I think this is all very useful if you want to succeed as a DJ, but if you want to be an artist, play the music you love. I got known for playing tech house, and while I like tech house to some degree, the music I really love is deep, melodic house & techno (very similar to Arman's style). You have to learn to entertain the crowd, but if what you are playing is not what you love then you will feel empty. I find that when I mix from the heart I blow the roof off, but when I mix for the people I just do good. It's all about the balance I'd say.
10:00 Just saw "The art of DJing" from RA with Dr. Rubenstein and she said "I always try to escalate the energy, you know, more is more". So kind of the opposite of what you're saying. I guess she's a headliner DJ now days and she has a distinct sound that club goers expect to hear. This to say that it's very hard to come up with general rules or a formula for a successful set. I really do appreciate hearing your point of view though, you've got some great tips! Especially since a lot of DJs have a competitive mindset and are hesitant to share them publicly. Learn the Rules Like a Pro, So You Can Break Them Like an Artist. - Pablo Picasso
Dear Arman, Thank you for this one. Even though I am watching this video 5 years after its release, still very useful to me. I am beginner, but some things I felt like I knew. Thanks again.
Dude thanks for posting this, super helpful. Loved the “restraint is key” for open sets to give the next DJ or yourself room to go. Truly a professional DJ. I am subscribed now. Thanks.
Bro, from all the DJ tips videos I've watched, this was the most helpful to me! The last part, where you show the types of tracks was insanely helpful. Thank you so much!!!
Some great advice, especially about the different types of tracks! But trying to get my ear in (techno rather than house) I have a horrible suspicion that my library consists almost entirely of bangers
hey man this is some great insight, alot of videos talk about the technical side of Djing but , what you said about the key of the song, builds up and energy levels of tracks is hugely helpful, I like to mix in key and didn't know about how major and minor keys affect the set and now i tweaked the track list and it sounds so much better to my ears ,,
You are right Arman but I would like to add something. You mentioned about playing a soulful track on 118 or 120 bpm. I don't advise that because you will be putting the oncoming crowd to sleep or it may take you a while to get your mojo working. Since I am a House DJ, I play at 125 bpm. I usually play Soulful and Deep House for about 5 to 10 tracks depending on the event and the time slot. For example, if you opening for an event and you know that DJ/Producer play mostly Deep and Soulful, you play it as a opening DJ and maybe throw in so Jackin House to get that next DJ time to get their mojo working. I was a House music blogger. I also DJ and an online radio show. For the most part I pretty much have an idea what to play so I prepare. Beginning DJ: ALWAYS PREPARE AND PRACTICE YOUR SETS B4 YOU PLAY THEM OUT! Trust me, it will make your time on the decks much smoother.
You have a clear and succinct way of teaching. It's really refreshing. In terms of djs who would like to delve a bit deeper into music theory, do you have any book recommendations or paths of study to understand the more technical side of music? Thanks!
i would maybe recomend looking a bit into music production, becouse if you are fideling around with music that way you automaticaly learn a bit that way, or at least watch music theory tutorials wich are meant for music producers. The two crafts arent that far away from each other, one is just a bit more behind the scence in a certian way.
Excellent tips. I'm opening a festival 12 noon on a Sunday so this has given me some ideas. Any more tips for this time as people will have been partying since Friday night. Thanks!
"Practice and enjoy" - always hear ellaskins whenever I hear that now... even when it's not dj related. Lol Thanks Arman, really digging your vibe subscribed right away.
Hello, thanks for the advices, iI'm actually wondering about the overall structure. When you play 2h set, how do you usually heat things up before "releasing the energy"? And do you play one peak time track every 5 or 6 tracks for eg? Thanks
Also have the same question but from my experience listening to good DJs, ambient tracks would only go at the beginning. Suspenseful/tension builders can precede either build up tracks or tension releasers (peak time). Driving tracks (maintainers) sound best right after the tension releasers, followed by either build up tracks or tension builders which lead back into tension releasers and the process repeats.
i am a starter music producer trying to become a dj at the same time, you just opened my eyes with these types of track. its like an added perspective, you gave me a new way to look at my songs when i am making them, its easier for me now to think what should i add or change in the song so it gives the feeling that i want it to. thank you
New subscriber and love your videos so far! I mainly mix tech house and house so its great to get information from someone so knowledgeable within a similar genre.
I neva watch a video completely because most of the video on Djing as it is majorly bullshit n done by amateurs. This video randomly poped up n I did watch it completely, I must say this must probably b da best video that is there on this topic, hope so people pick up valuable techniques n ideas that must have probably come thru years of experience. Thank u Arman so much... At the end when I saw ur track selection I so loved it(as I enjoy da same vibe), had to go thru ur sets. I m probably on da 6th set of urs now. Thank u, keep up da good work...
Funny thing I did the three folders thing about two weeks ago. I think the best is to carry all your music with you. I personally have a 64gb drive with me all the time, and there I have all the music I buy.
Good tips mate they helped a lot. Do you think a you could do a video on how to get your name out there and things to avoid when trying to make a name for yourself? things along those lines will be great, cheers.
Shout out from South Africa, really I enjoy your videos. the track at 22:20 goes in very hard, I can picture the audience jumping into the dance floor. by the way I'm still building confidence to start my Dj career.
Very good and inspirational video! I'm tagging my 1300+ tracks (and delete the junk in the meantime) based on the categories explained here. It is also very good direction how to listen to music thinking with a DJ's mindset.
Your video, although it has good advice, I think you take a lot of predetermined rules and as for whether we talk about techno it is very relative. If you make a more industrial techno set or Heavy stuffs, with tracks from Loktibrada, Rumeniege, Regis, Surgeon, Chris Maccomark, Steve Bicknell, Richard Turner, etc ... The tracks will last between 3 and 4 minutes and maybe you can spend in an hour and a half 30 tracks (not counting environments or a third tray). But it is also very educational and many would have served them well.
Great video. The tracks at the end are messed up though. Some of the track names are correct, but the others appear in wrong order. In case anyone is wondering..
Is it common to get to a point that you can't stand analyzing tracks ...etc... And just need to watch something else to cleanse your brain palate ? I've been listening and relistening ...and I just want to stare at the wall...silence .... I'd like to pursue DJing.... Is this common ? Does this get easier ??? Sometimes I need to go 24 hrs or more before I can interact with the set I'm working on... Advice ?
Are you saying you build set like a mountain shape ? Start off slow, peak, and then down.... How many min/ hours does this build and fall happen ? I have picked my songs but havent mixed them yet .... Some individual songs have a mountain and valley in them... How do I work that in ? ... Or like you said just finding an aspect about it ? I thought your intro needs to be more intense to grab attention because people are more likely to remember the intro and outro. Peace . I'm a newbie. Im just playing around ...
Thank you for this video, this is helpful for a beginner in the music industry and would hope to get more of you're videos soon !!!! keep rocking !!! Subscribed :)
Maan!! very good explained videos, seriously , also well explained and good examples! keep doing it :) by the way was funny that im spanish and its a bullfight in your wall Lol
what if the headliner is trash ? Ive been to sets where the middle DJ/Producer had better music, costumes and visuals and the headliner just was not cutting it.
LOL so do the those guys in the middle face consequences for that. Im sure there are a lot people like me who leave a few minutes into the headliners set when the energy level doesn't pick back up.
It's not necessarily about energy level failing - their set may be worse for any number of reasons, but typically I find the dance floors stay busy for these internationals because people have bought a ticket specifically to see them, and they are playing higher energy level music. The mixing may not be great, or the track selection not ideal, but they are playing tracks that make people want to dance, so I guess that's what counts at the end of the day!
that's where I get mine if I can't buy it at 7digital.ca... but darn it can get expensive. Try to keep it all legit, but it's tough.. starting to wonder if a pool would be the best way to go.
call me stubborn but this is why i prefer parties... I wanna play bangers without worrying if i upset the next guy because he doesn't have as many bangers ;)
I think this is all very useful if you want to succeed as a DJ, but if you want to be an artist, play the music you love. I got known for playing tech house, and while I like tech house to some degree, the music I really love is deep, melodic house & techno (very similar to Arman's style). You have to learn to entertain the crowd, but if what you are playing is not what you love then you will feel empty. I find that when I mix from the heart I blow the roof off, but when I mix for the people I just do good. It's all about the balance I'd say.
Well said! Thanks for sharing.
This is where I am gonna get to. I want to tell a story when I DJ. My story...
The part about the opener not playing “bangers” or hard music was very helpful thanks for the great video
It’s bullshit advice. If you can throw down better than the headliner you would be a dummy not too.
"energy release tracks?"
I call them BANGERS
7:00 I stand Corrected :)
same here, wanna share some?
th-cam.com/video/2UB3to3nkjo/w-d-xo.html
BOMBAS!
same :D
10:00 Just saw "The art of DJing" from RA with Dr. Rubenstein and she said "I always try to escalate the energy, you know, more is more". So kind of the opposite of what you're saying. I guess she's a headliner DJ now days and she has a distinct sound that club goers expect to hear. This to say that it's very hard to come up with general rules or a formula for a successful set. I really do appreciate hearing your point of view though, you've got some great tips! Especially since a lot of DJs have a competitive mindset and are hesitant to share them publicly. Learn the Rules Like a Pro, So You Can Break Them Like an Artist. - Pablo Picasso
For anyone wondering, the third example track is Atlas World Solomun Night Remix! It is NOT The Last Track by Lehar :)
Dear Arman,
Thank you for this one.
Even though I am watching this video 5 years after its release, still very useful to me.
I am beginner, but some things I felt like I knew.
Thanks again.
Dude thanks for posting this, super helpful. Loved the “restraint is key” for open sets to give the next DJ or yourself room to go. Truly a professional DJ. I am subscribed now. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Bro, from all the DJ tips videos I've watched, this was the most helpful to me! The last part, where you show the types of tracks was insanely helpful. Thank you so much!!!
Some great advice, especially about the different types of tracks! But trying to get my ear in (techno rather than house) I have a horrible suspicion that my library consists almost entirely of bangers
@Halifax more or less a year of bangers! Nah jk, building in different energy levels within my range
@@jonnybonbon9 nice. It's crazy how that happens. I started djing in march and my style has changed massively! Really is about the build up!
hey man this is some great insight, alot of videos talk about the technical side of Djing but , what you said about the key of the song, builds up and energy levels of tracks is hugely helpful, I like to mix in key and didn't know about how major and minor keys affect the set and now i tweaked the track list and it sounds so much better to my ears ,,
"Play weird music around 3am or something" hahaa | This guy! Straight up things you can relate to! Underrated channel for sure! Keep it up
Lendy Lopez amazing yes hahahaa and so true...I recién a lot of those “weird 3am moments”
You are right Arman but I would like to add something. You mentioned about playing a soulful track on 118 or 120 bpm. I don't advise that because you will be putting the oncoming crowd to sleep or it may take you a while to get your mojo working. Since I am a House DJ, I play at 125 bpm. I usually play Soulful and Deep House for about 5 to 10 tracks depending on the event and the time slot. For example, if you opening for an event and you know that DJ/Producer play mostly Deep and Soulful, you play it as a opening DJ and maybe throw in so Jackin House to get that next DJ time to get their mojo working. I was a House music blogger. I also DJ and an online radio show. For the most part I pretty much have an idea what to play so I prepare. Beginning DJ: ALWAYS PREPARE AND PRACTICE YOUR SETS B4 YOU PLAY THEM OUT! Trust me, it will make your time on the decks much smoother.
Great video !!! Thank you. I learned so much more in one video then i did back in the day i was mixing with “a friend”
.
Oh man, the voiceover track commentary is just what I needed. I’m about to dive into your channel in hopes there’s more of this. Thank you.
You have a clear and succinct way of teaching. It's really refreshing. In terms of djs who would like to delve a bit deeper into music theory, do you have any book recommendations or paths of study to understand the more technical side of music? Thanks!
i would maybe recomend looking a bit into music production, becouse if you are fideling around with music that way you automaticaly learn a bit that way, or at least watch music theory tutorials wich are meant for music producers. The two crafts arent that far away from each other, one is just a bit more behind the scence in a certian way.
another point on vocals, don't play vocals back to back
I am a beginner DJ and I loved this! Thanks, I am hoping to mix up something to post on my sound cloud soon!
Excellent tips. I'm opening a festival 12 noon on a Sunday so this has given me some ideas. Any more tips for this time as people will have been partying since Friday night.
Thanks!
How did the festival go
Went really well, here is the mix.
www.mixcloud.com/TimTanUnderwood/beatherder-2019-the-fortress-14-july/
Great video I love the examples at the end the whole thing just tied together well, and was very informative
"Practice and enjoy" - always hear ellaskins whenever I hear that now... even when it's not dj related. Lol
Thanks Arman, really digging your vibe subscribed right away.
Hello, thanks for the advices, iI'm actually wondering about the overall structure. When you play 2h set, how do you usually heat things up before "releasing the energy"? And do you play one peak time track every 5 or 6 tracks for eg? Thanks
Also have the same question but from my experience listening to good DJs, ambient tracks would only go at the beginning. Suspenseful/tension builders can precede either build up tracks or tension releasers (peak time). Driving tracks (maintainers) sound best right after the tension releasers, followed by either build up tracks or tension builders which lead back into tension releasers and the process repeats.
I literally thought your stage name is "DJ Better" 😂Anyway, thanks for the awesome tips!
😂😂😂
🤣
😂😂
A ring light on your videos would be great for better lighting. especially when you speak to the camera. just a suggestion
Amazing content Arman. Thanks for sharing with us.
i am a starter music producer trying to become a dj at the same time, you just opened my eyes with these types of track. its like an added perspective, you gave me a new way to look at my songs when i am making them, its easier for me now to think what should i add or change in the song so it gives the feeling that i want it to.
thank you
New subscriber and love your videos so far! I mainly mix tech house and house so its great to get information from someone so knowledgeable within a similar genre.
Nice lesson
I’m so bad in organising and stuff
This really make things clearer
This is low key a great video 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 Thank you 🙏🏿
I neva watch a video completely because most of the video on Djing as it is majorly bullshit n done by amateurs. This video randomly poped up n I did watch it completely, I must say this must probably b da best video that is there on this topic, hope so people pick up valuable techniques n ideas that must have probably come thru years of experience. Thank u Arman so much... At the end when I saw ur track selection I so loved it(as I enjoy da same vibe), had to go thru ur sets. I m probably on da 6th set of urs now. Thank u, keep up da good work...
Amazing tutorial... besides gifted you are a natural !!! Thank you for sharing !!!
Funny thing I did the three folders thing about two weeks ago. I think the best is to carry all your music with you. I personally have a 64gb drive with me all the time, and there I have all the music I buy.
Good tips mate they helped a lot. Do you think a you could do a video on how to get your name out there and things to avoid when trying to make a name for yourself? things along those lines will be great, cheers.
Yes, actually I have something like that coming up soon!
nice to actually see some conversation behind the decisions around what types of songs to put where. Subbed!
Shout out from South Africa, really I enjoy your videos. the track at 22:20 goes in very hard, I can picture the audience jumping into the dance floor. by the way I'm still building confidence to start my Dj career.
Thanks, I will now become the successor to that one kid that hosted raves in the school bathrooms
Great explanation, valuable tips for beginner DJs
Thanks Arman, great video and helps a lot for me as a beginning DJ!
The first tension builder track is actually Liua Bei - Atlas world (Solomun Night Remix)
Dan Achiriloaei and the name of the second example of tension builder? I searched in soundcloud but it’s another track
The best! Please do more of this! Thanks!
Very good and inspirational video! I'm tagging my 1300+ tracks (and delete the junk in the meantime) based on the categories explained here. It is also very good direction how to listen to music thinking with a DJ's mindset.
hey man love your videos, i would love an in depth video on mixing tracks with the filter
Thanks for sharing your experience Arman.
Great tips! Your channel is very useful, thanks!
I'm here because of global pandemic. Thanks again for your insight .
Dear Arman,
This is the greatest video I have ever seen! So useful details, so well explained! You're the King!
Hi Arman, What method do you use to search for music? Do you explore by releases of your favorite record labels?
Some great tips here, really helped me out alot, great videos, well produced, great quality. Thumbs up!!
Amazing video, just take a look at the end you got mixed atlas world with the lehar song! You are great, best tutorials ever!
Your video, although it has good advice, I think you take a lot of predetermined rules and as for whether we talk about techno it is very relative. If you make a more industrial techno set or Heavy stuffs, with tracks from Loktibrada, Rumeniege, Regis, Surgeon, Chris Maccomark, Steve Bicknell, Richard Turner, etc ... The tracks will last between 3 and 4 minutes and maybe you can spend in an hour and a half 30 tracks (not counting environments or a third tray). But it is also very educational and many would have served them well.
Great content mate, i'm just starting out but your videos are very helpful
Great video. The tracks at the end are messed up though. Some of the track names are correct, but the others appear in wrong order. In case anyone is wondering..
really helpfull video's! can you maybe make one on how to end a dj set with effects or something?
You could also do a video about the phrase mixing technique!
Great videos, looking forward to more.
Love at some point to see Rekordbox organization!
Cheers from NB Canada
Brilliant!!! Definitely hitting that subscribe button!!!
Thanks Arman for this video and your insight.
Great video man, very informative. Keep em' coming!
Only thing i point out is that your Tracks ID is out of sync with the tracks that are playing.
I could have not said it all better myself, Excellent video! Less is more.. Respect your fellow dj's and Have Fun! :)
cheeky provocative😂 bro this is explained really well
congrats on 3000 on sound cloud. whens the special mix comming out ?
Thanks! 3 hour mix comin' in hot this weekend.
Sound of Arman Can't wait! keep it up Arman!
Too bad that clubs close at 2AM in the US haha. But nice vid.
nebneb 5813 dude seriously
Mvizualz mostly yeah
Go to Europe man
Is it common to get to a point that you can't stand analyzing tracks ...etc... And just need to watch something else to cleanse your brain palate ?
I've been listening and relistening ...and I just want to stare at the wall...silence ....
I'd like to pursue DJing.... Is this common ? Does this get easier ???
Sometimes I need to go 24 hrs or more before I can interact with the set I'm working on...
Advice ?
I love your videos and your soundcloud. Thanks man
If the DJ before has played too heavy, just take a couple of songs at a lower pace, reset the mood, start building it again
Thanks, man! Very helpful!!!
Are you saying you build set like a mountain shape ? Start off slow, peak, and then down.... How many min/ hours does this build and fall happen ? I have picked my songs but havent mixed them yet ....
Some individual songs have a mountain and valley in them... How do I work that in ? ... Or like you said just finding an aspect about it ?
I thought your intro needs to be more intense to grab attention because people are more likely to remember the intro and outro.
Peace .
I'm a newbie.
Im just playing around ...
Good stuff, Arman! Thank you!
Can u make a video how do remix song into deephouse? Also how to use rekorbox?
Very clear and instractive, Thank you very much!
Useful video, thank you very much
Thank you for this video, this is helpful for a beginner in the music industry and would hope to get more of you're videos soon !!!! keep rocking !!! Subscribed :)
Whoa man this was SO good! Congratulations, this format really works for you.
Also, first!
Thanks my friend!
Thank you for the amazing video!
Keep it up man! It was very helpful :)
Great advice, thank you!
How should I categorise my music? Now I have them all in one techno folder. should I put them in genre folders?
Good info man. Thanks. New subscriber
Maan!! very good explained videos, seriously , also well explained and good examples! keep doing it :) by the way was funny that im spanish and its a bullfight in your wall Lol
Great video. Thanks man!
what if the headliner is trash ? Ive been to sets where the middle DJ/Producer had better music, costumes and visuals and the headliner just was not cutting it.
If I had a dime for every time I heard a local Toronto DJ play a way better set than the international headliner.... I'd be moderately wealthy!
LOL so do the those guys in the middle face consequences for that. Im sure there are a lot people like me who leave a few minutes into the headliners set when the energy level doesn't pick back up.
It's not necessarily about energy level failing - their set may be worse for any number of reasons, but typically I find the dance floors stay busy for these internationals because people have bought a ticket specifically to see them, and they are playing higher energy level music. The mixing may not be great, or the track selection not ideal, but they are playing tracks that make people want to dance, so I guess that's what counts at the end of the day!
This is really good.
Song used in the intro? “The one that says sometimes I feel soemthing” track name
What's the Name of the Track at 21:07? It doesn't match "The Last Track" shown. Great Video
ATLAS WORLD
SOLOMUN NIGHT REMIX
great work very helpful advise
Could you/someone explain further the difference between energy builders and tension builders?
Thanks that was an awesome video
hi i really appreciate what you are doing, keep it up
I know you get this question all the time, but where do you get your music?
Mostly Beatport
that's where I get mine if I can't buy it at 7digital.ca... but darn it can get expensive. Try to keep it all legit, but it's tough.. starting to wonder if a pool would be the best way to go.
Awesome you are Thank you
hi I am 10 years old so can I still DJ?
Go for it, learn while you're young.
There has never been a better time to start kiddo. Go for it.
Really helped me, thanks
and also what kind of drugs are the crowd on :p 2:20
last call at 2am.... wtf thats when my night just getting started
Yea but some people have jobs and responsibilities n stuff..
North America man not Europe
U r very articulate. 👌
124bpm for techno? thats not techno 145bpm, now thats techno
Thanks a lot, dude
call me stubborn but this is why i prefer parties... I wanna play bangers without worrying if i upset the next guy because he doesn't have as many bangers ;)
Excellent Video Yo
#DJSEVERE
Wow. Thank you. A lot.
Arman Van Burren playing them Hooooooj toons