Share the Knowledge

Some open-format DJs prefer to play freestyle, without a prepared tracklist. Playing a freestyle set enables you to read the crowd and choose songs based on their reaction. But what do you do when you’re not sure what to play next?

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM shares tips on how to select the right songs during your freestyle set.

Related: DJs Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Be Themselves

Many DJs develop the habit of only playing popular songs. But while it can be easier to stick to crowd-pleasing hits, there are benefits to introducing audiences to music they may not have heard before.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM encourages DJs to set themselves apart by playing more than just hit songs.

Related: How Much Should DJs Adjust the Pitch of a Track?

Since the introduction of the master tempo feature in DJ software, DJs have had a lot more freedom when it comes to adjusting the pitch of a track. But there are limits to how much the pitch can be changed before it affects the vibe of a song.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM discusses why DJs should be careful when using the master tempo feature.

Related: DJs Should Never Assume Anything About a Gig

As a DJ, one of the most stressful situations is showing up to a gig and finding out that the equipment setup isn’t what you expected. On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM reminds DJs to check with the venue before your gig and to bring any extra gear you may need.

Related: Should Beginner DJs Do Free Gigs?

If you’re a bedroom DJ with no live experience, it can be difficult to find a paying gig. On this episode of Share the Knowledge, DJcityTV’s DJ TLM discusses whether DJs should do free gigs to gain experience.

Related: DJs Should Be More Self-Reliant

In the age of the internet, it’s possible to find the answers to many of our questions. That includes questions about DJing, for which there are many online resources.

However, DJcityTV’s DJ TLM has noticed that many DJs rely on asking people questions when they could’ve found the answer on their own. Connecting with other DJs is a good thing, but relying on them to get answers limits your career. Whether it be deciding which equipment to buy or learning how to design a logo, TLM encourages DJs to be more self-reliant.

Watch this episode of Share the Knowledge above.

Related: Are DJ Lessons Necessary?

There are different ways to learn how to DJ nowadays. You can teach yourself or find a mentor, like DJs did in the pre-internet age, or you can attend a physical or online DJ school. On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM discusses why some aspiring DJs should take lessons.

Related: How to Avoid ‘Laptop Face’

It’s impossible for DJs who use laptops to not look at their screens, but some do it more than others. This is called “Serato face,” or more broadly, “laptop face.”

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM discusses why it’s bad to stare at your laptop and offers some solutions on how to avoid doing so.

Related: Do DJs Need to Be Producers These Days?

Times have changed for DJs, and nowadays, skills alone might not be enough to help you break through. Some of the biggest clubs and festivals in the world will only book DJs who produce music. And while some DJs can get by without it, those who are struggling to make a name for themselves might ask themselves: do I need to be a producer to make it as a DJ?

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM answers the question and offers some tips on how to get started as a producer.

Related: Do You Back Up All of Your Files?

There’s one phrase that should never get old for a DJ: “back up your files.” While it may sound redundant, there are still a number of DJs who haven’t taken the time to protect their music collection. On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM reminds DJs why it’s crucial to back up all of their files and offers some tips on how to do so.

Related: Clean vs. Dirty Versions of Tracks