Interactive DJs Bpm or key ?

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EVDEANDA

New DJ
Nov 5, 2018
5
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I'm new to the dj seen. So I've been learning on my own and by watching YouTube videos. What's your opinion on mixing in key verses mixing in bpm ?

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mix in both...

I usually prioritize BPM, but then I try hard to mix in key, (same time) while keeping BPMS close although it doesn't always happen.
 
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I started by just mixing in bpm but was told that it was better to prioritize in key and if possible both. Just trying to get different opinions. Thx for the feedback.

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Definitely learn bpm first... key is a new school thing that us old heads had to do by ear back when it couldnt be displayed on a screen... though important for the overall sound of a perfect house set at a festival... it isnt the end all of a good party/wedding set... (im now prepared to get bashed by albatross lolol )

the key to a good party set is "heart" and "soul".... and infectious hooks...mixed seamlessly and at the exact right moment.... i could spend months categorizing songs by key and get stuck in that headspace and end up lulling my audience to sleep with one long brown note

move people with your selections and dont get too caught up in much else

cc
 
this brings up a good topic tho...

im glad i learned to dj by myself in my basement... without even so much as a book from a library to help me.... this whole thing of learning by commitee...or being bombarded by so many opinions would make me bonkers.... no youtube video or post on a forum will ever make a good dj... it requires being locked in a room with your music until you figure out how YOU are going to dj... your style...

Then you go out into the world...a club...or a party....and you learn quite fast what to change about your style... u see what makes people react...what songs...what techniques ...etc....and after a couple years you relax into a definitive style
 
My mix priority is the audience. The BPM and the Key are just tools to be used. The key is less important if you are mixing at the breakdowns and it will change if you change the pitch.
 
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with pitch n time from Serato, the key is locked, and when you move the slider, it actually controls the tempo.

You can also change the key too, while having separate control over tempo.
 
Definitely learn bpm first... key is a new school thing that us old heads had to do by ear back when it couldnt be displayed on a screen... though important for the overall sound of a perfect house set at a festival... it isnt the end all of a good party/wedding set... (im now prepared to get bashed by albatross lolol )

Then again you could do the whole thing by ear...Actually I find that easier than looking at a screen and hoping the BPM and key were calculated right. Back in the day you had to know your music and listen for transitions these days it's damn near idiot proof
 
Then again you could do the whole thing by ear...Actually I find that easier than looking at a screen and hoping the BPM and key were calculated right. Back in the day you had to know your music and listen for transitions these days it's damn near idiot proof

Agreed!!

I have so many tracks that seem to have been allocated the wrong bpm by rekordbox...makes me wonder what the "synch" button people do...

I used to use a click counter and a watch to label all my records for bpm

cc
 
I'm new to the dj seen. So I've been learning on my own and by watching YouTube videos. What's your opinion on mixing in key verses mixing in bpm ?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

What style of DJing are you interested in?

BPM is always critical if you're beat matching, but when and how you use it will depend on your format. For example...

A house music DJ might stay in a similar range all night. And they also might use long layering techniques with 2-4 tracks running simultaneously. Having the key right is important if you're going to be doing this.

Mixing open format, hip hop, or general party mixes... they key is much less critical. Most mixes are not as long, and you'll generally avoid having melodic components on top of each other.
 
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I'm still fairly new and haven't determined a style. I haven't preformed in any events. I'm just trying to get experienced Dj's perspective on the topic so I can get better. Any advice on any dj topics will be great appreciated.

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I'm still fairly new and haven't determined a style. I haven't preformed in any events. I'm just trying to get experienced Dj's perspective on the topic so I can get better. Any advice on any dj topics will be great appreciated.

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Where are you from? And do you go out to hear other DJs that you enjoy?
 
I'm from the bay area, California. I have been going to local spots to hear everyone's styles.

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Matching BPM is most important if you want to keep the same tempo (and hopefully the same beat) as a way to keep dancers on the floor. Every once in a while I run across two songs that fit together all 3 ways. BPM, Key, and both songs the dancers know and like to dance to.

Matching keys only would be more geared toward musak or radio programming IMHO.