DJ mix
Encyclopedia
A DJ mix or DJ mixset is a sequence of musical tracks typically mixed
together to appear as one continuous track. When a DJ mix or DJ mixset is recorded onto some medium, it is often referred to as a mix tape. DJ mixes are usually performed using a DJ mixer
and multiple sounds sources, such as turntables
, CD players, digital audio players or computer sound card
s, sometimes with the addition of sampler
s and effects unit
s, although it's possible to create one using sound editing software
.
s or as digital audio files via website
s or podcast
s for promotional purposes. Many popular DJs release their mixes commercially on a compact disc
. When DJ sets are distributed directly via the Internet
, they are generally presented as a single unbroken audio file; cue sheets may be provided by the DJ or fans to allow the set to be burned to a CD
, or listened to, as a series of separate tracks in the way it would be produced as a commercial mix.
Beatmixing
Beatmixing is a disk jockey technique of playing two songs at the same time so that the beats of one song occur at the same time as the other.-History:...
together to appear as one continuous track. When a DJ mix or DJ mixset is recorded onto some medium, it is often referred to as a mix tape. DJ mixes are usually performed using a DJ mixer
DJ mixer
A DJ mixer is a type of audio mixing console used by disc jockeys.The key features that differentiate a DJ mixer from other types of audio mixers are the ability to redirect a non-playing source to headphones and the presence of a crossfader, which allows for an easier transition between two sources...
and multiple sounds sources, such as turntables
Phonograph
The phonograph record player, or gramophone is a device introduced in 1877 that has had continued common use for reproducing sound recordings, although when first developed, the phonograph was used to both record and reproduce sounds...
, CD players, digital audio players or computer sound card
Sound card
A sound card is an internal computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs. The term sound card is also applied to external audio interfaces that use software to generate sound, as opposed to using hardware...
s, sometimes with the addition of sampler
Sampler (musical instrument)
A sampler is an electronic musical instrument similar in some respects to a synthesizer but, instead of generating sounds, it uses recordings of sounds that are loaded or recorded into it by the user and then played back by means of a keyboard, sequencer or other triggering device to perform or...
s and effects unit
Effects unit
Effects units are electronic devices that alter how a musical instrument or other audio source sounds. Some effects subtly "color" a sound, while others transform it dramatically. Effects are used during live performances or in the studio, typically with electric guitar, keyboard and bass...
s, although it's possible to create one using sound editing software
Digital audio editor
A digital audio editor is a computer application for audio editing, i.e. manipulating digital audio. Digital audio editors are the main software component of a digital audio workstation.-For use with music:...
.
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. The term "live set" or "mix tape" often distinguishes the live recordings from those produced in a studio. In live situations the progression of the DJ set is a reactionary 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. 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.Distribution
DJs often distribute their recorded mixes on CD-RCD-R
A CD-R is a variation of the Compact Disc invented by Philips and Sony. CD-R is a Write Once Read Many optical medium, though the whole disk does not have to be entirely written in the same session....
s or as digital audio files via website
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
s or podcast
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
s for promotional purposes. Many popular DJs release their mixes commercially on a compact disc
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
. When DJ sets are distributed directly via the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
, they are generally presented as a single unbroken audio file; cue sheets may be provided by the DJ or fans to allow the set to be burned to a CD
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
, or listened to, as a series of separate tracks in the way it would be produced as a commercial mix.
Commercial mix albums
- Back to Mine seriesBack to MineBack to Mine is a series of mix albums, usually mixed by renowned DJs or composers of electronic music. The compilations usually feature artists other than the artist compiling the album, and are based on what the artist would play at home after a night out, rather than as part of a nightclub...
- Café del MarCafé del MarCafé del Mar is a bar located in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza. It is known for its sunsets and chill-out music.- Beginning :The Café del Mar was founded by Ramón Guiral, Carlos Andrea, and José Les on 20 June 1980.- Decoration :...
series - Choice - A Collection Of ClassicsChoice - A Collection Of ClassicsChoice – A Collection of Classics is a series of DJ mix albums, mixed by various artists for the independent record label Azuli Records.-History:...
- Distinct'ive RecordsDistinct'ive RecordsDistinct'ive Records is a record label which has hundreds of releases from artists such as Way Out West. It is also the parent label to Distinct'ive Breaks Records. Distinct'ive Records is a sublabel of Avex Trax...
Y4K series - DJ-KicksDJ-KicksDJ-Kicks is a series of DJ mix albums, mixed by various artists for the independent record label !K7 Records.-History:...
series - FabricFabric mix albumsThe London nightclub Fabric has released monthly compilation albums mixed by popular DJs since November 2001.There are two series that alternate months, entitled fabric and FabricLive.-fabric series:...
and Fabric Live - Global Underground series
- In Search of Sunrise (series)In Search of Sunrise (Series)In Search of Sunrise is the title given to a trance/house mix-compilation music CD series by Tijs Verwest under his most well known pseudonym Tiësto. The series, currently up to its ninth installment, is released by Tiësto on the label SongBird, a subdivision of Black Hole Recordings. It debuted...
- A State of TranceA State of TranceA State Of Trance is the title of a weekly radio show hosted by prominent trance producer DJ Armin van Buuren. First airing in March 2001 on ID&T Radio , the show takes the format of a two hour mix in which he plays new trance music, both promotional and commercially released...
- Late Night TalesLate Night TalesLate Night Tales and its predecessor Another Late Night are the names of two related series of artist curated compilation albums released on Late Night Tales independent record label...
- Renaissance: Masters SeriesRenaissance RecordingsRenaissance Recordings was a British record label, founded by the club Renaissance in 1994. In went into administration in 2008 and the back catalogue was sold to Phoenix Music International Ltd.-Series:Current*3D*Digital*Masters Series...
- Solid SteelSolid SteelSolid Steel is the name of a series of DJ mix albums issued on Ninja Tune independent record label in the UK.Solid Steel also has a radio station webcast and related live concerts which further showcase the DJing talents of such artists....
- Tranceport series
- Drum and Bass ArenaDrum and Bass ArenaDrum and Bass Arena is a drum & bass music website and brand, established in 1996. It offers up to date information on the worldwide drum and bass scene, and has an online shop, forum and digital download section...
See also
- BeatmatchingBeatmatchingBeatmatching is a disc jockey technique of pitch shifting or timestretching a track to match its tempo to that of the currently playing track e.g. the kicks and snares in two house records hit at the same time when both records are played simultaneously...
- House musicHouse musicHouse music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
- Harmonic mixingHarmonic mixingHarmonic mixing or key mixing is a DJ's continuous mix between two pre-recorded tracks that are most often either in the same key, or their keys are relative or in a subdominant or dominant relationship with one another....
- Medley (music)Medley (music)In music, a medley is a piece composed from parts of existing pieces, usually three, played one after another, sometimes overlapping. They are common in popular music, and most medleys are songs rather than instrumental. A medley which is a remixed series is called a megamix, often done with tracks...
- Mix tape
- TurntablismTurntablismTurntablism is the art of manipulating sounds and creating music using phonograph turntables and a DJ mixer.The word 'turntablist' was coined in 1995 by DJ Babu to describe the difference between a DJ who just plays records, and one who performs by touching and moving the records, stylus and mixer...
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.