Black Friday Sale now live: www.clubreadydjschool.com/club-ready-dj-course/ I added so much new content and bonus material - I have been devoting so much love and energy to it these past few months, hopefully you like :)
just search youtube: classical music white supremacy and see how stupid the idea of using 1700s european classical music theory to make or play music even in the late 1800s was already stupid, trying to use it to anything around jazz to funk era is really stupid, using classical music theory to make music in the digital era of samplers, wobbling bass, pitch shifting is literally insanity
I used to overly focus on mixing in key but I’ve gradually come to realize how style, energy and elements can be more important when choosing the next song. If they aren’t harmonically compatible, I try to mix quickly. Otherwise, I have room to mix slowly.
Remember the most important aspect of being a DJ - you're there to establish the energy and guide the club through a sonic adventure. The crowd is the ONLY thing that matters the second you're on the decks. Learning how to read the crowd and getting a sense of what is getting the largest response is the MOST important skill any jock needs to learn. So many of the younger DJs I encounter seem to only care about their ego/image, and not about the crowd at all. They have a 'take it or leave' attitude towards their sets. They're easy to spot because they're the ones standing there clapping to an empty floor. ;) We all specialize and have favorites, but an excellent DJ reads the crowd in the first 10-15 minutes, and grows an energy cycle to cover the length of their set that will grab the crowd and KEEP it moving.
@@rossvisualss This was advice given by Laidback Luke and he admits his opinion can be controversial. But over time, I would practice a lot and try to incorporate his lesson and eventually, I figured it out too. Then again, he also spins Electro-House (I do as well) and I’ve realized that you can get away with not mixing in key in Electro-House a lot! I probably would be paying a lot more attention to key in say Progressive House where I’d want a lot more long blending of tracks.
@@rossvisualss I don’t mix hip hop but I’ve done some trap before. I would think mixing in key is not as important with these genres but I don’t want to assume. The rule I use is if they’re harmonically compatible, mix slowly and lengthy. If they are not, mix in and out quickly. As much as key harmony can sound good, the right song for the right moment is more important, IMO.
Definitely guilty of being stuck in the “Key Hole” 😂 Great tips as always Andrew! 🙏 Mixing the next track with a similar vibe/feel or a similar melodic element is definitely a good work around if it’s not in key
Can you create a video on how you create a play list the thoughts behind it where to start etc. im getting back into DJ after 12 year rest, used to dj for 20 years in the UK but never did any prep work and was all vinyl back then lol even mixing harmonically is new to me.
You’re right on the mark. Thanks for clearing up my curiosity of the keys on songs. I didn’t really know what it actually does. I usually mix by feel and by the bigger goal. But now I know what this is I will know his to use it. I’m just a house DJ who makes mixes for friends and family.
This guy is like so chilled and knowledgeable! But I get the feeling he would totally sit and sip a lager with anyone and chat music. In other words not stuck up or self important like some dudes.
This was a very inspiring video with so many tips. I’m preparing my first DJ set and the venue will be pretty big for being my first DJ performance. I’m getting so mental lately putting down my playlist according to mixing in key. Must say I’m so happy with some of the transitions.
Absolutely track selection is more important than just mixing in key,knowing your tracks and building the energy like telling a story with your sets is more important...gota have fun with it !! Thanks for the video Andrew ;)
Good points! Even some songs that are so to speak in key with the Camelot system are not even so compatible is my experience. It is also about the tempo of the high heads or snares that can f up a transition. Don't worry about being real my man. That is what distinguishes you as a person!
Andrew oozing happy and positive vibes as usual. It's infectious even all the way over here in the UK. I come here for that as much as the dj'ing. Top Man :)
ALL of your video's are welcome, Andrew! Your aproach is so unique and the best there is! Your courses are THE max and if I lived in Sidney I'd also took some private lessons. I just can't get enough of this 👍🏻😄 Have a nice day!
Completely agree about compromising a gig by fussing over Key. Especially doing private work where your next gig is likely to come from a referral. Play to your crowd, watch what they respond to, even be a wedding dj, if it means your floor goes off!
Yeah I agree man, sometimes tracks out of key sound good just because of the rawness of it and other times they sound rank, just a matter of trial and error and finding what you can get away with and realising not EVERYTHING has to be on key to sound good. Love the background poster bro, best rack I've seen underwater in a while!!!
Great tips as usual. I’m literally in the process of organising the 40 mins mix that I gotta submit to play in one of the Sydney events. Pretty much focused with the flow/ journey as a priority. Then, did a rough recording i(like you said in class which was a top tip) and listening back really helped to balance the set list vs keys and ah man I think it’s sounding so much better! Will send it soon. Enjoy the sunshine up north 👍
Love to see the real you brother. I'd also love to see a mix working with keys.. As I am only in week 3 of my journey, keys are something i am aware of, but not really worried about at this time. I just want to play loud and have fun!
Great video - I agree with everything you are saying. Before I understood harmonic mixing in the 90s - I used to cluster groups of vinyls and later USB tracks together (say 6 to 10 at a time) that "sounded right together" (by matched key & / or bpm). I remember Anthony Pappa had all his vinyls in his record box organised by key - I got it then and followed his lead. Some tracks always sounded great together - I didn't always know why until then. Yes - sometimes you can intuitively reach for a record or choose a track from USB - just knowing it will work and generally it does work (although you can't beat over-preparation and knowing your tracks so well that you are pretty sure it WILL work (I remember Paul Oakenfold saying "don't mix two tracks together at a live show that you have never tried before". So I usually have a quick check before during rehearsal so I know what works. But. The game has now changed with CDJ3000s and key sync. Worthy of another update video. For me - this means tracks that don't sound right together can become harmonic at the touch of a button - why not use a tool that is available? It does not work on every track, but there are quick workarounds too - like changing the key of the track you are leaving to match the key of the incoming track (rather than play a whole new track in a different key). I sometimes play a Technics 1210 with a CDJ3000 and that does make it easier for a smooth mix - along with EQ or filters on the on the track you are leaving. Thanks for the videos!
@@ClubReadyDJSchool BTW you are one of the best teacher on RUclips , been learning a lot and becoming a better DJ since I'm watching your videos. Thank you!!👆🏼🙏🏼💿🎛💿🙏🏼👆🏼
I relate so much to this video. I can't tell you how many times I was playing a party and EVERYONE was begging for a track and you look down and see it's 6 keys off and your like "uhh, sorry everyone, Can't..." I started DJ in 2013 and I am good at 1 thing. When I know I don't know something, I live and die by what people who DO know what they are doing say. So that's all everyone said was "You have to mix in key, it's the most important thing". Very soon I realized I did not have even remotely enough tracks to successfully do this. DJing quickly went from something I wanted to do for fun to something that felt like a full on job. I spent hours and hours per week digging for new tunes, labeling them with their key and BPM and setting up cues in the tracks. I did get pretty decent at mixing but it cost me everything that I started DJing for in the first place, the love and the fun of it. Great video! I personally use Mixed In Key and Platinum Notes As when I started I was using CDJs.
Thank you for posting this video, I’ve contemplated on trying to focus on mixing in key because other friends of mine worry on mixing in key. I’ve always stuck to reading the crowd & getting the feel from them depending on which songs I drop next It would still be great to learn the key mixing wheel with how it works!
I find the camelot wheel certainly opened up the options to mixing in key and widening the understanding. Which expands key options. With that. My beginner dj days have been very much riddled with trying to weigh the importance of sticking to compatible keys. I would say anytime i want to long mix a song i prefer the keys to be compatible...but if I plan on dropmixing a banner in or something of that sort than obvious key matters much less. And obviously all of it goes into the bigger goal and intention to just play the best possible next song. I truly enjoy when I am able to mix and tie 2 verbal phrases of songs together and I find that to be highly more exciting for the crowd than to worry about keys only. If I find songs where words match and the vibes match. Im much more likely to take that route when choosing my next song than to worry about key. But if they ARE in key...well then that might enable me to play around quite a bit and really make the crowd think that I am an experienced DJ lol.
I remember picking up one of the first Global Underground cd's in the early 2000s, mixed by Anthony Papa. After reading the insert and seeing that he came from a music background, I saw he mixed by key. It totally made sense, but like other comments have mentioned, hitting the right track at the right time is far more important. As usual, great video!
@@mandymushroom8152 AFAIK he was a classically trained musician before he won DMC and that's how he approached DJing. If you've ever tried to learn to play a musical instrument - that's how it's done (I tried and failed!).
The confusing but simple answer is extremely and not all. Imo knowing the music theory behind mixing in key is imperative so you know when you can and can not break the rules. Don't go get MIK and just start following what they say. Learn the music theory behind it and think of mixing like producing a piece of music. If you get a basic grasp of the theory and chord progressions you can essentially write a piece of music by djing. You often hear electronic dj's talk about carrying a mood or feel with their sets. This is how you do that. Certain chords evoke certain feelings. Some are sad, some are happy, others are anxious and so on. You can also add emotional effects to your sets by intentionally breaking MIK's rules. When you learn which chord does what and which rules to follow and when you can more easily start to manipulate a crowd and carry your set in the direction you want. MIK is paint by numbers. Are you really an artist if you can't paint on your own? A painter should know what color should go where, when and what times intentionally making something look revolting might be appealing?
Great video/course mate. Thank you for encouraging us to get out of the key mixing safety zone. Although I find it more creative to stay inside😂 for crazy mashups and transitions. Keep it up chief
I saw one of your RUclips videos for the first time, And loved it. I can really see how much you enjoy DJing. Your passion was fantastic. And made me really enjoy the video. And also made me wanna learn more. You said you do train people personally. But I was wondering do you do courses on line. Cause I think I would learn more from you, than others. Because of your passion you bring.
I’m with Raymond ..... I used to always mix in key but now I’m more interested in Bpms and Energy levels .... I use Mixed in Key and always use the energy tag.
I have 4 controllers; ddj 200 with laptop for 18/25 year old house parties. At that age people tend to get wild and not really notice music key of course that depends on ones mixing and what you are playing. Clashing melodies and vocals are a no go. Ddj 400 pubs and little bars, birthdays the mic input is handy for a bit of banter and again quick mixes as it’s normally requests and shout outs. Ddj 1000 Gigs And clubs if there’s a issue with their own decks or someone has Hired you to spin tunes single genre like house especially tech house/old school etc you then have to watch the bpm levels and key at points most importantly One has to make a judgement where to take the crowd. Bring them down abit so some of them can go get a drink and then bring them back up. Everyone needs a break and no one is buying drinks if everyone is dancing. Denon prime 2 same as above but with one advantage no laptop! Loving it so far. Albeit it recordboxs key traffic light system is very handy, I’m still in the process of figuring out the engine os. Bottom line, a mix bag of finely tuned mixes in key and then throw some caution to the wind once you see people hitting the bar. Once they have refilled...BOOM! Nuke that floor.
As a beginner I found mixing in key to be a great tool but it also disrupted some of my goals for the set. I always want to maintain a certain style or energy or theme and if the track that would otherwise fit the set isnt in key then fuck it, it doesnt have to be! :D
Thanks SO so much! This clip is such a great reminder to not get stuck on the “thinking” space as I sometimes do... Intuition is the key for me hahahahha (plus of course the other awesome skills you’ve taught me)!
Man, thank you SO much for this. This and your "why so serious" short is so helpful and right on. I'm not even trying to get shows - just trying to make a killer mix and I think part of my issue atm is being "trapped in-key" because I so desperately want to "sound professional". I'm like... agonizing over finding the right track on beatport (night after night of looking for the one) to help me find the ideal "harmonic off-ramp" towards the track I actually want to play. 🙄😂 And that track is like... two "correct" key / mood changes away! Will I ever get there?! It's an endless, tiresome "correct track" scavenger hunt full of key-changing filler just to play the (differently-keyed) tracks I wanna play and take the mix where I want to take it. Annnnnyway. In case it's not obvious I tend to overthink things and music used to be a refuge from that for me. Learning all this stuff about "professional mixing" took that freedom / joy away and lately DJing has become yet another place to get stuck in my head. I want to try that low-tech / no-cuepoint mixing you suggest in another video and just... play tracks that I want to play if I get the urge - trying to find the vibe / joy in music again. Thanks again for holding up the mirror and for the positive, liberating perspective. 🙏🏻
That’s the quagmire I’m in at the moment. I hate going on Crates, finding the right key - 7B, for example - then Rekordbox reads at is 9A or 5B! So frustrating. That’s why I’m here.
Andrew these casual, informal videos are good. I think they open the door for people to ask questions about the process that they feel are most applicable to them. That gives me an idea. If you are up for it maybe you could do a live Q & A live stream (hopefully during hours when the northern hemisphere is still awake... )That way you could chime in your input to questions and queries people have. A great way to get to know subscribers and what kind of people you are reaching at a more personal level. Just a thought. I consider this a request. Anyone else reading this comment think that would be a good idea?
OMG that's me just now, struggling to come up with a new playlist, I just thought it was lack of newish tunes, or not wanting to repeat existing mixes, but it could be a hang up over making sure it's all in key. I mean I used to use just intuition before & if a transition sounded good in key fine if not then what kind of transition will do the job, quick mix, eq work (the mids) or fx etc. Andrew you're free stuff is just as good for insight as your full course. The course is more structured & in depth though (yes I've paid and subscribed and learnt a few things) thanks again Andrew.
I started DJing never really understanding mixing in key, which was good because I naturally trained my ear. I did notice however; that sometimes the mix would sound weird. Now that I have used tools like mix in key for about 5 or 6 years, I now have a tool that if I'm noticing a particular pairing isn't going well, I can filter the rest of my tracks by complimentary key and try it out. When making a playlist I find myself checking the key. Most of the time I will do a pretty good job on my own, but it's just another tool. My suggestion is to play around a lot with listening to one track and thinking what might go well and just try it. If you do notice that it's not gelling well or complimenting the other track, maybe check the key and try to find an alternate track of similar energy and style and try those. are they in a similar or complimentary key? Now you are training your ear and will rely on mixed in key less. YOu will get it right the first time more than not. But I have many tracks that are not in the same key but they work well because the harmonic sections are not really battling each other. Go with it.
also, if mixing from one long drum phrase into another long drum phrase, don't worry about keys at all. drums don't have keys (aside from those pew-pew synth toms). so if you want to mix off key, get to a drum/percussion section, loop it, and then mix in the other track (from a drum/percussion cue point). a quick EQ and you're done. But yeah, if your two tracks have constant basslines with almost no breaks, keys are a massive help. (infact I've found looping sections of minimal action can make even the most frustrating mixes work. Now I always keep my ears out for drum breaks (or minimal 303 loops etc) as potential mix points. as a noob, it makes things easy lol)
I think this can be a double edged sword (selecting a good incoming track even if the key doesn't match) But... my advice is that if you are stuck on mixing in key and not paying mind to track selection; do this: Just start mixing tracks that you think are good together even if the transition sounds off (there are parts of the track that will blend where there is less going on - as Andrew mentioned). Search for portions of that track you want to mix (even if its not a key match) and line it up with the outgoing track. TRUST YOUR EARS at that point to decide if it works. Once this is learned your track flow will improve because you open up more options among your music collection. Hope that makes sense.
Love it!! great vid & fantastic vibe. A technical quastion, how mutch do I have to rais the pitchfader to get the song up bij one semitone? Keylock off on one deck. I enjoy your advanced course, more intuition .... mixing with feeling is a huge development point form me, thanks!
Playing vinyl and having little musical training, I default to trial-and-error. Put together a set, record it, and chuck out the ones that sound dissonant or try a different transition. Seems to work.
I learn to mix without using the KEY Just vibing with the song I want to put next. I gotta say that it cost me a lot to create sets in that way so i start using de KEY while mixing and it's way more easy to put song after song an to select them. So in my opinion you just have to do what makes you vibe and feel comfortable. Work smarter not harder.
I thought i was mixing in key until last night when I saw your video image. I’ve been going A-B-C-D to G yep so I’ve been doing it wrong for a year. 🤦🏻♂️
Theres one aspect of mixing in key that I never really see anyone talk about, that being key lock and it's effect on sound quality. Of course you can mix in key without it but unless you have a lot of tunes that are the same tempo or are willing to do a bit of maths on the fly, chances are you won't be. The thing is it simply isn't possible to timestretch without changing how it sounds in some way. Try taking a pure sine wave that starts and ends at it's origin and extending it by 1/4 of a cycle without changing it's properties; you'll either end up with a sine wave that is no longer pure, a wave that no longer starts/ends at the origin (creating a pop) or a difference in frequency. There is no way around it. Now, don't get me wrong, timestretching has come a long way since it's inception and certainly does have it's uses but it often doesn't sound great when applied to percussion or bass for example. The difference may be subtle but it will always be there regardless of how good the technology gets. I guess it's a matter of personal preference but it has always felt like one step forward, two steps back to me. Personally I would still key lock for things like acapellas or sounds that don't have sharp attacks, I would even consider using it on entire tracks if I wasn't planning on having it play solo or dominant in the mix at any point but otherwise it's not for me. I would rather much play it by ear and, in the event of conflicting keys being mixed, do my best to EQ or chop my way around any obviously conflicting elements when playing styles that aren't particularly melodic or sticking to timing the mixes so that minimal melodic elements from both tunes play together (In other words tune A only has a melody going when tune B is just drums, something like that). Since things have gone digital there are now a lot of tools in the box that can help you get around key clashes that are relatively easy to use, personally I see a lot more value in getting familiar with those rather than obsessively trying to mix in key. You'll give yourself the freedom to select from more tunes at any given time and with practise you'll be able to make well educated guesses on what combinations of tunes are likely to work well together.
In the days before rekordbox and digital mixing, key selection wasn't an option for two reasons..1 we didn't know the bloody key and 2 we didn't have the time to go through 150 vinyl to find one in key before the tune ran out 🤙
Not necessarily true. A good friend of mine can just hear the key. He used to to do my music and write it on the cd or cover. I numbered it 1 to 12 instead of the key. Worked like a charm
Hi once again great advice I took your course and I must admit now I’m struggling just to get my mixes sound in tight please have a listen if you get the chance maybe it’s the new controller 😎😎😎😎😎
Great stuff, thank you! I am bit of a slave to mixing in key so this was a welcome wake-up call haha. Also, I was wondering if you could cover 'corona-streams' in a future video? I used to dj regularly at my students society, however, since corona parties and gatherings alike have been banned so the only option is to livestream a set from home. This is often a one-way stream where the iisteners can see me but I cannot see them, meaning that I cant read the room, so sually I just prepare the entire mix beforehand. Obviously this is not ideal, would you happen te have any thoughts on how to make this a more engaging and interactive experience? Keep up the good work! Shout-out from the Netherlands!
sorry / something off topic, i was wondering if i buy a track off beatport and would like to use it for commercial purpose, is such possible without getting a copyright strike or is there a specific app that allows you to be able to purchase licensing rights to a track of your choice? PS:- love your videos man, i'm really digging becoming a dj, i haven't even bought my set yet and already i feel like a pro just from watching your videos.keep up the good work.
Is being aware of mixing in key only come about with DJ software? Like how could you tell what key a track was in on cds or vinyl, I guess just by what sounded good?
Sometimes when i mix in key it can sound a little bit weird but when i go with my guts i tend to make much better sets. Could this be because the software read the keys wrong?
The only reason you need to understand keys is so you don't have a key clash during a mix. Knowing which keys will cause dissonance with each other is all you need to worry about. Knowing music theory is important and will make you a better jock, but if you're jaded and think you don't need to learn theory, at least learn how to recognize key clash...nothing makes you sound worse than clashing keys during a live mix.
@clubreadydjschool what do you think of the software 'mixed in key' which uses the camelot wheel, bit also gives you an energy bar as well?? Just as a tool, an add on? Same with platinum notes?? Supposedly levels all your tracks so they're at the same sound level??
Yes it is possible to mix just about anything in key or not... I learned early on also that you never tell another DJ how to mix. Don't be a Sith and deal in absolutes.
key mixing is 1% of making a great mix the other 99% is track selection and energy, when i play drum and bass i want the drum kicks to contrast sometimes as it gives it a cool double kick echoy sound othertimes i just play whatever i can get loaded and beatmatched in time due to dnb only having 2mins of useable music thanks to stupid long intros and outros lol
Mixing in key is a great tool, but you be caught by this tool. Why? You are jumping around with the T. Or you read the article by Ean Golden on djtechtools.com called “Advanced Key Mixing Techniques For DJ’s”. If you try these examples, you will be surprised and want never be mixing around the Camelot wheel.
Black Friday Sale now live: www.clubreadydjschool.com/club-ready-dj-course/
I added so much new content and bonus material - I have been devoting so much love and energy to it these past few months, hopefully you like :)
just search youtube: classical music white supremacy and see how stupid the idea of using 1700s european classical music theory to make or play music even in the late 1800s was already stupid, trying to use it to anything around jazz to funk era is really stupid, using classical music theory to make music in the digital era of samplers, wobbling bass, pitch shifting is literally insanity
As Laidback Luke said - "If its in key mix long, if its out of key mix short"
I used to overly focus on mixing in key but I’ve gradually come to realize how style, energy and elements can be more important when choosing the next song. If they aren’t harmonically compatible, I try to mix quickly. Otherwise, I have room to mix slowly.
Remember the most important aspect of being a DJ - you're there to establish the energy and guide the club through a sonic adventure. The crowd is the ONLY thing that matters the second you're on the decks. Learning how to read the crowd and getting a sense of what is getting the largest response is the MOST important skill any jock needs to learn. So many of the younger DJs I encounter seem to only care about their ego/image, and not about the crowd at all. They have a 'take it or leave' attitude towards their sets. They're easy to spot because they're the ones standing there clapping to an empty floor. ;) We all specialize and have favorites, but an excellent DJ reads the crowd in the first 10-15 minutes, and grows an energy cycle to cover the length of their set that will grab the crowd and KEEP it moving.
how did you realize? trying to learn and cant figure it out
@@rossvisualss This was advice given by Laidback Luke and he admits his opinion can be controversial. But over time, I would practice a lot and try to incorporate his lesson and eventually, I figured it out too. Then again, he also spins Electro-House (I do as well) and I’ve realized that you can get away with not mixing in key in Electro-House a lot! I probably would be paying a lot more attention to key in say Progressive House where I’d want a lot more long blending of tracks.
@@dj_rayataz thanks for the information! I’m currently a hip hop trap DJ and focused on that only for now so it’s hard cause it all sounds the same
@@rossvisualss I don’t mix hip hop but I’ve done some trap before. I would think mixing in key is not as important with these genres but I don’t want to assume. The rule I use is if they’re harmonically compatible, mix slowly and lengthy. If they are not, mix in and out quickly. As much as key harmony can sound good, the right song for the right moment is more important, IMO.
I’ve been overly dependent on mixing in key but this it has inspired me to get out of my comfort zone. I’m going to try tonight on my stream.
Yeah I'm definitely finding that I'm feeling frustrated by trying to put songs together that are both in key and suit the energy I want to build on.
Definitely guilty of being stuck in the “Key Hole” 😂 Great tips as always Andrew! 🙏 Mixing the next track with a similar vibe/feel or a similar melodic element is definitely a good work around if it’s not in key
The "key hole" this is awesome!
I started dj'ing a year ago in March 2020 with his videos as support. And now I do it daily 😊😊😊
Mixed in Key is awesome! Thanks for the videos and your online course too! i just get stuck on how to create a playlist too....
Can you create a video on how you create a play list the thoughts behind it where to start etc. im getting back into DJ after 12 year rest, used to dj for 20 years in the UK but never did any prep work and was all vinyl back then lol
even mixing harmonically is new to me.
You’re right on the mark. Thanks for clearing up my curiosity of the keys on songs. I didn’t really know what it actually does. I usually mix by feel and by the bigger goal. But now I know what this is I will know his to use it. I’m just a house DJ who makes mixes for friends and family.
This guy is like so chilled and knowledgeable! But I get the feeling he would totally sit and sip a lager with anyone and chat music. In other words not stuck up or self important like some dudes.
That's where the problem comes in haha, one lager turns to 10!!!
@@ClubReadyDJSchool Mate, I’m 43 and well I do the same to be honest!
This really changed my whole look on making sets thanx so much
This dude is such a legend. Love your work.
Love the background mate the environment is so much more real! Love it
This was a very inspiring video with so many tips. I’m preparing my first DJ set and the venue will be pretty big for being my first DJ performance. I’m getting so mental lately putting down my playlist according to mixing in key. Must say I’m so happy with some of the transitions.
Absolutely track selection is more important than just mixing in key,knowing your tracks and building the energy like telling a story with your sets is more important...gota have fun with it !! Thanks for the video Andrew ;)
Yes I was waiting for this subject to come up!
Good points! Even some songs that are so to speak in key with the Camelot system are not even so compatible is my experience. It is also about the tempo of the high heads or snares that can f up a transition. Don't worry about being real my man. That is what distinguishes you as a person!
Andrew oozing happy and positive vibes as usual. It's infectious even all the way over here in the UK. I come here for that as much as the dj'ing. Top Man :)
Thanks for that!
Dude's making me emotional at the end. Thank you for being you. Keep up the excellent work :)
Brilliant advice. Dont over think it. Love Mullum, spent a lot of time in Brunswick when i was a kid.
OMG I haven't seen pictures of the "water nymph" since the 70's.
I love this man hahahah been following for a while and love to see you being super authentic in the end. Helps me feel more connected to you!
Thanks man! I've been mixing for a week and I have to say your advice helped a LOT!
Sorry to do a pitch but this could change everything for you very quickly: www.clubreadydjschool.com/controller-to-club/
What ever you were gonna say about hurting animals, I'm in full agreement!
ALL of your video's are welcome, Andrew! Your aproach is so unique and the best there is! Your courses are THE max and if I lived in Sidney I'd also took some private lessons. I just can't get enough of this 👍🏻😄 Have a nice day!
Completely agree about compromising a gig by fussing over Key. Especially doing private work where your next gig is likely to come from a referral. Play to your crowd, watch what they respond to, even be a wedding dj, if it means your floor goes off!
Yeah I agree man, sometimes tracks out of key sound good just because of the rawness of it and other times they sound rank, just a matter of trial and error and finding what you can get away with and realising not EVERYTHING has to be on key to sound good. Love the background poster bro, best rack I've seen underwater in a while!!!
Haha ;)
Great tips as usual. I’m literally in the process of organising the 40 mins mix that I gotta submit to play in one of the Sydney events. Pretty much focused with the flow/ journey as a priority. Then, did a rough recording i(like you said in class which was a top tip) and listening back really helped to balance the set list vs keys and ah man I think it’s sounding so much better! Will send it soon. Enjoy the sunshine up north 👍
Good to see you on here Luke :)
@@ClubReadyDJSchool cheers and have a nice holiday
Love to see the real you brother. I'd also love to see a mix working with keys.. As I am only in week 3 of my journey, keys are something i am aware of, but not really worried about at this time. I just want to play loud and have fun!
Thank you :)
Such a great video! Well said...
Great video - I agree with everything you are saying. Before I understood harmonic mixing in the 90s - I used to cluster groups of vinyls and later USB tracks together (say 6 to 10 at a time) that "sounded right together" (by matched key & / or bpm). I remember Anthony Pappa had all his vinyls in his record box organised by key - I got it then and followed his lead. Some tracks always sounded great together - I didn't always know why until then. Yes - sometimes you can intuitively reach for a record or choose a track from USB - just knowing it will work and generally it does work (although you can't beat over-preparation and knowing your tracks so well that you are pretty sure it WILL work (I remember Paul Oakenfold saying "don't mix two tracks together at a live show that you have never tried before". So I usually have a quick check before during rehearsal so I know what works.
But.
The game has now changed with CDJ3000s and key sync. Worthy of another update video. For me - this means tracks that don't sound right together can become harmonic at the touch of a button - why not use a tool that is available? It does not work on every track, but there are quick workarounds too - like changing the key of the track you are leaving to match the key of the incoming track (rather than play a whole new track in a different key). I sometimes play a Technics 1210 with a CDJ3000 and that does make it easier for a smooth mix - along with EQ or filters on the on the track you are leaving.
Thanks for the videos!
Awesome vid brother!! Thank you very much!!!!🙏🏼💿
My pleasure :)
@@ClubReadyDJSchool BTW you are one of the best teacher on RUclips , been learning a lot and becoming a better DJ since I'm watching your videos.
Thank you!!👆🏼🙏🏼💿🎛💿🙏🏼👆🏼
I've been struggling a lot with this recently, thanks so much Andrew! This was incredibly helpful and insightful. Best wishes!
I relate so much to this video.
I can't tell you how many times I was playing a party and EVERYONE was begging for a track and you look down and see it's 6 keys off and your like "uhh, sorry everyone, Can't..."
I started DJ in 2013 and I am good at 1 thing. When I know I don't know something, I live and die by what people who DO know what they are doing say.
So that's all everyone said was "You have to mix in key, it's the most important thing".
Very soon I realized I did not have even remotely enough tracks to successfully do this. DJing quickly went from something I wanted to do for fun to something that felt like a full on job. I spent hours and hours per week digging for new tunes, labeling them with their key and BPM and setting up cues in the tracks.
I did get pretty decent at mixing but it cost me everything that I started DJing for in the first place, the love and the fun of it.
Great video!
I personally use Mixed In Key and Platinum Notes As when I started I was using CDJs.
Spot on!
This video is just *chefs kiss* Fr fr
Thank you, had to look up what it meant, but it's heaps positive, thank you :) :)
Thanks again Andrew for another great tip.
Thank you for posting this video, I’ve contemplated on trying to focus on mixing in key because other friends of mine worry on mixing in key. I’ve always stuck to reading the crowd & getting the feel from them depending on which songs I drop next
It would still be great to learn the key mixing wheel with how it works!
Great video , keep being you bud. Lovely looking wee dog as well.
I find the camelot wheel certainly opened up the options to mixing in key and widening the understanding. Which expands key options. With that. My beginner dj days have been very much riddled with trying to weigh the importance of sticking to compatible keys. I would say anytime i want to long mix a song i prefer the keys to be compatible...but if I plan on dropmixing a banner in or something of that sort than obvious key matters much less. And obviously all of it goes into the bigger goal and intention to just play the best possible next song. I truly enjoy when I am able to mix and tie 2 verbal phrases of songs together and I find that to be highly more exciting for the crowd than to worry about keys only. If I find songs where words match and the vibes match. Im much more likely to take that route when choosing my next song than to worry about key. But if they ARE in key...well then that might enable me to play around quite a bit and really make the crowd think that I am an experienced DJ lol.
I remember picking up one of the first Global Underground cd's in the early 2000s, mixed by Anthony Papa. After reading the insert and seeing that he came from a music background, I saw he mixed by key. It totally made sense, but like other comments have mentioned, hitting the right track at the right time is far more important. As usual, great video!
One of my all time favourite mixes that. Great choice!
How could you tell it was all in key from a cd, isn’t it only shown on DJ software?
@@mandymushroom8152 AFAIK he was a classically trained musician before he won DMC and that's how he approached DJing. If you've ever tried to learn to play a musical instrument - that's how it's done (I tried and failed!).
The confusing but simple answer is extremely and not all. Imo knowing the music theory behind mixing in key is imperative so you know when you can and can not break the rules. Don't go get MIK and just start following what they say. Learn the music theory behind it and think of mixing like producing a piece of music. If you get a basic grasp of the theory and chord progressions you can essentially write a piece of music by djing. You often hear electronic dj's talk about carrying a mood or feel with their sets. This is how you do that. Certain chords evoke certain feelings. Some are sad, some are happy, others are anxious and so on. You can also add emotional effects to your sets by intentionally breaking MIK's rules. When you learn which chord does what and which rules to follow and when you can more easily start to manipulate a crowd and carry your set in the direction you want. MIK is paint by numbers. Are you really an artist if you can't paint on your own? A painter should know what color should go where, when and what times intentionally making something look revolting might be appealing?
Great video/course mate. Thank you for encouraging us to get out of the key mixing safety zone. Although I find it more creative to stay inside😂 for crazy mashups and transitions. Keep it up chief
Always helpfull. Thanks mate🤟🏼
I saw one of your RUclips videos for the first time, And loved it. I can really see how much you enjoy DJing. Your passion was fantastic. And made me really enjoy the video. And also made me wanna learn more.
You said you do train people personally. But I was wondering do you do courses on line. Cause I think I would learn more from you, than others. Because of your passion you bring.
I’m with Raymond ..... I used to always mix in key but now I’m more interested in Bpms and Energy levels .... I use Mixed in Key and always use the energy tag.
I have 4 controllers; ddj 200 with laptop for 18/25 year old house parties. At that age people tend to get wild and not really notice music key of course that depends on ones mixing and what you are playing. Clashing melodies and vocals are a no go.
Ddj 400 pubs and little bars, birthdays the mic input is handy for a bit of banter and again quick mixes as it’s normally requests and shout outs.
Ddj 1000 Gigs And clubs if there’s a issue with their own decks or someone has Hired you to spin tunes single genre like house especially tech house/old school etc you then have to watch the bpm levels and key at points most importantly One has to make a judgement where to take the crowd. Bring them down abit so some of them can go get a drink and then bring them back up. Everyone needs a break and no one is buying drinks if everyone is dancing.
Denon prime 2 same as above but with one advantage no laptop! Loving it so far. Albeit it recordboxs key traffic light system is very handy, I’m still in the process of figuring out the engine os.
Bottom line, a mix bag of finely tuned mixes in key and then throw some caution to the wind once you see people hitting the bar. Once they have refilled...BOOM! Nuke that floor.
Thank you!!!
I like the background sound
Really great content. ❤🎉❤
As a beginner I found mixing in key to be a great tool but it also disrupted some of my goals for the set. I always want to maintain a certain style or energy or theme and if the track that would otherwise fit the set isnt in key then fuck it, it doesnt have to be! :D
Thanks SO so much! This clip is such a great reminder to not get stuck on the “thinking” space as I sometimes do... Intuition is the key for me hahahahha (plus of course the other awesome skills you’ve taught me)!
This whole video was inspired by our class - thanks for showing up on YT :)
Love your energy good vibes
Man, thank you SO much for this.
This and your "why so serious" short is so helpful and right on. I'm not even trying to get shows - just trying to make a killer mix and I think part of my issue atm is being "trapped in-key" because I so desperately want to "sound professional".
I'm like... agonizing over finding the right track on beatport (night after night of looking for the one) to help me find the ideal "harmonic off-ramp" towards the track I actually want to play. 🙄😂
And that track is like... two "correct" key / mood changes away! Will I ever get there?! It's an endless, tiresome "correct track" scavenger hunt full of key-changing filler just to play the (differently-keyed) tracks I wanna play and take the mix where I want to take it.
Annnnnyway. In case it's not obvious I tend to overthink things and music used to be a refuge from that for me. Learning all this stuff about "professional mixing" took that freedom / joy away and lately DJing has become yet another place to get stuck in my head.
I want to try that low-tech / no-cuepoint mixing you suggest in another video and just... play tracks that I want to play if I get the urge - trying to find the vibe / joy in music again.
Thanks again for holding up the mirror and for the positive, liberating perspective. 🙏🏻
That’s the quagmire I’m in at the moment. I hate going on Crates, finding the right key - 7B, for example - then Rekordbox reads at is 9A or 5B!
So frustrating. That’s why I’m here.
I needed to hear this, Thanks.
Great one sir! 🎵
Andrew these casual, informal videos are good. I think they open the door for people to ask questions about the process that they feel are most applicable to them. That gives me an idea. If you are up for it maybe you could do a live Q & A live stream (hopefully during hours when the northern hemisphere is still awake... )That way you could chime in your input to questions and queries people have. A great way to get to know subscribers and what kind of people you are reaching at a more personal level. Just a thought. I consider this a request. Anyone else reading this comment think that would be a good idea?
This is a good idea, 100% will consider this and most likely introduce asap :)
OMG that's me just now, struggling to come up with a new playlist, I just thought it was lack of newish tunes, or not wanting to repeat existing mixes, but it could be a hang up over making sure it's all in key. I mean I used to use just intuition before & if a transition sounded good in key fine if not then what kind of transition will do the job, quick mix, eq work (the mids) or fx etc. Andrew you're free stuff is just as good for insight as your full course. The course is more structured & in depth though (yes I've paid and subscribed and learnt a few things) thanks again Andrew.
Thanks so much :)
I started DJing never really understanding mixing in key, which was good because I naturally trained my ear. I did notice however; that sometimes the mix would sound weird. Now that I have used tools like mix in key for about 5 or 6 years, I now have a tool that if I'm noticing a particular pairing isn't going well, I can filter the rest of my tracks by complimentary key and try it out. When making a playlist I find myself checking the key. Most of the time I will do a pretty good job on my own, but it's just another tool. My suggestion is to play around a lot with listening to one track and thinking what might go well and just try it. If you do notice that it's not gelling well or complimenting the other track, maybe check the key and try to find an alternate track of similar energy and style and try those. are they in a similar or complimentary key? Now you are training your ear and will rely on mixed in key less. YOu will get it right the first time more than not. But I have many tracks that are not in the same key but they work well because the harmonic sections are not really battling each other. Go with it.
I was expecting you to be wearing another wig andrew lol. I go with energy more than key when mixing tracks. Keep them on the dancefloor rocking 👍👍
also, if mixing from one long drum phrase into another long drum phrase, don't worry about keys at all. drums don't have keys (aside from those pew-pew synth toms). so if you want to mix off key, get to a drum/percussion section, loop it, and then mix in the other track (from a drum/percussion cue point). a quick EQ and you're done.
But yeah, if your two tracks have constant basslines with almost no breaks, keys are a massive help.
(infact I've found looping sections of minimal action can make even the most frustrating mixes work. Now I always keep my ears out for drum breaks (or minimal 303 loops etc) as potential mix points. as a noob, it makes things easy lol)
Well said!
I think this can be a double edged sword (selecting a good incoming track even if the key doesn't match) But... my advice is that if you are stuck on mixing in key and not paying mind to track selection; do this: Just start mixing tracks that you think are good together even if the transition sounds off (there are parts of the track that will blend where there is less going on - as Andrew mentioned). Search for portions of that track you want to mix (even if its not a key match) and line it up with the outgoing track. TRUST YOUR EARS at that point to decide if it works. Once this is learned your track flow will improve because you open up more options among your music collection. Hope that makes sense.
Love it!! great vid & fantastic vibe. A technical quastion, how mutch do I have to rais the pitchfader to get the song up bij one semitone? Keylock off on one deck.
I enjoy your advanced course, more intuition .... mixing with feeling is a huge development point form me, thanks!
I guess the dogs aren't into harmonic mixing. 😄
Playing vinyl and having little musical training, I default to trial-and-error. Put together a set, record it, and chuck out the ones that sound dissonant or try a different transition. Seems to work.
I learn to mix without using the KEY Just vibing with the song I want to put next. I gotta say that it cost me a lot to create sets in that way so i start using de KEY while mixing and it's way more easy to put song after song an to select them. So in my opinion you just have to do what makes you vibe and feel comfortable. Work smarter not harder.
well said!
This is hilarious. I’m watching your videos today from… Mullumbimby 😅
I thought i was mixing in key until last night when I saw your video image. I’ve been going A-B-C-D to G yep so I’ve been doing it wrong for a year. 🤦🏻♂️
Theres one aspect of mixing in key that I never really see anyone talk about, that being key lock and it's effect on sound quality. Of course you can mix in key without it but unless you have a lot of tunes that are the same tempo or are willing to do a bit of maths on the fly, chances are you won't be.
The thing is it simply isn't possible to timestretch without changing how it sounds in some way. Try taking a pure sine wave that starts and ends at it's origin and extending it by 1/4 of a cycle without changing it's properties; you'll either end up with a sine wave that is no longer pure, a wave that no longer starts/ends at the origin (creating a pop) or a difference in frequency. There is no way around it.
Now, don't get me wrong, timestretching has come a long way since it's inception and certainly does have it's uses but it often doesn't sound great when applied to percussion or bass for example. The difference may be subtle but it will always be there regardless of how good the technology gets. I guess it's a matter of personal preference but it has always felt like one step forward, two steps back to me.
Personally I would still key lock for things like acapellas or sounds that don't have sharp attacks, I would even consider using it on entire tracks if I wasn't planning on having it play solo or dominant in the mix at any point but otherwise it's not for me. I would rather much play it by ear and, in the event of conflicting keys being mixed, do my best to EQ or chop my way around any obviously conflicting elements when playing styles that aren't particularly melodic or sticking to timing the mixes so that minimal melodic elements from both tunes play together (In other words tune A only has a melody going when tune B is just drums, something like that).
Since things have gone digital there are now a lot of tools in the box that can help you get around key clashes that are relatively easy to use, personally I see a lot more value in getting familiar with those rather than obsessively trying to mix in key. You'll give yourself the freedom to select from more tunes at any given time and with practise you'll be able to make well educated guesses on what combinations of tunes are likely to work well together.
You're right this is a video in itself and should be covered
I feel like keys are good reference points but overly fixating on it can compromise your priceless gut instinct.
Would you recommend if changing genres or transitioning from big BPM big ranges (either low to high or high to low) to mix in key?
Love the Nirvana shirt
In the days before rekordbox and digital mixing, key selection wasn't an option for two reasons..1 we didn't know the bloody key and 2 we didn't have the time to go through 150 vinyl to find one in key before the tune ran out 🤙
Not necessarily true. A good friend of mine can just hear the key. He used to to do my music and write it on the cd or cover. I numbered it 1 to 12 instead of the key. Worked like a charm
Never apologise for a hippy backdrop
Hi once again great advice I took your course and I must admit now I’m struggling just to get my mixes sound in tight please have a listen if you get the chance maybe it’s the new controller 😎😎😎😎😎
will do my friend, I plan to listen to next r9und of mixes on Friday!!
Thanks man
I use Rekordbox key analysis and maybe try too much to mix harmonically. Thanks bro
Kept expecting Cheech and Chong to turn up. Stayed chilled man, doing a great job :)
Great stuff, thank you! I am bit of a slave to mixing in key so this was a welcome wake-up call haha.
Also, I was wondering if you could cover 'corona-streams' in a future video? I used to dj regularly at my students society, however, since corona parties and gatherings alike have been banned so the only option is to livestream a set from home. This is often a one-way stream where the iisteners can see me but I cannot see them, meaning that I cant read the room, so sually I just prepare the entire mix beforehand. Obviously this is not ideal, would you happen te have any thoughts on how to make this a more engaging and interactive experience?
Keep up the good work!
Shout-out from the Netherlands!
sorry / something off topic, i was wondering if i buy a track off beatport and would like to use it for commercial purpose, is such possible without getting a copyright strike or is there a specific app that allows you to be able to purchase licensing rights to a track of your choice?
PS:- love your videos man, i'm really digging becoming a dj, i haven't even bought my set yet and already i feel like a pro just from watching your videos.keep up the good work.
Check out my video about avoiding copyright posted a couple of months back :)
Is being aware of mixing in key only come about with DJ software? Like how could you tell what key a track was in on cds or vinyl, I guess just by what sounded good?
100%
My personal Opinion is ,that the Key in HipHop more important than in Electro/Techno is .
CRT ❤
Love to see to differences between Camelot and rekordbox
Give me a week or 2 but 100% coming :)
Sometimes when i mix in key it can sound a little bit weird but when i go with my guts i tend to make much better sets. Could this be because the software read the keys wrong?
Intuition should always come first IMO :)
The only reason you need to understand keys is so you don't have a key clash during a mix. Knowing which keys will cause dissonance with each other is all you need to worry about. Knowing music theory is important and will make you a better jock, but if you're jaded and think you don't need to learn theory, at least learn how to recognize key clash...nothing makes you sound worse than clashing keys during a live mix.
Very well said my friend :)
@clubreadydjschool what do you think of the software 'mixed in key' which uses the camelot wheel, bit also gives you an energy bar as well?? Just as a tool, an add on? Same with platinum notes?? Supposedly levels all your tracks so they're at the same sound level??
I only really follow the camelot system not a fan of platinum notes or energy levels and can only really speak to my experience :)
@@ClubReadyDJSchool can you give some info on why? And what experiences have made you think like that about them? Thanks for replying 🙂
@@davidrowan3853 let me give this some thought, to reply properly almost sounds like video in itself!
@@ClubReadyDJSchool ok, no problem, again, thanks for replying.
Yes it is possible to mix just about anything in key or not... I learned early on also that you never tell another DJ how to mix. Don't be a Sith and deal in absolutes.
💘
Could you suggest what music to mix with the prodigy?
haha, stuff that's got a bit of attitude!!!
@@ClubReadyDJSchool Liam and his sunglasses
No need to drop bombs Andrew, when you have GUNS!
haha ;)
it's part of the tools... Yes, it's nice but they have to actually fully read about harmonic mixing... +/-1 gets boring rather quickly....
✌🏻
key mixing is 1% of making a great mix the other 99% is track selection and energy, when i play drum and bass i want the drum kicks to contrast sometimes as it gives it a cool double kick echoy sound othertimes i just play whatever i can get loaded and beatmatched in time due to dnb only having 2mins of useable music thanks to stupid long intros and outros lol
Can you do a video on your tatoos?
haha, maybe ;)
What's with the Hippie Hate?? LOL Just kidding. :)
Mixing in key is a great tool, but you be caught by this tool. Why? You are jumping around with the T. Or you read the article by Ean Golden on djtechtools.com called “Advanced Key Mixing Techniques For DJ’s”. If you try these examples, you will be surprised and want never be mixing around the Camelot wheel.
Love the Nirvana shirt