Share the Knowledge

Beatmatching is one of the first and most fundamental skills a DJ can learn. And as a result of music production software, most current songs have a consistent tempo throughout the track.

However, many older songs were recorded with live musicians, and thus have subtle changes in BPM. DJing with those songs adds an extra level of difficulty, requiring a keen ear and a lot of adjustments.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about how mixing with live music can help improve your beatmatching.

Related: How to Organize Your Music Library

With all the record pools and digital music services available today, it’s tempting to download as much music as possible. But as your music library grows larger, it can become more difficult to find tracks.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share The Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about how you can organize your library.

Related: DJ TLM: DJs Should Learn How to Play Longer Sets

While veteran DJs may be used to playing longer sets, new DJs might not be getting the same experience. Promoters have started booking more DJs per event, which means each DJ ends up with a shorter time slot. But there are a lot of skills that DJs can only learn by rocking a party for more than an hour.

On this episode of DJcityTV’s Share the Knowledge, DJ TLM talks about the advantages of playing longer sets and why promoters should book fewer DJs per event.

Related: Should All DJs Know How to Scratch?

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?

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