TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- DJ Booth
-- Mixing based on mood?

Mixing based on mood?

Lately while listening to sets by other DJ's, I've come to really notice mixes that involve 2 songs with contrasting moods. For example, mixing from a sad sounding song into a upbeat happier sounding song, or vice-versa.

Do you take this into consideration at all when mixing? If you were to categorize your music library, what words would you use to describe each mood?

shut up.

seriously.

I wear a mood ring on each finger when I mix and let them decide the next track I play.

quote:

Originally posted by Schadenfreude shut up. seriously.

I should 'politically' tell you to ease off but unfortunately i agree..

Way too deep..

Ted I love your creative thinking

Re: Mixing based on mood?

quote:

Originally posted by DjSqueekz Do you take this into consideration at all when mixing? If you were to categorize your music library, what words would you use to describe each mood?

In the bedroom, totally. At a gig, never.

Re: Mixing based on mood?

quote:

Originally posted by DjSqueekz what words would you use to describe each mood?

anxiety, paranoia on one side, numb, careless on the other.

i have songs that capture a lot of different moods. just depends for what type of set you're trying to make.

quote:

Originally posted by Schadenfreude shut up. seriously.

Another intelligent response from our resident Bond villain lookalike.

I mean come on, you describe one of your sets as:Goes from slow and really deep, to a little bit diva, then to fist pump tech
and then you take a shot at this guy.

You are a fucking comedian and a half pal!

Re: Mixing based on mood?

quote:

Originally posted by DjSqueekz Lately while listening to sets by other DJ's, I've come to really notice mixes that involve 2 songs with contrasting moods. For example, mixing from a sad sounding song into a upbeat happier sounding song, or vice-versa. Do you take this into consideration at all when mixing? If you were to categorize your music library, what words would you use to describe each mood?

I don't really focus on it that much to be honest, but I get where you're coming from.

I usually have 4 genres within my library purely for ease of locating a track. I just make an effort to listen to each track and absorb it so I know the track fairly well, what works etc.

I don't see what's wrong with his question.

Most of you idiots don't know how to create mood/atmosphere in your sets.

quote:

Originally posted by mfitterer1 I don't see what's wrong with his question. Most of you idiots don't know how to create mood/atmosphere in your sets.

Instead of just calling people idiots why don't you enlighten them with how you create a mood in a set so. If you don't find his question strange that is.

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly Instead of just calling people idiots why don't you enlighten them with how you create a mood in a set so. If you don't find his question strange that is.

I think the last part asking about peoples collections and such is kind of an odd thing to ask but I think he not only has every right to ask about building mood and atmosphere but I'm happy to see other dj's putting some emphasis on it.

If you listen to many sets (even from here where dj's have a more underground interest in the music they choose to play) most don't have a clue about mood or atmosphere. Certainly the more commercial dj's have even less of a clue.

As far as what I do it's mainly about paying attention to the mixable parts of the song. If I play a really big energetic song (usually a peak moment for me that I've built up to) I may use that entire outro to let the peak resonate and fade before starting another journey with a more neutral energy track. This works well in a club because it allows a break from dancing to the peak where clubbers can go refill drinks or go to the bathroom before starting over on another group of tracks. In a traditional 2 hour set I do this 3-4 times. It works really well.

There are many tracks in edm that may be uptempo/uplifting but then their mixable parts are very minimal or more downtempo than the peak areas of the song. This is the case in all genres of edm but especially progressive. A lot of people like to mix different genres together like Progressive into Uplifing Trance or such. They just aren't made to be mixed together and while technically you can mix them well; they aren't made to be mixed into each other. There are tracks that are made as transition tracks from genres but I don't think most dj's are astute enough to pay attention to and use the information the tracks give you. Just have to listen and it will tell you. Contrary to popular belief every track doesn't mix well into every other track EVEN if they are in identical key/ bpm/vibe/etc.

I think in the era we are currently in with Mixed In Key and other software being so cheap for what it accomplishes (or even worse being pirated) that djs don't know what it really allows them to do. They see two of their favorite songs within the key range and they choose to play those songs b2b. The focus SHOULD be on the mix and the feeling going from one track into the next. Think about it; in a club setting people don't want to hear huge differences track to track. It should be a consistent flow throughout. The dj should be background music for the social environment the people are enjoying. I don't mean background as in stylistically or as in not playing exciting music but more such that changes song to song should be as subtle as possible so that the people can do what they came to do (dance; mingle, and meet new people/enjoy a night out with friends). It sickens me that the current dj mantra is all about "eyes on me".

I think in the era of piracy (and lets be honest I'd say 80% of dj's steal their music) people don't truly know and love all of their tracks. Thus they don't know what they can accomplish with them. You can use the same songs in several different ways all depending on what areas you use to mix them and how you physically do the mix. In the same breath there are songs that just won't work together in a mix even though technically they work fine.

To be blunt; there are a lot of dumb djs these days. I think that is what keeps a lot of the really good producers out of the clubs. They don't want to be lumped with this attention whore mentality that Tiesto/Armin et all have brought into the music.

^ +1
you have my support, fitt (even if I don't aggree with every word)

Yeaaaa sometimes it does but only mixing at home but never never NEVER at a gig...

To answer the original question,

Sometimes when recording a mix I will be in a particular mood and will decide to mix to that mood. Most of my mixes have a journey in them that typically goes from deep and slow to more energetic stuff.

My music is organised in to folders to make it easier for me to choose the right tune for the moment. For instance, in my trance folder I've got folders for Build Up, Filth, Slamming and Cool Down.

And, in my progressive folder I've got Build up and atmospheric, flat and minimal, vocals, the list goest on.

I agree with most of what mfitferer said but I think that you have a slightly jaded view of other DJs.

I especially agree that those DJs who are relying on the technology of a laptop to do the technical side of mixing are probably more likely to think less about the music they are mixing. So yes, just because the software says it can mix does not mean that it was meant to go. The dance floor might not come up and complain to the DJ but if you watch their body language you will see it has interrupted their MOJO

A few good point, but some people are focussing to much on the schematics instead of concentrating on the end result.

When I'm doing a demo, yes it's usually based on my mood. At a club sometimes but not all. I try to vibe and go with the crowds mood. I like to take the crowd through a journey. I tend to start a set chill, then get aggressive. Once again though it just depends on the crowd.

quote:

Originally posted by A.B A few good point, but some people are focussing to much on the schematics instead of concentrating on the end result.

Yup; in the end doesn't matter how you get there. Just that you do indeed get there with a great finished product. As always there are different strokes for different folks.

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.