DJ mix
A DJ mix or DJ mixset is a sequence of musical tracks typically
DJ mixing is significantly different from
Music
A DJ mixes music from genres that fit into the more general term electronic dance music. Other genres mixed by DJ includes hip hop, breakbeat and disco. Four on the floor disco beats can be used to create seamless mixes so as to keep dancers locked to the dancefloor.[5] Two main characteristics of music used in DJ mixes is a dominant bassline and repetitive beats.[5] Music mixed by DJs usually has a tempo which ranges from 100 bpm up to 160 bpm.[5]
Technique
A DJ mixset is usually performed live in front of an audience in a nightclub, party, or rave setting. Mixsets can also be performed live on radio or recorded in a studio. Methods of mixing vary slightly depending on the music genres being played.[1] House and trance DJs tend to aim for smooth, blended mixes while hip-hop DJs may use turntablism, scratching and other cutting techniques.[1] Some DJs, particularly those mixing Goa trance may prefer to mix during a break in which instead of beats, washes of synthesized sounds are combined.[5] Further refinement to the mixing quality can be provided with harmonic mixing which avoids dissonant tones during a mix.
In live situations, the progression of the DJ set is a dynamic process. The DJ chooses tracks partly in response to the activity on the dance floor. If the dance floor becomes less active, the DJ will make a judgement as to what track will increase dance floor activity. This may involve shifting the tempo or changing the general mood of the set. Track choices are also due, in part, to where the DJ wishes to take his or her audience. In this way, the resulting mixset is brought about through a symbiotic relationship between audience and DJ.[7] Studio DJs have the luxury of spending more time on their mix, which often leads to productions that could never be realized in real-time.
Traditional DJ mixing with vinyl required the DJ to sync the tempo of the tracks and modify each track's volume and equalisation to create a smooth blend. DJs can use a mixer's
Legality
To be released commercially, DJ mixes often need many copyright clearances and licenses. The vast majority of DJ mixes throughout the years have only avoided legal action because the copyright holders generally do not choose to take legal action against the DJ for the unauthorized use of their material.[8]
Distribution
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, DJs would often distribute their recorded mixes on
When DJ sets are distributed directly via the Internet, they are generally presented as a single unbroken audio file;
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-240-52107-7. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ^ Vorobyez, Yakov; Eric Coomes (2012). "How to Use Harmonic Mixing". Beyond Beatmatching: Take Your DJ Career to the Next Level. Mixed In Key. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ISBN 978-1-136-12310-8.
- ^ "Frankie Knuckles". AllMusic. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-62356-437-7. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ^ "Jeff Mills gets Down with FORWARD and 88". 88 Music Blog. Archived from the original on 26 June 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
- ^ Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey by Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton
- ^ "The Legality of Sharing and Selling DJ Mixes | Digital DJ Hub". www.digitaldjhub.com. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
External links
- Is a Mixset a Piece of Art? by Brent Silby ─ article provides argument to support the claim that a DJ mixset is a form of art.