Calling all OCUK DJ's

I dont know much about DJing but cant you just take your own? Did you go Frantic 12 at Koko this year? Proteus and Frisky played - Best set/performance ive seen him do. Only problem was that he was on around 3am so everything else after sounded like cheese!
 
^ yep.

the problem with taking your own decks is that you either have to let everyone else use them (= no thanks!!) or there is a big pause in between sets while you plug them in
 
Lots of good advice, thanks!

Out of interest, what does it sound like mixing behind a big rig? and are mistakes more or less obvious? I only ask because I use Eltax Monitors in my room and they don't colour the sound at all so mistakes are obvious.

Also, I use Stanton ST-150's which I think are way better than 1210's. They are much stronger than 1210's so they're different to mix on. Do you think it will be a big shock switching over?
 
^ you should have monitors, as well as the rig.

Every rig is different, but if it's set up well then if it sounds good on the DJ booth monitors then
it will sound good on the rig. If it's a F1 or Void rig, then there will probably be tons of bass! :D

I guess mistakes will be more noticable on a better rig, but just listen to the monitors and all should be good... There should be a sound engineer who worries about the rig, it can be a stressful job!

I've never used the stantons, but I imagine they're pretty similar... many club 1210's have pretty screwed up pitch control from years of dust and smoke going into the fader... But if you can mix by ear instead of remembering "this record needs +4" then you'll be fine.
Whats 'trainwreck' when you screw up the beatmatching?

yep
 
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Lots of good advice, thanks!

Out of interest, what does it sound like mixing behind a big rig? and are mistakes more or less obvious? I only ask because I use Eltax Monitors in my room and they don't colour the sound at all so mistakes are obvious.

Also, I use Stanton ST-150's which I think are way better than 1210's. They are much stronger than 1210's so they're different to mix on. Do you think it will be a big shock switching over?

Less obvious, there is so much reverb in clubs that only really shoddy mixes are noticeable.
 
Just get practicing on some 1210s, pretty much every club I've been in uses them and a DJM600. The kit has usually taken a beating, I've played in places where knobs and things are missing off of mixers. Mistakes are much less obvious to everyone else, you'll need a good pair of headphones. HD25s are my favourite as they block out more external noise than most others. Remember too that in some places, depending on the system, there can be a delay from your monitors to the main speakers.
 
that's good to know. I never have issues with beat matching at home but I really get the shakes with others present. Does anyone else ever feel like they're going to pass out after an hour on the decks? It's so intense to focus for that period of time.
 
that's good to know. I never have issues with beat matching at home but I really get the shakes with others present. Does anyone else ever feel like they're going to pass out after an hour on the decks? It's so intense to focus for that period of time.

I used to get this, I think often you can worry too much about getting everything spot on, I guess you could call it being a perfectionist...

I'm not really sure what to suggest, apart from worry less!
 
I have been mixing drum and bass for years and without blowing my own trumpet I am very good. The problem Is I just don't have the confidence to play out to a big crowd. Despite knowing I'm good, I even crumble when someone walks into my bedroom, I just get all shaky.

I go out to so many clubs and hate it cus I know I could be making money and mixing better than plenty of the residents.

I would like some advice on how to get over these feelings, has anyone else been through the same thing? I just can't stand it if my mix isn't perfect and I always go for the ambitious mixes, maybe I should simplify?

Confidence boost and advice please.

After you've been out clubbing go to the after parties where everyone is wrecked. The atmosphere will be a lot more laid back and ask whoevers playing if you can spin a few tunes.
 
If you don't already, start recording yourself. Its not much but it puts a little presure on yourself to get you going.
Next, get some mates round, perhaps for a few beers before you go out to get everyone in the mood.
Round this area, some shops used to put dj's on during the day on saturdays, perhaps find one that'll let you do it for free, to get you in the mood.
Some record shops let you play out too if you ask.
House parties are the best place to start though, spread the word on facebook your do some for free, they pay you in beers or something,
remember, xmas is only just round the corner....the party season.
 
Just drop in Snapshot or Original Nutta' and you'll see what I mean :p

You could drop them tunes in the middle of a Englebert Humperdink medley and the place would go mental.

Which reminds me, anyone in this thread ever see the Baptazia videos?

Check youtube for them, can't link due to MC's swearing.
 
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its not all about the mix mate, tune selection is just as important and tbh that will define you as a dj more than perfect mixes everytime...look at brockie and the likes lol ;)

just get out and do it, it will be only once you will be really nervous then after you will know what to expect!
 
Was a dj for around 18 years across many genres and was once in the same boat as you , I started at small gigs like pub nights and house parties, I did a mixture of clubs, some big, some small - but if I'm totally honest free parties is where it was at for me - as a Dj I just found the crowd/atmosphere so much better (but that's obviously my personal pref)

Confidence wise a couple of beers go a long way, but don't over do it. Start with a cracker of a tune and if possible try and be different so you stand out (very hard to do these day I know!) I used to do 4 decks occasionally which set me aside from others dj's at the time, obviously I'm not suggesting this for DnB!

By all means start small with house parties etc, overall though I would say from my own experience it's not the size of the crowd but the atmosphere that will give you confidence - give to the crowd and feed off the crowd. Good luck!
 
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