learned to great use in 2017. There's a lot more in store for this show in the coming year, so stay tuned, share with your friends, and keep on spinning!
PS... All of the music you hear in this episode was produced or remixed by @TripTurlington (except for one really obvious one). So, if you like what you hear, give him a follow on his Soundcloud page and support by purchasing his releases on @Base-Industry-Records at Beatport, Juno, Amazon, iTunes, or any of your other favorite digital music distributors.
https://www.beatport.com/artist/trip-turlington/476166
In Episode 73, the gang is all together celebrating the holidays with a record exchange! We each went digging through the crates of our local record stores, thrift shops, and personal collections to find records that reminded us of each other.
Did any of you get any wax or new tracks?
While many of these tracks aren't particularly relevant in most club settings, we had a lot of fun recording this episode, so we're hoping you have just as much fun listening!
No matter what you celebrate over the holidays, we hope the season finds you all happy, healthy, and spinning!
Ludacris - Ludacrismas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiw3ueH3EI
Warren G - Regulate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plPyJdXKIY
Isaac Hayes - Shaft Theme Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFvRvSxsW-I
Submarine - Sunbeam (Deepsky Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t82puE16kts (Way Out West Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP8f5ZMJzdU
Manuvers X Sharpsound X Louie Arson - Bangin Like a Dilla Instrumental https://soundcloud.com/thelovebelowparty/bangin-like-a-dilla-instrumental-mix-vol-1
Bob Seger - Shakedown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3MTFJz50qc
Twelvetrees - The Lost Tribe (Ming & FS DnB Remix) https://www.discogs.com/Twelvetrees-The-Lost-Tribe/release/2887743
Kurtis Blow - The Breaks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZDUEilS5M4
Oran "Juice" Jones - The Rain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dZW1C3neao
Groove Armada - Superstylin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KABmnF2T6M
Snoop Doggy Dogg - Santa Claus is Going Straight to the Ghetto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVkg5FM59NA
Family Guy - Michael McDonald Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0B6nxPfcCM
In Episode 72, we're coming up on the holidays and the end of the year, so we thought this might be a good time to do some reflecting. In doing so, we talk a little bit about the habits that we have now and wish we had earlier.
First, we hit some of the major news affecting DJs, right now: 1. Soundcloud now allows DJ mixes - this is HUGE, but is it too little, too late?
-
A bankrupt SFX re-emerges from Chapter 11 with a blank slate and new leadership as LiveStyle Inc. What does this mean for EDM in America?
-
A fellow Midwest DJ and old friend of @TripTurlington's, @TheBlackMadonna broke the Resident Advisor DJ Poll top ten!
And, almost right after this episode was recorded, she was also named Mixmag's DJ of the Year for 2016. She is one of the hardest working DJs in the industry, ever since Trip can remember playing dirty warehouse raves with her over a decade ago.
She's been at the forefront of the Chicago club scene, traveling the world sharing her sound, playing Boiler Room sets, and standing up for women's issues in the music industry, and life, in general. CONGRATS MAREA! Very well deserved, and there's still nowhere to go, but up.
So, as mentioned, this episode is about habits we wish we had before now.
- Using the cue/mix function on mixers that support it.
- Looking at, or interacting with the crowd.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Scheduling and time management.
- Take a little time before purchasing digital music.
- Mini-Practice sessions (especially useful for learning to scratch).
- Learn to make a mix sound good without effects.
- Live in the moment! Enjoy yourself!
- Know your tracks backward & forward.
- Protect your hearing!
- Contracts to protect yourself.
What are some habits that you have established that took your game to another level? What are some you wish you had?
On the flip side of Episode 68's coin (Baller on a Budget), we decided it might be fun to give ourselves an imaginary $10,000 budget, and build some bedroom setups where money is less of an object.
Of course, we tried to take some different takes on our setups, rather than all of us going straight for the industry standard all Pioneer NXS setup.
We'd love to hear what you guys think about these setups, or what gear have you splurged on when you've had the scratch to spare?
@TripTurlington (2) Technics SL1210M5G ($2000/ea) (2) Ortofon Nightclub MKII ($300/pair) Pioneer DJM-900SRT ($1500) Pioneer HDJ-2000 MKII ($350) Serato DJ Club Kit ($170) (2) Peavey RBN112 active monitors & (2) Peavey RBN215 powered subs ($3800/total)
@Tony-DeSaro (2) CDJ-2000NXS ($1400/ea) DJM-900NXS2 ($2200) (2) Kontrol X1 ($400) (1) Technic SL-1200 MKII or higher ($500) Pioneer RMX-1000 ($800) Yorkville EXM400 Mini PA System ($2100) Sennheiser HD25 Plus ($200) Odyssey Flight Cases & Cables
David Rane MP2015 Mixer ($2349) Pioneer PLX-1000 turntables x3 ($2091) Kontrol D2 x2 ($998) Raiden RXI-F1 portable fader ($129) Ortofon Concorde S-120 Twin Pack ($285) Ortofon Qbert ($125) Focal Alpha 80 Studio Monitors ($1098) Yorkville NX720S 15” sub ($1078)
@MoDingo Pioneer DDJ-RZX ($3000) MacBook Pro ($3000) 2 QSC K12 and 2 QSC Ksub Subwoofer's ($3800) Shure SE 215 ($90)
First, and foremost, our hearts go out to those who were lost in the Oakland warehouse party fire, and their families and friends who will be dealing with this loss, for a long time to come.
In this episode, we continue with last week's episode topic, offering some tips for new DJ's (and reminders to the veterans).
Tip 8: For digital DJ's: Make sure you settle on the platform BEFORE you choose the hardware. While some devices and software are mappable, they are becoming more and more locked in to each other, and sometimes mapped features don't always work correctly (or at all, at times). So, it's important to know which software platform you are more comfortable with before spending a bunch of money on hardware that you may end up changing or upgrading, down the road.
Tip 9: Hone those core skills. A lot of new DJs like to rush to get on a stage or in a booth, and as a result, many do so LONG before they are ready. By staying patient, and making sure your skills are on par with the openers you see at your local clubs and shows, you ensure you're putting your best face out there for all to see.
Tip 10: On the flip side of tip 9...Be Realistic & Fail Often. Take risks. You won't get ahead, if you don't give it a shot. But, know that things will happen and when they do, do your best to be graceful to recover from it.
Tip 11: Brand Awareness...you are building your brand from the moment you establish yourself as a DJ. So, be sure you are always self-aware and be careful of how you handle conflict, customers, promoters, and requests, especially when it's in the public eye.
Tip 12: Continuous Education...NEVER STOP LEARNING! The moment you become complacent and stop pushing yourself, that's the beginning of the end. While it's important to be as proficient as possible with your core skills, we only get better by learning new stuff and applying it to our specific work flow. There's lots of resources now, more than ever before!
Tip 13: Learn restraint. This is a BIG one, for new jacks and old schoolers, alike. It's hard to not play all of your biggest tunes before it's time, but for those that can practice that patience, and drop the right tracks at the right time, it can be the difference between a good set with great tracks and a phenomenal, life changing set.
Tip 14: In the same vein of Brand Awareness, but kind of in its own context, professionalism is key, if you really want this to be a business, or your career. Don't be a diva. Stay humble. We're all in this, together.
Tip 15: Don't scratch melodies over melodies, lyrics over lyrics, and learn proper phrasing and measures.
Tip 16: STOP USING AIR HORNS IN YOUR MIXES! -- No, seriously...stop it. No one likes this, despite it being used all the time, everywhere, by seemingly everyone, and being integrated in to several pieces of hardware. It's cliche, at this point, and just flat-out annoying. It's kind of like how so many trance DJs overused the flanger back in the late 90's/early 2K's, right @TripTurlington? ;-)
Tip 17: Know your limits and deliver what you can provide. Don't over promise and under deliver. The stigma from that will follow you for the rest of your career.
We often get a lot of questions, especially geared toward new(er) DJs, so we wanted to take an episode (or two) and address some of the topics we feel are essential for those new to the wheels of steel with some "Essential Tips". These would even serve as a good reminder for those that are veterans behind the decks.
Tip 1: Have a drink to take the edge off of your first gigs, if you want. But, it's important to know your limits and don't get sloppy drunk! You want your senses to be "in the zone", and even though you may have a moderate alcohol tolerance, the point is not to be drunk on stage...it's to perform! So, one or two drinks to relax and get rid of the jitters is typically fine, for most people. Just don't overdo it.
Tip 2: Learn proper gain staging (REDLINING = BAD!)This is a hard one, especially for new DJs, or even veterans who don't take the time to learn the entire audio chain of events. It's not rocket science, but there is a science to a properly gain-staged audio signal, and the audio engineer is the ultimate gatekeeper. Work with this person to sound your best. Don't try to circumvent them, as blowing everything red out of each channel and/or the master will make you sound worse, and may even cause damage to the equipment you're playing on.
Tip 3: Be prepared to play to empty rooms. We all want to be one of those big super star DJs, playing to packed sweaty rooms of admiring dance fiends. But, the reality is that we all have to play for the staff, every now and then. This will ultimately help you keep your ego in check, learn something about playing on a club/party system, network, and try new things that you may not have, before.
Tip 4: Get comfortable with mixing in your headphones or with sub-standard monitors. Not all monitoring systems are set up equally. Sometimes, the only chance at a proper monitoring system you have, is your own headphones. While not ideal, sometimes it's necessary...so take the time to learn this critical skill.
Tip 5: Become familiar with as many kinds of mixers as possible. While you may not have access to a lot of different gear, early on, the key is to at least become familiar with the absolute bare minimum critical functionality of most mixers, that way you can deliver the minimum viable product when you are on a piece of kit that you are unfamiliar with. Granted, this one may take some time and comes with experience, but doing so will pay off in spades, as you learn how consistently most manufacturers stick to common, familiar layouts and functionality.
Tip 6: Opt for gig quality over gig quantity. If you're a house DJ, don't take a gig in a hip-hop club, just because someone offers it to you. That may seem intuitive, but a lot of new DJs will take ANY gig, just to be able to play. Unless the promoter is offering some vision or guarantee that they are trying something new or different and they think you are a good fit, know who your intended audience is, and be selective about what gigs you take. Sometimes, even gigs that might seem like a good fit, might be damaging to your reputation, depending on the reputation of the promoter or venue you're playing for...so do your homework, and be prepared!
Tip 7: Avoid music piracy; Use (true) high quality audio files, not YouTube rips. This is crucial, on so many levels. One, piracy is illegal. For two, if every artist got the revenue from every track of theirs that is stolen, that would add up and be supporting the artists we all know and love. For three, it SOUNDS LIKE GARBAGE. There's real and concrete evidence that proves that YouTube rips (even the 320 ones) are not as pristine as so many people adamantly argue they are. For a little more detail on this, roll back to Episode 14 (https://soundcloud.com/passionatedj/pdj-014-all-about-sound-quality) to get a better grasp on audio quality.
This was only part 1 of this discussion, there's more tips to be had, next week in Episode 70!
JUST IN TIME FOR THE BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY SALES!
This episode is dedicated to everyone stackin' your chips and makin' each one you spend count.
You wanna learn how to DJ, but don't have the scratch to drop on a 4-deck Pioneer TOUR1 setup? Don't worry, neither do we!
One of the more common questions we get, is about quality beginner gear to get started on, that is also budget friendly.
For Episode 68, we gave ourselves a (soft) $500 budget and put together 4 unique setups that would allow someone to get started DJing, learn the craft, and even play out some gigs. The only assumption we make, is that you will have some external audio source to hook up to.
You'll have to listen to the show for the explanations behind each piece of gear, but see below for the list we each came up with and the Amazon links to each bit of kit.
Remember, we're picking out competent gear to get started with for as little money as possible, here, not trying to list the best of the best. So, with that in mind, these suggestions are only a few of the infinite possibilities. Feel free to share your own experiences and ideas by writing or calling in! We LOVE your feedback!
Please note that the pricing in the links below may be different from when we actually recorded this episode, and some of this gear can be easily found used on Ebay for less (which is what we did, for some of the gear we mentioned, in order to stay in the budget).
Tony (100% customizable mappable midi controller geek-out): - Akai Professional Red MPK Mini MKII - $99 (http://amzn.to/2gefLlc) - NI Komplete Audio 6 - $229 (http://amzn.to/2ffaLdw)
David (Bleeding Edge iPad/Traktor): - iPad 2 - $99 (http://amzn.to/2fLEzCp) - Traktor DJ for iOS - $9.99 - NI Kontrol S2 - $399.99 (http://amzn.to/2fLLwDC)
Mo Dingo (Traktor Controllers, Extreme Coupon Edition): - NI Traktor Z1 - $200.00 (http://amzn.to/2geo5Bp) - NI Traktor X1 (http://amzn.to/2gejeQs) or F1 (http://amzn.to/2gepjwk) - $200.00 - Traktor DJ for iOS - $9.99 - Skull Candy Hesh 2 Headphones - $50 (http://amzn.to/2gfjrma)
Trip (Traditional Vinyl Purist Route): - Stanton T.62B Turntables - $165 (x2) (http://amzn.to/2gejFu7) - Behringer NOX101 Mixer - $80 (http://amzn.to/2genMXa) - Ortofon Omega Cartridges - $32 (x2) (http://amzn.to/2gd9VzT) - Behringer HPX6000 Headphones - $50 (http://amzn.to/2gw81xj)
Wrapping up the conversation from Episode 66, the PDJ team takes a deep dive in to what makes the combination of Sasha and Digweed so legendary, over so many years. We talk about why we think these two truly understand the idea of the "musical journey", and the way their distinct sounds worked together to make magic.
To wrap it up, we also threw a couple of hip hop collectives in to the mix, The Executioners and The Animal Crackers.
We also touch on a topic that we'll likely take a deeper dive in to, in the future: the highlights of what makes a good tag team experience. It's important to give each other "space" when it comes to DJing in tandem with other people. We talk about some ways that we've been able to do that in the past when DJing doubles.
In Episode 66, we decided that each of us should bring in a DJ duo/trio/group that we all admire and wanted to share with everyone. Of course, this spawned a lot of discussion around not just the DJs themselves, but a slew of topics as we talk about what we love about them. We broke off in to so many different branches with this episode, it warranted being broken down in to 2 parts (Catch part 2 in episode 67 next week!)
And, for the first time, in a long time, @Tony-DeSaro is back in action, and the entire PDJ crew is together. We take some time to get caught up on current events, especially with Tony as he shares his summer full of stage managing for several festivals.
The night before episode 65, everyone was out and about. @Tony-DeSaro and David were out at the 3DMentional annual Halloween party named Yiiiikes! while @TripTurlington and @MoDingo were at uBahn. Since everyone was feeling a little rough, we decided to do something fun that we know everyone likes... a Pick 3!
This time, we dug through Trip's bins, and they didn't disappoint:
1 - Paragliders - Lithium: A quintessential trance track from the late 90's.
2 - Shades of Rhythm - Dance Among Strangers: Another 90's dance track, but this one was unapologetically HOUSE.
3 - Parliament - Chocolate City: The full 1975 LP from Casablanca records.
Bonus - Mos Def & Massive Attack - I Against I - from the Blade II Soundtrack.
Take a listen as David, Mo, and Trip banter over some of these random pulls from the bins. If you listen close enough, you can hear the crackle of the vinyl!
Disclosure: Unfortunately, some upgraded gear was not performing to its peak potential, so there are some audio glitches throughout this episode. Unfortunately we had no idea they were there until Trip went back through to edit. We have a ticket open with the gear in question and will have this issue resolved for future episodes.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by our friend Kilma! Episode 64 is all about the issues and concerns which women often experience as DJs, or in the “EDM Industry”.
Kilma chats with David about several issues which she’s observed in the scene:
Denial - The ability for people to admit there’s a problem. “If I don’t experience, see it, witness it… it doesn’t happen.” or “Well I know a girl that says it doesn’t exist.”
Lack of Empathy - “If you want to be treated as an equal, deal with it.”
Complete Dismissal/Questioning Experience - “You think you had a bad day, wait until you hear about mine.” Complaints not taken seriously, constantly questioned on whether they may have “brought the situation onto themselves.”
Fear - Afraid to be boycotted, not taken seriously and even more harshly harassed many stay silent on current issues.
So what are some possible solutions to these issues? Kilma offers some suggestions:
Acknowledge there is an issue - Everyone needs to acknowledge this is happening! Just like racism or homophobia. Just because YOU aren’t experiencing something doesn’t mean other people aren’t or that it’s not a huge issue.
Call Out The Behavior - Support one another. If you see bullying you call it out. If you see sexism, call it out. Stick up for those around you!
Ask Questions - As someone experiencing or even being an ally it can be difficult to stay calm when hearing complete ignorance, but that can also be great way to open up dialogue to make others aware and question one’s motives.
Become An Ally - Men are a very important part of the solution. Unfortunately sometime’s it’s not until a guy says it, that another guy hears it.
Educate Yourself - Learn about the history of sexism, where it stems from, how it’s alive and well today, review the stats and studies about the effects on inequality and listen to the stories of those experiencing it.
This episode features clips from the following videos:
Women, STEM, and EDM (TED Talk by Dani Deahl) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk0uocOXDWo
IMS Ibiza 2016 Panel (Diversity in Electronic Music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbP_ZiaHECg
Give it a listen, and ladies, feel free to share your own experience in the comments!
A travel agent sells products and services (such as tickets to a resort) on behalf of a supplier. The tickets are bought by the agent for a discount, and then sold to the end customer. The agent’s profit is the difference between the advertised price and the agent’s discounted price… in other words, commission.
But travel agencies were realized in a whole different era. These days, there are so many free alternatives to the traditional travel agent… one might wonder why they need one at all. How does a travel agent compete against convenient and free alternatives which serve the same basic purpose?
A similar thing has happened to DJs. A common question is, “How can I be paid as a DJ when so many people are willing to do it for free?” 1. Sell Something That’s Better Than Free The idea: make your service as a DJ (or promoter, for that matter) something that’s worth paying for.
-
Get Serious About Your “Why” Get honest with yourself. Clarify your personal philosophies on music, DJing, and your local scene. Then, find out the best ways that you can support your music and your scene while staying true to yourself.
-
Add Value Common complaint: we have to be marketers, promoters, writers, PR experts, social media gurus, etc. This is the world we live in. Don’t lament this fact. For the first time, we are all actually in charge of our destiny.
It’s easy to get jaded or frustrated, when “those darn kids” keep showing up in the booth with their laptops and 2 months of experience.
But it’s important to remember that what they do has no bearing on what you do. Being shut down because of the “state of the scene” is not being fair to yourself and to the work you’ve put in thus far.
Viewing this as motivation, instead of defeat, would be a much more productive use of your time.
View full show notes & comments: PassionateDJ.com/62
This episode might get a little...personal. No, we're not going to call you out for your Brony status. What we will do, is touch on something we hear (and even say ourselves), quite frequently:
"I just don't have the time."
It's a self-defeating statement, and one that can be as much an excuse, as it can be the truth.
Diving in to today's topic, David and @TripTurlington discuss ways of "making time" to devote to our passions.
While realizing there are going to be some people out there that are in some very specific situations, the guys attempt to give some universal advice and tips for people to try and free up more time for the Passionate DJ whose time is frequently dedicated to anything BUT DJing.
Fair warning, though: Nothing in this episode is revolutionary. It truly just boils down to if you "get it", or not, and how bad you want it.
For episode 61, David and @TripTurlington answer a voicemail for a new, aspiring DJ looking to fill his music collection without breaking the bank, before they dig in to this week's main topic: Gig Preparedness.
There's a lot of things that can ruin your night: Missing an important cable or adapter. custom mapping disasters, and unwelcomed software updates are only but a few. Wouldn't most of things that can go wrong (or HAVE gone wrong) be alleviated by just a little foresight and preparation?
David and Trip discuss lots of things that someone can do to prepare for a gig, ranging from the obvious 'day before' check in with the promoter / client and equipment checks, to the 'day of' pre-show ritual, and even the less obvious 'day after' follow up.
Make sure to tune in to this episode, and let us know what things YOU do to prepare.
It's a lot of work on the back end, to make things as easy as possible for the busy or touring DJ when they take the stage. For some, it's a necessity due to schedules and restrictions, or when coordinating with other integral pieces of a show's experience, like lighting and visuals.
For many DJs, pre-planning sets is a cardinal sin, and gives fuel to the "button pushers" name calling going on for nearly any DJ that shows up with a controller in tow.
And, for those that encounter an issue with a pre-planned set and have to pivot their strategy for a show, that juice can be worth the squeeze when they're forced out of the box, out of their element, and have to deal with a crowd, on the fly. This was the case for Jauz at Lollapalooza, and he went as far as to be open and honest about that experience.
In this episode, David and @TripTurlington sink (sync* - LOL) their teeth in to the hot button topic of pre-planned sets.
We take the time to look at both sides of this issue, and even pulled some clips from major touring artists and DJs talking about it. (This link starts the video at the conversation we reference in the show, but we highly encourage you to check out the entire panel discussion...there's some really good discussion from some really big names: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmUQV48xN4Y&feature=youtu.be&t=21m10s)
Where do you stand on pre-planning YOUR sets?
We also review the initial announcements of the new Serato & Roland DJ-808, which is a collaborative controller that starts out around $1500.
This feels a lot more gimmicky than all of the hype leading up to its release alluded to. Remember, this was going to be something so innovative, it was going to "change how we DJ". Gotta love marketing, eh?
But, if you're the type that may find a use for a drum machine and sequencer in your controller sets, this may be the unit for you....though we remain skeptical (and pretty cynical, obviously) about the impact it's truly going to have on the market.
In the end, we still have a lot of respect for Serato and Roland, but adding another controller in to an already saturated market that is inundating DJs with an endless sea of options and features, is not the innovative change we were expecting.
In the past few years, the market has really grown for all-in-one DJ controllers. How does one even go about making a decision these days? What features are important? How much do I need to spend?
Whether you’re a new DJ, or a seasoned mixmaster simply looking for an upgrade, this episode will help you get the most for your dollar.
Episode 59 is an audio companion for my Ultimate Guide to DJ Controllers. Follow along: http://PassionateDJ.com/controllers
Inside, we discuss:
-
Tips for buying an appropriate controller for your style and needs
-
My top 5 picks in 3 different price points, for the DJ controller market right NOW
-
Modular options for people wanting to add to an existing setup
Head on over to the guide and follow along, or listen to this audio version while on the go!
In Episode 58, David and @TripTurlington run through some of the hardware announcements of the summer.
First, we take a few jabs at the astronomically priced (and devoid of practicality) CDJ/DJM-TOUR1 system.
At a hefty $16,000 for what is, essentially, a dual CDJ-2000nxs2 and DJM-900nxs2 setup with touchscreens, we couldn't help but snicker through most of this segment as we lament Pioneer's (lack of) marketing prowess as they spent an entire week pushing sponsored ads on Facebook.
While there's no shortage of DJ's that are willing to pay the "Pioneer tax" for high end, "standard" gear, we're just left scratching our heads trying to figure out who they are really trying to push this on?
After that, we do a review of the most current info for Thud Rumble's Invader mixer, an innovative marriage of a laptop and a 2 channel battle-style mixer, with the infamous Q-Bert behind the design.
Looks like it is currently in a beta testing prototype, and is expected to ship this fall. If you haven't seen this, yet, check it out. It looks to be pretty promising!
After poking at Pioneer a bit in the beginning of the show, we had to come back to the table and drool over Pioneer DJ's new Toraiz Sampler/Groovebox.
When Pioneer gets it, they REALLY GET IT! While surely welcome in any studio setup, this is the kind of kit that any DJ would surely love to play with, even if you're not a finger-drummer or the type to incorporate live synth work in your set. It's a gorgeous piece with a reasonable price tag.
To wrap things up, we did a little speculating on the announcement from Serato & Roland (https://serato.com/roland), which is just around the corner!
View full show notes & comments: http://PassionateDJ.com/57
In this week’s episode, David and Trip talk a bit about complacency, and the pitfalls of getting stuck in “The Comfort Zone”. You know what we mean…you become confident in your skills, you get comfortable, and then you stop pushing yourself.
Perhaps it’s because you’ve become accustomed to success, or perhaps it’s because you’re experiencing frustrations and challenges. But, it can happen to anyone.
You have to show up, put in the hours, and develop your craft. There’s no way around that, if you want to be good at what you do.
An artist must continually make moves in order to develop, and to direct their creative energy towards something productive. An illustrator doesn’t become good at illustration by drawing the same character, in the same pose, over and over again. They just become really good at drawing Mickey Mouse snapping his fingers.
When you get extremely comfortable in your DJing, you can just as easily become extremely bored…. wondering why you even bother mixing together other people’s music and calling it creative.
View full show notes & comments: http://PassionateDJ.com/56
Episode 56 is is all about maintaining happiness, so that we can lead fulfilling and successful DJ careers. This week, we present part 2 of Happiness and Fulfillment as a DJ.
DJs have a tendency to think of recorded mixes as “demos”. This makes us think a certain way. We want to show a certain level of flexibility while maintaining a cohesive flow. We want to show that we have eclectic and adaptable taste, and yet have a sense of focus. We want to show that you can move a dance floor, but leave room for people to get drinks. You want to give nods to pieces of your genre’s history, without looking too cheeky. Yadda yadda yadda.
One way to bring the magic back might be to put together a mix just for you.
Instead of worrying about the latest styles or fads, dance floor potential, or rare tracks… put together a set that you want to listen to. Use timeless tracks which you love on the thousandth listen as much as you did on the first. Use songs that you have on your iPod… songs that you’d be excited to share with a friend with similar taste. Build a set that reminds you why you’re awesome, and record it.
Another tip we present is to buy less music, and buy better music.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Quality > Quantity. Keep tracks in your “crate”/shopping cart/hold bin for a few days and come back to them. See if you’re still feeling it on the next listen. If it doesn’t immediately jump out and grab you, remove it from your cart.
Be your own filter. Sell off old vinyl that you would never actually play. Use that money to buy half as many records that are 5 times as good.
Having a selection of music that is awesome is way more fun from a DJing perspective than having 324,234,764,426,594 tracks on your hard drive.
If it’s normal for you to be standing behind the decks, staring out bored into the dance floor… or you’re finding it hard to convince yourself to play at home… perhaps it’s time to change things up a bit.
This could be as simple as exploring a new genre, changing technology platforms, or completely re-inventing yourself as a DJ. Switch from a digital controller to vinyl (or vice versa). Pursue different venues or types of events. Start a new series of recorded mixes which give you a reason to explore different DJ concepts.
(For example, maybe you always play house but you have a love for ambient music. Start a new series of purpose-specific ambient mixes. Why not? It’s all about keeping it fresh!)
What is it about DJing that makes you happy?
Thanks for being a loyal listener of The Passionate DJ Podcast; where together, we're becoming HAPPIER DJs through passion and purpose!
We’ve all known DJs who seem to have lost their passion or drive. This happens for any number of reasons; they get jaded because of the state of the “scene” (it’s different than when they got into it), they get bored with playing tunes, or they are unable to make any money. Many times, this leads to the DJ’s “retirement”.
Episode 55 is all about maintaining happiness, so that we can lead fulfilling and successful DJ careers.
The music itself is what keeps me excited about the whole concept of DJing. I love music, I love sharing music, and I love making a connection to to others using music as the medium.
Ironically, this is often the reason a lot of DJs lose interest. The music changes, so the DJ throws his hands up.
Personally, I don’t buy this excuse. In this day in age, if you can’t find music you like, you’re probably just being lazy. Stop caring about a song’s release date, style, genre, label… and find music that is good. You can do that now more than ever. It’s out there.
If you can’t find music that you’re passionate about, you’re probably not going to find passion in sharing it with others. So, fix that first.
Another tip for happiness as a DJ: play for you, too.
Sure, DJing can anywhere on the performance/service spectrum. You can’t ignore your crowd if you want to be of any value.
If you want to remain happy as a DJ, though, you’re probably going to want to play music that moves you. Finding middle ground between what you like and what works on the dance floor is largely a product of choosing the proper gigs in the first place, and playing the right tracks at the right time.
If you have a good sense of flow and how a night should progress, you would be surprised how much of your stuff you can “get away with”. Sometimes, I find it to be a fun experiment.
But, keep in mind… there’s a difference between sneaking in odd tracks in context, and forcing your “musically educated” tastes on an unreceptive crowd. The idea is to keep yourself interested, as well as your audience. Many times, it’s your excitement and enthusiasm that allows you to channel your musical passion into a set which will bleed out into the dance floor.
This episode will be continued with part 2, in Episode 56. Special thanks to Mo Dingo for managing our Facebook live stream!
Give it a listen, and let us know what you think!
In Episode 54, we chat about a topic near and dear to our hearts: DANCE MUSIC!
All of us here at The Passionate DJ Podcast are huge fans of electronic music in its various forms. In this episode, you’ll hear a little bit about how each of us got there, and what keeps us going. Some of it social, some of it emotional, some of it innate discovery. But, it’s ALL love.
Special guest, Mo Dingo, shares his experiences in foreign countries as part of his military career, and how he uses DJing to motivate CrossFit events. We thank Mo Dingo for not only his service to our country, but for being a guest on the show! He has a lot of experience and a unique perspective that we think we could all benefit from.
We hope you enjoy this insight into our journey of discovery, as we find out how similar (and yet different) our stories truly are.
Episode 53 is a just-for-fun episode. We bring back our "Pick 3" idea... this time, with a focus on hip-hop. @TripTurlington finally rejoins the cast (after some time off to move in to a new place). As you'll hear, we all had a blast after getting the whole crew back together.
Trip starts off lamenting the Pioneer announcement of the DDJ-RZ, and how it seems to be the controller everyone craving a Nexus setup could get for an easier-to-swallow price point, except that it still requires a laptop for operation.
Afterwards we dig in, each sharing three different hip-hop tracks and talk about why we like them, why they are iconic, and whatever other little bits of trivia we feel like throwing in.
From rap's infancy stage in the early 80s, to the golden age of the 90s, to modern-day sounds... there's something for just about any hip-hop fan in today's episode. Enjoy!
Want to know our choices? You'll have to listen to find out! If you're a hip-hop fan, consider giving this episode a share!
Note: Though we typically take a "PG-13" approach to The Passionate DJ Podcast... this is a hip-hop episode. Today's show contains explicit language... you've been warned!
From the New Orleans rave scene of the early 90s, to the current EDM and festival scene, James "Disco Donnie" Estopinal Jr. has been promoting shows for decades. In Episode 52, Donnie spends some time with us to talk about modern dance music, his origins in the rave scene, and the differences between then and now.
His resume is a vast collection of successful shows, collaborations, festivals, and enterprises. As the head of Disco Donnie Presents, he was at the bleeding edge of the current EDM boom in America. Since their inception, the company has amassed over 7,000 live events, arena shows and outdoor festivals in over 100 markets around the world.
We also discuss the collapse of the rave scene circa 2001, the now-infamous "crackhouse law", and the litigation which nearly landed Donnie in jail for up to 20 years.
Before the interview, Tony and I discuss the traits of good promoters. Here's the article we use as a jumping-off point:
http://www.passionatedj.com/the-a-z-list-of-passionate-promotion/
We are excited and honored to have Donnie as our guest, and a friend of the Passionate DJ Podcast!
This week's episode centers around a common problem faced by many DJs: How do I get to play what I actually want to play?
A listener writes in to the podcast to ask this question, stating that he has a recurring DJ gig playing at a top 40 bar, but wants to know what steps to take in order to play what he wants. Tony and I talk about our own experiences with this situation, and the approaches we take to overcome those feelings of "selling out".
There are a lot of types of DJs, and there are a lot of reasons why people like to DJ. Sometimes, it's all about deciding what is most important to you. Do you like the fun and exciting energy of playing the hits to a common crowd? Do you like expressing yourself as an artist? Are you an exhibitionist? What does it for you?
It's also important to realize that the modern DJ tends to wear a lot of hats. Some people try to do it all (produce, promote, market, book.... all in addition to DJing) and some people just wanna play music. Prioritization is key!
Before we get into the main topic, Tony and I also answer a question submitted by DaibutsuMusic – "If you could play a tag set with ANY DJ, at ANY location, what would you choose?"
Can you guess our picks? Listen to find out!
Well folks, we've made it to Episode 50 of the Passionate DJ Podcast! It's been a great ride so far, and Tony, Trip, and I are incredibly thankful to be part of such a great community of Passionate DJs. Here's to the next 50!
Today, Tony and I take some time to answer your voicemail questions. Don't forget that you can always submit voicemails to be featured on the show, by visiting the front page at http://www.passionatedj.com.
First, we talk to DJ Serrato, who is running a successful mobile DJ business, but is struggling with the setup and teardown process. Mobile DJs are often placed in the position of having to bring their own sound equipment, mixing gear, lighting, and more. We talk about what we've learned from our own mobile gigs (and Tony's stage management experience), and try to give some tips to make his life easier.
Next up is a question from Jazon, who wants to learn more about building a team in order to further his DJ career. What about DJs who are at the level of Skrillex, Steve Aoiki, etc.? What gets hired out? Is it necessary to build a team in order to reach the top?
Finally, Jack is a local listener who is interested in learning more about DJing and what goes on behind the decks. He watched a Maceo Plex show, and while he recognized a song that was being played, Jack noticed that it sounded different than usual. This got him thinking about how this could have been accomplished. We give our own thoughts on what could have been happening, and hopefully shed some light on what DJs are doing up there!
As always, we appreciate your support! Leave a comment or submit a voicemail, so that we can be in touch and possibly feature you on the show!
Welcome back for Episode 49! This time, our main topic centers around the top 5 best and worst traits that a DJ can have (in my humble opinion). Give it a listen, and then leave us a voicemail to let us know what you think!
http://speakpipe.com/passionatedj
In this week's episode, the PDJ crew reviews some articles surrounding discussions about laptop banning in an LA nightclub, the pros and cons of having an "industry standard" hardware set up, and the fluctuating trends between the controller and software technologies with the mainstay and emerging hardware setups from gear giants, like Pioneer.
We've got some opinions on the no laptop thing...and maybe not exactly what you'd think fellow DJs would say.
We also weigh in on Seth Troxler and Richie Hawtin’s personal arguments on the whole “no controllers” policy. Tweet at us, and let us know who you agree with:
Click here if you agree with Richie: http://ctt.ec/FHWaI Click here if you agree with Seth: http://ctt.ec/tP1Hx
We pull some personal experiences together in our discussion about the value of having a standard throughout the industry, but we also recognize the pitfalls associated with that.
We also discuss whether or not the growing focus back to (primarily) hardware setups is a waxing and waning trend, or if the trend is more indicative of the issues that come with a controller market that now has so much width and breadth.
Join in the conversation with David Michael, @TripTurlington, and @Tony-DeSaro, by going to PassionateDJ.com and leaving us a message!
For this installment of Passionate DJ, we reflect on David and @Tony-DeSaro's experience at Movement 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. While @TripTurlington has been in years' past, a series of events prevented him from going this year...all good things, thankfully (shout out to PDJ listener Mo Dingo, as he'll be Trip's neighbor, soon!) :-)
That said, the PDJ crew express their love for the 313rd, and all things techno. As they draw parallels between Detroit and their home city of Dayton, there's no doubt that this is a "Mecca" of sorts, for the Midwestern electronic dance music lover, the techno lover, and the Motor City hustlers, alike.
David and Tony take some time to point out some favorite sets, while observing some obvious improvements over previous iterations of the festival, and a tad bit of criticism over rising VIP prices.
Overall, this is still the ONE festival that all of us here at PDJ still endorse, whole-heartedly, and we hope the love is felt from down here in the Gem City. Till next year, D!
(also, instead of something funny in this week's out takes, we caught a moment of excitement as Trip & his wife's (@Alarris) daughter made her first crawl, while we were recording!)
Hey gang, @TripTurlington here...As I am uploading this episode, David and @Tony-DeSaro are both repping @PassionateDJ at the Movement Music Festival in Detroit. I've been really jealous, watching all the pictures and videos roll in. I hung back, this year, due to my mom coming in to town for the holiday, and as much as I love my momma and we've had a great weekend, I really wish I could be in Detroit to take in all the awesome music, too.
Speaking of wishes, that's what this episode is all about! Me, David, and Tony took this episode to talk about the things we would like to change, if we were given a magic wand or magic genie that would grant us some wishes. Some of them are nerdy and technical in nature, some are philosophical and social. All of the ones we came up with are only the tip of the iceberg, we're sure. So, make sure to drop us a line, and let us know...
...If you could have a wish granted, in the context of DJing, what would it be? We'd love to hear from you!
In this week's episode, @TripTurlington gives us a once over on proper care, maintenance, and modification of the original weapon of choice for DJ's since the 1970's: The Technic SL1200 Turntable. In this episode, we focus mainly on the MK2 model. There is plenty of overlap with other models, but there are also a lot of differences, so be sure of the differences between your model and the MK2 before trying ANY of this at home.
That said, here's our disclaimer: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING YOU DO TO YOUR EQUIPMENT. We have done our best to provide accurate information, but at the end of the day, anything you do to your own equipment is your responsibility. Proceed with caution, and if there's ANY question, please seek out a certified electronics technician to assist you.
That said, we cover the bases in this episode: cleaning, tonearm & cartridge calibration, tips on taking the deck apart, adjusting the pitch and brake, and mods...such as painting vs powder coating, removing the "zero click" from the pitch fader, internal grounding, swapping RCA leads, and LED replacements!
View the full show notes at: http://passionatedj.com/44
Welcome to another edition of The Passionate DJ Podcast! Episode 44 is all about current happenings in the DJing realm. David pulls several headlines from other DJ and News sites, reads them, and gives opinions on the subject.
This is a solo show featuring David only, because Chef Trip was busy throwing cookouts all weekend.
View the full show notes at: passionatedj.com/43
We've all got lists of "Top X of Y". In Episode 43, @TripTurlington, and @Tony-DeSaro, and I realized, we've been doing all of this talking about the technical aspects of DJing, and talking about what differentiates the genres, but not really opening up and sharing what music drives us, influences us as musicians and DJs, or that brings up fond memories.
So, in this episode, we present "Pick 3" ...not necessarily our Top 3 favorites of all time, or of any specific genre, but top 3 tracks that came to mind as we were brainstorming for this episode. There's some great variety, here, and we enjoyed it so much that our intention is to keep bringing installments of this segment.
We'd also love to hear your feedback. What do you think of the songs we picked for this episode? What are some of YOUR "Top 3" tracks?
(Special thanks to @Dayton-Studios for allowing us to record!)
View the full show notes at: http://passionatedj.com/42
Many of us DJs have wide eyes and high hopes for playing those mega, big-room, headliner spots and getting paid to travel the world. Realistically, the more common scenario for a club DJ is to be an opener for such an act.
The "warmup DJ" has a very specific and important role, and it can often feel like an under-appreciated position to be in. But it is an art form all its own, and one that we should find joy in.
When you have a crowd full of people who have arrived to see someone who is not you, it can be intimidating to be put in the position of convincing them to like you while simultaneously restraining yourself (as to not overstep the headliner). Conversely, many people feel that the openers should bring everything they've got, since it's their time to shine.
The role of warmup DJs is often debated, and there are a lot of arguments which all hold merit. In episode 42, we talk about various approaches to warming up a room for a top-billing act.
We discuss the struggles of the warmup DJ. For example, how easy it is to get stuck doing warmup gigs, once promoters figure out that you're good at it.
We also use our buddy @MisterShifter, from episode 34, as an example of pivoting a set based on reading the crowd before a big headliner. Hopefully he doesn't mind! Surprise, Jack! :)
Since @TripTurlington @Tony-DeSaro, and I have all had experience in various roles outside of DJing (such as being event promoters), we try to approach the discussion from various angles and give a fair assessment of what we think non-headliner DJs should be doing at big shows.
P.S. - make sure you listen all the way through after the outro, as Trip ends the show with a great story, of an embarrassing situation that he learned a very valuable lesson from!
*Resources in this episode include:
The Underdog DJ: Finding Joy in the Warmup Set http://passionatedj.com/the-underdog-dj-finding-joy-in-the-warm-up-set/
Follow us on Instagram! http://instagram.com/passionatedj
When a guitarist comes on stage, he wants to play his own guitar. He wants his own tool to perform his own art. Should DJing be any different?
The DJ industry has changed over time, where “club standard” or “industry standard” means less and less, and people are bringing their own setups to shows.
Sometimes, this is out of necessity (i.e. this is “what I learned on”), and sometimes it’s actually a prerequisite of their type of performance. For example, if you play stripped-apart techno music and you’re heavily reliant on Traktor Remix Decks for your sound, it might be a problem for you to play on a strict Pioneer Nexus setup.
In episode 41, we go over the complaints on either side of the fence. Some people say that a DJ should learn to use “the real deal”
The benefit of having an industry standard is that there is a universal setup that touring DJs can use, and have a solid and familiar setup when they get to the gig. Yet, some acts (DJ Craze is given as example, later in this episode) tour with their own entire setups anyway. It’s a much different climate than 10+ years ago, when Techs and a Pioneer mixer were what you mixed on, period.
As a jumping-off point for the conversation, Trip brings in a recent article published on Magnetic Mag, titled What It Says To Be Using A Controller In The Club.
http://www.magneticmag.com/2016/04/what-it-says-to-be-using-a-controller-in-the-club/
Note: we use the article to stimulate conversation and not to tear it apart, thanks to Magnetic Mag
While we understand why the industry is in the state it’s in, and why some people bring their own setups to play in front of large crowds, we also get the point which is made in the article.
Quote: “No matter how talented you are on a controller, coming into a major nightclub and asking the technician, other DJ, or promoter to move the gear that's already set up just to plug in your S4 is seen as an amateur move. For one thing, it's a hassle for them, because controllers aren't very small as I'm sure you know. Sometimes they even put the controller directly on top of the CDJ/DJM layout, but that makes it harder for the next DJ to smoothly come in at the end of your set.”
We understand the frustrations of sound techs and stage managers, when it comes to catering to individual specific needs.
Tony said he even worked at a festival, where some riders even required a classic CDJ-2000 setup vs. a CDJ-2000NXS setup. So, there were two nearly-identical setups in order to accommodate the headliners. It makes one wonder… how far do we want to take this?
The conversation also moves into related topics, such as the ways that geographic location and the size/strength of your local scene might affect the way that you make purchasing decisions when it comes to DJ gear. We even speculate as to how the accessibility of varied and cheaper hardware may have allowed a revitalization of smaller scenes.
So, does the use of controllers in clubs and large-scale festivals make us look like amateurs? Or is this just a sign of the times? What is the way forward?
All this, and more, in this week’s episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast. Leave your comments below and let us know what you think!
View the full show notes at: http://passionatedj.com/40
There is a lot happening in the world of streaming audio this year, especially when it comes to the realm of the DJ. In episode 40, after answering a voicemail from a listener asking about the use of "set rips", we go over all the current happenings in the streaming space. We cover recent moves by PulseLocker (with Serato integration), Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud Go, and similar services.
We chat about the pros and cons of streaming technology, how feasible it currently is for use in a DJ booth, and the ramifications of not actually owning your music.
We also get into some of the new technology popping up within the streaming services which is meant to help with the convoluted copyright situation we've found ourselves in. Are we headed towards a much less "gray" place, where we will be able to hack, slash, edit, remix, and upload music in a completely legal manner, and have all relevant artists get paid for it? Or is this a pie-in-the-sky idea?
Before we dive in to the full discussion, I take a moment to make a very special announcement regarding the growth of The Passionate DJ Podcast, don't miss it! We're making big moves!
Thanks so much for all you do as a listener, to support The Passionate DJ Podcast.
Hey folks! We're back with a killer Episode 39. Sorry for the delay, but some of us succumbed to this nasty bug that seems to be going around.
Early on, we cover a handful of topics before getting into the main "meat" of this week's show: the current state of dance music, and where it might be going.
The first thing we talk about is the new SashaAndJohnDigweed.com website, where you can sign up and get updates on what appears to be a re-uniting of the pair. Tony, Trip, and I are all long-time fans of the duo, and the thought of them touring together (or working on music in, basically, any way) definitely piques our interest.
We chat a little bit about the influence that these two had on dance music back in the 90s, and their ability to pull off what we DJs like to call "telling a story". And we also give a little speculation on why they may have stopped touring together in the first place.
What started out as an apparent April Fools joke now looks like it may hold some water, with tour dates popping up on the Internet in various places. Be sure that the three of us are going to start talking about a trip to Chicago if this pans out to be true.
We then get into Avicii's recent announcement that he's retiring from DJing. Clearly the result of intense over-work (being a full-time, touring DJ is not just fun and games, after all), it goes to show that the industry has a way of eating up artists and spitting them out.
Avicii has had a pretty rough time, admitting to problems with alcoholism, health issues (including gallbladder removal), and an overall desire to have "normal" life experiences. Best wishes to him as he decides what to do next.
Eventually we work our way into the main topic: Is EDM on Life Support?
Many DJ and dance-music outlets are screaming, "The sky is falling!" when it comes to the alleged bursting of the EDM bubble. And it's not a tough argument to make. After all, with the rise and fall of mega-conglomerate SFX, the falling attendance in Miami's yearly festival, and a seeming drop in overall cashflow for large events... the argument isn't without merit.
“You see someone DJ and throw his hands up and fireworks in the background, and that experience is replicated a hundred times. How is it changing for you? What’s the selling point unless you’re a super fan?”
- Senthil Chidambaram, CEO of Dancing Astronaut
However, we talk about the difference between the mainstream and "hardcore" dance music culture, and the differences in today's climate versus, say, the rave and "big beat" eras of the 90s.
While the Miami Herald claims that the dance music craze is slowing down, other outlets like Magnetic Magazine are saying that everything is just fine.
We say that, like with most things, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. But, regardless of what happens... those of us who are truly here for the music and the community will be around to pick up the pieces.
@Tony-DeSaro @TripTurlington
You've landed a gig. You bought the newest, hottest tracks. You've practiced a set list and gone over it so many times, you could land every mix in your sleep.
The night of, it's finally your turn, you plug in, press play, and then the worst thing happens...PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THE DANCE FLOOR!
What do you do? Can you deviate from your predetermined set list, and bring those people back? Can you read your crowd to prevent a mass exodus from the dance floor, to begin with?
In Episode 38, David, @Tony-DeSaro, and @TripTurlington talk shop around the art of reading a crowd. We talk a lot about the relationship and synergy between DJ and his/her crowd.
Obviously, there's some caveats to this, so the context may not be totally relevant for every type of DJ. For example, a DMC contestant is not going to change the routine they've practiced for months during their performance on competition day. A wedding DJ may have to work off of a very strict play list. So, keep in mind, a lot of the context to this episode, lies in the "performance" aspect of a DJ in a club/rave/concert/festival scenario.
The guys let loose with some of their experiences and actual tactics to crowd reading and dance floor manipulation that they actively use every gig they play. So, for anyone who's been curious how some DJs "just wing it" without a set list: Pay attention, because there's some useful tips you can snag and implement in to your own skill set, here.
What are some of YOUR experiences with reading a crowd? Have you ever had a show go horribly south, that allowed you to learn from it? Do you have a method or technique to reading your crowd that you didn't hear mentioned? Hit us up, WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Also, make sure you leave us some honest feedback! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-passionate-dj-podcast/id874338547?mt=2
And, for those of you who didn't know, @TripTurlington is also a producer with @Base-Industry-Records, as well as a DJ. Check out his latest remix of @Nicmor's "Resistance", available NOW at Beatport, Juno, iTunes, Amazon, and other digital music outlets!
https://pro.beatport.com/release/resistance-remixes/1709062
Pop culture. Sub-culture. Counter-culture. Mainstream vs. underground. Where are these lines drawn, and why?
In episode 37 of The Passionate DJ Podcast, we explore the ins-and-outs of what we call "The Underground". Is underground music a sound, or an attitude? Is it determined by the amount of money involved, or the size of the culture?
These days, it's hard to truly lock down what it means to be underground. Today's modern technological climate has put us in a state of constant connection... something that isn't inherently bad, but it does seem to have extreme effects on scenes which took a lot of sweat-equity to build.
The effect of “being wired to everyone 24/7” means we all have access to everything. As it turns out, in 2016, scarcity is scarce.
We find that many of today's artists are in somewhat of a gray area. Are acts like Skrillex and Deadmau5 pop artists, underground artists, or somewhere in-between? If you consider them mainstream, what was the defining point at which they became pop stars?
What becomes popular in the mainstream often starts in the underground, and is accelerated by exploiting pieces of a subculture into the most extreme version of itself. As Tony says, "Once something becomes cool, they start going for the wrong reasons."
We also discuss the role that geographic location plays. Can something be described as underground, merely as a result of how under-represented it is in a particular part of the world?
Finally, we discuss how keeping it “too underground” can mean going stale. In order for anything to progress, it needs to change.
All this and more, in this week's episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast. Give it a listen, and if you appreciate what you hear... please take a moment to leave us an honest review on iTunes. This type of thing helps us more than you may realize.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-passionate-dj-podcast/id874338547?mt=2
Thanks folks, and we'll see you next week!
@Tony-DeSaro @TripTurlington
This week, @Tony-DeSaro and @TripTurlington take some time off while David gets caught up with @KilmaMusic.
The first warning sign that a project is in trouble, often, is that little twinge where we begin to search for excuses.
You know what I’m talking about: that pre-loading of responses that our brain begins to compile, just in case. We think, “I can start doing this, and if it doesn’t work out the way I want it to, I can blame it on… [blank]”.
Some people even have “one size fits all” excuses, which they can pull out of their back pocket at any time. “I was a middle child”, “I’m a Virgo”, or “the deck is stacked against me”. We often do this without even realizing it, so that we have a rapid-fire response in case someone or something challenges our status, or lack of progress.
Our brains can often seem to be in a constant state of excuse-refinement. We never want to be under-prepared. We feel much more comforted, and in control, if we have a ready-made excuse when the bill collector calls or the police officer pulls you over.
The big problem here is that it serves as a constant reminder of all the factors in our lives that are out of our control.
Excuses, even valid ones, can often lend themselves to self-fulfilled prophecy. It allows us to be complacent. For example, we don’t have the time, so we don’t make the time.
So, how can we avoid having an excuse-driven life? As DJs, how can we push forward, in spite of the hurdles that we come up against?
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Kilma's (awesome!) Blog
-
http://www.dontkilmavibe.com
-
Advice For Busy DJs with Day Jobs (article)
-
http://www.passsionatedj.com/dayjobs
-
The Ultimate 2016 DJ Planner (article)
- https://dontkilmavibe.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/the-ultimate-2016-dj-planner/
You can email Kilma at beats@kilmamusic.com, or Tweet/Instagram her using the hashtag #AskKilma.
And don't forget, you can always leave us a voicemail here at the Passionate DJ Podcast! http://passionatedj.com/ask
On this week's episode, David, @Tony-DeSaro, and @TripTurlington sit down with Egyptian Lover, who shares some of his experiences, insight, and inspiration behind his unique, trendsetting style that is still rocking clubs, to this very day!
As a pioneer in the L.A. DJ scene of the early 1980's, Egyptian Lover was contributing to the beginnings of the hip hop and rap scenes, while cultivating his signature electro break beat sound.
(hint: if you love the 808, you probably want to listen to this!)
Also, we get to hear, straight from a music legend, about how the musical contributions of our little city in the Midwest of the United States (Dayton, Ohio) played an integral role in not just Egyptian Lover's career, but the overall contribution to American music, in general. We have a lot to be proud of in our little city, and it feels good to have someone from the outside, confirm that.
Thank you to Egyptian Lover for the great interview, 3DMentional Entertainment for setting it up, and Dayton Studios for the space to host the interview.
In this week's episode, we are thrilled to have @MisterShifter with us at Dayton Studios. As a founding member of @RandomMovement and veteran drum and bass DJ, Jack has some unique insight, as well as a lot of research and first hand knowledge of the drum and bass genre, scene, and history.
There's no major gear or software announcements, this week. David, @TripTurlington, and @Tony-DeSaro put the artist spotlight on Jack, who takes you on an hour and a half ride through the progression of early hardcore breakbeat culture, which spawned drum and bass, as we know it, today, while also highlighting his own accomplishments with this complex and distinct genre.
Make sure you pick up @MisterShifter's latest release, "Nowhere Fast", on Fanu's label @LightlessRecordings.
https://pro.beatport.com/track/nowhere-fast-original-mix/7414193
Every time we turn around, we're getting hit with some new gear or software announcement in the DJ community.
This week, it's digital DJ software company Serato, announcing an iOS app called "Pyro", which is a (free) music player aimed at the consumer market.
However, it's impossible to gloss over the main feature of the software, which is that it attempts to beat match your playlist together and mix them together, as if by a DJ.
Despite Serato's claims that this is a separate product from their professional DJ software offerings, this new app has the comment sections of many internet blogs and news sites ablaze, with some fearing that continuing this path of automation and removing the human element could mean the demise of the DJ.
So, yeah, of course David, Tony, and @TripTurlington went down that rabbit hole. We rehashed some familiar arguments and points, while wildly speculating on others. Oh yeah, and we reviewed the software, too. It's actually pretty damn slick. :-)
In this episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast, David takes the time to respond to a handful of listener emails who have written in looking for solutions to their problems as a DJ.
Overall, this episode is seriously loaded full of strategies and actionable tips. We can almost guarantee that you will hear something useful in this episode, that you will be able to use right away to help solve your own DJ dilemmas.
Here are the main questions we attack this week:
-
Daniel wants to know if he should choose a DDJ-SX2 or a DDJ-SR, and why.
-
Brandon writes in to ask for advice on diversification, and how to broaden his horizons as a DJ.
-
Alex is curious if it's worth it to trade his Pioneer XDJ-R1 for a Numark Mixtrack 3 + laptop combo from a friend.
-
DJ Smallz asks for advice on creating a "CV" for his DJing career, at the request of his new employer (overall, the conversation gravitates toward Electronic Press Kits).
-
SDH and Roman both wrote in asking for advice in regard to speaker options.
-
Finally, Jay says he is having trouble branding himself and standing out from the crowd.
Inside the episode, you will find lots of gear recommendations, hear some tech-talk about speaker vs. line level audio signals, get some tips on putting together your bio and EPK, and receive loads of info on how to properly promote yourself via Facebook and Instagram.
In Episode 31, our good friend Steve Gillson, aka @SilentGloves dropped by Dayton Studios just before we started recording, to say hi. Instead, we held him against his will and made him do an interview with us!
Over the course of the hour, we talk about his earlier accomplishments as a Drum and Bass DJ & producer, and how that evolved in to Silent Gloves and Power 85. We also discuss what synthwave is, and the qualities in old school radio jocks that Steve strives to bring back in his weekly live show at www.power85.com (Power 85's LIVE show can be found on MixLR on Friday nights!)
And, of course, everyone is talking about SFX filing for bankruptcy, and RAM Records being acquired by BMG...so while David, Tony, and @TripTurlington barely scratch the surface, there'll be plenty more to talk about on those topics as we see more of what happens!
As always, leave your comments and join the conversation! We're always looking for topics and ways to engage whatever is on your mind!
In Episode 30, David Michael, Tony DeSaro, and @TripTurlington discuss a sometimes convoluted topic for DJs. Are we artists? Musicians? Both? Neither? Of course, there’s no clear answer, but it doesn’t stop the PDJ crew from peeling some layers back and getting deep in to the topic.
To get to the heart of the conversation, the panel roll up their sleeves, considering everything from the definition of art, the difference between artists and musicians, context, and craftsmanship. Sometimes these terms are ambiguous or harder to define (much less discuss), but we give it an honest go, while being honest about our interpretations and how it applies to DJs.
The crew also discuss another hot piece of gear to come out of NAMM 2016: Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-RZ, the Rekordbox cousin to the Serato-enabled DDJ-SZ. Trip laments the lack of screens or standalone functionality on the RZ, while maintaining the SZ is still the better buy, for a Serato user.
However, the whole panel agrees this is probably one step closer to what Trip alludes to in the conversation (yet doesn’t come right and say), that this is one step closer to a currently non-existent XDJ-RZ…a flagship, standalone, all-in-one to compete with all of the other companies rushing to the market with all-in-one controller units.
Also discussed is Rane’s MP2014 rotary mixer. More gear reviews from NAMM 2016 to follow in future episodes!
In Episode 29, David, Tony, and @TripTurlington add to the chatter in the DJ community about the new gear announcements coming out of NAMM 2016, before going in to a deeper discussion about some of the qualities and traits they specifically identify with DJs that make them more noticeable, memorable, and unique.
In this episode of the podcast, we reflect back on the guests we've had the honor of featuring on the show.
We're seeing lots of growth lately, which is great! But, it also means that there are probably a lot of people who have missed out on some of the knowledge bombs our guests have dropped in earlier episodes.
Episode 28 is all about re-visiting these golden nuggets, in thanks for the wisdom these guests were willing to freely share with all of us.
What you'll hear:
-
Casie Lane describes the "pre-gig scan"
-
DMC Champion Vekked tells us his strategies and approach to competition, and plays a killer routine
-
Fortune talks about "doing it for the love", the notion of begging for a scene's support, and the struggles of working together.
-
A hilarious and informative rant by John Chapel about competing with the establishment, and the ridiculous idea of "haters make you famous".
-
Jon Skinner tells us all about the club and rave scene in Brighton, London, and elsewhere in the UK during the 80s and 90s.
-
Legendary trance icon Airwave discusses his passion for music technology, and the benefits of the digital revolution.
-
Co-founder of Heroic Recordings and author of The SoundCloud Bible, Budi Voogt tells us how we find an audience in today's modern climate.
-
Tony DeSaro (before he was a co-host) came in as a guest along with Billy Dickensheets, and together they describe what they wish modern DJs would do more of.
-
Long-time friends of the show, Kilma and Joe Pardo, tell us how to get serious about goals and purpose.
Thanks, and we'll see you next week for episode 29!
Full Show Notes: http://passionatedj.com/27
It's our second annual "Resolutions" episode! We take several questions from listeners like you, and try to help DJs find resolutions to their problems in order to have a fresh start to the new year.
Don't forget... we take questions all year long. Leave a voicemail at http://passionatedj.com/ask and be featured on the show!
Before we got down to business, of course, we had to talk about the big announcement: the Technics 1200 turntables are coming back!
Here are the questions we helped you answer in episode 27:
-
Is it a good idea to focus on a specific genre, or to take on more diverse gigs?
-
Is using vinyl and Serato holding me back as a DJ?
-
What steps should I take to get DJ bookings outside of my own city
-
I’ve reached a plateau… how can I get the most out my practice sessions?
We even get a cameo appearance from Kilma! She provides some insight towards getting bookings in other cities, and how to make the approach. As always, great to hear from you, Kilma!
Special thanks to DJ TABLETTZ, who left this very nice feedback via voicemail:
"Hello, thank you very much for the opportunity. But I want you to know anything you send to me all the time is not being wasted. I read it, I take what I’m supposed to take out of it… I appreciate your time, and I say, Happy New Year. Cheers."
Oh, one more thing. We got to announce a small milestone: 10,000 plays. Thanks so much for your support!
Thanks again, Passionate DJs, and we'll see you next week for episode 28!
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Kilma's Blog: https://dontkilmavibe.wordpress.com
Mister Shifter's Logo Concept (DJ Porpoise?) http://bit.ly/1ZfgDn8
In Episode 26, Passionate DJ shares some upcoming changes with our community. There'll be a lot of changes coming in 2016, including image rebranding, shifting the focus to the podcast, looking to bring on sponsors, and some changes to the format of the show. We also announce the addition of Tony DeSaro and Trip Turlington to the show.
David, Tony, and Trip discuss one of PDJ's most polarizing viral articles about beat matching. Tony and Trip talk about their evolution from turntables and vinyl to incorporating more modern equipment and software in to their shows and skill sets, where David talks about his experience learning modern techniques first, then learning the mechanical foundations of DJing. The panel tries to shed some light on the intent of the article itself (hint: it's not to scream "GET OFF MY LAWN!"), while offering their insight on the subject of modern DJing technology and the foundations of DJ mechanics.
The panel also reviews comments from the article, which brings out topics such as what is expected of a DJ, compared to modern shows where producers with pre-determined set lists are more similar to going to see a bands, why the old school mentality versus the new school mentality can be a hindrance to both sides, and the philosophy behind reading a crowd.
Getting Things Done Through The Power of Networking!
Welcome back for another episode of the podcast! This time around, I recorded a sort of "roundtable discussion"... the last half of a meeting of the minds in my local scene.
Tony and Billy of 3DMentional Entertainment return to the show to tell us the experiences they had while booking the legendary Josh Wink this past weekend. There was a problem with their venue, and it looked like the event was doomed. Luckily, due to the power of the local collective, the show was a roaring success.
We are also joined by Trip Turlington and Kyle Rutherford (aka Overwaves), who were also taking part in the local "scene meeting". Trip tells us the struggles he used to have with promoting and the differences in the scene "back in the day" vs. now. Kyle gives us some perspective on the state of the local scene in Dayton, OH and tells us how he began to get involved in the past few years.
Overall, there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom that I'm sure will be enjoyed by you all!
Episode 24 - Happy (Belated) Halloween!
Full show notes and comments: http://passionatedj.com/024
Episode 24 is a special, slightly-belated Halloween episode!
About this time last year, we were wrapping up The Story Mix Project. This was a 7-week video tutorial series in which I created a story-telling mix, and showed each step along the way. We go over some of the technical details, as well as the conceptualization, all the way through the finalization and "mastering" of the final product.
For this year's Halloween episode, we dive even further into this mix. I hope you enjoy this special, behind-the-scenes commentary of Zombie Hospital!
In this episode, we discuss:
- -The purpose of the project.
- The focus of each week during the video series.
- My inside thoughts on what the characters of the story might be doing.
- Simple takeaways that you can use when creating your own studio mixes.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
-
The Story Mix Project (Zombie Hospital) http://passionatedj.com/zombie
-
Zombie Hotel (The prequel to Zombie Hospital) http://dmichael.org/music/zombie-hotel/
Episode 23 - Unproductive Terminology!
Hey Folks! We're back for episode 23. This time, we're talking about the differences between the DJ, the producer, and everything in-between. We also talk about why these lines are so often blurred, how the role of one can bleed into another, and why some people even find themselves in the role they didn't intend.
I also answer a letter from Roger, a 68-year-old guy who is interested in picking up his headphones and beginning his journey as a DJ for the first time. Kudos to Roger! Hear my thoughts and advice to him a the end of the episode.
In episode 23, we discuss:
- Some exciting new announcements from Pioneer and Serato.
- The definition of a DJ, and their role.
- The types of audiences a DJ might play to.
- The role of a music producer.
- The difference between "music producer" in the modern, electronic musician context and the historical use of the term.
- What Remix Artists and Mashup Artists do.
- The goal of the Live PA Artist.
- How the lines between all these different types of performers blur.
- Examples of production vs. DJing software.
- My advice for starting to become a DJ later in life!
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Twenty DJs over 50 Who Still Top The Bill www.passionatedj.com/twenty-djs-over-50-who-still-top-the-bill/
How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/HowToDJ
Best DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/Controllers
Thanks so much, and we'll see you next time on episode 24!
Episode 22 - Elitism or Enthusiasm?
This episode of the podcast is all about being a snob, how it affects your DJing, why it is harmful, and even why we can make a positive case for being a snobby DJ.
Before I recorded this episode, I sent out a message to my beloved VIP List members asking them what they thought about this topic, so much of today's episode was contributed by you guys. Thanks so much!
In episode 22, we talk about:
- Why I don't consider myself a guru
- How to tell if you're a snob
- The difference between a snob and an enthusiast
- How being a snob (and having a negative attitude towards music) can affect your DJing
No resource list for this episode, so just listen and enjoy!
Episode 21 - How to Become a DJ!
Hi folks! It's time for another edition of the Passionate DJ Podcast. Like our last episode, this one is a sort of "audio version" of an existing article... my most popular post to date, "How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide". If you don’t have time to sit and read, you can listen to this version on-the-go!
http://www.passionatedj.com/howtodj
In episode 21, I go over the ten steps needed to get started on your journey as a DJ. This one is great for beginners, those who have been out of the game for a while, or just those DJs who like to go back and pick up anything they may have missed along the way.
This episode is all about: - Learning what DJs do, and why different types exist. - Helping you find your initial focus. - How to start learning the basic skills (and what they are). - Building your initial brand and following. - Pursuing your first DJ gigs.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
-
How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/howtodj
-
Virtual DJ http://www.virtualdj.com/download/free.html
-
Mixxx http://www.mixxx.org/download/
-
Traktor Pro Demo http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-software/traktor-pro-2/demo-version/
-
Best Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/controllerguide
-
Video explaining how phrasing works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9TU3NA1DcM
-
5 Tips for DJ Happiness http://www.passionatedj.com/5-tips-for-dj-happiness/
Episode 20 – Helping You Make a Tough Decision!
This episode is a sort of audio companion to go along with my recently released mega-article, Best DJ Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide. If you don’t have time to sit and read, you can listen to this version on-the-go!
http://PassionateDJ.com/controllers
In the past few years, the market has really grown for all-in-one DJ controllers. How does one even go about making a decision these days? What features are important? How much do I need to spend?
Whether you’re a new DJ, or a seasoned mixmaster simply looking for an upgrade, this episode will help you get the most for your dollar.
In episode 20, we discuss:
-
Tips for buying an appropriate controller for your style and needs
-
Why your software choice matters
-
My top 5 picks in 3 different price points, for DJ controllers in 2015
-
Modular options for people wanting to add to an existing setup
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Best DJ Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide http://PassionateDJ.com/controllers
Episode 19 - Let's Do Something Great!
In this episode of the podcast, not only do I answer a handful of questions submitted by listeners and readers of the blog, but we dive into the topic of going from a good DJ to a GREAT DJ!
A little while back, I wrote a post (check the resource list below) titled "The 5 Traits Shared by Great DJs". In this episode, I expand on this and explain how these traits can aid you on your path to becoming a great DJ.
In this issue, we talk about:
- Where to begin in creating your personal sound
- How to become more noticed as a DJ
- Advice on getting started creating mixes (for beginners)
- Building set lists vs. crowd reading
- How empathy, helpfulness, persistence, patience, and adaptability play a role in the great DJ's life
- Why the quality of your DJing matters
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The 5 Traits Shared by Great DJs (article) http://passionatedj.com/5traits
The Deejaypreneur Dojo (courses) http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/services-programs/
Digital DJ Tips (courses) http://www.digitaldjtips.com/how-to-dj-training-courses/
Amazing Jazzy Jeff clip https://youtu.be/XaxDAhzwV7Q
Episode 18 - Let's Stay Togetherrrrrrr!
Welcome back to the Passionate DJ Podcast, where in episode 18, we talk about collaboration with other DJs and producers. I decided to discuss this topic with Jon Skinner, who invented a collaborative tool called Music Gateway. This tool allows you to find the right person to help you finish your track, mix, or project... and gives you a collaborative space to get things done. Very cool stuff!
I recently went to the techno festival in Detroit (Movement), which I attend every year... and every time, I come back ready and inspired to knock over skyscrapers with my music. And every time, I find others who feel the same way. Collaboration is very much on my mind right now, so I am excited to present this episode to you!
In this episode, Jon and I discuss:
-
What the club scene was like in places like London and Brighton in the 80s, and the dawn of the rave era through the 90s.
-
How Jon keeps the DJing magic alive, without getting jaded, and while maintaining a busy lifestyle.
-
The struggles that Jon discovered DJs have when it comes to online collaboration.
-
How Music Gateway acts as a “matchmaker” between musicians and those that can help them fill their needs.
-
How Music Gateway creates a collaborative online space for users to get on the same page on a project.
-
How to get the most out of the MG platform.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Music Gateway (MusicGateway.net)
This one is just for fun! Join me as I share stories of terrible, strange, or hilarious gig experiences submitted by our listeners!
One submission tells the story of a laptop crashing right after a big drop during one of the DJ's largest gigs to date. Another tells of the strange (and unsanitary) mystery someone found in the hallway during a house party. And then there's our friend Joe Pardo (a frequent guest on the podcast) who tells us how he had to run for his life after a gig!
You'll hear all these stories and more on episode 17. Hopefully it's good for a few laughs!
Overall I hope you enjoy this show! If you have a bad gig story to tell, leave me a voicemail (http://www.passionatedj.com/ask) and we can do round 2!
Episode 16 – Passion Plus Action = a DJ with Purpose!
In this episode of the podcast, I bring in a full panel of DJ/activists to discuss the issue of purpose.
I say “passion and purpose” all the time, but what does it really mean? How can you find your purpose? How can you drive your goals home so that you can advance your DJ career or skillset? An excellent and inspiring discussion takes place amongst the panel as we all present our own unique perspective on purposeful DJing. Special thanks to Joe Pardo, Casie Lane, and Kilma for joining me on the show today!
In this episode, we chat about:
- What “purpose” means in a DJing context
- How the influence of others affects our progression
- How to maintain focus, in spite of “dream stealers”
- Gaining a sense of direction
- Why it’s important to be a professional
- Personal purpose vs. professional purpose
- Common traits amongst successful dreamers
Resources mentioned in this episode:
-
The Deejaypreneur (Casie Lane) http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com
-
The Dreamer’s Podcast (Joe Pardo) http://howtodream.co
-
Don’t Kilma Vibe (Kilma) http://www.dontkilmavibe.com
-
The Basement Sessions http://www.ustream.tv/channel/dj-sw-t
-
The Passion Planner (“the life coach that fits in your backpack”) http://www.passionplanner.com/what/
-
Casie’s DJ Jobs Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1441321309449683/
-
Casie’s Interactive EPK Webinar http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/interactive-epk-webinar
Episode 14 – Do You Hear What I Hear?
Back in episode 13, I answered a call from Joseph regarding sound quality. He asked when it’s worth it to invest in high-end audio gear (like sound cards, mixers, etc.) But the question I actually answered had to do with production sound (speakers, amps, etc.)
Duh. Apparently I wasn’t paying attention that day.
So, rather than just write a corrected answer, I decided to dedicate this entire episode to all things sound quality… including a re-answering of Joseph’s question.
In this episode, we dive into: - NAMM 2015 gear & a new Frankie Knuckles film - Confusing terms in the digital audio world - Analog vs. digital, and how you get from one to the other - Comparisons of mp3 bitrates (with examples) - How to keep a “front-of-house guy” (sound engineer) happy - Sound quality causes and concerns for DJs - If/when you (the DJ) should invest in expensive, high-end audio gear - My opinion on what types of files are “acceptable” to play out
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Episode 13, where Joseph asked his original question: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-013-new-years-resolutions-for-djs/
DMC Online DJ Championships http://www.dmcdjonline.com
Digital DJ Tips – great resource for digital DJs http://www.digitaldjtips.com
and the demonstration video I created: http://youtu.be/06PzwS2vXqk
Episode 13 - Happy New Year! www.passionatedj.com/013
Happy 2015!! In this special (read: impromptu) edition of the Passionate DJ Podcast, I help 6 of my most valued listeners get answers ('resolutions') to their questions. Thanks to Raymond, Ian, Brian, Thiago, Joseph and Alex for submitting voicemails!
If you'd like to submit a question for the podcast, you can leave them at PassionateDJ.com/ask!
In this episode, I help our listeners answer: - How to better organize your music library and maintain energy - The importance (or not) of harmonic mixing - If and when a DJ should invest in high-end sound - How to turn DJing into a legit business - How to play more underground/non-commercial gigs - What I think a "real DJ" is
Interesting happenings in 2014: - Pioneer DJ releases a "CD-less CDJ", shortly after the company was sold to KKR for $551 million - Screens appear on controllers (Kontrol S8, Numark NV) - Lots of SoundCloud controversy - DDJ-SZ shows us what a "pro-grade" controller looks like - Reloop's Beatpad provides viable iPad DJing solution - Virtual DJ offers free "universal" DVS engine.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2015!
Episode 11 - Aiming High to Build Locally! www.passionatedj.com/011
In episode 11, I interview Tony DeSaro and Billy Dickensheets of 3DMentional Entertainment - a promotions company focused on bringing new and exciting electronic music events to Dayton, OH.
Tony and Billy have excellent synergy, having originally come into the "scene" from different angles (one from the music side and the other from the party side). They meet in the middle to throw shows that Dayton is not used to seeing these days... bringing in bigger names, focusing on programming and progression of a night, and providing upper-tier production. values.
They have loads of advice and inspiration, and I'm super excited to share it with you!
In this episode, we talk about: - The differences in throwing shows now vs. 10 years ago - The differences in the scene in Dayton vs. a place like Detroit - How 3DM is working to set their brand apart - Advantages & disadvantages of booking big names in small towns - How much work it is to put together events like this - The importance of collaboration - Tony's approach to DJing - What 3DM wishes DJs would do more and less of
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
http://www.3dmentional.com/ 3DMentional's Website
https://www.facebook.com/3dmentional https://twitter.com/3DMentionalEnt http://www.instagram.com/3dmentional 3DMentional on social media
Episode 10 - Stepping Up Your Professionalism Game! http://www.passionatedj.com/010
Episode 10 is all about treating your DJing more like a business in order to build credibility, land awesome DJ gigs, build your fan base, and do justice to your craft.
In this episode, I interview Casie Lane: a seasoned DJ and industry insider. Having worked nearly all sides of the event spectrum (DJing, promoting, artist management, etc.), she has a lot of great insight to share with us about the benefits of professionalism and smart marketing.
Casie is the founder of such great online resources as The Deejaypreneur and Land Awesome DJ Gigs... check them out in the resource list below!
In this episode, Casie and I hash out:
- The initial struggles she ran into as a female DJ in a foreign country
- Why it's so hard for DJs to make money
- How to handle live screw-ups
- DJ and crowd etiquette
- Common DJ mistakes that hurt your reputation and sense of professionalism
- What it really means to "brand yourself"
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/ The Deejaypreneur - teaching deejays to turn their craft into a real business.
http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/classes-programs/connecting-to-key-players/ Connecting to Key Players (an intimate online class with Casie which teaches the right way to connect with people to help advance your DJ career) 10/14/14 at 11 AM eastern
http://bit.ly/1lcn1YK Land Awesome DJ Gigs - a free cheat sheet!
Show Notes & Resources: www.passionatedj.com/009
Hey folks! It’s been a while, but we’re back with episode 9 of the podcast… and I think it’s safe to say that it’s one of the best episodes yet! First, we start out with a Q&A session featuring YOUR questions!
After the Q&A and announcements, I have a conversation with my good buddy John Chapel… a local promoter/DJ in my home town. He’s been running a successful weekly electronic music night in our town for over four years, based on a local guest rotation. I wanted to get his insight on the struggles that come along with small town promotion.
As you’ll hear, John is loaded full of personality and really adds some spice to today’s episode. (I started loading him full of beer, which didn’t hurt.) It gets fairly humorous/ridiculous towards the end. I hope you guys enjoy!
In episode 9, John and I discuss:
-
The purpose of a local guest-rotation type of night
-
How much work goes into a weekly event
-
Monetization considerations (collecting cover, etc.)
-
How John’s night was able to succeed even after starting it in a scene “slump”
-
The hurdles and failures John has run into over the years
-
The role that collaboration plays in our town
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Submit YOUR question to be answered on the podcast! http://www.passionatedj.com/ask
Episode 8: Storytelling And Adding Value To DJ Mixes w/Joe Pardo by The Passionate DJ Podcast
Show Notes & Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/007
Welcome back, Agent, to episode 007 of the PDJ Podcast.
Episode 7 is a spiritual successor to a post I made a while back, titled "Having a "Sound" vs. Having a Genre". In that post, I talked about the idea of generally disregarding genre labels, and trying to build an overall sound that reflects you as a DJ and as a person.
In this session, we will dig a little deeper into where you might be able to look to help find and define your sound, and make it all your own.
In episode 7, we discuss: - How genre labels can create layers of abstraction - What actually determines the overall "sound" of a song or set - Why not everyone is interested in finding their own sound - The six places you can look to help define your sound - How this all applies to promotion - What a signature sound really is
Items mentioned in this episode include:
-
The Sound vs. Genre post that inspired this episode: http://www.passionatedj.com/having-a-sound-vs-having-a-genre/
-
Signup link for BlueHost http://www.passionatedj.com/bluehost
Themify and Wordpress http://www.themify.me http://www.wordpress.org
A picture of the PDJ booth at the anniversary show (coming soon)
Show Notes & Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-006-turntablism-vs-djing-and-competition-strategy-w-world-champion-vekked/
Hey, Passionate DJs! It’s back! Episode 6 of the podcast is for all of you turntablists, or those interested in learning more about the intricacies of exhibitionist-style mixing and competition. This is a topic that has been largely untouched on the Passionate DJ Podcast, so to do it justice, I brought in an expert on the subject. Today’s interviewee is Jake “Vekked” Meyer: winner of multiple world championship titles!
Vekked has an impressive list of qualifications, that include World Champion status for 2012 DMC and IDA competitions, Canadian Champion status for IDA (2012) and DMC (2011 – 2013), and Hamilton DMC Champion (2011 – 2012). He is the first and only DJ to win both DMC and IDA world titles in the same year.
In this interview, not only do we get to hear some great insight into the turntablism world (especially as it relates to competition), but we get to hear some of his performances as well! (Also, I have a question for you at the end, so listen all the way through!)
Show Notes & Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-005-life-of-a-full-time-dj-the-state-of-modern-trance-wlaurent-veronnez-aka-airwave/
Hi folks! Welcome back for the fifth episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast. I’m excited to announce that this episode is an interview with someone who I hold in very high regard: Laurent Véronnez, better known as Airwave!
A 20+ year veteran in the underground dance music scene, Laurent has witnessed a lot: the digital revolution, the peaks and valleys of the prominence of trance music, and the commercialization of various flavors of “EDM”. Throughout all of this, Laurent has kept true to the sounds that move him.
Airwave is a hugely popular (and deeply respected) name in the dance music scene, with a very loyal fanbase. He is especially known for his work in the trance genre, both progressive and psychedelic, and is an open and honest speaker about the state of the industry. As such, I just had to get him involved with the podcast… and as you’ll hear, we had a fantastic discussion!
Show Notes & Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-004-small-time-promoter-tips-wjessica-fortune-fenner-pt-2/
In episode 3, I introduced you to Jessica Fenner of A.part Music out of Milwaukee. If you haven’t listened to episode 3, make sure you go and listen to it first! Outside getting to know Jessica, we talk about some unique approaches to building nights in small or limited markets, the value of a mentor, how to please your market, how “word of mouth” is greater than any promotional tool, how to have a sense of security when planning your own event, and how to avoid burnout.
Show Notes & Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-003-small-time-promoter-tips-wjessica-fortune-fenner-pt-1/
In this episode, I interview Jessica Fenner, also known as “Fortune”, of A.part Music in Milwaukee. Currently producing 2 weekly parties, both in their third year, one off larger scale events and a DJ collective, Apart believes in delivering music to the community by putting the spotlight on local artists, as well as bringing world class talent to Milwaukee. As a DJ, Fortune has had the privilege of warming up the decks for the likes of Audiojack, Colette, Derrick Carter, Catz & Dogz, JT Donaldson, Gaiser, Kaskade, KiNK, Johnny Fiasco, Justin Martin, Derrick May, Pezzner, Kid Sister and Green Velvet.
Jessica has been writing a compiled list of “small-time promoter tips”, and she is joining us on the podcast to share 30 of them with us! Because of all the great info that we discuss, I had to break it into two episodes. So, this episode covers the first 15 tips.
Show Notes and Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-002-how-to-build-buzz-instead-of-hype-and-why/
Episode two of the talk-radio style Passionate DJ Podcast is about building buzz, whether it’s for your events, mixes, albums, or anything else you want to promote in the music scene.
In this second episode, I talk about: Why you want buzz, not hype Leveraging your connections Why “shouting louder” is not the ideal way to be heard as a DJ Why having talent isn’t enough How to start building a fan base of people that matter Finding your key fans; your “ambassadors” that support your efforts
Show Notes and Resources: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-001-introducing-the-passionate-dj-podcast/
This is different than other DJ podcasts in that it’s conversational (not like a mixtape or DJ set). The idea is that I will talk about different aspects of DJing, hold exclusive interviews, and provide other content that you can’t find elsewhere on the blog. Hopefully we can use this new feature to help and learn from each other!
Thanks so much for tuning in, and if you enjoyed it (or have any ideas on topics you’d like covered), please take a moment to let me know in the comments section below!