The Passionate DJ Podcast

Episode 95: Recording Mixes (And Why We Don't)

In Episode 95, we tackle the subject of creating mixes. Why do we do it? -- Promote ourselves, obviously. If you're a DJ, but don't have a mix, how do you promote yourself as a DJ? Having a mix is part of the foundation of your brand. -- Self reflection. To listen back and find our own weak points, as well as take pride in our strengths. Continue to accentuate the areas in which we do well, and work on the things we don't, that way we are better prepared for the live gigs. How do we do it? -- Digital DJ's have it easy...just press the record button on your digital DJ software. -- Could always go old school (might have to if you're a vinyl junkie) and record to outboard gear or another computer. Why DON'T we do it? -- APATHY. Aren't we just adding to NOISE? -- Not enough feedback, people ignore mixes. -- We are our own worst critics. What are your reasons for recording mixes? How do you record? What are your tried and true methods for promoting those mixes and getting listeners engaged? Send us a voicemail, email, or leave a comment!

Episode 94: Equalization and Filters (A Deep Dive)

In Episode 94, we take a detailed look at the EQ, starting with some basics, then getting in to some more complex concepts, all while giving some tips and tricks, as well as audio examples along the way. Learn how the guys approach all manner of EQing, from how to correct audio inconsistencies and adjusting for desired audio mixing effects. Gain an understanding of the audio spectrum and how to avoid clashing frequencies and phase cancellation. Learn the difference between quickly swapping out bands for a dramatic mix, or longer, surgical blending for a seamless mix. Understand the difference between filter and EQ, and how to use a filter as a mixing tool, rather than an effect. All of this, and more, in Episode 94!

Episode 93: AMA Volume 1 (Ask Us Anything)

In Episode 93, we tackle a bunch of your questions in our very first AMA! Some questions include: - The gear / software needed for a home studio set up? (warning - this conversation starts going down the "production" discussion) - How to broaden your popularity when you are in a particular niche. - What headphones do we all like and use? - When to make a playlist / setlist? - What to do when the universe seems to be pointing all signs to quitting and selling your gear?

Episode 92: Pick 3 Crate Invasion (Tony Version)

In Episode 92, we start this session with a great voicemail message that has us talking about the future of using social media to promote ourselves as DJs, the difference between producing and DJing and why Trip doesn't currently have plans to switch from DJing to live performances of his produced tracks, and a clarification on the "press play" controversy. Then, we raided Tony's record collection and threw the wax on the decks. (Warning: a LOT of trance ahead LOL) -- Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar 98 -- Kriss Kross - Jump -- Platipus Double Pack (PLAT035): 1. Libra Presents Taylor: Anomaly - Calling Your Name 2. Quiet Man - Now and Zen 3. Art of Trance - Kaleidescope Tony also brought one in to share some love for a super talented group of rappers from our home state of Ohio: -- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - Thuggish Ruggish Bone And we close out with one in dedication to a fellow fallen local DJ who passed away, recently. (Rest in Peace Chad Slemker) -- Dennis H. Christ & Midiman - Pennywise

Episode 91: Promoting 101

In Episode 91, we start the party off by taking a listen to some of the feedback from Episodes 89 & 90, and poke a little fun at Ja-Rule and his Fyre Festival debacle. Then, per popular demand, @Tony-DeSaro and @TripTurlington give some tips on how to pull off a proper event. Apparently there's a lot of you out there who are interested in doing your own events, or are at least curious what all goes in to a legitimate show, so Tony bears all, with Trip chiming in with some of his experiences when he was a promoter. This episode covers nearly everything in the planning stages, leading up to the day of an event. Some of the important points we cover: - Researching dates and venue availability - Reach out to agent to see which artists are available - Making an offer to an artist, and the contract work if offer is approved - Obtaining and utilizing press kits, working with your graphic designer on promo materials - Determine which locals and regional talent best fit your event - Get artist, agent, and management approval on all the details - Treat social media event page as a "launch" to maximize the organic reach - Never rely totally on social media. Order flyers, tickets, and posters and PUT THEM IN PEOPLE'S HANDS. Hitting the streets is a MUST! - Check with local newspapers or city zines to advertise in the artist/entertainment sections - Pay for some social media post boosting to hit your target geo locations and demographic matches. There's so much more, but for those who are interested in just how much work goes in to a thankless job that doesn't make you a lot of money, this is a good primer. Hit us with your comments, emails, and voicemails if you have questions or want us to expand on any of these points!

Episode 90: Mixing the Blues Away (Part 2)

Today’s episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. In part 2, we start out by discussing some of the actual scientific research behind music therapy. We've all heard about the "healing properties" of music, but what's the evidence? Then, we listen to a call from one of our listeners, making a great point about the problem of escapism. Don't forget: just because you use music (or anything) as an escape from your problems, doesn't mean that the problems go away. Finally, we talk about how we can use DJing as a connection to other people. There's an "infectious" nature to the good vibes resulting from playing good tunes to a receptive audience. Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just “get out of our own heads” for a while. The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse. Resources from this episode: Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x Moby – LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/

Episode 89: Mixing the Blues Away (Part 1)

Today's episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. David starts off by telling a story of a recent mobile gig which he was flat-out not interested in doing, because he just wasn't feeling like himself. By the time the event began, he was right as rain. DJing has a way of just making us feel...better! Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just "get out of our own heads" for a while. We talk about the structure of electronic dance music, and how its accessibility, versatility, and repetitive nature influences our response. We also discuss the nostalgia factor of music, and the way our brains intensely bond music together with memories from our past. Quite literally, our memories live on through music. The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse. Resources from this episode: Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x Moby - LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/

Episode 88: Listener Queries

For Episode 88, we take some time to reach in to the mail bag and see what's going on with you all! Before that (but after a light razzing), @modingo divulges the details of one of his recent gigs, where he played a more modern set for a teenager's Sweet 16 party. Being that Mo is the crotchety old guy that he is (LOL) -- he employed the assistance of his 4 teenagers to help him refine the playlist, which was a learning experience for himself, as well as his kids...not to mention the bonding time, with music as the centerpiece! Through the course of answering emails, comments, and voice mails, we touch on several topics, ranging from penetrating market like Las Vegas, even when you're a working spouse and parent with little time to dedicate to "partying". For another listener, we discuss ways of starting your own event or series, for the sake of establishing some more gigs for yourself, or to help promote a crew you're with or want to be a part of. This listener has a big gig coming up and wants to start moving things in that direction, and get a little more time behind the decks, in front of people, before the "big one"! We also throw around some gear suggestions for a local-to-us listener who is ready to make the switch from a controller to CDJ's, but is questioning whether or not she "needs" the full-on NXS2 setup. (Hint: you don't "need" it, but if you've got the budget for it, we are all admittedly Pioneer fanbois lol) Also, David is being cited! For a college paper, that is. One of our listeners is writing a paper for school, and the highly controversial http://www.passionatedj.com/why-djs-are-not-musicians article caught his eye. It's one of our more "viral" articles, that catches the viral wave, every so often. It's fun when it does, because it's such a polarizing topic, even though the intent of the article is often missed as a lot of people don't get past the title. But, this listener did, and is going to use it as part of a paper! We hope you enjoy Episode 88, but more than that we hope you see just how much we value all of you, the PDJ community, and truly want all of us to become better DJ's, through passion and purpose. So, keep sending in those voicemails, emails, and comments! We love interacting with you!

Episode 87: Just Catching Up...

In Episode 87, the gang is all together and decide to spend this time to just get all caught up with each other. First we recap the 3DMentional show "Another Trip Around the Sun" featuring Sasha. Mad props to @Tony-Desaro and Billy for pulling it off, David for the KILLER direct support role executed with perfection, @Mo-DIngo for the stone cold sentinel-like security duties, and @TripTurlington...well....he danced :-D We also chat about what's next for 3DMentional, and maybe even Trip has a new event in the works. Tony has recently been playing around with a Native Instruments S8, so we poke and prod him a little for his thoughts on that versus the Nexus setup he is more accustomed to playing on. Mo wraps us up by bringing up a friend in Saint Louis that he's been able to help over email, regarding fitness events. As always, leave comments, or hit us up via voicemail...we'd love to hear from (and respond to) you!

Episode 86: Struggles of Lone Wolf DJs

In this episode: we take a voicemail about motorized controllers, David discusses how he fits DJing into his “work life”, Mo Dingo tells us about some frustrations at a recent mobile gig, and we discuss the struggles of “lone wolf DJs”. Also... Can you get paid for online DJ mixes? Soundcloud recently announced the expansion of a revenue-sharing program to include “artists who create ‘recorded and live sets, remixes, and other user-generated content.'” Struggles of Lone Wolves: - It’s hard. It’s a lot of work. - Less events to use as examples - Useful feedback is at a premium - The idea factory is a one-man show - Much smaller data pool to base decisions/less crowds to observe - Limited promotional power - Lower chance of having an “in” somewhere - Less social media reach/launch power Tips: - Forge a unique path… blaze a trail - Learn your market & build to suit - Fully realize your ideas and drive them home - … But know when to try new things - Invest in decent portable sound rig (you might have to “go mobile” sometimes) - Know when to buy or hire your way out of something And finally, when you're struggling as a standalone DJ without any help, you can always reach out to your online community... and Passionate DJ is here for you! Ask questions on our show notes, blog posts, SoundCloud... Tweet at djwithpassion Leave us voicemail ... and together, we'll become better DJs through passion and purpose!