CoNvIcTeD
Ok so right now I'm running VDJ7 Home Premium with a premium membership on a dell laptop which meets average requirements to run the program correctly. Im completely new to the whol djing thing and am extremely eager to learn. Im not your average teenager and im not a rich boy either. Im looking for advice such as a good controller, loud but sturdy speakers I can take on the go, and any other equipment mandatory for a gig. im looking for average if not somewhat better but not high quality equipment. Some other questions i have include like when I'm listening to a mix and I hear the instrumental to one song but i hear the vocals of another completely different song what is that called and how would i be able to do so? Suggestions on playlists I have numerous songs that i downloaded to the VDJ cache but im looking for just lists of popular hits and good lineups to include. Im really trying to take off and as many comments provided are greatly appreciated. Regards&Thanks in advance I could use all the help I can get.
Mensajes Tue 12 Apr 11 @ 3:46 pm
SuperAceMan
Try reading Looking for a controller (first time DJ) and then doing some research on what you learn from the community members. Google is your friend.
Two songs put together is called a Mash-Up.
For music selection check iTunes, billboard, MTV charts, etc. The most important part of being a DJ is knowing your music, so get familiar with charts and stay on top of what's considered hot.
Best of luck.
AC
Two songs put together is called a Mash-Up.
For music selection check iTunes, billboard, MTV charts, etc. The most important part of being a DJ is knowing your music, so get familiar with charts and stay on top of what's considered hot.
Best of luck.
AC
Mensajes Tue 12 Apr 11 @ 4:41 pm
dj Forged
Welcome. When picking a controller you have to first determine what you would like to do. I would recommend starting with a simple MIDI controller, unless you really want to scratch. I started with the Hercules RMX and I love it! there are many posts on this site about different controllers and what they do, so take some time and search through the forums and you will find something you like. Speakers I can't help you out with because i'm currently borrowing my friend's PA until I get my own lol.
When you hear vocals to 1 song, and instrumentals for another, that's called a "mashup." You find the instruments to tracks you like, and the acapella version to another song. sync the bpm's, make sure it will sound good, and play both at the same time. you can use the record feature on vdj to make it into one track. that's just one way to do it, I'm sure there are many more
as far as the popular music is concerned, just look at billboard charts or your states radio channel websites to see what they are playing.
When you hear vocals to 1 song, and instrumentals for another, that's called a "mashup." You find the instruments to tracks you like, and the acapella version to another song. sync the bpm's, make sure it will sound good, and play both at the same time. you can use the record feature on vdj to make it into one track. that's just one way to do it, I'm sure there are many more
as far as the popular music is concerned, just look at billboard charts or your states radio channel websites to see what they are playing.
Mensajes Tue 12 Apr 11 @ 4:43 pm
CoNvIcTeD
Thanks for the help lol im only fourteen but Im gonna do what you guys suggested and check out some more controller information I agree and I dont wanna spend too much money on a controller that I dont know a damn thing about I'll probably end up using a basic MIDI controller. I also just upgraded to Pro (not full but the one before that) currently ive got a couple of gigs coming up where Im going to be using other pa systems and things but right now Im on the hunt for durable indoor and outdoor speaker/pa systems I mainly wanna have the ability to just play music in a large areas because the audience in these venues really wont care about any talent at all( young teens) just as long as they can dance to something lol. Although if anyone has a playlist for something that can't be explicit like a school dance, prom etc. that would be very helpful as well. Thanks for the help and thanks in advance for anyone who can answer the following questions lol
Mensajes Tue 12 Apr 11 @ 5:04 pm
djnutz
I appreciate your enthusiasm for getting into this business. A couple tips:
If you have gigs booked, you would be wise to be 100% up front with whoever is paying you about your experience, or lack thereof.
If you have truly "upgraded to pro" then make sure you register your serial number. Saying you have VDJ Pro and having "no license user" under your screen name here leads to people assuming you are using a cracked, AKA stolen, version of VDJ. Now I know you wouldn't want to be thought of as a thief. And I am pretty sure you would want as much help from folks around here as you could get.
If you haven't upgraded to Pro, keep in mind that the free home version terms of service state that it is not for commercial use. That means, if you are going out and DJ'ing a gig, you need to have a LEGAL Pro license. Not to mention that with Pro you get all the controller support, skins, addons, effects, etc for FREE...for life!
What is your plan if your computer crashes?
What if your speakers fail?
What if your equipment falls and hurts a guest?
What if your equipment damages the venue, i.e. scratches, dents, dings, etc.?
These are all real issues that other DJ's have faced. I'm not trying to be a$$hole here, just being realistic. At 14 years old, you simply have not had the life experience that some of us older DJ's have. Also, I know in most places, you cannot enter into a legal contract until age 18. Stick to doing small events for your peers before trying to go out into the DJ world. Do you know how to handle a drunk person? If you are doing weddings or bars, there is always one that will drink a little too much. They might see you as just a kid they can push around. I want you to be able to succeed in this business.
If you want the respect of your DJ peers, then show respect by paying for a legal copy of Virtual DJ.
Pay for your music.
Pay for quality gear you can rely on as well as a decent backup.
Listen to the advice of your elder DJ and learn how to handle ANY situation with style and grace.
These are the marks of a true professional.
If you have gigs booked, you would be wise to be 100% up front with whoever is paying you about your experience, or lack thereof.
If you have truly "upgraded to pro" then make sure you register your serial number. Saying you have VDJ Pro and having "no license user" under your screen name here leads to people assuming you are using a cracked, AKA stolen, version of VDJ. Now I know you wouldn't want to be thought of as a thief. And I am pretty sure you would want as much help from folks around here as you could get.
If you haven't upgraded to Pro, keep in mind that the free home version terms of service state that it is not for commercial use. That means, if you are going out and DJ'ing a gig, you need to have a LEGAL Pro license. Not to mention that with Pro you get all the controller support, skins, addons, effects, etc for FREE...for life!
What is your plan if your computer crashes?
What if your speakers fail?
What if your equipment falls and hurts a guest?
What if your equipment damages the venue, i.e. scratches, dents, dings, etc.?
These are all real issues that other DJ's have faced. I'm not trying to be a$$hole here, just being realistic. At 14 years old, you simply have not had the life experience that some of us older DJ's have. Also, I know in most places, you cannot enter into a legal contract until age 18. Stick to doing small events for your peers before trying to go out into the DJ world. Do you know how to handle a drunk person? If you are doing weddings or bars, there is always one that will drink a little too much. They might see you as just a kid they can push around. I want you to be able to succeed in this business.
If you want the respect of your DJ peers, then show respect by paying for a legal copy of Virtual DJ.
Pay for your music.
Pay for quality gear you can rely on as well as a decent backup.
Listen to the advice of your elder DJ and learn how to handle ANY situation with style and grace.
These are the marks of a true professional.
Mensajes Wed 13 Apr 11 @ 7:51 am
CoNvIcTeD
Believe me I'm not a cracked user I meant to say with in the next few days I will have just upgraded to pro and believe me I know about a number of the rules and retsrictions. Im doing gigs for peers and I have backup with a friend If anything seems to go wrong hes an older dj. I completely understand your not being an a$$hole your being truthful and realistic. In which I respect and can only thankyour for the help and advice. Im extremely interested in the buisness and am trying to further my experience in it as soon as I can.
Mensajes Wed 13 Apr 11 @ 1:59 pm
djnutz
A really great place to start is to find a reputable DJ in your area. Call him/her up and tell them your story about wanting to get into this business. Then offer your help as a roadie for free. Now granted since you are so young, some guys might be hesitant to accept your offer, but I would keep trying until you find someone willing to take a chance on you. While you are doing hard work for no monetary pay, the "on-the-job" training you get is invaluable. From the way they roll up their cables to the way they project on a mic, you can learn all the ins and outs of this biz. Not only that, but as you mature, this "mentor" might end up having extra bookings he/she could send your way.
And any DJ that tosses his overinflated ego at you, fu(k em. Humility will take you ten times further in this business. The number of DJ's who want to be able to draw a crowd like Deadmau5 or Tiesto is a vastly large bunch of no-talent a$$-clowns with bigger than life ego's. Very few, if any, make it to the Tiesto level of stardom.
Some of the best DJ's I have ever heard are nothing more than local guys who built names for themselves where they live. They are polite and humble. They understand that without a crowd, you are nothing more than a dude playing music for yourself.
As to your upcoming shows for your peers, do your research. Read the Top40 charts on Billboard, Itunes, XM Radio, local radio, etc. Here is the golden rule:
Playing the right songs at just the right time is much more important than beatmixing. If you can't beatmix well, then don't. The majority of your crowd could care less if you just faded one song to the next or beatmixed flawlessly. But if your mix sounds like a pair of tennis shoes in a dryer, THAT they will notice.
And any DJ that tosses his overinflated ego at you, fu(k em. Humility will take you ten times further in this business. The number of DJ's who want to be able to draw a crowd like Deadmau5 or Tiesto is a vastly large bunch of no-talent a$$-clowns with bigger than life ego's. Very few, if any, make it to the Tiesto level of stardom.
Some of the best DJ's I have ever heard are nothing more than local guys who built names for themselves where they live. They are polite and humble. They understand that without a crowd, you are nothing more than a dude playing music for yourself.
As to your upcoming shows for your peers, do your research. Read the Top40 charts on Billboard, Itunes, XM Radio, local radio, etc. Here is the golden rule:
Playing the right songs at just the right time is much more important than beatmixing. If you can't beatmix well, then don't. The majority of your crowd could care less if you just faded one song to the next or beatmixed flawlessly. But if your mix sounds like a pair of tennis shoes in a dryer, THAT they will notice.
Mensajes Wed 13 Apr 11 @ 2:24 pm
CoNvIcTeD
@DjNutz thanks for all the advice and help you made me look at the biz in a whole different way. I know im young and its gonna take me a while to work up to the professional level of experience but im gonna give it 1000% If you can shoot me a friend request I definitely want to be able to use you as a reference, advise and somewhat virtual mentor lol. Im definetely going to try and workout some kind of roadie thing with a local dj i know a couple but they do alot of traveling and I dont have the money to fly all the places they fly to but Im sure they have to have some local venues they travel to for shows thanks for all the advice and I hope to be able to keep in touch when I need help on certain things.
Mensajes Wed 13 Apr 11 @ 4:20 pm