what makes a mix...?

what makes a mix...?

seeing as there are alot of dj's on here, i am just curious to know what you think should consist in a perfect mix or what you try to include while compiling your own sets/mixes live or on a cd i.e. intro, outro scratching, spinbacks etc etc etc. this thread doesnt just apply to djs only, input from non-djs about what you think should consist of a perfect dj mix is also weclome.

cheers.

Decent mixing, a good build on tunes, originality.
Thats about it.

Spinbacks etc are shit

nar - gotta have something different in there... not always, but i like tricks and spin backs.... scratches too... anyone can plain beat match.

i think having a good intro is important and then a good mix of tunes which build, blend and flow very smoothly. The music is what you're listening to and the dj is controlling your journey (imo)

i'm not impressed by tricks,scratching etc, if i wanted to see a performing seal i would go to the circus.

Re: what makes a mix...?

This little lot:

I think set building and the way you bring tunes in can impact alot more than any tricks, its surprising the amount of known DJ's who can't structure a set properly, when u hear a set which is done properly you know it!

I dont mind a bit of trickery but not with trance music

if you're playing trance though ( which i presume most people do on here), then tricks sound shite!

just make a nice long mix, which builds up/down really well, all the tunes match perfectly, and you get some nice long mixes!

YKTS - Your sets build really well Dave, you know exactly what I mean

A good intro to build upon then good solid tunes whilst switching from genre to genre but still keeping the same vibe. Cant go wrong with a few tricks here and there but in moderation scratching, beat juggling, swapping basslines over then back again keeps the whole mix intersting imo instead of just mixing from one tune to the other.

here! here! i know what people say that trance mixes should just flow - and i totally agree - it should flow and build - but u always want that little 'thing' to make u go 'aahhhhhh' - totally in moderation *cough*cough*eddie*cough*

....playing someone elses records in an order....

Sounds like your coughing some shit up there Phil, get to the doctors

difficult to swallow.

ooer.

:groovy:

For my two bits worth i would say that energy is really important. Not letting a mix go flat, building an intensity with tunes and the sounds that are used on them. This ourcan then set you to play a bomb also take risks mix across styles to find your own sound. I prefer to hear some one try something new and mess up and then nail it later than play safe especaily with trance doing 16 bar blend mixes. This is justs me though i think every one has there own personnel ideas . But at the end of the day it should make poeple want to Dance and go crazy.

it's a good point. i love trance - there's nowt better. but sometimes it just gets... too perfect. know what i mean?

anyone ... i'm sinking here.... it's like Schumacher all over again.

I think that .with trance it can sound like a mix done on a computer Dance music now can lack that Raw feel with everything as u say too perfect. Saying that Sasha back in the day could totally build a set with this style of mixing getting more amostophic and towards the end then just dropping a class tune to take the roof off. Listerning to a Frankie Knuckles set from 1987 now with him phasing two records togeather which is pretty outstanding remixing a track live in the set and throwing Martin Luther King speaches over the top.

It's very much like Mr Benson says in that the dj takes you on a journey. This is the nature of trance. I see a set like a steady progression that builds up gradually into something perhaps with an edgier beat without losing the euphoria (Above and Beyond are really good at this). All about timing aswell, this makes or breaks it for me as was said before beat matching is par for the course but attention to bass and gain are important.

Take me on a steady journey, build me up. Have an intro that's mellow and less euphoric and reel me in. Go on tease me....

just anything that makes me want to listen. I dont think there is a specific formula....

it's got to be interesting. originality is very important for me as anyone can dj after a bit of practice. i always try and have something for everyone. building sets are always good but when you're actually playing out you have to play to the crowd as they are the people who have paid to get in. also you must never try and steal the show from a bigger name. same applies for mix tapes as anthem bashing won't get you far (in my opinion anyway!)