Thursday, June 16, 2011

Q&A with DJ Shwann...


Question: "What software do you use to make your mixes?"

Because I've been asked this question several times this week, I thought I'd answer the question right here on my Blog --- Short Answer: None.

Long Answer: I use only a Pioneer mixer/CDJs and a portable Tascam DR-1 recorder. I never have and probably never will use any type of software to make my mixes... or utilize any editing software after the fact: what you hear is what you get.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against DJs that use software to pump out their mixes (it's a whole lot easier than the way that I do it, that's for damn sure!) BUT I strongly suggest that if you're just "starting out" that you go the old school route and make your mixes the old school way (are mixers/CDJs already considered old school???)

That way you learn the basics and build a solid grasp of song structure/phrasing, beat-matching, and learn to differentiate between the many different keys - btw, your "noob" ears will almost be completely deaf to this concept for a while... but trust me, you'll slowly start hear it and to eventually train your ear to differentiate between the keys and sets of chords (i.e. what sounds good with what and what sounds like "kaka" [muddy, off, clashy, etc] together).

Anyway... there's plenty, plenty, plenty more to write about that subject but right now that's more than enough to wrap your newbie brain around. Hopefully my answer to a simple question wasn't too long winded... peace out!

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