Last year I wrote about my experience selling hip hop albums at the Austin Record Convention. Vinyl heads know, but for those that don’t the ARC is the largest vinyl show in the U.S., and second-largest in the world. Collectors and vendors come to Austin from all over the world each May to buy and […]
As DJs, we’re often so concerned with how we sound, that we forget how important looks are, too. I don’t mean your physical appearance. You don’t have to be Ryan Gosling or Emma Stone to win at the DJ’ing game. I mean your gear. Obviously, if you play in a venue where everything is set […]
One of the questions I’m asked most often by other DJs, novices and veterans alike, is how do I mix vinyl records so seamlessly? In a time when most DJs learn using all the visual cues, and technical aids, found in software like Serato or Rekordbox, mixing using only one’s ears can be daunting. Today […]
We’ve talked before about choosing a controller. Now it’s time to talk speakers. Your sound system is an essential investment that directly impacts the quality of your performances. A good sound system can make all the difference in how your music is received by your audience, and can help you stand out in a crowded […]
It goes without saying that no one in their right mind wants to return to the days of the pandemic. It was a brutal time, one fraught with sorrow and confusion. Yet that doesn’t mean that one can’t wistfully recall moments that took place during that frightful time, and reminisce about friendships that were made, […]
Each time I write an article for Heavy Hits, I try to put myself into the mindset of my readers. I know you run the gamut from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. I also know most of you are DJs in some capacity. Beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess what you want to read about on […]
Much has been said of late about ChatGPT and other forms of AI, and invariably, among DJs, when ChatGPT comes up, the conversation turns to the future. Will we one day be replaced by computers? Consider this article about Spotify’s latest feature: DJ. According to Spotify, they are putting an “AI DJ in your pocket.” […]
Pioneer leaked some details regarding their plans for the next few years. This is unofficial, and very early information, similar to when I broke the existence of the DJM S11 6 months before it was announced. Many of these units, especially the 2024 and 2025 releases, are still in the development stage, and details may […]
Last month I went over the most basic of basics, as I explained how to unbox and set up your very first controller. I hope you’ve been hard at work practicing your craft, but now it’s the day after and you’re ready to get out there and start being a DJ for real. As in, […]
Beware out there tonight, fellow DJs. New Year’s Eve is amateur night, and can be one of the most unpredictable, and disappointing, nights of the year to step behind the decks. For many, it is the one night of the year that they drink heavily, meaning it’s the one night of the year they are […]
