Versatile mixes in Berlin, why they work, and why you should try utilizing them

      Versatile Mixes In Berlin And Utilization

   Though DJS nowadays have all of the music possible laid out in front of them on a computer, many still seem to get tied to genres or mixing types. Though these tools are great and can provide comfort, if your aim as a DJ is to take music as far as it can go, then this is a relatively unadventurous way to do so (not that I'm hating) In Berlin recently I have seen many DJS playing sets that explore different genres and mixing styles, sometimes these two go hand in hand and other times they don't. Perhaps the open mindedness of Berlin gives way for more interesting mixes, but I can say hands down that utilizing new methods, techniques and experimenting with new types of music makes you more keen to see an overall trend in music that will help you to create a more dynamic mix.
 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT GENRES? 

(IF YOU ARE TRULY GENRE TIED THE SECTIONS AFTER WILL BE A BETTER READ)

     People argue that genres of electronic dance music are not so far from each other. But I'll be the guy to say that in the last three years due to the rise in EDM culture the "underground" has done its best to separate itself. In an attempt artists like Nicholas Jaar have created new types of "genres" that can only be described as unique. His half time approach to techno changed the scene. Even if you're playing latin, afro beat, jazz, the last decade has been a molding factor in any genre so this will still apply. The first thing about experimenting with different genres is you get a big influence of different styles of original music sometimes you don't recognize.

     Moombahton, is a EDM version of reggaeton, a combination of reggae from panama and has formed mainly in Puerto Rico. Though playing moombahton you may just hear EDM, the BPM and Mixing styles are very close to that of Reggaeton songs/DJS. Another example is dub step. Though you may only thing of the half time beat that goes with Dubstep to be related to reggae, it is very close to that of garage, and dub. So when trying new genres you are exposing your self to old music styles you may have never thought of (even if you do know, why not!) It is important to have an ability to mix a wide variety of music.

     Lets say you decide to DJ a night you are unsure of and it turns out the DJ before you is spinning rap or reggae, why not mix your set in with something the people are loving? A moombahton track, dub step or trap could be perfect (this is mainly for EDM DJS!) They all have a half time vibe and have influences of these genres. I've heard DJs show up to a gig and complain that it isn't their genre or their crowd, but part of the art of the DJ is MAKING IT YOUR GENRE AND CROWD.

How To Blend Genres

          Some DJS they need to be genre tied, based on a residency, or prior commitment. That doesn't mean that you can't blend genres in an interesting way while staying "closer to home". Popular techniques for this are utilizing acapellas, using loops from other genres to fit your own, utilizing baselines, or top ends and utilizing interesting chord progressions in key.

ACAPELLAS

          Utilizing acapellas are by far the easiest way to incorporate another genre into your style. They are easily manipulated and many acapellas sound decent when moved by BPM. Felix Da Housecat creates a disco house vibe by throwing old disco vocals on top of modern house. (See below for video) Flosstradamus creates an EDM vibe with trap by using hard style vocals. Dubstep artists use reggae, moombahton use reggaeton, trap use rap. I think the most outstanding example of this is parov stelar. He has popularized a style of EDM called electro swing and he combines swing vocals with house. That is something "Far fetched".

      So try downloading a few acapellas, key them in your favorite software, throw them on top of some of your and see what comes out, you may be on your way to creating a new genre! (If you've never watched a tutorial on warping vocals for mixes on Ableton (if you dj with Ableton) I recommend YouTubing it!

(He Talks About The House Disco Combinging Here!)

(Flosstradamus Utilizing Hardstyle!)

(Parov Stelar's Famous Swing Vocals At Their Best)

Using Loops From Different Styles

    As stated before using loops from different styles can be an interesting way to bring in that vibe from another genre or style while still maintaining the vibe of another. Think about some genres and think about what makes them unique. For EDM nowadays it is the Martin Garrix style drop, for moombahton the detuned drop, Dubstep the wobbles, Reggae the up beat guitar, Punk, the slowed down rough style, Swing the fast double time beat and instruments. If you maintain these key elements of each genre and combine them together you can make an interesting blend of music. 

    

    I think loops are great because they are becoming more prevalent in Djing nowadays. Traktor has the F1 now for triggering Loops, Serato has the sampler, and Ableton DJing is based on triggering loops. Not only will using loops give you the ability to change genres quickly, it will give you the ability to see music without restraints because it gives you the ability to create a piece of production right in front of your eyes, something new. And that will definitely shake up your idea of what genres mean. So as with acapellas, try to find a wide range of loops and practice listening for what makes a type of music unique. Try something you've never heard before!

Using Traktors Remix Decks and Deck Recorder You Can Create Versatile Loops!

Improvising With Loops In Ableton Can Teach You To Drop Genres On The Fly

With Serato's Sampler And The Ability To Use Your iPad/ New Pioneer Controllers With Serato, You Can Remix Like Never Before

Basslines, Chord Progressions, Melodies (Loops Part 2)

  

          For DJs who are a little more experienced, you may want to try throwing some genre based Basslines, chord progressions or melodies on top of your mix. This skill can take a while to learn and it takes even longer to learn how to do it well. You have to have a great sense of Key, BPM and all around song structure to understand when you can utilize these. Basslines and melodies are often what we love about music. It just has that ring to it and sometimes its very infectious. 

          

           Take for example levels by Avicii. Though we may have heard it a hundred times, its still a very well plotted melody. Or for older DJs who want a better example think of Johnny Cash's ring of fire. The trumpet is unbelievably catchy. If you are trying to use these specific elements of a song, you should learn or use what you know about EQ. Find a melody you like, eq it and throw it on top of a song in your genre, how does it sound? If it doesn't sound great take the time to figure out what works and make a library with specific tags like "Old melodies for House" 

        

Levels-Avicii

Ring of Fire- Johnny Cash

            Basslines and chord progressions I will stick together because they have aspects that will be equally as difficult to use. Rolling baselines are easy to utilize but when looking at older music, sometimes a 4/4 beat just doesn't work with an old funk baseline, this is just one of the mysteries of music. We can't explain why it doesn't hold the same potency, but it doesn't so once again try to find something that works.

          Chord progressions are the hardest, I'm not a music wiz. I failed high school AP Music Theory so I can't explain to you why certain chords don't always fit in key, but they don't. I spend hours sometimes going through trial and error to find a perfect chord progression that matches the key. But I definitely recommend taking some music theory, as my experiences have lead to frustration. So to put a chord progression on top of a melody or vocal (if you have no melody or vocal this is super easy) you have to know what you are doing. Do some research and learn about chords and keys. You may find it actually interests you. In addition having education in Music Theory will further teach you how styles are linked to one another. 

(How To Fit Chords Into A Key)

       

Mixing Styles and How To Vary

       

           As a beginner DJ you may have watched tutorials online to find out who to blend songs in a way that sounds natural, and Veterans, you may have heard the Loco Dice FX and been blown away because it totally effected how you view transitions. There's one thing for sure. Mixing styles are very unique, and though each veteran DJ know the typical fade in fade out, filter remove, bring in the baseline techniques, etc, no one knows them all. If you listen to DJs from around the world it is very interesting to hear how mixing styles change. (A new form of mixing known as tone mixing is very interesting and will blow your mind) So my point out of this is don't restrain yourself to what you know. Learning a few FX fade outs is great, but don't rely on them. You can use the EQ knobs in unique ways, FX, crossfaders, (for pioneer mixers) the new instant fx, the list goes on. Study videos online of your favorite DJs and see what makes their mix unique, is it their timing, or lack thereof? Is it the way they bring in the hi hats before the big "drop"? Do they use FX pedals in a way you've never seen done? Practice some new transitions and learn to create builds, drops, breaks, intros, outros, with everything you've got! If you see a DJ playing and their transition was unique, ask them about it, I'm sure they'll be happy to tell you. 

(5 Basic Transitions)

(Mixing Different Genres)

(Loco Dice How He Plays Using Loops Pedals And A Xone 92)

(Ean Golden Explaining)

THERE ARE MANY OTHER TUTORIALS FROM DJ TECH TOOLS, DJWORX, MIXMAG, DUBSPOT AND DIGITAL DJ TIPS

Conclusion

       Music is ever expanding, so why shouldn't DJS be? Though I'm not saying you should never tie yourself down to a genre, I'm trying to keep people interested in DJing in a world where with sync buttons and built in FX, can take away a DJs feeling of the mix. When these tools are used in the right way they can also expand a DJs ability to create a great mix so don't get me wrong. But it is always important to be learning new things. If you take Djing seriously, and if you treat it as a career, then you should be in the mindset that Djing is amazing because it is an expression of art and music. So keep testing your musical mind with new styles, genres, and mixing types, you really have nothing to lose. Even if you practice with some of these techniques at home and never bring them to the club, you may view the music you had been playing before differently. So go ahead and experiment and tell me in the comments section if this helped at all. Cheers Guys!