Tracks to start a mix with?

Zascar

I'm planning a few mixes I want to record, its been bloody ages since I've done any so I need to get my ass in gear. Anyway I was thinking about how people pick the first track on the mix - I really like when it's something a little different, but starts it off nicely and blends into the rest well even thought its a totally different style.

The best example of this is one that i found here actually
http://soundcloud.com/colin-perkins/colin-perkins-techno-tourettes-march-2009-mix

Looking for similar examples, anyone got any? Or is there any tracks you like to start mixes that are a bit different?

Scubadevils

I have pretty much always stuck to a rule with the first track of a set whereby I never start with a track that starts with a kick drum or ideally any type of percussion - I much prefer for the first track to be a slow burner and develop for a couple of minutes before making itself known... build a bit of tension and create a memorable impact with the first track.

Off to town now in search of some records, will stick up some some examples of tracks I like as first tracks later on.

ED E

You might want to start off a few mins in...

duploelabs

I find this one is great to start off with, Arveene and Misk's Battlescars gallactica

http://www.zshare.net/audio/80032314d1990b/

electrogrimey

I started this mix with a short WAV I found, I think it works pretty well. I generally like to use a non-dance track to start off my mixes, either that or some kind of vocal sample. Then maybe start messing with it with effects etc and bring in the track. Started this mix with an Animal Collective track which blends in nicely.

Check out Erol Alkan live at Beats In Space 2006, (you can get it as a podcast in iTunes), he starts with this vocal sample, and loops it, and keeps adding effects over it, distortion etc, until it sounds like the start of the next track, blends in really well.

Executive Steve

Recording a mix = longest intro, heaviest drop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFCe8D4AzjI

Playing out - something that sets a mood, quickly.

krustydoyle

this never lets me down.. Never...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRgP66XNIus

:pac::D

electrogrimey

krustydoyle wrote: »

this never lets me down.. Never...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRgP66XNIus

:pac::D

Fixed.

Pandoras Twist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdTbgx5ZXSk


Felix you're absolutely right. Hate when mixes start off with kick drum. Does my nut in.

Sound bites can work too

Scubadevils

Always loved this track for opening a set, must use it again actually... was also on the X-Mix 3 as an opener to Richie Hawtins mix.

Speedy J - Evolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU8zUYoIAbc

billybigunz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE-9vKMRM4o

Zascar

As cheesy as this is I heard this in a club one time and the crowd loved it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDHMnDKnYBE

Jev/N

Zascar wrote: »

As cheesy as this is I heard this in a club one time and the crowd loved it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDHMnDKnYBE

Snap!

http://soundcloud.com/jevneilan/electro-boom

Zascar

Actually I forgot about this one I already have - I'm planning a mix at the moment and definitely going to start it off with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQopGag6jm4

jonnny68

What track i start with depends on what genre im mixing tbh!

electrogrimey

More so for starting a set at the start of a night, but this'd also work in a mix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQAqbC95Ycw

ianuss

Zascar wrote: »

Actually I forgot about this one I already have - I'm planning a mix at the moment and definitely going to start it off with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQopGag6jm4

great track.

aceberg

if your going oldskool.i recommend this

cian1500ww

First heard this as the opening to Carl Cox's '96 Essential Mix:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY-SXKmbZh8

Scubadevils

aceberg wrote: »

if your going oldskool.i recommend this

That to me is the very definition of a classic opening track. Without doubt one of the very best electronic tracks ever made. Still puts shivers through me as it did all those years ago... just natural shivers now though :pac:

rcaz

I don't DJ, but I think Release The Pressure might make a good starter... What think ye, DJs?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeYmdeW_eb4