I’ve seen and read about many ways that DJs organize their music, and am convinced that my way is the best way. I’ve written about it once before, but after having been asked many times for more details, I’ve recorded a tutorial video to teach you how to do this. I use Apple Music to […]
Perhaps you have heard of Overturned Big Rig or Derailed Freight Train, but probably not. Both are stage names of a California DJ. He plays records, and mixes and scratches them. This sounds like every DJ out there, but once you listen I’m sure you’ll agree this California DJ is doing something… different. Very different. […]
How many times have you listened to a song, usually a hip hop song, and wondered what song or songs were sampled to create it? Or heard a song for the first time that sounded very familiar, despite having never heard it before, because it was built around another song that you just can’t place? […]
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.” […]
