Comments (4)
@ALOVERA I bought like an entry level controller (specifically a Pioneer DDJ FLX-400) and utilised the free rekordbox software it comes with to get myself started and then raided my old iTunes library for music I was interested in mixing, plus downloading a few songs (illegally initially) using youtline to mp3 just to get me started. Then I just practiced lots and lots and watched tutorials on transitions and stuff. I also had been inspired to try and recreate a few mashups from DJs I like so that was also a good way to know sorta what I wanted to aim for, but mostly I just invested around 5 hours a week for a good few months, some weeks significantly more just because Iād get home from work and be like āI wanna practice!ā. I also have slowly been buying music (especially from smaller artists) I like on bandcamp or beatport, and just listening to more mixes generally for inspiration, or going out clubbing or to restaurants and bars and pulling out the Shazam app when I like whatās playing. I feel like once I could make mixes I actually enjoyed listening to I would get so inspired even just listening to my regular music and nowadays I just find myself mixing songs even if Iām just in the car, Iāll start singing a rap part over an instrumental or picturing how it would sound mixed in. I also have a notebook of transitions I like, and I often record myself practicing now just so I can listen back and take notes on how I can improve etc.
I would say just buy a cheap controller if you can afford it and start! your first mix of two songs you actually enjoy will feel life changing- I remember sending it to all my friends and dancing around my room with it blasting on my speakers and to this day listening back to that like 3 minute mashup mix just brings me so much joy :)
Also once I felt like I was good enough to do a mix around 45-60mins I decided to throw a big birthday party so I could play for all my friends which was amaaazing. I played for nearly two hours in the end and it felt so electric! once I got into my flow on the night I executed stuff I never wouldve thought Iād be able to at the start of the year. also canāt recommend setting yourself a goal like that as it reaaaally motivates you to practice (read: so you dont feel like youāre gonna embarrass yourself in front of your friends ahaha). Truly exhilarating, 10/10 couldnāt recommend more. As you can probably tell I am super happy to chat about it more if you have any particular questions! :ā)
