DJ Mixes - Creating The Right Mix For Each Event

You can own the best DJ equipment in the world, however if you don't choose the right DJ Mixes songs for each event, you'll be useless. From millions and millions of songs to choose from, how do you know what songs to play at each event. How many times have you gone to a party and heard songs that just baffle you? Don't be "that" DJ.

You need to understand your clientele. Music is different all around the country and all around the world so I can't tell you which DJ Mixes to play, however I can help direct you in the right direction. Luckily, pop music and popular artists are pretty universal. Generally sticking with popular artists at any event will be a safe bet. Of course you'll need to find out the musical preference of the client.

"Pop artists" is still a bit too general to help you gauge what to play for your DJ Mixes. While Popular Club music might go over great for a Wedding in a metropolitan area, Pop Country music might be more appropriate for a Wedding in the middle of America. Furthermore, while Trance/Techno music is great for Night Clubs, it's probably not a good idea to play this type of music at a 50th Birthday Party.

How do you know what type of music to play then? Honestly, use common sense. You know the demographics and the most popular genre of music in your areas better than me. If you still have no idea, find out about the local popular radio station and listen to it for a while. I live in the New York City Area and I understand how important it is to own a lot of the popular songs on the radio.

Usually the songs that are played on the radio stations in my area are also found on iTunes top songs list. I always make sure that I have most of the top songs from iTunes, unless I really think the song stinks. I keep my parties clean, so I don't usually download anything with inappropriate language for any of my DJ mixes.

When I DJ any type of Teen party/dance, many of the top iTunes songs usually serve as a pretty good play list. When I am doing a party for teens and adults, like a bar-bat Mitzvah, I'll play a mix of current pop music and then a mix some older classics for the parents, which I'll get into a little later. At parties like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs you'll probably have just an many adults as kids, so try to accommodate the parents while the kids are off playing games or eating.

Another music trick that may accommodate both adults and kids/teens is to get a list and play songs from Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Because of these popular video games, I am finding that many kids are more versed on classic rock songs that some adults. Some songs may not be appropriate to include in your DJ Mixes. You'll find bands like The Who, Bon Jovi, ACDC, Boston, Queen, and more! If you don't want to choose the exact songs from Guitar Hero or Rock Band, consider playing other popular songs from these artists.

When you are deciding on songs to include in your DJ Mixes, consider your guests and work from there. For Kids/Teens/Young Adults it's pretty safe to go with recent Top 40 songs. If you are playing to adults, play some current songs and find a playlist of top 100 songs of all times. If you are playing to a mix of all ages, don't be afraid to play Top 40 Songs and Top songs from all time. There are lists for all types of music! If you are considering playing at a Club, first find out what type of music they might prefer (i.e. house, techno, trance, lounge, electronic, etc.) and then fill your music database with that type of music.

My final and most important suggestion is to check with the client. They are usually happy to discuss the event with you and recommend certain Genres and Style so you can create the perfect DJ Mixes for the party.

Learn How to DJ the professional way at http://www.howtodjpro.com/ and get your FREE Newsletter INCLUDING Party Set-Lists, dance mixes, top songs info, links to equipment prices and reviews, and so much more to ensure maximum success and quality for DJ's at all levels. Don't be left behind your competition! My name is John peterson (DJ Masterminds) and my focus is your dj'ing success!

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Choosing the Right Hip Hop Instrumentals for Your Album

Amateur producers blast the volume of their projects. It may entice you. However, when you get to the studio, the high volume will allow little room for your vocals.

Also, when choosing professional quality hip hop instrumentals, it will not be the producer that makes the hit but rather the artist. Your emotional content and character MUST be completely exposed in your performance in order to get your audiences attention. Learn to express yourself accurately. Do not be someone else. In the end, you will thrive because of your uniqueness. You will fall short of your goals if you are the same as everyone else. If you have a choice to pick a silver chain or a silver chain, which one will you choose? But what if the choice is to choose a silver chain or a gold chain? This is how the market works. You should also be choosing your beats the same way. They should be all original.

Don't settle for mixes that are high priced. It probably took minutes to produce the track but you are charged a fortune for it. Look for original hip hop beats only. And don't worry about someone else leasing the same beat.

That's why you choose an underdog producer. Remember, there are thousands of great producers. Only some are greatly exposed resulting in their beats being highly circulated. Find an underdog that suits your style and stick to him/her. You are more likely to get special deals.

WORKING WITH YOUR PRODUCER

Once you have a producer who you are satisfied with, work with the producer for more deals and more instrumentals for your projects. Still shop around. You need to do what you have to do in order to complete your project(s). Just make sure that you take full advantage of your producers deals. Learn to negotiate and be reasonable. Remember, a true hip hop beat takes time when composed from scrap. I've heard of producers saying that you should produce 5 beats a day! I've been producing music for 17 years and 4 years professional. Trust me. At that rate the producer is very likely to be welding pre-made clips that take very little time. I've even heard clips on mainstream artist songs! LAZY! LAZY! LAZY!

BEATS WITH HOOKS

Don't always look for beats with hooks. It does too much work for you. Learn to explore your talent. After all, you are an artist. So be an artist. Learn through discovery and practice. You'll be amazed what you can achieve when you find yourself. Also, it will give you an open door to find someone who may be gifted in singing if you simply do not possess the skills. You might even have a friend who can do it.

IN CLOSING

Thank you for reading this information. I want to be able to help artists who need direction. I hope that this has helped you in some way. Good luck on your journey to becoming the next hot artist!

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Get Signed! The Right Mix For Music Biz Success

To get signed by the record label of your choice, you need to have what it takes. Check this list, and see how you stand:

Originality

Hundreds of artists get signed each year. Thousands of artists release CDs. In order to stand out from the rest of the releases, you need to be different. Do you write killer songs? Do you, or your lead singer, have unique vocals? Is your style or image different from what's out in the market now? Take some time to think about your act and how it compares to others currently on The Billboard chart.

Sometimes it helps to write down a description of your act and its music. Ask a few friends and fans to do the same, even asking for comparisons to popular bands. Compare the notes, and see where you agree (or not). The results will be interesting. Pay close attention to the descriptions given by those who come to see you play. They may see things that you might never notice from the stage.

Vocals

In pop music, vocals are crucial. The voice is the main thing that listeners hear when they play music. A phenomenal guitarist is great, an amazing drummer is wonderful, but the success of a song literally hangs on the vocals.

It helps if the voice itself is distinctive, but it's more important that the vocals be clear, in tune, and capable of conveying an emotion, whether it's anger, joy, or love. The voice, along with the song, should inspire others to sing along and replay often.

Live Appearances

For a performer, live appearances are your where it's at. Live shows bring you closer to your fans, and they also help attract new ones. There's nothing like seeing musicians playing their hearts out on stage, and giving a great show. When done right, these performances inspire the audience. There is a direct correlation of successful shows to CD sales.

Another part of live appearances is being in as many places as possible to promote your record. Perform as much as you can in your hometown, and be sure to network at music industry events. You never know where you'll meet your next collaborator.

The Right Image

If you noticed, I wrote the right image. As in, the right image for you. We live in a media driven society, which creates a demand for artists and bands to have some kind of "look": grunge, bad girl, glam rocker, etc. However, it's important to note that your image is an extension of who you are, and should be believable. If you're an earthy singer/songwriter, bright makeup, cleavage, and stiletto heels will only make you uncomfortable. If you're not used to wearing those items, it will be noticed in photos and in person.

A "Hit" Song

Even if you don't want to get signed, having a song that has hit quality will take you far. Hit songs, for the most part, are those that hook the listener, and are easy to sing along. Can you picture a group of girls (or guys) in a car singing along full voice to your song on the radio? That's a good test.

To improve your songwriting ability, write often. Classes and workshops are another option, and are also offered by music industry organizations and performing rights societies. These are good places to meet potential collaborators.

The Right Teams

Your "team" is the group of professionals whose job is to help you on your way to success. The members include an entertainment attorney, a business manager/accountant, and a manager. Your team may also include a publicist. Effective teams are made up of people you can trust, who fully believe in your talent.

Identification

Identification comes into the picture when your audience decides, usually pretty quickly, if they feel the way you do. When Mariah Carey sings a love song about loving someone always, there are many people who identify with her. Not only do they know what it's like to feel that way about someone, they also believe that she has as well. Fans identify with the artists whose image that they believe. When you decide on your image, choose one that feels authentic, not artificial. This is a great way to attract loyal fans.

Carla Lynne Hall is a musician and music marketing consultant based in New York City. Her mission is to make music and share her knowledge with other musicians. As a musician, she has released three CDs on her own label, and has toured the world as a singer/songwriter, and professional vocalist. In addition, she also has spent a number of years behind the scenes in the music industry, in publishing, management, publicity, and radio promotion.

Carla has given indie music lectures at many venues, including ASCAP, Songwriter's Hall of Fame, The Indie Music Forum, and Philadelphia Music Conference. As well as being the former music business columnist for Vibe Magazine, Carla has written articles for http://www.musicdish.com/ and other publications around the world, and is the author of The DIY Guide to the Music Biz and Twitter for Musicians. Carla blogs about the life of the indie musician at http://rockstarlifelessons.com/

Promote your band, build your fanbase, and sell your music!

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