#beatmatching

[chris-ostkreuz]

Tips for practicing your DJ skills at home

Tips for Practicing Your DJ Skills at Home So, you’ve decided to become the next big DJ sensation. You’ve got the gear, the passion, and a playlist that could make even the most stoic of souls tap their feet. But wait! Before you start dreaming of headlining festivals and having fans throw roses at your feet, let’s talk about the most crucial part of your journey: practicing your DJ skills at…

[089dj]

Die Rolle von Technologie im modernen DJing

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Technologie im modernen DJing – In der dynamischen Welt des DJings hat die Technologie eine Schlüsselrolle übernommen. Von Vinyl-Schallplatten bis hin zu digitalen Decks und leistungsstarken Softwarelösungen hat sich die Art und Weise, wie DJs ihre Musik kreieren und präsentieren, drastisch verändert. In diesem Blogbeitrag werfen wir einen Blick auf die…

[grooveleblog]

[masterclap]

Learn DJ techniques in Masterclap

Record audio

Edit audio

Audio Sampling

Handle audio equipment

Cue tracks

Beat Matching

Mix different styles of music

Perform live on stage

[tonydaddingham]

show me devotion // and take me all the way

yt link✨

[lawrenceofbessarabia]

turns out if you go to the trouble of beatmatching your playlists you can get away with some batshit insane song choices.

like my Halloween party playlist has a section that pairs Cannibal with Judas, follows that up with Master and Servant, then slams right into a Rave in the Grave/Spooky Scary Skeletons (Undead Tombstone mix) double whammy and it absolutely rips (to me. you might disagree but then again you might also be lame) which isn't all that surprising since all of those songs are ~130 bpm club bops.

mainstream electronic music tends to use similar-sounding drums and even intros/outros so if you line up the bpms many songs will bleed right into each other. the beatmatching trick still works when you want to mash songs from disparate genres together, but you have to be more careful about matching keys/mood/production/etc. sometimes it's better to just throw a slow, mostly beat-less song in between sections as a transition and move on.

obviously none of this applies if you and your guests don't really give a shit about what music is playing as long as it's music. if you want to safely mix your own weirdo music with crowd-pleasers at a party, however, this is how you do it.

[lipglossanon]

What If We Could

Best friend!Leon S. Kennedy x fem!reader

A little more savory tier commission from @porcelainseashore and dedicated to AliBelleRosetta ✨

Word Count: 2404 (I’m not surprised at this point lmao)

Warnings: MDNI, neighbor Leon, crushes, jealous reader, light flirting, smoking, light voyeurism, teasing, half naked reader

proofread ✍️

↺ ◁◁͏͏ ll ▷▷ ⋮≡

Stepping out the back door, your breath mists in front of your face. The warmth of late summer has segued easily into the coolness of fall. You tug the sleeves of your overly big sweatshirt—one you stole from Leon although you can’t recall when—to make sure they don’t fall too low past your wrists. Thinking of your best friend brings a warmth—a tiny ember burning in your chest—and a soft smile to your face.

Looking over at his house, you're thankful for the millionth time that you guys ended up being neighbors. Stepping out into your backyard, you pick your way through the leaf-strewn path that runs between your yard and Leon’s. Glancing over, you take in the old oak tree with its tired rope swing that sits in the middle of both properties. 

It’s been years since it’s been used; musing to yourself, you think you must’ve been about eight years old when you quit playing on it. And the last time the swing was even used had to have been when you and Leon dared each other to swing as high as possible, then jump off. Wood smoke pervades your senses, and you breathe deep. It drags you from your reminiscing, focus shifting back to Leon’s house and, more importantly, to the open garage. 

Your fingers nervously rub across the mixtape in the front pocket of your hooded sweatshirt. Leon’s never had a bad word to say about your mixes, even letting you demo a few live in front of your home setup, but it always sends a frisson of nerves through you when giving him one—especially one you’ve made specifically for him.

Poking your head around the corner, you take in your best friend while he doesn’t realize you’re there. He’s frowning down at the engine, a smear of grease already staining the apple of one cheek. His fringe hangs low over his face, head tilted forward as he works on his Jeep. That low burning ember in your chest sparks to life. 

His blue eyes dart from part to part, mentally assessing his next move. His toolbox lies at his feet, lid flipped open and tools organized. Pushing off the side of the garage makes enough noise to draw his attention. A smile lights up his face when he realizes it’s you. 

“Hey! Didn’t think you were gonna come over today,” he steps away from the hood, grabbing up an old oil rag to start cleaning his hands. 

You shrug, “Didn’t feel like beatmatching today.”

You fiddle with the mixtape in your sweater before pulling it out. “Made you a new one.”

His eyes are soft when he walks over to pluck it from your hands. “Thanks. I think my last one is about worn out.”

He chuckles, and you grin a little bashfully. Throwing his arm over your shoulders, he guides you into the garage and over onto the ratty couch that’s been here forever. While you flop down onto the faded green cushions, springs groaning at the motion, Leon slips the new mixtape into his stereo. A heavy beat fills the speakers as he walks back over to join you on the couch.

“This one's yours?”

You nod, “I’ve got a few new tracks I’ve been messing around with.”

“Cool,” he relaxes into the cushions, head resting on the back. “Man, I’m tired.”

“Long night?”

“Kinda. Had to finish that paper for biology.”

Humming, you slip your shoes off and kick your feet up onto the couch. “I hate that class.”

He snorts, “Tell me about it.”

“Hey, Leon, I hate that class.”

He shakes his head at your sly smile, “Smartass.”

“Takes one to know one.”

“What’re you? Five?” 

You laugh, and he huffs a breath that you know is covering his own amusement. He pulls out a nearly empty pack of cigarettes from his pocket, smacking the bottom with his palm before working the last one out and slipping it into his mouth.

“Hey,” you perk up, stretching your legs out to prod a sock-covered foot at Leon’s leg. “I thought you quit.”

“I did,” he mumbles, lips pinched around the cigarette filter, hands patting at his jean pockets as he feels for his lighter.

Making a little hum at the discovery, he tugs it out of his left pocket, flipping the hinge of the zippo to spark the flint until a little gold flame appears. Cupping his hand, he takes a pull off the butt, snapping the Zippo shut with a flick of his wrist before blowing smoke from his nose. 

“C’mon, share,” you poke him again, and he clamps a hand around your ankle bone. Butterflies take flight in your sternum, insides fizzing like carbonated soda. 

It’s not the first time Leon’s caused this feeling. It’s something you’ve been avoiding by looking at too closely. 

“Say please,” he smirks at you, cigarette hanging from the side of his mouth.

You pout, and he runs his fingers underneath the hem of the leg of your jeans, calloused fingers brushing the skin. The fizzy excitement is back, bubbling in your sternum. 

“Please, Leon,” you murmur.

His eyes shift, the blue now a shade darker, while he plucks the cigarette from his lips. “See? How hard was that?”

Leaning forward, you take the filtered end and pull a drag off the lit cig. You both fall into a charged silence—not only sharing smoke, but a secondhand kiss with each pass of the filter between you two. Every now and again, Leon ashes the cigarette onto an old glass tray sitting on the floor. 

He keeps his hand loosely wrapped around your ankle the entire time, fingers mindlessly tracing across your skin. Feeling a little bold, you slip your other foot into his lap, and he hums. Giddiness at the action makes you a little lightheaded. 

He offers the butt to you. “Last one?”

You shake your head, “All yours.”

He takes one last drag of what’s left of the cigarette, then stubs it out in the ashtray. He lounges back on the couch, running his free hand through his hair.

“Actually.. what time is it?” He rolls his head to look over at you.

Squinting up at the silly cat clock on the wall, you read out the time. “You got a plane to catch?”

He rolls his eyes with a smile and gently pushes your feet off his lap. “No, I got a date with Heidi, said I’d pick her up at about six or so.”

Jealousy rears its green-eyed gaze and lasers you in its sights. The bubbly feeling from earlier sours, leaving confusion in its wake. 

“Oh.” The word slips from your lips quietly, softly. You thought they had broken up? Squishing down that nagging voice in your head, you clear your throat. “Well, I’ll get out of your hair then.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” He stands up and holds his hand out to help you off the couch. 

“Of course, we’ve got history together.” You clasp his hand and let him pull you alongside him. “Don’t stay out too late.”

He chuckles and nudges you with his elbow, “No promises.”

Pretending that doesn't slice into your heart as well as buoys the jealousy sitting like a stone in your chest, you nod and step around him. As you head for the opening of the garage, his fingers tangle with yours and tug you to a stop. 

“Hey,” his voice is low and honeywarm when you turn to look at him. “Thanks for the music.”

He squeezes your hand gently, blue eyes searching your face. You can’t help but smile at him, squeezing his hand back. 

“You’re welcome, Leon.”

He grins, boyish and happy, then drops your hand to grab up his lighter and empty pack of cigarettes to stash them back in his pocket.

“Later!” He calls out, and you watch him head into his house through the kitchen door.

Cradling your hand to your chest, you walk back to your house, deep in thought with your tangled feelings. 

˚₊‧꒰ა . ——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ——— ˖ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

Leon pulls into his driveway before the clock even strikes ten. He sits behind the steering wheel, eyes unseeing as he looks out the windshield. The date went off without a hitch; Heidi and he got along perfectly. But he couldn’t stop thinking back to you this afternoon. How you looked with a haze of smoke in the air, eyes glittering at him from across the couch.

You brought him another of your mixtapes, so shy and sweet—it’s cute, but he’s too chicken to ever tell you that. His heart lurched in his chest at seeing your face fall when he admitted why he had to leave early; it was telling in that you didn’t even realize you had done it. 

Climbing out of his Jeep, he digs out his new pack of cigarettes and decides to light one up before going inside. With his thoughts still on you, his feet take him around the side of the garage to the oak tree straddling the invisible line between your yards. He leans against the trunk, eyes flicking up to your bedroom window and almost choking on the smoke he blows out from his mouth on a sudden exhalation. 

The soft glow of the lamp on your nightstand bathes your room in a golden hue, fitting for the warmth mounting in Leon’s body. His eyes can’t stop taking you in, clad only in a loose shirt and sweats. He steps closer out from under the shadow of the tree to take a better look. You’re moving around your room, headphones over your ears, lost in your own little world.

Coming to a stop, Leon takes a long drag from his cigarette, slowly blowing out the smoke while he watches you dance around your room. You slip your sweats down and off, now only in your shirt and plain cotton panties. His heart pumps harder, pulse jumping in his neck. Leon knows he shouldn’t be peeping on you like this—knows he should turn around and go back home so you won’t think he’s some kinda pervert, but the temptation of you is too tantalizing. 

You bend forward to drop something onto your nightstand and glance up, locking eyes with him. Leon doesn’t move except to pull the filter away from his mouth to breathe out a smoke ring. You slowly stand tall, body language cautious. He’s close enough he can see you bite your lip, seeming to make up your mind as you tug on the bottom of your shirt.

He can’t stop the low groan from slipping from his lips; thankfully no one is around, when you slowly bring your shirt over your head and drop it into the floor. You stand there, like a vision, in just panties and a bra. He brings the cigarette back up to his lips to take a long drag. You tease your fingers underneath your bra straps, slipping them down one at a time. Leon’s heart is in his throat, eyes never leaving yours as you reach behind your back and undo the clasps. 

Once you bring your arms forward to let your bra fall away from your body, his eyes drop to greedily take in your bare breasts. Arousal pools in his gut while he stares at your soft peaks, your nipples hardening under his gaze. Cupping your breasts in your hands, you rub your thumbs over the tight buds, making him groan and run a shaky hand through his hair.

He drops the cig and stubs it out under his boot. Running his other hand down his thigh, he cups himself through his jeans, groaning at the pressure on his chubbed cock. He watches you bite your lip again, eyes fluttering when you lightly run your fingers around your areola before grazing your nipples. His palm presses harder onto his bulge, hips jumping at the dull pleasure. 

You smile at him, secretive and coquettish, bending forward again to pick up the shirt you dropped earlier. Leon bites back the disappointed groan when you pull your shirt back on, blowing him a saucy kiss before closing the curtains on your window. 

Leon shakes his head, arousal making his thoughts feel thick and slow. In a daze, he makes his way back over to his house and up to his own room. Deciding to take a cold shower before falling into bed, Leon knows that a line may have been crossed, and he’s not sure that he really cares.

˚₊‧꒰ა . ——— ˗ˏˋ ✮ ˎˊ˗ ——— ˖ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

Apparently it’s something neither of you are going to bring up. You were already seated in your usual spot when Leon came rushing in, minutes from the lecture starting. He shoots you his usual smile and a quick hello before pulling out his laptop and textbook. You frown at him, a quizzical pull of your brows, and he just winks. 

Shrugging a little, you turn back to the front of the class just as the teacher walks in, closing the door behind them. It’s silent between you two while the history lecture takes place. Once the lesson drags to a close, you wait for Leon to finish packing away his things. 

“You wanna grab an early lunch? I slept through my alarm and missed breakfast,” he grouses, rubbing his eye with the palm of his hand.

“Sure. Anywhere specific?” You fall into step with him as you leave the classroom, skin feeling warm when your arms brush. 

“Where’s that place that you found last week?” He pushes the door open, letting you exit the building first. 

“Oh, it’s just around the corner. They’ve got a decent selection, sandwiches, wraps, and the like,” you purse your lips in thought, and Leon slips his arm over your shoulders. 

Butterflies swarm your stomach, and you give him a side eye. It’s not unusual for Leon to do it, but after last night, you’re unsure of where you stand with him. 

“Sounds good to me,” he yawns. “Damn, I gotta start heading to bed earlier.”

Neither of you say anything about why he was up late, and by the end of the day, it’s like some weird shared dream that you may have had—distant, yet the feeling remains. 

And except for the times when you catch him staring, it’s business as usual, so everything’s fine between you two… right?

[itwashotwestayedinthewater]

imagining an alternate tumblr 2010s universe where every creative tips post was about DJing better

remember ITS OKAY TO AUTO BEATMATCH!!!! it does not make you a worse DJ!!!

[gondwana]

still cant believe i didnt kill myself when i got kicked off the dj equipment for not being able to beatmatch

[charlesmwa]

How to Pick the Best DJ Headphones for Your Budget

Imagine you’re at the centre of a buzzing dance floor, spinning tracks that get the crowd moving. But there’s a catch—your headphones aren’t delivering the clarity you need to nail those transitions. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned DJ, having the right pair of headphones is as essential as your deck. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best DJ headphones for your budget? Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can make an informed choice without breaking the bank.

Why DJ Headphones Matter

First things first—why are DJ headphones so crucial? Unlike regular headphones, DJ models are designed to handle high volumes, block out background noise, and give you a crystal-clear sound. Whether you’re beatmatching or queuing your next track, the right headphones ensure you hear every detail of your mix. Poor-quality headphones can lead to missed cues, offbeat transitions, or even long-term hearing damage. That’s why it’s worth investing in a good pair, even if you’re on a budget.

What to Look for in DJ Headphones

1. Sound Quality

The number one priority for any DJ headphone is sound quality. Look for headphones with a flat frequency response, meaning they don’t overly emphasize bass, mids, or highs. This ensures you hear tracks as they are, not exaggerated by the equipment.

2. Durability

DJs don’t work in pristine conditions—clubs, parties, and events can be chaotic. Your headphones need to withstand drops, knocks, and long hours of use. Check for sturdy materials like metal frames or reinforced plastic, and make sure the ear cups and headband are replaceable.

3. Comfort

You might be wearing your headphones for hours at a time, so comfort is non-negotiable. Look for padded ear cups, an adjustable headband, and lightweight designs. Over-ear headphones are typically more comfortable for long sessions compared to on-ear models.

4. Noise Isolation

When you’re performing in a noisy environment, you need to hear your tracks clearly without interference. Choose headphones with good noise isolation to block out the ambient sound and focus solely on your mix.

5. Portability

If you’re constantly on the move, portability is a key factor. Foldable headphones or those that come with a sturdy carrying case are perfect for traveling DJs.

6. Price vs. Features

Not every feature is essential, especially if you’re working within a budget. Decide which aspects—like sound quality or durability—are your top priorities, and focus on headphones that excel in those areas.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Buying DJ Headphones

Set a Realistic Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping. If you’re a beginner, you can find reliable options in the $50-$150 range. Professionals may want to invest in high-end models that go upwards of $300.

Compare Brands and Models

Do your research! Read reviews, watch YouTube videos, and check DJ forums to see what other DJs recommend in your price range. Popular brands like Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, and Pioneer often have models catering to various budgets.

Prioritize Value Over Brand

While big-name brands are often reliable, lesser-known brands can offer great performance at a fraction of the price. Just make sure to read user reviews and verify the quality before purchasing.

Don’t Forget Accessories

Some headphones come with extra cables, adapters, or carrying cases, which can save you money in the long run. Keep an eye out for these perks when comparing products.

Why Buy from a Professional Audio Shop?

Here’s the truth: not all headphones are created equal, and buying from professional audio shops like VIP PRO AUDIO to ensures you get a product that meets your needs. Unlike online marketplaces, where you’re bombarded with endless options and mixed reviews, professional shops offer a curated selection of DJ headphones, often based on expert recommendations.

One of the best things about shopping at a professional store is the ability to test headphones before buying. You can experience the sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation firsthand, helping you pick the perfect pair. Plus, staff members are often audio enthusiasts who can guide you through the technical jargon, ensuring you understand what you’re buying.

Professional shops also stock the latest models, so you’re not stuck with outdated technology. They offer warranties and after-sales support, giving you peace of mind if anything goes wrong. In many cases, these stores also provide repair services, saving you from replacing expensive gear.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality

Choosing the best DJ headphones doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on sound quality, durability, comfort, and your budget, you can find a pair that elevates your DJing experience. And while it’s tempting to order online for convenience, there’s no substitute for the expertise and assurance that comes from buying from a professional audio shop.

So, whether you’re spinning for your friends or headlining a club, make sure you’re equipped with headphones that can keep up with your passion. After all, your mix deserves nothing but the best!

[connie-holder-of-flashlights]

Locking myself in a portapotty at EDC trying to beatmatch the dariacore speed edits playing on my phone with the house music rumbling outside. The second dose of floor pills begins to metabolize, 12 hours remain

[chris-ostkreuz]

Spinning Skills: Why DJing is 10% Talent, 90% Practice!

In the electrifying world of DJing, the allure of spinning tracks on a grand stage often leads aspiring DJs to believe that raw talent is the key to success. However, the reality is both amusing and enlightening: 10% talent, 90% practice! In this article, we’ll explore the journey from the humble bedroom to the dazzling main stage and how mastering the mix is the ultimate ticket to success. So…

[leatherdyketerror]

hello promoter!!! please hire me for dj gig. no beatmatching skill bad song selection no podcast mixes 1000 doller payment please!!!!!

[thebonesofhoudini]

That Grimes DJ fail video from Coachella it's a great example of why a lot of celebrity pop stars turned DJs are straight up and down fucking trash. Don't know how to beat match without pressing a sync button. Don't know how to beatmatch without looking at BPM counters. Don't know how to mix on tables. Don't really know anything about DJing. Caring more about looking cool behind the CDJs than actually mixing. This goes for Charlie XCX, Billie Eilish, and other try hards. Bedroom DJs with one month of training can do better than this.

[rgr-pop]

i think the genesis for this has two parts: conceptually, it's a continuation of the financial crisis love songs mix i was trying at years and years ago. many will remember. it revolved entirely around the idea of short skirt/long jacket, which is that there was something financialized about dating at the end of/beginning of the century. and, you also know this about me, i'm conceptually preoccupied above all else with the 'right before.' this effort still has not cracked that open for me, but i go on. what better theme for a 9-11/radiohead/enron/fukuyama obsessed person born around that time, and also, what better gift could i (electroclash era millennial) bestow. at some point in the prehistory of this project i asked marisa for some recommendations and she made this perfect and spot on mix about, maybe, the right-after. it was obvious to me this year that electroclash as an economic phenomenon was foundation of this mix, so i spent that time earlier this year researching and putting together this collaborative mix with your and my suggestions. partially this is all like anticipating that they will come for electroclash after they invented--and i think, are getting wrong--'indie sleaze.' it's much easier to get electroclash right, i think, but i wanted to get ahead of it, too, lol.

aside from that, the idea that i would do 'live mixes' (am not a dj) came to me a few years ago when i started collecting this certain type of sound from 1993--it really really all started with thinking about how the mr t experience put out a nerdcore track that sounded straight touch and go. so i started collecting these kind of droning repetitive rock grooves from that era, and filing them by year. i was thinking about how it came to be that everything was grunge (maybe more in the great lakes/noise sense than the hard rock sense) for a year or two. i was calling this 'pop noise americana' and this is where i started to talk about wet beats, soggy grooves. i was also very interested in framing as dance songs the rock (not even industrial) songs from that era that did a lot of big/small build-bust-climax stuff in the period between nirvana and the point when that would come to more or less belong to emo. i don't have these lists on this computer but i recall this is my favorite song from that period of my thinking, and rim shack flipped something on for me, too. this is also when i became really insane about brainiac.

pop noise americana:

i started collecting things in this way, and it became obvious really quickly that i didn't have the range to describe what i wanted to be describing, and i was too out of practice to even be able to hear what i was looking for as well as i wanted. so i had to learn to beatmatch before i could do anything else. in general don't @ me dj haters but if you want to practice listening skills or other kind of detail-focused music skills for other kinds of music needs, you should teach yourself how to dj a little bit. it's really good practice! so i said something back then like this is the opposite of a brad shoup mix. concerning one moment in time, but very small and focused. i also wanted to (i continue to want to, and keep failing to) make tiny, concise micromixes. like this one. a little mix like that, but about a very specific sound instead of an idea on its own. i was imagining 12 songs from the same year with very similar grooves if maybe from slightly divergent scenes or genres. but what i want to do is also the same as brad shoup mixes, which produce something that doesn't rely on your memory and doesn't necessarily reinforce what you already believe to be true about a year in music. (in this way what it is really the opposite of is the hood internet mashups, which i'll return to.) the thing you know i always do in mixes is selectively take something you know very well and force you to listen to it differently (or tell you that you're wrong about it). and in general deep listening in a year should serve the purpose of challenging conventional wisdom about music as well as history. but for me, i think more than he does in his playlists, i like to do something like: here's five songs you maybe don't know, and they will help you be surprised by this song that you do know, a very obvious or perhaps cliche or perhaps forgotten hit, and maybe you will be a little startled.

i don't remember how i decided to do 01 00 99 at all, or when or why i decided to work backward (though i'm sure it was with the intention of closing 99 with my signature climax sugar ray falls apart), but i started a pile of songs with little beats that surprised me for whatever reason, just a save for later pile of grooves, and in that heap i had mirah - of pressure, and that was kind of that. i knew i could make some dance hits from that, the era of, you know, tracy + the plastics. (incidentally i have cut them entirely... rip.) my process starts with my own instinct and combing my own music library, then doing an associative deep dive using only - only ! - my own memory, wikipedia articles, discogs rabbit holes, and primary sources from the period. maybe a little similar artist spotify clicking through. once i get a draft down and a to-listen list, then i can start reading year-end lists and casually browsing like brad shoup playlists if he's done them, or peoples pop polls. then when i think i know what i have or am trying to demonstrate, i edit and build, and only at the end do i go through and listen to the hood internet year mashups. after i do that i can add new stuff to my review pile from their suggestion but i also check: do i have too many songs that the hood internet has? if so, that's hits parade, gotta go back a few steps and work it out. if the vibes are nostalgia generated (emo nite) it's not right!

[tonydaddingham]

anything you've been dreaming of // but i just won't do that

yt link✨