New to DJing or production? Need help or advice? Post here

KevIRL · 21-10-2008 10:26pm #1

Any new DJ's or producers feel free to post here for help or advice....

engrish? · 04-11-2008 10:36pm

How do you find new music? This forum has been great so far but I am craving more and more. Sifting through youtube can give great rewards sometimes as can buying random cd's but is there any obvious ways that I am missing?

Also, how do you organise your music? If you buy and album, how do you remember the tracks you loved and the tracks there were just worthless album filler?

Take Mario Piccatto - Now And Then, this album is mostly filler but the remix of Ibiza Angel is excellent. I listen to music mostly during my commute and in the gym. I might listen to an entire album and find one song I adore. I look at the title and then when I go back to listen to it the next morning I have forgotten it, of course you have to listen to the first 90 seconds if it has a long intro!

Thanks!

Scubadevils · 04-11-2008 11:53pm

I find new music through a combination of a handful of sites really. These are mainly the following -

www.boomkat.com

www.discogs.com

www.warpmart.com

www.last.fm

www.amazon.co.uk (an obvious one but a regular for me too)

I would usually start on the first above; boomkat and check their new releases, recommended etc and have a listen to the clips of the tracks. From there then I might check Discogs to see if I can find out more about the artist, what other releases they might have, reviews from other Discogs users etc.

http://www.boomkat.com/cd/

http://www.boomkat.com/recommended/index.cfm?recommend=albums&only=cd

Lets say I was starting from scratch and visited boomkat for the first time and looked up 'Murcof' for example. This is what I would get on Boomkat search results -

http://www.boomkat.com/search.cfm?q=murcof&commit=Search

You can see then on that search all of the CD, vinyl and digital releases available from that artist and if you select one, you then get the following -

http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=7320

So along with a generally quite detailed review, you also get other releases from the same artist, same label and details of albums bought by other people who also bought this same release. You can also listen to decent length previews of some tracks on the release.

Then I might check discogs for some further detail, and when you search for 'Murcof' on Discogs you get the following -

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Murcof

From there I can look at other releases, labels he has been on, mixes he may feature on, production work etc etc. Then obviously to look at the album info that you had already looked at on Boomkat originally -

http://www.discogs.com/release/40681

Having read users ratings of this release on Discogs, positive reviews and also some detail on Boomkat, I may then check what price the same release is on Amazon or possibly Warpmart before making my purchase!

Next then is a never-ending quest for more music because quite literally, once you start this process it never ends

Why? - I get this album in the post a few days later and love it. I then buy more of his albums and love them too so decide to look further into the label he is on, Leaf and when I search Discogs for the label, I find the following -

http://www.discogs.com/label/Leaf

I look through all of the listings, check out the labels homepage or any other links that might be there and end up reading more on say Susumu Yokota, may have been a random choice but thats the pleasure of it all!

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Susumu+Yokota

I look through his releases and find a 'Best Of' that sounds interesting so I go search on Boomkat for Susumu Yokota -

http://www.boomkat.com/search.cfm?q=susumu+yokota

And then find the release I saw on Discogs -

http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=53366

The above example doesn't have clips but you do get a review and again more detail for related albums, artists, labels and what other people bought that also bought that album.

In addition to all of the above, I would also frequently check out www.last.fm and look up different artists, have a listen to tracks if they are there and also see who else is listening to them and what other music they like. So using the Susumu Yokota example again -

http://www.last.fm/search?m=all&q=susumu+yokota

The first result is the one I want, so when you click that, you get the following -

http://www.last.fm/music/Susumu+Yokota

And again here you get to read up on various releases, his profile, listen to some songs, read about similar artists, youtube links etc etc.

I reckon you get my drift at this stage! - In doing this you really do educate yourself to music and find some really amazing gems that you may have never discovered otherwise. It is seriously addictive & expensive, but also seriously rewarding and to my mind the best way to spend free time on the world-wide-web :pac:

In terms of organizing, I have my CD's arranged by genre and then a separate section for recent purchases, say the last month or so worth which I may listen to more frequently until the next month. I chose then every night the selection for the car the next day which tends to end up being about 10 albums ranging from ambient to techno to allow for various moods which traffic can play a huge part in! I would then pick a few when I get home for evening listens and finally an ambient album to fall asleep to... all very structured and anorak like but what can you do

I'm not even going to start on vinyl now as that has had me near bankrupt, divorced and homeless too many times now but a similar system exists!

Wow, thats one of my longer posts :pac:

FLYNN-DOG · 05-11-2008 1:28pm

I find this helpful - Go to beatport.com and search for an artist you love.ie. Mauro Picotto and search for his chart - it will give you his top 10 tunes from the last month (or so) so youll prob get stuff like daniele papini, adam beyer, paco osuna etc - basically stuff similiar to MP

HouseHippo · 05-11-2008 2:53pm

Any good, cheap Vinyl shops wiuth indie, electro rock stuff. Need to widen my collection

HFXOC · 17-11-2008 5:31pm

Need a bit of advice lads- nephew into mixes etc and was hoping to get him some equip - twin cd and mixer- any advice

cheers

HouseHippo · 18-11-2008 1:25am

Try Thomann.de, much cheaper than sounds around etc. Pioneer is the best bet for both mixers and CD-J's I find technics are good for Vinyl.

I'm not sure about Dual cd decks I think you are better of buying 2 seperate, it's better for mixes in the long run also some sowftware like Traktor is quite useful.Make sure you get a mixer with 4 or more inputs for both phono and line.

endawaldron · 18-11-2008 2:52pm

Hi All..

I've been playing for quite a while now... mainly parties and private functions (30th's etc..) but am looking to get a regular gig in central Dub.

I don't necessarily have to play the same night every week or the same venue for that matter.

I'm using Traktor with my macbook with the Vestax VCI 100 so its pretty portable and can pretty much play anywhere.

I prefer to play House / Tech House but can play decent chart / indie / hip-hop depending on the venue / crowd etc...

Does anyone have any idea how to go about approaching bars / clubs? I have a couple of mixes burnt that I can also upload...

markoconnor · 19-11-2008 12:06pm

hi guys not sure if i'm in the right place maybe you can help me. i was wondering how and what do i need to plug my ipod into my mixing desk. i play the guitar and sing in pubs and clubs and before i start or when i'm taking a break i would like to have some music on, someone had told me that its possible to do it with an ipod.

acman · 19-11-2008 3:03pm

markoconnor wrote: »

hi guys not sure if i'm in the right place maybe you can help me. i was wondering how and what do i need to plug my ipod into my mixing desk. i play the guitar and sing in pubs and clubs and before i start or when i'm taking a break i would like to have some music on, someone had told me that its possible to do it with an ipod.

Hi there!
You need something like this mate (An IPOD to RCA cable):

http://www.thenerds.net/index.php?page=imageviewer&id=551

IPOD connector goes to your ipod and the two RCA's go to the back of your mixer.

jack80 · 19-11-2008 5:57pm

Hi, I am thinking of getting into DJ-ing for 21sts, 30ths, weddings etc. Just wondering if you have any advice on where to get equipment, which equipment is best etc. I was looking at the following set
http://cgi.ebay.ie/DJ-Equipment-Disco-1200W-Package-Speakers-Amps-Numark_W0QQitemZ160260369126QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Mixers?hash=item160260369126&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1300%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
just wondering if this seems good price, quality etc
Cheers

joker77 · 19-11-2008 6:27pm

Howdy - I'm new enough to the digital aspect of mixing, and have recently been using Traktor.

Can anyone recommend a hardward controller to go with it?

Cheers

HouseHippo · 19-11-2008 8:44pm

markoconnor wrote: »

hi guys not sure if i'm in the right place maybe you can help me. i was wondering how and what do i need to plug my ipod into my mixing desk. i play the guitar and sing in pubs and clubs and before i start or when i'm taking a break i would like to have some music on, someone had told me that its possible to do it with an ipod.

Hey.Yes you can definitely connect any MP3 to a mixing desk as long as you have the right lead, which any sound engineer nworth their salt would have. Just tell the engineer you ahve music you would like him to play, he should be fine with it

DarkJager · 19-11-2008 8:49pm

Well lads, was wondering if someone would have a listen to some of my mixes (they're in the link in my sig) and give a bit of feedback?

I'm not sure what I'd class them as, I was aiming for trance

, but any thoughts good or bad are welcome.

markoconnor · 20-11-2008 1:22pm

thanks lads got the leads will try them out this evening

endawaldron · 21-11-2008 4:11pm

Can anyone recommend a hardward controller to go with it?

I would defo recommend a Vestax VC100 midi controller... EXCELLENT.

joker77 · 21-11-2008 4:44pm

endawaldron wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a hardward controller to go with it?

I would defo recommend a Vestax VC100 midi controller... EXCELLENT.

Cheers - do you use this on it's own or with software? (I'd be looking to use it with Traktor)

It looks the biz to be fair - not cheap though @ 345 Sterling on hard to find .com

Mikeyt086 · 09-12-2008 4:09pm

Hows it goin lads, im a bit of a noob when it comes to DJing, but i would like to get started out, first things first, i need help buying my equipment.

I just want a little station where i can mix and scratch CD's, really basic, nothing too fancy, and not too expensive either, in the €250 range. Are there specialised shops or can i get kit in Argos, Harvey Norman etc.

Sorry if my q's are rediculous but i really dont know much. Im not looking to play any huge gigs, just love the idea of mixing and **** in my room.

Cheers for any help.

DeusEx · 10-12-2008 9:42pm

Hi all. I'm new to DJing and was thinking of getting a controller for use with Virtual DJ or Trakor software and a laptop. I was wondering what is a good controller to start off with (within the 200-300 range).

I was looking at the Behringer BCD3000 - has anybody used this? If so how does it perform?

seannash · 10-12-2008 9:57pm

DeusEx wrote: »

Hi all. I'm new to DJing and was thinking of getting a controller for use with Virtual DJ or Trakor software and a laptop. I was wondering what is a good controller to start off with (within the 200-300 range).

I was looking at the Behringer BCD3000 - has anybody used this? If so how does it perform?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UC33e

alot of people use this one

DeusEx · 10-12-2008 10:06pm

seannash wrote: »

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UC33e

alot of people use this one

Thank you I will look into it. I have a M-Audio MIDI Keyboard which has served me well. The Behringer BCD 3000 looks good for the price (2 decks, ability to scratch etc.) but from what I read online I'm apprehensive about it's reliability.

Is a laptop and a controller the way to go? Or should I be looking at Decks and something like a Kaoss Pad?

seannash · 10-12-2008 10:22pm

DeusEx wrote: »

Thank you I will look into it. I have a M-Audio MIDI Keyboard which has served me well. The Behringer BCD 3000 looks good for the price (2 decks, ability to scratch etc.) but from what I read online I'm apprehensive about it's reliability.

Is a laptop and a controller the way to go? Or should I be looking at Decks and something like a Kaoss Pad?

totally up to you mate,im cdjs myself,i didnt like doing it on a laptop when i tried it so i went back.but if you dont know what your missing how will you miss it,meaning if youve never used cdjs or vinyl and choose the digital route,that will be what djing is to you

DeusEx · 10-12-2008 11:10pm

seannash wrote: »

totally up to you mate,im cdjs myself,i didnt like doing it on a laptop when i tried it so i went back.but if you dont know what your missing how will you miss it,meaning if youve never used cdjs or vinyl and choose the digital route,that will be what djing is to you

Thanks for all the advice. I'll probably go the digital way as it's the most feasible and I have some experience with music software. I would be interesting in using the full works someday though.

djlor · 22-12-2008 10:41pm

new to djin....workin with established guy, access to all music...just hopin for few suggestions of songs suitable for pubs??mainly chart or major hits from times gone by. audience has no interest in anythin techno-ish or house....thanks in advance:):D;)

tman · 03-01-2009 10:40am

Does anybody have links to decent Ableton tutorials? (for DJing)
Must've watched 10 of the damn things already and not one of them showed you how to actually start the second tune playing at a particular point.

tman · 05-01-2009 11:55pm

Ignore the above post, amazed it took me so bloody long to figure it out:o

thirtythirty · 14-01-2009 2:13pm

engrish? wrote: »

How do you find new music? This forum has been great so far but I am craving more and more. Sifting through youtube can give great rewards sometimes as can buying random cd's but is there any obvious ways that I am missing?

http://www.bodytonicmusic.com/

Or buy Mixmag.

engrish? wrote: »

Also, how do you organise your music? If you buy and album, how do you remember the tracks you loved and the tracks there were just worthless album filler?

If you like something on your ipod - put a dash infront of the track name
e.g.

TrackName 1
--TrackName 2
TrackName 3
TrackName 4
--TrackName 4

engrish? wrote: »

Take Mario Piccatto - Now And Then, this album is mostly filler but the remix of Ibiza Angel is excellent. I listen to music mostly during my commute and in the gym. I might listen to an entire album and find one song I adore. I look at the title and then when I go back to listen to it the next morning I have forgotten it, of course you have to listen to the first 90 seconds if it has a long intro!

I'm gonna put you're age at about 15 - 17....!?

leno1979 · 14-01-2009 9:48pm

Hi all, recently got a cracked version of logic pro8 for my mac but have virtually no experience in production but mad to get into it,at the moment though i cant really afford the thousand euro price tag many of the places in town are charging,(music centre in temple bar for 3 courses!!!!

) so has anyone the knowledge to show me the basics while earning themselves a few quid for their time. I live in nth county dublin and can travel anywhere pretty much in the dublin region....

Noviceman · 21-01-2009 7:11pm

Hi,

Can anyone recommend some good free DJ software for a newby.

Thanks.

Tomas_S · 29-01-2009 6:21pm

Hi anyone there with help to start playin music in clubs? Im lookin to start with warm ups etc. Anybody?

Jev/N · 29-01-2009 7:30pm

Tomas_S wrote: »

Hi anyone there with help to start playin music in clubs? Im lookin to start with warm ups etc. Anybody?

Go to the nights you want to play, get to know the promoters, help out with anything you can and give them mixes

lion · 29-01-2009 7:45pm

Hello,Im new to DJing,i use my computer software to play my music,everything works well until i plug in my computer power supply and then my speakers begin to go nuts ,ive no doubt the interferance is caused by the power supply.Im hoping someone can help me with this problem,Thanking you,Niall.

Tomas_S · 30-01-2009 2:32pm

Thanks Jev/N I'll try

roskey · 01-02-2009 5:50pm

Yo guys,
im completely new to all forms of Dj'ing and/or production.. Im interested in making up some of my own trance/techno/acid house tunes via my computer etc..
I was woundering what software should I get and if I need any further equipment and if so what?!

Cheers :pac:

seannash · 01-02-2009 7:31pm

roskey wrote: »

Yo guys,
im completely new to all forms of Dj'ing and/or production.. Im interested in making up some of my own trance/techno/acid house tunes via my computer etc..
I was woundering what software should I get and if I need any further equipment and if so what?!

Cheers :pac:

you will need
a computer
some software(logic,cubase,ableton whatever)
an audio interface(a soundcard)
a midi controller(midi keyboard would be best)
lots of patience
good luck

pad180 · 06-02-2009 6:15pm

lion wrote: »

Hello,Im new to DJing,i use my computer software to play my music,everything works well until i plug in my computer power supply and then my speakers begin to go nuts ,ive no doubt the interferance is caused by the power supply.Im hoping someone can help me with this problem,Thanking you,Niall.

the problem you have is ground noise picked up in your speakers from your computer ,i had this problem when i first started out .there is 3 ways to sort it .
1. run your computer on its battrey , you wont get long mabey an hour or so
2. get a ground loop isolater ,
3. or plug your computer into a two pin plug ,that should do the trick

hope this helps.;)

scuddymud · 09-02-2009 8:40pm

Iv been looking around for a all in one console for DJing for a while now and I came across the Hercules RMX DJ Console and I was wondering if anybody had any experience with it or heard any good/bad things. Or should I be looking for something different, any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks

lion · 09-02-2009 9:19pm

pad180 wrote: »

the problem you have is ground noise picked up in your speakers from your computer ,i had this problem when i first started out .there is 3 ways to sort it .
1. run your computer on its battrey , you wont get long mabey an hour or so
2. get a ground loop isolater ,
3. or plug your computer into a two pin plug ,that should do the trick

hope this helps.;)

Thanks a lot,youve been a great help;),Niall

17-02-2009 4:28pm

Hey.... looking to get into production. Would love to make dance or rap.

few quick questions...

1. what limitations has decks in terms of making your own music?.... can you do much?

2. how much would you need to spend on them?, i'd be willing to put a good bit in, any recommendations?!.... also i live in Galway and AFAIK no shops sell them so if i bought online i'd have no guarantee if they break?!...

3. would an MacBook with a programme like Logic be essential to making your own music?!

4. and lastly..... how much of this is achievable yourself?, would lessons be needed or just putting the time in?!.

Thanks

maghenderson · 17-02-2009 9:40pm

to scuddymud. i find that the herucles systems are quiet good i have the hercules mark 2 and it's cheaper than the rmx, it works well with most of the dj software i have it running on virtual dj and traktor, i got mine at pixmania.com cheapest around plus you can't get them in this country, now i need to post a tread now, good luck anyway

maghenderson · 17-02-2009 9:46pm

just as above, does anyone know how to get the earphones working on hercules mk 2, it works with traktor no problem, but working with virtual dj it doesn't, not really a problem with me but like to know if it's something i'm doing wrong or if it doesn't work with virtual dj, help would be greatful on this thanks

Tomas_S · 18-02-2009 12:20pm

maghenderson wrote: »

just as above, does anyone know how to get the earphones working on hercules mk 2, it works with traktor no problem, but working with virtual dj it doesn't, not really a problem with me but like to know if it's something i'm doing wrong or if it doesn't work with virtual dj, help would be greatful on this thanks

go to config in virtual dj then sound setup and set headphones on output

Chloroplast · 04-03-2009 12:22am

alright lads, first post here(long time unregged viewer), hello to all.

im looking for some advise,after searching the boards and the "pimp your services" thread .im looking for sombody that can master a track for me, so i can press up some cd,theres tons of offers in that thread but im looking for a recomendation for someone to master this track :

http://soundcloud.com/chloroplast

its electronic,tech-house,minimal.

maybe sombody knows someone how has a better ear for that kinda music etc, im in wexford,but am fully willing to travel to dublin,no probs there.

thanks all......

seannash · 04-03-2009 12:24am

Chloroplast wrote: »

alright lads, first post here(long time unregged viewer), hello to all.

im looking for some advise,after searching the boards and the "pimp your services" thread .im looking for sombody that can master a track for me, so i can press up some cd,theres tons of offers in that thread but im looking for a recomendation for someone to master this track :

http://soundcloud.com/chloroplast

its electronic,tech-house,minimal.

maybe sombody knows someone how has a better ear for that kinda music etc, im in wexford,but am fully willing to travel to dublin,no probs there.

thanks all......

there should be no need for you to travel,just send the person the wav file.thats all they need to master it.

SteveDon · 04-03-2009 12:38am

autist records are doing mastering now from 50 euro on myspace, they have one of the best sounds out there in my opinion

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=69017635

Chloroplast · 04-03-2009 6:22pm

Hey thanks for the replies, steve that autist records link you gave me has really got me interested, i send em a mail, he gave me an opinion on the track and recommended me some stem mastering at 70e a track, i think im gonna go for it,they do have very well done tracks on the myspace player too,

thanks again.

SteveDon · 04-03-2009 6:25pm

let me know how you get on with them! seem like cool chaps alright, im gonna send my stuff to them for mastering once ive got enough tracks im happy with.

Chloroplast · 04-03-2009 6:51pm

will do, i send em another mail telling him i want one done and told em about how many strips of audio i have(about 8) and he got back to me just there a minute ago,

"""stem mastering means 3 audio strips (+ optional a 4th strip with vocals)""

so he tells me if i have more then i need to go for the Mixing + mastering option at 100e a track, now im thinking to either go trough with it or try and break the track into 4 parts, i think i might just bite the bullet and give em the 100e for the whole hog, i would feel better in myself about it,as i want as good a sound as possible.However.....im still searching the boards here too,

will let you know and post the results as soon as anything happens,
g,luck.

Tírghrá · 11-03-2009 10:51am

HI,
i was asked to a couple of gigs here and there but never had any DJ gear! i have a brand new laptop full of music but heres the thing! whats the story with this amp and speaker thing? say i buy a speaker set that are combined at 300watts do i need an amp 300watts + more or whats the deal!? someone please help!
THanks

Tomas_S · 13-03-2009 10:59am

Tírghrá wrote: »

HI,
i was asked to a couple of gigs here and there but never had any DJ gear! i have a brand new laptop full of music but heres the thing! whats the story with this amp and speaker thing? say i buy a speaker set that are combined at 300watts do i need an amp 300watts + more or whats the deal!? someone please help!
THanks

u can find speakers with amps in them already

jimi_t · 22-03-2009 5:04pm

Tomas_S wrote: »

u can find speakers with amps in them already

They're Active speakers, Passive are the ones that need an amp driving them

@Tirghra : If you've any intention of doing it properly you need to get off your ass and onto google, you'll find answers to all your questions within about 5 minutes of searching. I'm not being objectionable here, its just that I reckon the more handholding, the less chance of you succeeding.

New to DJing or production? Need help or advice? Post here

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