Thank you for "sharing the knowledge"! I agree with you on knowing your music! I'm new to DJ-ing but here's my approach to prepping a set. What works for me is the rule of three: while practicing at home, I create mini crates of 3 or so songs that go together (key, tempo, genre, energy). Then I select which crates to play music from based on the vibe of the dance floor. That way I can... 1. Switch vibes quickly. 2. Have an idea of what song to mix next. 2. Be familiar and confident with transitions. 3. Experience less anxiety of whether a song matches the next. The crates of three aren't the end all be all though. I try to be open and free, but do it through familiar territory. Kinda like organized chaos. HAHA! Thanks again for sharing.
"Feelers" are the most important songs to have. You start playing and warming the crowd up and put out a few feelers. The reaction to those songs dictates the direction you go for the rest of the night. You are absolutely 100% correct that the DJ needs to KNOW his music, how to bring it in, where the break is and the best place to get out of the song. If it has a good hook or break, know them and how to use them to your advantage to pump the crowd to 110%. I always think of DJ'ing as a chess game, always think 3 songs ahead.
Hi guys, I've been extremely busy with different projects, gigs and private life and as a result I was not able to make new video's in the last two weeks. I'm back in the lab right now and the new video's are dropping asap! Thanks for the support and patience. TLM
Great video as always, TLM. An additional consideration for those DJing in clubs (and a case against "total mix preparation"), which pertains to the business-side of DJing: if everyone is on the dance floor, no one is at the bar buying drinks. While every DJ loves to see a full dancefloor, it is important to keep club owners happy by throwing in some sedated tracks that will send people to the bar (because while clubs care about good tunes, they care even more about liquor sales!).
Thanks for the input. That's an interesting theory that i have never heard before. I don't know if I agree with it. It's true that the venue wants to have good sales at the bar, but it shouldn't be the DJ's responsibility to "send" people to the bar. I think it depends on the length of your set. If you have 1 hour (prime time) you should focus on making the crowd dance their ass off. If you're playing for a couple of hours, you should always make shure that you give the crowd a couple of moments to "breathe" so you don't go full throttle non stop. I wouldn't call it sedated tracks, but I understand what you mean.
djTLMtv Thanks for the reply, TLM. I think you understand this gist of what I'm saying...it mainly pertains to DJs playing the whole night, rather than a one-hour primetime set. I've found the use of "breather" songs especially important as a DJ/promoter, as bar sales are ultimately tied to my revenues as well!
Shawn Byron Beckett I agree, sometimes I have events where there is no admission fee. Then I'm paid from the bar so even though I may not always play breather songs sometimes when you switch genres you can have the same result with some patrons going to the bar.
Once again very good info, the way I preparing for my sets, to be honest it's more like when I start preparing for the event. I start preparing the moment you sign the contract and give me that 25% deposit. I start from the type of event, length and anything that needs to be added in the event ect. thanks, speeches things like that. I try to get the host to get me a playlist, now remember I my start 6 months before and music will change, but you have a basic ideal of what type music they want. Once I get the playlist I may do mock shows, maybe 4 or 5 depending on time so I have a ideal of when and what to mix. As to the flow, I mostly do events and parties that have people from little kids to great grand parents. What's works for me is what I call the time machine effect, that's where I start from way bad, maybe some Sam Cooke, little Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. The reason for that is to get the older crowd in the mix up and dancing. From there I come up in time and go back in time. I do this by using my eyes, by not only seeing who's on the dance floor but who is not. Sometime I use the little kids, give them a mike and play a Micheal Jackson song. Don't know why but females love seeing cute little kids dancing. At that point I turn on the bubbles and smoke machine and break out with a line dance. After that the older folks seem to thin out, little kids are tired out and then you can bust out for the youngins lol. Just a point on what works for me at this type of events DJ BIGDADDIE
TLM, Just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos and they really help a lot. I did a new years house party for a friend. Even though it a small crowd of about 30 people, for about 1 hour every song that I played hit! Dude every time a dropped a song everyone in the crowd pointed at me...it was the most amazing feeling I ever had as a DJ! As a 41 year old who has been doing this for hobby for about 2 years, it makes you think "Dam....what if I REALLY put some time into this!!!" Anyway, please keep up the hard work. You are very much appreciated. One love from ATL.
Great video lots of really good points! Part of what I do for preparing for gigs is making sure I have all my cue points and loops ready. It can get pretty stressful having to set them on the fly and it's pretty essential to make sure tracks don't overlap. I also like to make sure I update my songs, especially if your a mobile dj that doesn't dj on a consistent basis there might be new songs your missing out on.
Great video! I have a question though. For the beginner DJ, How exactly do you "Read a Crowd"? Are you looking for certain cues from the people in the audience? What are those cues?
To keep it real basic: if they stop moving/dancing or start leaving the dance floor, then the song(s) selection isn't working. There's way more depth to 'reading the crowd' so i might have to do a video. Too many nuances to put in one post ;)
Its nice to see a true pioneer in the dj community give back. Share the knowledge. That's dope. I been djing since Grand Master flash made his first single. Born an bread in the Bronx. I never really took my skillz to the next level cause I had to be a dad. But do your thing. Dj. TLM . Count me in. im going to make a come back with my son. You have inspired me to come on board with this spread the knowledge. Keep them videos coming. You'll hear about me soon. Peace to all the deejays out there. Stay in the mix.
Hi!, I'm from Trinidad & Tobago and I'm not a DJ, but.., I dream about it. For five years I've been experimenting with the free Virtual DJ (trial version). I've never had a mixer, controller or any other type of equipment due to my terrible financial situation but, I'm really anxious to ''Step Up''. So much so, that I'm about to purchase a Vestax Typhoon (second hand) next week. I figure that with no experience and ''tight'' funds, I better take one small step at a time (pun not intended but, it's all good). Anyway, I think that your videos are very educational and on point and I know that they'll be very helpful to me and many other people. I also want you to know that you are highly respected by me (at least), for taking the time to do these videos and making them available to the public (and for free too). This respect is fuelled by, what seems to be your, ''MOTTO'', ''Share The Knowledge''. This makes me feel inspired to share any knowledge or skill that I may pickup from you or otherwise, with anyone genuinely showing interest. So, love, respect and many thanks to DJ TLM and djTLMtv. Yours truly, Roger.
cant go wrong with a typhoon I will tell you one true thing though If your learning to DJ you want to get onto using industry standard gear as soon as you can. Find a DJ buddy who owns gear and is willing to let you Jam on there gear. ie pioneer Cdjs. The reason for this is it will help you develop your skillset as far as beatmatching goes since there isnt the crutch of sync or software, you ahve to use your ears this will increase your abilities ten fold and youll avhe the basics nailed also when you walk into your first gig with CDJS sitting infront of you youll know what your using. I learnt on a Controller I DJ in a club on CDJs and im learning turntabilism skills on vinyl put the time and effort in to get the basics down and most of all play to your crowd its a service industry. If you do these things you'll be successful.
kent spence Hi. Thanks for the info. So, I got the Typhoon and I'm terribly disappointed. First of all, the Virtual DJ software that came with it has very limited capabilities. It also keeps freezing during performance. Once this happens, I can't use my free version (vdj) either since becomes disabled. So, I've long disconnected it, (the Typhoon) thrown it in a corner (never to be used again), uninstalled the software and started back using my free version of vdj. I'm now doing some research to find a Pioneer controller that suites my needs. Once again, thanks for the info.
Hi guys, Due to health issues I couldn't finish video's I was working on (NS7-2 review) and I can't record new video's either. I lost my voice over the weekend and that makes it a bit difficult to record stuff ;) I should be fine in a couple of days so stay tuned! For the DJ's who would like to be part of the Saturday Super Session: Join the Saturday Super Session and send me your own video!
First off, I'm a newbie to the world of djing, an I have to say thus far your channel is one of the ones I find to be the most informative an streate to the point, an ofcouase I learned something in the process. Thanks
I'm a very new at this and I have not played a club or been a warm up DJ but what I've done is birthday parties and weddings and music selection have always been on the top of my list what do I play so this is what I've done so far I would meet with my clients with ipad and speakers in hand play some music and get a feel for what they want I don't know if this a good thing or bad but it's working for me
Preparing the whole set/mix on a regular basis is wack and goes totally against the idea of the art of DJing IMO (unless it's a performance, show, comp and so on like you've suggested)... which is adapting to the set, crowd and any circumstances that may happen. Freestyling and flowing is the foundation for most HipHop artforms, from Bboying to DJs and Mcs, just like battling is too. The more you feeling it, the better it will be. With enough practice and knowledge/technique, you will reach a level that would allow you to freestyle nicely without needing to have a full prepared set in order to stay in your comfort zone. Knowing your music enough already means you already have in your mind ideas of songs that match well together and all that, allowing you to select the right tracks and order easily. Obviously if you are a commercial DJ who just plays the current bangers, you won't have that, that's why you should always play the music you really passionate about and focus on the work of a DJ as a musical educator.
I'm a mobile/club Dj and as such I've found a prepared set is almost impossible. I frequently don't know the crowd I'm playing for until I get there. I do have an opening set that is mostly old-school, but works really well formust crowds. Commodores - Brick House Lips Inc - Play That Funky Music Santana - Smooth Marc Anthony - I Gotta Know Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough For some reason it works pretty Damn well.
def helpful (all your videos). still on the look out for tips on how to mix songs where both have vocals playing dor example mixing during the hook. i have been playing at the base clubs where im stationed. most of the songs i play are current hip hop and old school hip hop but i find myself going from song to song where lyrics are there and im keep trying to think of clever or non jumbled sounding ways to mix....keep killing it with these videos....all of them are good
I will make some example tracks with hooks to use for the video because i can't use any music that i don't own due to copyrights. But do you run into this problem a lot? Because most songs do not start with vocals.
well most of the newer songs have very short intros, and no breaks so i end up having to slam them over quicker than i would like. plus i hear other djs and i feel like they have ways to play with lyrics on both tracks and it not sound sloppy. just looking for ideas. i really like the style of dj that you do and think your advice is very realistic and helpful
Also I have a ton of crates with certain joints that I like to play and I made all the crates interchangeable so that I could freestyle from the crates. They're all types of genres in them so I'll put certain tracks in the crate that will allow me fuse the genre's together without the help of an effect like an echo,loop or sample. But some times it's good to use one of those three because it will allow you to throw a banger on from the very beginning and get that OOHHH SHIITTT out of the crowd. By the way rocked my saturday session with you. Wife was impressed with the way my cuts are coming along. Hoping to get to your level. gonna see if I film the next one and put it up for some critique. Keep the good shit coming fam!!!
DJ TLM I like the beat you used on the latest tutorials with that mellow sound to it,Your channel is one of the most insightful on the web,Maybe opening up doors to MCs on a dope beat youve produced might be interesting.I have been producing beats for a little while(for the love of it :) and the best ones can be so universal in that deja vu feel..its at that moment you feel inline with everything. DJing isthe same feel, Im thinking of even throwing an MC UNANNOUNCED as part of a mix (smoke and Lighting) In and out as part of the mix...Fresh Unknown and solid with a slick beat and awesome outro mix..Crowds going 'What just happened?'
Thanks. MC's are free to use the beats that i make available in the download section. It's always dope if you can add extra elements to your show and an (good) MC can add energy to your set
I´m djing for about 13 years and could not agree more with Dj TLM. At the Club I allways do freestyle. already tried to prepare a DJ set for the whole night but halfway through I had to abandon that idea and do freestyle. As he said, you have to read the crowd. When a do a podcast in this case I prepare all the dj set before, sometimes i make some changes in the middle but in general i´ll stay on the playlist.
Hey! my name is Dj Red-G, and my question you probably answered i recently purchase a pioneer ddj-sb and i'm in the process of changing from CD to Digital my question is how is the best way to organize your crate for fast and easy access
When I first started out I would just write a list of songs I liked and play them, jumping around here and there, super flexible. Then I moved to listing songs by "type" or "genre" or "mood," so I could mix within smaller chunks of songs. THEN I went to full out planning entire sets by BPM and time of night/energy etc. etc. Honestly I think it's about finding the style you really prefer as a DJ, and testing out various set planning strategies for live audiences to see what suits you the best.
Hey #djTLMtv , Thanks for your videos man. They are very, very helpful and informative.I am a NEW school Digital DJ from the OLD school Vinyl DJ days and It's been like 20 years since I last rocked a huge crowd at a event. My question is: I have a 5 hour Christmas event coming up in which the first 2 hours is dedicated to Christmas music. Great, but with 3 hours left to get it poppin, how should I set my genres for a multicultural crowd and how long should I play each set? i.e., Break them down to 15 minute sets (12 genres= 3 hours). 30 minute sets (6 genres= 3 hours), or break them down to 2 hours of different genres and rock them for the last hour with songs like Pop/EDM ? I know it looks like I'm asking you to plan my whole session...lol, but I'm not. Just need a little guidance from a young head who holds it down on the regular, to an old head who's just getting back into the game! Thanks.
Hi, TLM! I use Serato DJ, and I wanna analyze some of my crates fast, but analize option in Serato DJ starts to analyze all songs from library witch is 15000 songs... can you help me? Is there a way to fast analyze my crates? l hope you answer my question, thank you in advance! Peace, DJ LowRider!
Can you make a video giving insight into how you prepare a routine? I mean a short battle style routine... When it comes to sets, I prepare crates of music in Serato for the night, and also look for mini-mixes of 2-4 tracks within those crates while practicing... My goal is to have an intro and some bits for later in the set that are pre-practiced, and then to let the set flow freely from within my crates. Thanks for the videos.... Keep shining my friend, Moonshadow
That's corny, I know of ppl who feel victem to a dj that would set up and play pre mix and walk around while the music was going...this is what motivated me to be a dj...I actually thrive off the crowd.
I usually start my sets out at my spot with some of that lounge house music because it's usually dead and people are still coming in. once I see it getting a lil crowded then come in with some top 40's and that edm shit(which I hate). By that time people are getting some drinks in them and start vibin and partying. the I'll hit some merengue and from their it's freestyling the rest of the night. Jumping from hip hop,r&b,reggae,funk soul classics,njs,salsa,etc etc. just genre jumping the whole night. Always works. But like you said their are certain ways to play depending on the venue and you have to know when and how to do it. Great to spread the word so younger cats can be successful in this game.
Yo djtlm ! I just wanted to say that i personnaly don t think it is a very good idea totally preparing your mix for your first set ...because you are so freaked out and scared of missing one mix that you actually don t get any pleasure mixing :/ my first set at a club was a bit of a mess because i was too prepared.... One big silly accident happened ( i didn t load a song on the right deck...) because i was too focused on the music and doing the perfect mix . I think that as a first set you should just try to get used to the crowd and Forget about doing the perfect live performance, just do things naturally!! Anyway, it must be different for each person, but i just wanted to aware people about too much preparing! Oh and by the way i love your videos, probably the only clear videos on youtube about mixing and stuff, you helped me and some of my friends a lot
This was a question that was asked by a fellow House DJ. I can only answer for me. I have a monthly radio show, I often asked to be featured on other radios shows and I have a gig line up in March 2019. I prepare my sets. That what works for me. I am still young in the DJ game and don't gig regularly. It also helps me in case I have a second or headliner spot. You want to be certain you have the right tracks, cued up and you know when to make your transition. That comes with preparation and practice. Plus, I find it fun creating a set and allowing others to hear what I came up with.
Appreciate it so much DJTLM... Thanks for the knowledge... You're no.1 DJ for me... with your video, you inspired a lot people including myself... more power to you bro... "share the knowledge"
Total mix preps are for showing people what you can do as a performer,like cd's or for comps. This will not work well in front of a crowd who are dancing as people have different tastes ,wonder off or get tired etc. Warm up sets best to use tracks that are not too heavy with high tones and clattering hi hats ,cymbals or tracks that are high energy as it becomes tiring on the ears. Bringing/playing the wrong tracks for the venue will not get you future work so do you home work .House music is not good at a 150 bpm techno club !
I want to add up, that you can also prepare the music set/s the following way/s. It applies to the djs doing long sets, you can do the reading the crowd type of music selection like during the warm up and closing sets, at the same time have a pre-set ready for the high peak moment (for me the high peak moment you don't really want to be looking what to play next) I find this very useful and makes you look good as a dj.
Hello TLM, first I want to say nuff respect!!! You the man. I wanted to ask if there is a way to make all the songs I play the same volume/level. I use Serato and virtual dj, is there a setting or something in the software, or this something you do manually as you play. I see a lot of the big dj's live,on videos and I don't see them messing with the levels but there songs are all at same level all the time.
Great Video, it is something to be aware of. Don't try to play music you dont know (unless you are a wedding or sweet 16 dj that must deal with tons of song requests)
I like your videos thanks,would be very interesting to see the video you mentioned about organising crates and playlists,I know there are various ways to do this and everyone's way is different but would like to see how you organise yours?
I mad a video 2 years ago and you can watch it here: Tutorial: how to make and use cue points (by DJ TLM) If you still have any questions just let me know.
Yes indeed! If i do more mix video's like the ones in the description, i will post those on my site, but i am doing performance video's with my own material on this channel this year. I can't post anything i don't own on this channel because of copyright issues. That's why i only use my own beats here
Great video, I'm learning to dj and have stared watching your channels. I understand everything your saying and you make it very easy for me to learn the art of djing! I have a pioneer DDj-SX and love it , still working on beat matching and knowing my music. Thanks for you're videos!
Thanks. Here are a couple of links. You can find more on my channel page. Check the playlists. DJ TLM @ Classic Material (90's R&B set) DJ TLM - Classic Cutterz set for Planet Black Beats DJ TLM - New Jack Swing @ Set It Off (June 4th) DJ TLM @ Classic Material (Dancehall set)
You can forget about the first link. RU-vid removed the audio ;( That's why I only use my own material on this channel because I want to make sure they can't do that to one of my djTLMtv video's.
Thanks for the jnfo. well put. I'm DJ Tiz and I've been playing off and on since 1977. I'm gonna subscribe and be proactive in your videos as far as comments. thanks.
i just discovered you today. I even suscribed because I really appreciate you sharing you knowledge. It will really help me in the future. im a new mobile dj and i will surely use ur tips. MERCI BEAUCOUP.
Thanks for the video, clear as always TLM ;) However, one thing that I I know as a Club Dj in Sweden (which of course applies to wherever you are world) is that most nightclubs has a "profile" that you need to work with. Some clubs play underground only, and have a non-cheesy music" policy, some only play nostalgia and others mostly radio. Be sure to ask before you play at a new club (or venue) what they wish you to play and work from that. Not only will the night flow better but the club personel (manager) will most likely be very happy with you and ask you to come back. Works every time. //Felix Persson AKA FLX
And that's the reason why i love Dj Jazzy Jeff. He's just everywhere when he plays music (except EDM i believe so) This video gives a lot of info Dj TLM. All i thought before was there is gotta be a planned set for each night. Now, i gotta practise bringing songs freestyled.
Hey TLM, thanks as always for ur videos. I am a beginner Dj. Doing it as a hobby. I have a gig in a weeks time for a Underground House nite and i play tribal tech. I have my list but am not getting the music flowing rite. I have about 35 tracks to play for 1hour. Need some Help.
Hey DJ TLM, first things first. Your videos are great. Nice and easy to watch. Thank you for sharing your skills and thoughts. I work with Serato since two years, after i purchased the Numark NS6. I like the uncomplicated layout much more than Traktor. Anyway, i got a hint for preparing tracks in Serato. I analysed all my tracks with a software who find the key of the songs. After that, i created 24 crates and named them 1a, 2a, 3a and so on. The same with 1b, etc. And with the crate rules the tracks are automaticly filled in. Because of this system my mixes are really harmonical and i get new ideas which songs i can play next. Maybe you or some of your fans can use this for his own. Bye the way ... the video about old and new djs is awesome. I think the same way. Best Regards, Dennis
I play a very open format typically, from a bit of country and blues, to some classic rock, funk and disco, 80s, hip hop and rap, modern pop and edm, and everything in between. ... so I have crates set up , but I frequently use the prepare tab/section within Serato for my sets... this works well to prep a few tracks to get started, and then add tracks to the list that I'm not playing right away, but I think will work well based on crowd reactions to tracks I have played or am playing at the moment... kind of like bringing 3 crates of records to a gig, and then pulling records out of those crates and stacking them on the table next to the decks... you've still got the crates behind you on the table/floor, but the ones you're most likely to play are sitting right there in front of you.... I also work up small "mini-mixes" , where I have certain pairs or small groups of tracks that fit really well together and I usually play them as a group of tracks when I play them, some of these I have practiced a few different ways of mixing or transitioning these track quite a bit as well... not quite developing into a DJ routine just yet... but I'm working up to that as my skills develop more... thanks again for all u do, keep shining bro...
Thanks for this video. U are straight to the point.Some Events are nightmares if Event Organizers do not give you full details of crowd. I just forwarded this to my partner
#Inspiring info. I've noticed lately that I've been less prepared for my DJ Sets, and it was kind of hard to bounce back. this info really helped me to get back to the crazy sets. #HAIL_DJTLM
