Ok, I may be touching on a subject that has been dealt with...if so a link would be much appreciated. Thanks!

This is geared towards those who make a living Mixing/DJing/Producing or some combination there of...

My question is, What does one look for when choosing 2 tracks to mix together (any genre applies)? Are there certain elements to look for that could make a mix smoother, flow better?

I know this is a broad question but what are your prefered techniques that you find work well. Any insight on this subject or related subjects would be much appreciated.

Last edited by DjPat on Jan-28-2008 at 06:10

some people live by the key of a song. a diagram (i believe it's called the camelot system?) shows what different keys blend better with other keys. other than that, whatever just flows well.

just go with what you think would sound best at the moment (for me at least). For others, there's harmonic mixing which includes the key of the track and what track would mesh well with the key of the current track.

by the way,dj booth forums are your friend.

You'll find more specific help in the DJ Booth forum on here.

I go by my ears when trying to find a tune that will work with what's playing. I've taken the time to learn my tracks before playing them out, so while a track is playing I'm mentally playing back the other tracks that are in my binder. Eventually I'll think of the track/sound that I want to use.

It really just boils down to knowing your tunes and knowing where you want to take the mix (mood-wise or energy-wise).

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- Does it fit the overall "build/flow" of the set thus far?
- Will it sound out of key?

Those are pretty much the only "criteria" for a track when I'm digging through my case.

The only condition I try to adhere to when DJing is mixing in key. I personally don't give a fuck about all this 'flow' and 'set structure' nonsense. Sudden changes, including genre switches, I think make for a far more interesting set. I leave the 'take me on a journey' bollocks to the Markus Schulz loving gimps.

That's just me though.

If you're looking to do a long, smooth mix then you absolutely must match phrases. If you simply beatmatch but don't cue on the beginning of a phrase then it'll sound quite scruffy. If you have it so the tracks are phrase-matched, the two tracks will start/stop doing things in synch.

Another thing is that the respective tracks should not really be doing the same thing. If both tracks are doing the same kind of thing, they'll just be competing. It sounds better if you bring in a low bassline beneath an airy string section than if two basslines are fighting throughout.

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> Maximum Elevation [Progressive House]
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> Live @ Dance:Love:Hub London, 11.10.2025
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quote:

Originally posted by DJ Mikey Mike I leave the 'take me on a journey' bollocks to the Markus Schulz loving gimps. That's just me though.

LMFAO

No, I will not take my clothes off with you.

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WOW... some good stuff here. Definitely a lot of things to consider or not to consider. Thanks All

Another question...When DJing live at a club or radio or anything, do you have a set set so to speak. Do you plan it out ahead of time track for track. and what are things you consider before doing/accepting a gig.

Oh and how did you all start?

dont worry last questions there...heheh thanks again

I play more deep house n techish stuff so Im not sure if this applies to trance as much, but when choosing the next track i generally take into considerations whats driving it. Eg: the style bassline that may be driving it (rolling, glithy, subtle, phat). Or the percussion, or the melody (eg. pulsating or smooth strings) . So if track A is quite percussive, i'd look for a nice rolling bassline to switch under it as the next track. I try not to mix similarily driven tracks together as i find when going for ~3 min mixes it can get way too busy.