The Passionate DJ Podcast

Episode 205: How to Become a DJ

This 9-part video series is a beginner's guide for learning how to become a DJ. It's based on the original written article, and can be used as a video companion. Since its original form in 2013, this guide has helped thousands of beginner DJs to get their start.

📖 Full Guide: https://passionatedj.com/howtodj

A DJ, or disc jockey, is a person who hosts recorded music for an audience. But there are many different kinds of DJs, and many reasons for them to exist. We cover several types in the video:

• Club DJs
• Mobile DJs
• Radio DJs
• Turntablists
• DJ/Producers

We also discuss the difference between DJing and music production. While DJing is hosting pre-recorded music to an audience, producing is the original creation or recording of music. (e.g. someone produces a techno song, and then a techno DJ plays that song at a festival.)

It may seem confusing, because many performances are hybrids of these two concepts. When the creator and performer of a song is the same person, you might refer to them as a DJ/Producer.

For additional help or encouragement along your journey, join our free Facebook group:

https://passionatedj.com/community

Need help finding your first bit of DJ hardware? Check out my other mega-guide to DJ controllers:

https://passionatedj.com/controllers

"When you’re learning to DJ, you’re learning to match your own musical expressions with the desires of an audience. It isn’t just matching beats, or scratching over songs. It’s about being observant, empathic, and reactive.

Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time. It’s not difficult to start. But it is difficult to stand out, and to be exceptional."

Episode 204: Black A.M. Takes The Lead

Today we're joined by Vegas-based DJ/Producer Black A.M. We talk about his journey through music, including his former role lead guitarist for Machine Gun Kelley and touring with NGHTMRE.

In the last decade, multi-talented instrumentalist/producer/writer Sinclair Wheeler (born in Indianapolis) was signed as rapper MGK’s guitarist for multiple tours, Wheeler went on to perform live, as direct support, during NGHTMRE’s recent “The Portal Tour,” and has collaborated, performed alongside, and touched hundreds of artists, industry figures, and fans along the way.

Few have been as heavily immersed in US electronic music culture as Black AM. Pair this with a lifelong devotion to music, and you have the groundwork of something that will turn heads and stir souls.

Thanks so much to Sinclair for joining us today on the podcast!

➡️ https://iamblackam.com
➡️ https://passionatedj.com/merch

Episode 203: Basic Livestreaming Advice for DJs

In Episode 203 we are joined by DJ Brains to talk about some basic tips for making sure your livestreams go smoothly. "Going live" has become rather popular in the DJ community during the year 2020 for obvious reasons, so today we'll discuss how to make sure they look great, sound great, and keep a stable connection.

Some topics we discuss:

• Some reasons you may want to buy a fancier router.
(Stability, transmit distance, features, and "getting under the hood")

• Things that affect your WiFi signal.
(Distance from router, solid barriers, microwaves, other WiFi signals, etc.)

• Things that affect your bandwidth.
(Other users on your network, upstream vs. downstream, rural vs. urban)

• CPU and other bottlenecks
(PC specs, solid state drives vs. HDD, RAM.)

• Video and sound tips
(Lighting, sound, adapters, ambient noise.)

DJ Brains offers professional DJ services in Southwest OH for special events, weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. He's also one of our original Passionate DJ Amassadors crew. Special thanks to Leo for joining us, and to Mo Dingo for putting this together!

Episode 202: Keepin' It Fresh w/Bit Flip

Today we bring Bit Flip back from Episode 200, because a full proper episode was necessary to contain all the goodness he has to share with us Passionate DJs! Mark Naegel is a multi-genre dance DJ, and the founder of #Freshlist in Cincinnati. As a supporter and proprietor of Midwest dance music culture for 15 years, Mark's insight was much appreciated while discussing event promotions, DJ hardware, collaborations, "portablism", and much more.

Since 2006 Bit Flip has been rockin' dancefloors with his breakbeat oriented style. Now more than ever expect multi-genre infused sets that develop from a G-house groove through drum and bass madness and anywhere in between. Expect the unexpected and prepare to move.

Freshlist is a monthly dance music and art event in Cinci, described as "a collection of fresh new sounds in electronic music of all genres without limits performed by some of the hottest acts around."

Check them out:
https://freshlistcinci.com/

Episode 201: Immobile DJs

Today's show features special guests Shawn (DJ Freeman) and Noel (DJ Serrato), here to talk about mobile DJing... or the current lack thereof. Episode 201 is hosted by our beloved Mo Dingo.

We talk about the current state of affairs, considering the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, and how this affects those who rely on DJing for income. How are mobile DJs coping?

Noel tells us about a virtual dance party that he was booked to play, and was paid $150 for. This brought up some interesting discussion about the idea of using contracts for playing online gigs... something that would have seemed strange to us only weeks ago.

We talk about struggles with webcams on Macs, online crowd reading, the MIXON 4 vs. Pioneer hardware, connectivity & bandwidth, and Spotify vs. TIDAL.

Noel, Shawn, Mo and the rest of the gang are always very active in the Passionate DJ Facebook group. Interact with us here: https://passionatedj.com/community

Episode 200

LOOK US UP ON TWITCH!

In today's episode, we celebrate 200 episodes of The Passionate DJ Podcast. To properly highlight this milestone, we brought in a giant roster of guests. Unfortunately, due to current stay-at-home orders, we had to do it virtually. We talk about Passionate DJ, and about what we're doing with our extra time at home. Plus, a surprise special guest appears!

Here's the roster of lovely people you'll hear from today:

B-Funk | 📸 https://instagram.com/djbfunk

Brandon hails from Athens, OH and his first visit with us was Episode 174. As a working DJ, he has been drastically affected by current events. We talk about getting back to business, the anatomy of DJ sets, and Paul van Dyk.

Fatty Lumpkin | 📸 https://instagram.com/fatty__lumpkin

Jesse is an experienced turntablist with impressive skills, and like Brandon, is a working DJ severely affected by stay-at-home orders. We talk scratching, streaming, and keeping our virtual audiences happy.

Mister Shifter | 📸 https://instagram.com/mistershifter

Jack is a kick-ass DJ/producer holding it down from Columbus, who originally appeared way back on Episode 34. As always, we loved hearing his thoughts on Drum n Bass, streaming nerves, and recent Rekordbox woes.

John Chapel | 📸 https://instagram.com/heychapchap

John was one of our earliest guests on The Passionate DJ Podcast (#009), and our hearts have quietly wept in his absence. He gives us his thoughts on how the Dayton, OH scene has changed since his first visit, then harasses the other guests.

Kim L | 📸 https://instagram.com/iamkiml

Back in Episode 166, Kim came on the podcast to talk about "Hometown Hustle". Today, she returns to the show to talk about her B2B live sets with John, the success of Silent Disco, and her foray into music production using Logic.

Bit Flip | 📸 https://instagram.com/djbitflip

We've been wanting to get Mark on the show as a proper guest for a long time, and we finally made it happen! He's from Cincinnati and not only makes and plays great music, but is a prime force in making sure people can enjoy great music, through #Freshlist.

Matt Freeman | 📸 https://instagram.com/djmattfreeman

Matt first appeared in Episode 133, appropriately titled "Acid Attack", because he's in love with those squelchy 303 sounds! Today he talks to us about the long-running Asylum Reunion event series, and how it may be coming back sooner than we think...

Mike Donovan | 📸 https://instagram.com/volumedeep

Way back in Episode 78, local house head Mike Donovan graced us with his presence in a show titled, "The 8th Day of the Week". Today he comes back to talk to us about how he fits DJing into his busy family life, his love of house music, and geek out over Nintendo.

Firecat 451 | 📸 https://instagram.com/firecat451live

Will has been with us for a few episodes now, and I'm sure you'll understand why: he's great behind a microphone, and has a lot of interesting perspectives to share! Along with Mark, he's involved with #Freshlist. Will tells us about live streaming, artist branding, and hating trance music.

*Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a special drop-in guest!*

And of course, you can find us regular-ass co-hosts here:

David | 📸 https://instagram.com/davidmichaelthedj

Tony | 📸 https://instagram.com/tonydesaro

Trip | 📸 https://instagram.com/tripturlington

Mo | | 📸 https://instagram.com/thedjdingo

Episode 199: Mighty Mo's Workout Playlist

In today's episode, Mo Dingo shares with us some of his favorite workout tracks, and his reasons behind choosing them. Mo is particularly qualified to talk about this, since it's a perfect intersection of worlds. Not only is Mo a fitness coach and health nut, but he's also a DJ. Mo has spent a lot of time DJing for people while they are literally working out, doing CrossFit, lifting, and just generally getting sweaty. Today, he shares with us some of his go-to tracks, what they do to people's energy level, and the psychology behind music in the gym.

** SPOILERS - ignore below if you don't want to see the songs **

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Today's tracklist:
Highly Suspect - Lydia
Van Halen - Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Geto Boys - G Code
King Bee - Back By Dope Demand
The Crystal Method - Name of the Game
Black Sheep - The Choice is Yours (Revisited)
Saliva - Click Click Boom
Metallica - Fuel
Motley Crue - Wild Side

Episode 198: Bad DJ Gigs III

That's right, it's that time again...

Our "Bad DJ Gig Stories" series is BACK for a third installment, featuring several previous guests of The Passionate DJ Podcast, as well as submissions from our Facebook group. Since the world is basically on lockdown right now, we thought it was a good time to remember how going out isn't always sunshine and rainbows!

In this episode:

- a story from B-Funk on a drunken wedding guest

- a stormy submission from Corrupt

- a sudden health emergency described by DJ Axcess

- Chris Heckman's touring tales from abroad

- Alex (The DJ Hookup) and stories from times past

- a last-minute panic from MASIN

- a literal news story involving our very own Trip Turlington

... and submissions from our Passionate DJ Community group on Facebook, which you can join here:

https://passionatedj.com/community

Stay safe out there!

Episode 197: Springing Forward

On today's episode we talk about the latest news and happenings in the DJ industry in the past month or two, starting with COVID-19 and its potential effect on the festival scene. We move on from that after about 10 minutes, and talk about things that you aren't already tired of.

It may seem weird that I’ve decided to focus on festivals and clubs. After all, in the grand scheme of things, one’s ability to party isn’t exactly top of the list of emergencies. But, I’m sure you’re all aware of the general state of things, so there’s no reason for me to restate all of that here.

By the time I’m able to record and produce this segment, you’ll probably already have more up-to-date info on the virus and its overall impact in your area. So, being that this is Passionate DJ… this is the unique perspective we can offer on the subject.

Today's topics:
- Coronavirus vs. festival season
- The sale of Pioneer DJ (and other Pioneer news)
- Software & streaming updates for DJs
- The Apollo Masters fire (and danger to the vinyl industry)
- Andy King (Fyre Festival) goes on tour
- Fuser (upcoming DJ video game)
- Air duct club attendee (lol)

There is also a rather large segment where we explore the new division of techno as defined by Beatport. Peak/Driving/Hard, vs. Raw/Deep/Hypnotic.

Stay safe, and keep on spinning!

Episode 196: New Music, New Mountains w/Cryztal Grid

On today's episode, we are visited by Cody and Gerrad of the band Cryztal Grid. This is the first time they've been on the show since moving across the country. We wanted to catch up with the fellas, and hear what they've been up to in the past year. The Cryztal Grid project has relocated, but is it still going strong?

💎 Check out Cryztal Grid: https://cryztalgrid.com

Since their inception in 2017, Cryztal Grid has exploded into the electronic music scene. Their live sets infuse a wide variety of bass music with live saxophone and both organic and electronic drums. Cody and Gerrad combine their rhythmic and melodic talents to create an experience, self-titled as, Rhythm Meets Melody. Similarly, they utilize their unique personalities and perspectives to create emotionally charged, melodic bass music. They center their production and live shows around connecting with people, sharing experiences, and inspiring listeners to be their best, happy selves.

🎷Cryztal Grid on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cryztalgrid
🌇 Branden Uhrig Photography: https://instagram.com/thebrandenu