Was just wondering what some of you thought about this. A friend of mine has a book on tips and such of how to dj. I think I may go ahead and buy it but I also don't want to move away from a style of mixing/dj'ing that I may have developed on my own. So what do you guys think? Is it better to just learn on your own and develop your own style?

I don't think a book of tips will produce a style... style is less technical and more artistic.

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Originally posted by DOOMBOT Was just wondering what some of you thought about this. A friend of mine has a book on tips and such of how to dj. I think I may go ahead and buy it but I also don't want to move away from a style of mixing/dj'ing that I may have developed on my own. So what do you guys think? Is it better to just learn on your own and develop your own style?

I think that with DJ'ing, it's best if you're self-taught. As an artist in whichever field you choose, it's always better if you do your own thing. Don't listen to what a book tells you to do; do what feels right for you, what works for you, and just overall what you feel is the best thing for your sets.

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Originally posted by Ryan0751 I don't think a book of tips will produce a style... style is less technical and more artistic.

Style is technical, as well. Transitions are all a part of the DJ's style. If a DJ wants to spin a banging/hard set, then transitions will be quick and hard. If he wants to spin an energetic yet smooth-flowing set, then obviously the transitions will be smooth. I dunno how to explain it. :-/

That's the artistic part of it

The basics are the same though, and if a book helps you to properly balance your needles, beatmatch correctly, etc., then it's all good!

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Originally posted by idoru Style is technical, as well. Transitions are all a part of the DJ's style. If a DJ wants to spin a banging/hard set, then transitions will be quick and hard. If he wants to spin an energetic yet smooth-flowing set, then obviously the transitions will be smooth. I dunno how to explain it. :-/

its like learning an instrument

a book can help you learn (like learning the guitar or piano)

it can get you started, and explain the basics

but it cant teach a "Style"... and after that you have to practice!

you learn style yourself as you go on...

I think that book will teach you more about stuff life "Not to run the mixer channels so high that all of the lights go red etc"

I bought the book "How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records" and it has lots of good info about stuff like how to choose songs, stuff about equipment etc I skipped throught beatmatching section since I have my beatmatching spot on(with occasional messups, but I know the basics)

Im not done reading yet (it can be used as a manual) but so far I have picked up lots of good info and I dont think it will affect your style.

There is no "right" way to mix records if you ask me, as long as it sounds tight its all good imho.

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Dan K

I tend to compare mixing with art. Every artist is different even if their styles are similar their work is always different. Two artists, Same skills (technique), Same paint (music) but one paints on canvas and the other paints on card. The results are completely different because of they way they put it on paper (track arrangement) and their own interpretation (style)

You can teach how to paint (techniques etc) but you cant teach art itself. End of the day though your either talented at it or your not.

Ok im just rambling now....

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TECHICS 1210 MK2's // DENON DN-S3000's // NUMARK AXIS 2 // STANTON SMX501 // 2x TOSHIBA LAPTOP 2.6G // TRAKTOR 2.0
ELECTRO HOUSE // TECH HOUSE // TECH TRANCE // HARD TRANCE // EUPH TRANCE

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Originally posted by Danila I think that book will teach you more about stuff life "Not to run the mixer channels so high that all of the lights go red etc" I bought the book "How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records" and it has lots of good info about stuff like how to choose songs, stuff about equipment etc I skipped throught beatmatching section since I have my beatmatching spot on(with occasional messups, but I know the basics) Im not done reading yet (it can be used as a manual) but so far I have picked up lots of good info and I dont think it will affect your style. There is no "right" way to mix records if you ask me, as long as it sounds tight its all good imho.

I believe that is the book I am referring to. Has a half picture of a turntable right?

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Originally posted by DOOMBOT I believe that is the book I am referring to. Has a half picture of a turntable right?

Many people suggested this book before I got it

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Dan K

There it is. I may grab it also.

Im quite lucky. I work with a guy who has a residency at a local club. I go round his house often and mix. He doesnt teach me but his critique is invaluable. He's been mixing I think around 5-6yrs now.

Ive been wanting to play in a club since I was 11 and now im getting closer to getting a chance. I used to know a guy back along and I chatted about wanting to play out when I start mixing properly (back then I had Traktor and an old pc). He said to me in this game it aint what you know, but who you know. Its so true. This guy I work with personally knows Uberdruck, Blutionium Boy and Tom Costello off the top of my head..

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TECHICS 1210 MK2's // DENON DN-S3000's // NUMARK AXIS 2 // STANTON SMX501 // 2x TOSHIBA LAPTOP 2.6G // TRAKTOR 2.0
ELECTRO HOUSE // TECH HOUSE // TECH TRANCE // HARD TRANCE // EUPH TRANCE

Last edited by trancecadet on Jun-01-2006 at 17:00