Start your search by making a list of your favorite producers who are also DJs. Chances are, they have a radio show, podcast, or both. Doing a simple search online will tell you when artists’ radio shows are broadcasted and if they are also available as podcasts. You can also do a search on iTunes for podcasts if you are an avid iTunes user. Find the titles of the tracks that you like and write them down on a piece of paper or in a text document.

You might be thinking “But those tracks won’t be released for a while. How can I find what tracks are coming out today?”. Pick your preferred Digital Download Store and view the new releases daily. Don’t have time to check the new releases everyday? Then check on Mondays and Fridays as most tracks are released at the beginning and end of the business week. While you’re there follow any link that mentions of “Similar Artists You Might Like”. You’ll probably find an artist or two that you like.

So now you’ve probably inundated with a ton of new tracks and mixes to listen to. That’s okay. Listening to music is fun, right? Remember that just because the big-name DJs only play tracks for a week or two on their radio shows, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the tracks you like. The lifespan of a track is not simply determined by how often it gets played the the most popular DJs.

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You should use WAVs if you need to have the best possible audio quality from a digital file, especially if you want to do edits or mashups. Many DAWs do not work well with MP3s or require the files to be re-compressed. Be aware that WAVs do cost a bit more than MP3s and are larger in size. MP3s are cheaper than WAVs but are not as high quality. However, the difference between the two is often hard to hear. People listening on laptop speakers or cheap headphones probably won’t hear any difference at all. Many clubbers may not even hear the difference in a nightclub.

It’s up to each DJ to choose a preferred format. You can’t go wrong either way. Just remember to buy all of your music and get 320kbps CBR MP3s if you go that route.

Photo by Ethan Hein

If you are playing after another DJ, mix out of the previous DJs last track. Likewise, if another DJ is playing after you, let them mix out of your last track. This will allow the flow  of the music to continue. It is important to note that if the next DJ plays a different style of music or wants to start at a different BPM, this may not be the best option.

A less common start to a mix is to be introduced. Festivals or special events often introduce each DJ. Sometimes it is done by an MC or by playing a produced introduction. Sensation White, an event now held around the world, is well-known for the show that it creates around the DJs who are playing. This video of Armin Van Buuren at Sensation White 2005 shows part of the introduction at the beginning of the video.

Okay, so not all of us are well known superstar DJs. With some basic production skills one can create their own custom intro. Custom intros can be found in most DJ podcasts and draw the listener into the mix. Grab a few free samples off the net, load them into your favorite DAW, and create an  intro.

One of my favorite ways to end a mix is to use an effect. A spinback or slow-braking stop can quickly signal the end of a mix. Add a delay or some looping and you’ve got a crazy effect that is unique to each track.

Finally, if you really want to stand out, do something completely different. The video below is a great example of A DJ thinking outside of the box and doing something unique.

• The photo of the item is not just to show off the product. Make sure that the picture is not some stock picture of the item and that the owner took the picture. Sometimes the picture will include a piece of paper with the seller’s username written on it. Look at the picture and see if there are any cosmetic damages, missing knobs or pieces, and the overall condition of the item. You may notice something that is not mentioned in the item description.
• Any functionality or cosmetic issues should be explained in the item description. The item description should provide a brief history of the item, including how and where the item was used, and why the owner wants to sell the item.
• Check the shipping rate before you bid. Does the rate seem reasonable considering the weight and distance that it is being shipped? Will the seller ship internationally? Is insurance included or available for an additional fee? The answers to these three questions could determine whether or not you place a bid on the item.
• User feedback is an easy way to check the seller’s reputation. If the seller received negative feedback, look at what the issue was and if it was ever resolved. A “Power seller” icon and highly rated remarks are usually signs of a good seller.
• Look for duplicate postings of the same item with the exact same picture, a generic description, and title – these are often fake listings. If you suspect that they are in fact real listings see if the seller mentions why there are multiple listings. The seller may sell a pair of items individually.

Remember, if it looks “too good to be true”, it probably is.

DJ

A DJ plays and mixes music together. A DJ may use effects, looping, and other techniques to change the sound or structure of a track. However, they are not creating the music as they play in a club or festival.

Producer

A producer creates music in a studio using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Such programs include Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, and Live. They produce their own original works and also remix other producer’s tracks when they are provided with remix stems. Once a track is completed a producer sends it to a label to be sold commercially.

DJ/Producer

Many DJs are producers and many producers are DJs. This creates much of the confusion. A DJ/Producer is simply an artist who produces music in a studio and also DJs.

Live Act/PA

Live Acts are producers who create their own music and perform it live. Unlike a DJ, who mixes completed tracks, a live act will create the mix out of parts of their own songs. While a live act may sound similar to a dj mix, they will often only include the producer’s own music and remixes.

Music Forums

Music forums, like Trance Addict and Afterhours.fm, often have section for producers and musicians to display their work. Many tracks rival the most popular commercially sold tracks even though they are not signed to labels. Music forums are also great places to download unofficial remixes or re-imaginings of popular tracks.

DJ & Producer’s Personal Websites

DJs and Producers often link to free music on their personal websites. Artists sometimes give tracks away for free if they were scheduled for release, but were canceled before release due to contract issues. Sometimes artists like to simply give away free music to their fans. Airbase, a trance DJ/Producer, has a large selection of “Freebies” on his website including the track Kingpin with 3 additional remixes in high quality MP3s. Some artists, like Randy Boyer, give away music to fans who subscribe to an email newsletter mailing list.

Digital Download Promos

Digital Download sites, like Beatport, will sometimes give away free music as a promotion for an upcoming event or partnership product release. A search for “promo” under releases on Beatport will return a search with some free releases. While the msic may not be exactly your cup-of -tea, you may discover a new genre or artist that piques your interests.