The Benefits of Producing your Own Music

The old way of Music Production. Midi Cable Nightmares

In order to gain international recognition as a DJ these days, it’s essential to produce your own music. Not only does this get you more success, it also gives you a competitive advantage by having your own tracks & a unique sound that no one else has.

Thankfully the days of having to spend tens of thousands of pounds on buying hardware synthesisers, mixing desks and hundreds of Midi Cables are long gone. Technology has made making music more accessible, affordable and easier to make, thanks to the evolution of Virtual Studio Technology (VST’s), Digital Audio Workstations (DAW’s) and YouTube tutorials. A track can now be made completely ‘in the box’ using only a computer.

David Forbes Studio At Groove City Radio

While it may be tempting to let the world hear your first attempts at music production, it is much more beneficial to truly learn everything about your DAW and VSTs. This will involve lots of trial and error messing with parameters, settings and may even involve reading a user manual! Remember that Youtube is a new producer’s best friend. There are thousands of hours of tutorials from unknown and established producers which provide valuable tips and insights on learning how to produce music. Practice makes perfect and be aware that producing your own music takes time and a lot of patience.

The Award Winning Skapade Studios 

If self-study sounds like too much hard work then there are companies and individuals who can help you with 1-2-1 hands on tuition. Being in a studio environment with an established producer is more fun and can enhance your learning by giving you insider secrets when it comes to the art of music production. Companies such as Skapade Studios, SM Studios and Groove City Radio provide various services that cater for all of your music production needs regardless of your ability.

The Addiction Of Music Production

Having fun should be your first priority when making music. Once you know what you are doing and find your own sound, the payoff is well worth the time and effort that you have invested.

Till next time…

How to Start Playing Out in Clubs

Hit Me With Those Laser-beams.

You have the equipment, you have the tunes and you have (hopefully) put the hours in and are now confident in your DJing ability. Now you are ready for the next step: to show off your talents in a club setting.

Hands In The Air!

There is no better feeling as a DJ to share the music you love and to play to a venue full of people. However, when you are starting out you need to be realistic. It is highly unlikely that you will be playing at peak times in the bigger venues, therefore you need to set expectations when it comes to playing out for the first time. You will probably be doing the first set and not be paid as its good for your profile.

Soundcloud

Firstly you need a sound-cloud account so you can share your mixes online & on social media. This way you can build fans and people will be aware of what music style that you play.

Networking Is Important.

It is important to target smaller nights that play a similar style of music to you and most importantly support these nights by attending the events that they put on. Network by introducing yourself to the DJ’s and Promoters (without pestering them). Promoters are much more likely to listen to your mix and give you a gig if they know your face and that you actually attend the nights that you are hoping to play for rather than being a random DJ who is just hunting for a gig.

Dark Spaces Complete Me.

Playing smaller nights builds your confidence and hones your skills as a DJ. The majority of people that attend these nights are people who are really passionate about the music and DJ’s playing and are more critical of a DJ’s performance. While this may be off-putting to some if you do your job and put in a good performance then you may be invited to play at other nights which can lead on to bigger and better things.

Good luck!

Where to Purchase Tunes

Got any Jungle in guy?

One of my favourite record labels had the slogan “A DJ is only as good as his last record” and that saying still rings true to this day. If you strip things right back to the basics, then the most important thing that defines a DJ is the music that they play. 

You may be the most technically brilliant DJ in the world but if your music doesn’t capture the imagination of the most important people: those on the dance-floor then what is the point? It’s essential that you know where to buy the right tunes.

Rubadub Records

If (like me) you have opted for the tradition route of Djing with Vinyl there is no better feeling than crate digging in an independent record shop and finding a rare gem. Luckily in Glasgow we have record stores like Rubadub Records and Palais De Dance that cater for all of your vinyl needs. I’m an advocate for supporting local independent businesses so recommend you check them out either in-store or on online.

Discogs

If you no longer have a record shop in your town then you can’t go wrong with Discogs. It’s a huge music database that you can search releases and compare sellers worldwide (think Compare the Market for music). Over the years I have picked up some amazing hard to find releases from sellers all across the world for modest prices. I would recommend that you check postage costs before you order though as sometimes the postage can be more expensive that the music you are buying.

Beatport

If you have went down the MP3 route then buying tunes couldn’t be simpler, all you need to do is log on to your website of choice, make payment and you can download music instantly, isn’t technology wonderful? The biggest website is Beatport with an extensive library of music however, you can always find some obscure stuff on the smaller sites such as Juno or Djtunes. 

Happy tune hunting! 

How to Choose DJ Equipment

Technological advancements in DJing has made what was originally an expensive scene more accessible. Before CDs and MP3s became a mainstream way for people to listen to music, the only way to DJ was with Vinyl Turntables & a Mixer. Recent Innovations in DJ technology allows for individuals to choose from many different DJ setups. 

So much choice can be daunting and what you require is dependent on your own personal preference and budget. Therefore, I will discuss three of the most common formats that I have personally used.

Turntables

The purist form of DJing with Vinyl and the one that requires the most skill and patience. If you can mix competently on this format any other piece of equipment will be easy for you. In my opinion this is still the most satisfying and rewarding format to master.




The Industry Standard: Technics 1210Mk2 Price £550.00




Alternative: Pioneer PLX 500 Price £300.00

Only recommended to choose this format if you are really serious about Djing because collecting Vinyl is dangerously addictive but extremely fun! 

CDJs

CDJS are similar to turntables apart from they play CD's and MP3's instead of Vinyl. You can do some crazy things such as adding extra effects to music, playing songs backwards and have both songs 'synced' so that they are both the same speed and mixed. Although some purists argue that this has taken the skill out of DJing, there is no denying that CDJs are the most popular format for DJ's today.





The Industry Standard: Pioneer CDJ Nexus 2000 Price £1299.00






Alternative: Denon SC2900 Price £499.00

Midi Controller: Traktor S4 

The advantage of the Traktor S4 Midi controller is that everything you need to start Djing is included. A 4 channel mixer, two 'turntable's and software so you can hook up your laptop and you are good to go. By far the most cost effective and accessible format for those starting out. Recommended if you are just wanting to DJ for fun although this is a powerful piece of equipment.




Traktor S4 Price £479.00 

You can purchase all featured DJ equipment from Rubadub Records
 

Welcome to Tips & Tricks for Aspiring DJs

I’m William and after much deliberation, I’ve decided to blog about tips for aspiring DJs. As most of my friends know I’m obsessed with music and don’t go a day without listening to it. I also DJ & produce my own music which has been played on the likes of Radio 1 etc. I know how isolating it can be when you are starting out, therefore I hope my blog provides some interesting insights from someone who has been in the same position before.

My DJ Setup: Technics 1210's Mk2 Turntables, Pioneer DJM800 Mixer & Pioneer CDJ1000's.

Over the years, I have repeatedly been asked the same questions:

How did you get into DJing?

What do I need to start DJing?

Where is the best place to buy tunes from?

How do you start playing out in Clubs?

How do I get my music played out in Clubs?

Let’s start with the first question.

I got into DJing because I didn’t come from the best area growing up and wanted to focus energy into something productive. Most of my friends were going down the wrong path and I didn’t want to end up that way. I bought my first records from 23^rd Precinct in Glasgow and was a regular at the store for years and was offered a part-time job whilst in Secondary-School. I guess they wanted someone who could make Tea and do all the crappy tasks that the staff didn’t want to do. My Tea making skills must have sufficed as I was offered a full time position.

 

23rd Precinct Record Store (Now Closed) 23 Bath Street Glasgow

23^rd Precinct gave me the opportunity to network and ‘build my name’ as a DJ in Scotland, starting out by playing small nights at the Soundhaus & Archaos in Glasgow. Then I progressed to playing for larger nights in Edinburgh before being offered a residency for >>Inside Out* at the Arches in Glasgow. As a result I have played for major brands & festivals like Godskitchen, Gatecrasher, Digital Society, Goodgreef & Colours as well as playing in Ibiza, Mexico & Miami.

Next time, I’ll run through what equipment is needed to start Djing.