DJ TLM

Should all DJs know how to scratch? DJcityTV’s DJ TLM discusses on this episode of Share the Knowledge.

Related: DJs Should Learn to Use Different Equipment

Many DJs have a certain set of equipment that they’re most familiar with. However, the gear you practice on in the studio might not be available at the club you’re performing at. But as long as you know how to use all the basic features, you should still be able to rock the crowd.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about why DJs should get familiar with different types of equipment.

Related: How to Prepare for a Freestyle DJ Set

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?

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’

Laidback Luke at Marmarela in Alicante, Spain on Aug. 25, 2017. (Credit: Rubén Ortega)

With close to 200,000 subscribers and 13.5 million views, Laidback Luke’s YouTube channel is popular in the DJ and producer community. His weekly vlogs, which are both entertaining and insightful, have received praise from fans and DJs alike.

However, Luke recently received some backlash for a tip that he gave in one of his episodes. When answering a viewer’s question about where to get music legally without spending too much money, Luke replied, “a really good hack is good ole’ trusty SoundCloud. There are ways to actually rip tracks from there and save them as an mp3. And then you’re able to play them out.”

The comment didn’t sit well with some people, one which was house DJ/producer Chocolate Puma, who reached out to Luke via Twitter:

we share your view on the art of dj’ing, but isn’t telling dj’s to rip 128kbps files from soundcloud an insult to the art of producing?

— Chocolate Puma (@ChocolatePuma) December 9, 2017

Luke replied:

You’re right, and I guess I’ll need to clarify that in another VLOG. FYI I played rips that sounded amazing on club systems 😋

— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 9, 2017

Not one to hold back when it comes to tech issues, DJcityTV’s Mojaxx also weighed in:

@LaidbackLuke I have a lot of respect for you man, but if you’re telling young DJs that playing 128kbps Soundcloud rips is ok, I must fundamentally disagree with you, I’m afraid. https://t.co/VLUtwyfNhZ

— Mojaxx (@MojaxxDJcity) December 9, 2017

Luke responded to Mo as well:

Fair enough. Please look at my thread and you’ll see where I come from. We’re on the dawn of a new era here, the era of streaming. And you’ll hear SC streams in the club as soon as DJ consoles connect to WiFi. It’s modern times.

— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) December 9, 2017

Then, on Friday, Luke addressed the situation and clarified his comments in his latest vlog. At the end of the episode, he instructed his viewers to check out Mojaxx and DJ TLM‘s respective videos about SoundCloud rips and music rights.

Watch the video below. Shout out to Luke!

Related: Laidback Luke Breaks Down His Tomorrowland Set

DJs don’t have to use a microphone, but having some mic skills can be very beneficial. On this episode of Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM discusses why DJs may want to use a mic and how they should use it.

Related: How to Stay Healthy as a DJ

DJ TLM has returned with a new episode of Share the Knowledge, an educational series from DJcityTV aimed at beginner and intermediate DJs.

“I feel that counting music is being overlooked, it’s being neglected a lot of times when people first start to learn how to mix,” TLM says in the video. “If you know this [skill], it’s going to help you out tremendously to improve your overall DJ skills.”

Watch the episode above.

Related: What Is the Best Turntable, Controller, Mixer, Etc.?