The Passionate DJ Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, we reflect back on the guests we've had the honor of featuring on the show. We're seeing lots of growth lately, which is great! But, it also means that there are probably a lot of people who have missed out on some of the knowledge bombs our guests have dropped in earlier episodes. Episode 28 is all about re-visiting these golden nuggets, in thanks for the wisdom these guests were willing to freely share with all of us. What you'll hear: - Casie Lane describes the "pre-gig scan" - DMC Champion Vekked tells us his strategies and approach to competition, and plays a killer routine - Fortune talks about "doing it for the love", the notion of begging for a scene's support, and the struggles of working together. - A hilarious and informative rant by John Chapel about competing with the establishment, and the ridiculous idea of "haters make you famous". - Jon Skinner tells us all about the club and rave scene in Brighton, London, and elsewhere in the UK during the 80s and 90s. - Legendary trance icon Airwave discusses his passion for music technology, and the benefits of the digital revolution. - Co-founder of Heroic Recordings and author of The SoundCloud Bible, Budi Voogt tells us how we find an audience in today's modern climate. - Tony DeSaro (before he was a co-host) came in as a guest along with Billy Dickensheets, and together they describe what they wish modern DJs would do more of. - Long-time friends of the show, Kilma and Joe Pardo, tell us how to get serious about goals and purpose. Thanks, and we'll see you next week for episode 29!

Full Show Notes: http://passionatedj.com/27 It's our second annual "Resolutions" episode! We take several questions from listeners like you, and try to help DJs find resolutions to their problems in order to have a fresh start to the new year. Don't forget... we take questions all year long. Leave a voicemail at http://passionatedj.com/ask and be featured on the show! Before we got down to business, of course, we had to talk about the big announcement: the Technics 1200 turntables are coming back! Here are the questions we helped you answer in episode 27: - Is it a good idea to focus on a specific genre, or to take on more diverse gigs? - Is using vinyl and Serato holding me back as a DJ? - What steps should I take to get DJ bookings outside of my own city - I’ve reached a plateau… how can I get the most out my practice sessions? We even get a cameo appearance from Kilma! She provides some insight towards getting bookings in other cities, and how to make the approach. As always, great to hear from you, Kilma! Special thanks to DJ TABLETTZ, who left this very nice feedback via voicemail: "Hello, thank you very much for the opportunity. But I want you to know anything you send to me all the time is not being wasted. I read it, I take what I’m supposed to take out of it… I appreciate your time, and I say, Happy New Year. Cheers." Oh, one more thing. We got to announce a small milestone: 10,000 plays. Thanks so much for your support! Thanks again, Passionate DJs, and we'll see you next week for episode 28! Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kilma's Blog: https://dontkilmavibe.wordpress.com Mister Shifter's Logo Concept (DJ Porpoise?) http://bit.ly/1ZfgDn8

In Episode 26, Passionate DJ shares some upcoming changes with our community. There'll be a lot of changes coming in 2016, including image rebranding, shifting the focus to the podcast, looking to bring on sponsors, and some changes to the format of the show. We also announce the addition of Tony DeSaro and Trip Turlington to the show. David, Tony, and Trip discuss one of PDJ's most polarizing viral articles about beat matching. Tony and Trip talk about their evolution from turntables and vinyl to incorporating more modern equipment and software in to their shows and skill sets, where David talks about his experience learning modern techniques first, then learning the mechanical foundations of DJing. The panel tries to shed some light on the intent of the article itself (hint: it's not to scream "GET OFF MY LAWN!"), while offering their insight on the subject of modern DJing technology and the foundations of DJ mechanics. The panel also reviews comments from the article, which brings out topics such as what is expected of a DJ, compared to modern shows where producers with pre-determined set lists are more similar to going to see a bands, why the old school mentality versus the new school mentality can be a hindrance to both sides, and the philosophy behind reading a crowd.

Getting Things Done Through The Power of Networking! Welcome back for another episode of the podcast! This time around, I recorded a sort of "roundtable discussion"... the last half of a meeting of the minds in my local scene. Tony and Billy of 3DMentional Entertainment return to the show to tell us the experiences they had while booking the legendary Josh Wink this past weekend. There was a problem with their venue, and it looked like the event was doomed. Luckily, due to the power of the local collective, the show was a roaring success. We are also joined by Trip Turlington and Kyle Rutherford (aka Overwaves), who were also taking part in the local "scene meeting". Trip tells us the struggles he used to have with promoting and the differences in the scene "back in the day" vs. now. Kyle gives us some perspective on the state of the local scene in Dayton, OH and tells us how he began to get involved in the past few years. Overall, there are a lot of nuggets of wisdom that I'm sure will be enjoyed by you all!

Episode 24 - Happy (Belated) Halloween! Full show notes and comments: http://passionatedj.com/024 Episode 24 is a special, slightly-belated Halloween episode! About this time last year, we were wrapping up The Story Mix Project. This was a 7-week video tutorial series in which I created a story-telling mix, and showed each step along the way. We go over some of the technical details, as well as the conceptualization, all the way through the finalization and "mastering" of the final product. For this year's Halloween episode, we dive even further into this mix. I hope you enjoy this special, behind-the-scenes commentary of Zombie Hospital! In this episode, we discuss: - -The purpose of the project. - The focus of each week during the video series. - My inside thoughts on what the characters of the story might be doing. - Simple takeaways that you can use when creating your own studio mixes. Resources mentioned in this episode include: - The Story Mix Project (Zombie Hospital) http://passionatedj.com/zombie - Zombie Hotel (The prequel to Zombie Hospital) http://dmichael.org/music/zombie-hotel/

Episode 23 - Unproductive Terminology! Hey Folks! We're back for episode 23. This time, we're talking about the differences between the DJ, the producer, and everything in-between. We also talk about why these lines are so often blurred, how the role of one can bleed into another, and why some people even find themselves in the role they didn't intend. I also answer a letter from Roger, a 68-year-old guy who is interested in picking up his headphones and beginning his journey as a DJ for the first time. Kudos to Roger! Hear my thoughts and advice to him a the end of the episode. In episode 23, we discuss: - Some exciting new announcements from Pioneer and Serato. - The definition of a DJ, and their role. - The types of audiences a DJ might play to. - The role of a music producer. - The difference between "music producer" in the modern, electronic musician context and the historical use of the term. - What Remix Artists and Mashup Artists do. - The goal of the Live PA Artist. - How the lines between all these different types of performers blur. - Examples of production vs. DJing software. - My advice for starting to become a DJ later in life! Resources mentioned in this episode include: Twenty DJs over 50 Who Still Top The Bill www.passionatedj.com/twenty-djs-over-50-who-still-top-the-bill/ How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/HowToDJ Best DJ Controllers: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/Controllers Thanks so much, and we'll see you next time on episode 24!

Episode 22 - Elitism or Enthusiasm? This episode of the podcast is all about being a snob, how it affects your DJing, why it is harmful, and even why we can make a positive case for being a snobby DJ. Before I recorded this episode, I sent out a message to my beloved VIP List members asking them what they thought about this topic, so much of today's episode was contributed by you guys. Thanks so much! In episode 22, we talk about: - Why I don't consider myself a guru - How to tell if you're a snob - The difference between a snob and an enthusiast - How being a snob (and having a negative attitude towards music) can affect your DJing No resource list for this episode, so just listen and enjoy!

Episode 21 - How to Become a DJ! Hi folks! It's time for another edition of the Passionate DJ Podcast. Like our last episode, this one is a sort of "audio version" of an existing article... my most popular post to date, "How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide". If you don’t have time to sit and read, you can listen to this version on-the-go! http://www.passionatedj.com/howtodj In episode 21, I go over the ten steps needed to get started on your journey as a DJ. This one is great for beginners, those who have been out of the game for a while, or just those DJs who like to go back and pick up anything they may have missed along the way. This episode is all about: - Learning what DJs do, and why different types exist. - Helping you find your initial focus. - How to start learning the basic skills (and what they are). - Building your initial brand and following. - Pursuing your first DJ gigs. Resources mentioned in this episode include: - How to Become a DJ: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/howtodj - Virtual DJ http://www.virtualdj.com/download/free.html - Mixxx http://www.mixxx.org/download/ - Traktor Pro Demo http://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/traktor/dj-software/traktor-pro-2/demo-version/ - Best Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide http://passionatedj.com/controllerguide - Video explaining how phrasing works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9TU3NA1DcM - 5 Tips for DJ Happiness http://www.passionatedj.com/5-tips-for-dj-happiness/

Episode 20 – Helping You Make a Tough Decision! This episode is a sort of audio companion to go along with my recently released mega-article, Best DJ Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide. If you don’t have time to sit and read, you can listen to this version on-the-go! http://PassionateDJ.com/controllers In the past few years, the market has really grown for all-in-one DJ controllers. How does one even go about making a decision these days? What features are important? How much do I need to spend? Whether you’re a new DJ, or a seasoned mixmaster simply looking for an upgrade, this episode will help you get the most for your dollar. In episode 20, we discuss: - Tips for buying an appropriate controller for your style and needs - Why your software choice matters - My top 5 picks in 3 different price points, for DJ controllers in 2015 - Modular options for people wanting to add to an existing setup Resources mentioned in this episode include: Best DJ Controllers 2015: The Ultimate Guide http://PassionateDJ.com/controllers

Episode 19 - Let's Do Something Great! In this episode of the podcast, not only do I answer a handful of questions submitted by listeners and readers of the blog, but we dive into the topic of going from a good DJ to a GREAT DJ! A little while back, I wrote a post (check the resource list below) titled "The 5 Traits Shared by Great DJs". In this episode, I expand on this and explain how these traits can aid you on your path to becoming a great DJ. In this issue, we talk about: - Where to begin in creating your personal sound - How to become more noticed as a DJ - Advice on getting started creating mixes (for beginners) - Building set lists vs. crowd reading - How empathy, helpfulness, persistence, patience, and adaptability play a role in the great DJ's life - Why the quality of your DJing matters Resources mentioned in this episode include: The 5 Traits Shared by Great DJs (article) http://passionatedj.com/5traits The Deejaypreneur Dojo (courses) http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/services-programs/ Digital DJ Tips (courses) http://www.digitaldjtips.com/how-to-dj-training-courses/ Amazing Jazzy Jeff clip https://youtu.be/XaxDAhzwV7Q

Episode 18 - Let's Stay Togetherrrrrrr! Welcome back to the Passionate DJ Podcast, where in episode 18, we talk about collaboration with other DJs and producers. I decided to discuss this topic with Jon Skinner, who invented a collaborative tool called Music Gateway. This tool allows you to find the right person to help you finish your track, mix, or project... and gives you a collaborative space to get things done. Very cool stuff! I recently went to the techno festival in Detroit (Movement), which I attend every year... and every time, I come back ready and inspired to knock over skyscrapers with my music. And every time, I find others who feel the same way. Collaboration is very much on my mind right now, so I am excited to present this episode to you! In this episode, Jon and I discuss: - What the club scene was like in places like London and Brighton in the 80s, and the dawn of the rave era through the 90s. - How Jon keeps the DJing magic alive, without getting jaded, and while maintaining a busy lifestyle. - The struggles that Jon discovered DJs have when it comes to online collaboration. - How Music Gateway acts as a “matchmaker” between musicians and those that can help them fill their needs. - How Music Gateway creates a collaborative online space for users to get on the same page on a project. - How to get the most out of the MG platform. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Music Gateway (MusicGateway.net)

This one is just for fun! Join me as I share stories of terrible, strange, or hilarious gig experiences submitted by our listeners! One submission tells the story of a laptop crashing right after a big drop during one of the DJ's largest gigs to date. Another tells of the strange (and unsanitary) mystery someone found in the hallway during a house party. And then there's our friend Joe Pardo (a frequent guest on the podcast) who tells us how he had to run for his life after a gig! You'll hear all these stories and more on episode 17. Hopefully it's good for a few laughs! Overall I hope you enjoy this show! If you have a bad gig story to tell, leave me a voicemail (http://www.passionatedj.com/ask) and we can do round 2!

Episode 16 – Passion Plus Action = a DJ with Purpose! In this episode of the podcast, I bring in a full panel of DJ/activists to discuss the issue of purpose. I say “passion and purpose” all the time, but what does it really mean? How can you find your purpose? How can you drive your goals home so that you can advance your DJ career or skillset? An excellent and inspiring discussion takes place amongst the panel as we all present our own unique perspective on purposeful DJing. Special thanks to Joe Pardo, Casie Lane, and Kilma for joining me on the show today! In this episode, we chat about: - What “purpose” means in a DJing context - How the influence of others affects our progression - How to maintain focus, in spite of “dream stealers” - Gaining a sense of direction - Why it’s important to be a professional - Personal purpose vs. professional purpose - Common traits amongst successful dreamers Resources mentioned in this episode: - The Deejaypreneur (Casie Lane) http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com - The Dreamer’s Podcast (Joe Pardo) http://howtodream.co - Don’t Kilma Vibe (Kilma) http://www.dontkilmavibe.com - The Basement Sessions http://www.ustream.tv/channel/dj-sw-t - The Passion Planner (“the life coach that fits in your backpack”) http://www.passionplanner.com/what/ - Casie’s DJ Jobs Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1441321309449683/ - Casie’s Interactive EPK Webinar http://www.thedeejaypreneur.com/interactive-epk-webinar

Episode 15: Making SoundCloud Work For You w/Budi Voogt by The Passionate DJ Podcast

Episode 14 – Do You Hear What I Hear? Back in episode 13, I answered a call from Joseph regarding sound quality. He asked when it’s worth it to invest in high-end audio gear (like sound cards, mixers, etc.) But the question I actually answered had to do with production sound (speakers, amps, etc.) Duh. Apparently I wasn’t paying attention that day. So, rather than just write a corrected answer, I decided to dedicate this entire episode to all things sound quality… including a re-answering of Joseph’s question. In this episode, we dive into: - NAMM 2015 gear & a new Frankie Knuckles film - Confusing terms in the digital audio world - Analog vs. digital, and how you get from one to the other - Comparisons of mp3 bitrates (with examples) - How to keep a “front-of-house guy” (sound engineer) happy - Sound quality causes and concerns for DJs - If/when you (the DJ) should invest in expensive, high-end audio gear - My opinion on what types of files are “acceptable” to play out Resources mentioned in this episode include: Episode 13, where Joseph asked his original question: http://www.passionatedj.com/pdj-013-new-years-resolutions-for-djs/ DMC Online DJ Championships http://www.dmcdjonline.com Digital DJ Tips – great resource for digital DJs http://www.digitaldjtips.com and the demonstration video I created: http://youtu.be/06PzwS2vXqk