5 Steps to Prepare a DJ Set

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Black Friday Sale now live: www.clubreadydjschool.com/club-ready-dj-course/ I'm so proud to say I've added so much new content to my courses - I have been devoting so much love and energy to it these past few months, hopefully you like :)

[@andyyoung6317]

This guy kept the excitement of a bedroom DJ who does it for the love of it but took the energy with him into his professional career.

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

energy, ideas and inspiration is everything - thank you for recognising that - kin ;) one and the same

[@andyyoung6317]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool been a bedroom DJ for nearly 20yrs, didn't do it for clubs or enyone, just the love. Thank you very much, keep up the amazing work and keep inspiring in the same way you are inspired.

[@nikakebuladze]

Recording is the key to the improvement, i always record myself and then listen to it, playing like a real set makes everything complex and difficult, i take every practice with big responsibility, that helps a lot to not stop improving. when i listen back to my old records, i feel happy with my improvements :D

[@TimMcKnight]

"...and you're just not in sync with it..." - Thanks for that dude!! I have times I hate all I do and it's nice (as someone still learning) to hear that peeps with experience have the same thing!

[@aplugsocket]

One tip I'll give anyone making a set. I've been doing DJing for about 6 months . I have learned the essentials and pretty happy with my skills and how I jump in and out of tracks. One thing I lacked before was creating anticipation on my mixes , start slow, find what tracks work well together to create that build up of energy . Once you start to recognise what makes a set great and the depth you can go into . It's amazing ! The more you plan and take the time with your mixes the more rewarding and better they will come out. I used to just bang out mixes all the time now I've realised that the more planning and preparation I do for my next set the better it comes out ! Less goes wrong and the satisfaction of making a great set is what makes preparing much more rewarding !

[@BojarLaci]

When you get more experienced I'll recommend only build a list as a "outcast" and then throw in songs that keeps the energy and suits the crowd, but you know works quite well together. A fully pre-planned list is something you usually only do if you're not comfortable enough or if your name is Tiesto/some other super famous guy that plays live with a show.

[@aplugsocket]

@@BojarLaci I'm a bedroom DJ only time my mixes are pre planned are when they are recorded apart from that I do my music on the fly. I have a lot of music to go through and different genres. I know for a beginner I should focus on smaller amounts of music and get to really know it but I have a wide array of taste in music and tonnes of songs in playlists that wouldnt be used so I have it all ready to go when needed. I get what you mean but for me now this seems to work I seem to have a formula thats working and I'm enjoying it, I understand what your saying tho and for anything live related eg venue or parties etc I do agree .

[@BojarLaci]

@@aplugsocket Keep up the good work bro 👌🏽

[@aplugsocket]

@@BojarLaci cheers man I've gotten to a point where I'm comfortable on the decks it's been a great learning experience and I'm looking forward to this journey 😃

[@Friend.from.school]

totally agree about recording. Recording and then listening back is such a great way of learning and critiquing ur own sets. I have found it is much better to listen back to it the next day rather than immediately after because I'm much less critical the following day since I don't remember what I played.

[@tori9772]

Same energy online as in person it’s honestly amazing you can feel the passion. Loved the course Andrew👌🏽

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

🙌

[@thisisjb...]

Andrew as a teacher his taught me so much since i started his course, i had a good idea of what i was doing with understanding the music i was playing. But by taking Andrew's courses and even watching Andrew's energy and love for what he is teaching spurs me on even more to put out mixes that i love, along with anyone else that takes the time to listen to my sets. Andrews teaching style is totally amazing, and worth each and every penny, and the support that us 'Tribe' students give each other is totally awesome 👌 Massive thank you for everything i have learnt from you. Much respect 🙌

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I appreciate this and all your support - thanks John!

[@scottmalcolmson4584]

Another tip. Don't torrent music. Aside from ripping off producers the volumes and qualities are all messed up. If you pay, you'll get mastered music at the proper volume

[@SeattleDjs]

What has helped me most. Is the last few months I started mixing with my neighbor. We both have started doing much better. Interesting all the points you made here are things I already did. But the practice part and recording are things I only recently started doing thanks to the jams with my friend next door! Awesome advice. Looking forward to the Minimal set.

[@evanmassimino3416]

Putting together a set if you're a perfectionist can have its challenges. Sometimes I'll spend months working on building a set that I'm happy with. It's never as easy as getting new music and organizing them in a playlist. I try to pick the best intro track, mix almost everything in key when able to, tell a story, create a certain vibe or theme, and pick the best outro. I might spend 5 hours working on the set and piece together 5 tracks, and other days I'll only get 2 tracks in the same amount of time, or none at all. It's something I need to work on if I ever plan on playing more gigs, although I'm very happy and proud of the sets when I take my time.

[@vishnuvijayan4805]

Me too, brother. I was beginning to doubt myself if DJing is really something I'm capable of doing because I'm most certainly not efficient in putting up a playlist in a short amount of time. Takes me a lot of days to just find the right tracks. Practicing the mix is a whole another story.

[@danonbass]

Me too, it can be paralysing...

[@bitangayves2125]

Yooo same here..... it can take me a week to come up with a 7 hours set that takes people o a journey of discovery !!! Result is great, however it takes me waaay to much time . I need to be more efficient.

[@לאקיים-ט1ה]

Feel you mate I just finish crafting a 4 hour set for a very special gigs next week I have worked on it for over 100 hours in the past 3 months Not included the countless house of listening to music and nit picking the perfect tracks for the vibe Although It's hard work I love every part of it And there's no better feeling then preforming a set that you've invested blood and tears into 💜

[@Thomao]

Mixing in key has been one of the biggest things to note for my budding dj aim.

[@joeninetee]

Been watching all your videos and I just like to say what a nice lad you seem. Best one on KZbin for advice etc. Keep it up!

[@matheusmuller1572]

Second that

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

@@matheusmuller1572 thanks so much - you're both right of course ;)

[@parkeresposito9554]

Awesome stuff! One thing that I have found with myself is a lot of time I will get lost in the research part. There are so many great songs out there to use, that it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect songs. If you like the song a lot, use it! Don’t get lost in the research like I do haha!

[@P4boot]

Exactly, sometimes less is more, and the music you already know make you sound better.

[@tobydulanski9480]

Always a pleasure to watch your channel Andrew. Currently working on cleaning up the music library, so many doubles triples and then some. Not to mention CD copies converted to WAV format. Also scanning the DJ Pools trying to replace low quality tracks with 320 kbps. Also upgraded the RAM in the Mac Mini and looking it an SSD replacement for the mechanical hard drive. I’m looking forward to your next set, without a lot of prep work. You’ll definitely do well. Thanks again for your insight on set prep. It’s always interesting to hear what others do and where they go for tracks.

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I feel you 100% there and have been exactly in your shoes - the bad news is, libraries always find their way back to messiness lol!

[@Cheeseman72.]

I get a real buzz from building and mapping a set and this video has made me realise most of the time I can be impatient and try to force tracks into a set that I love but doesn’t gel or work with the others .... Great video and recommend the course as a student I’ve had great feedback on how my mixes are have improved since joining Andrews course

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

me too - thanks mate appreciate your input and I'm not just saying that - thank you :) :)

[@ThomStanton]

Personally, and borrowing a bit from one of your prior tips, I always set my top four hot cues to 16 beat loops (usually D&B intro, build, strong drop, and last drop) then a set a master cue on last nice loop to activate an auto repeat (it's the E-brake to save yo' bacon from running out of music). I set the lower four bank of hot cues to acapellas and other familiar track elements that can add energy over transitions or playback over the same song. From there its practice practice practice to learn songs during which I might adjust top hot cues and add/change lower cues. I find this method to be super-fast to implement on the fly and provide a means of prepping tracks, testing playlist order, and practicing transitions. I always find your tutorials to be the most engaging and encouraging. Today's takeaway: it's time to start recording and playing back to get ever more proficient. Thanks again. Still rolling on the 40 day challenge. Hope to participate in your mini-course soon. 🪩🪩🤖🪩🪩

[@cattuber8815]

was looking for someone like you for so long going to buy your course when i have money upcoming winter again haha !

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

You can email me when ready and ask for a code: [e-mail]

[@davidbuchanan9273]

One person leads to another person that you like. So say you really like a artist that has a certain sound there's usually an artist either on the same label or that does remixes with them that also has a similar sound. Your goal is to find those mixes, a lot of the times you can find it in playlist because other people will know about the connection ahead of time between the two artists for you. Remixes are usually better than the original. But not always of course. So putting in your favorite artists and then putting in the word remix afterwards is a big deal

[@willievaughn6474]

Awesome, thank you

[@stormtraders]

I see the advantages of a well prepared set. But the crowd is the most important imo. I usually feel it out at the spot. If feels a bit too rehearsed when you have a prepared set. If others before you play some tracks you have in your set it will only stress you out more. I know carl cox never prepared a set because he said it kills his creativity. But for some situations i think preparing is the best way to go

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

Great tips, thanks! Happy new year and God bless! :)

[@ramikhouryyy]

CANT WAIT FOR THE MINIMAL MIXXX!!!!!

[@theomitz2139]

Exactly the vid I needed to kick off the week! Great advice, keep up the fantastic work!

[@holmesdj7564]

Another great video and advice, thank you 🙏

[@DJChrisCenzo]

Brilliant advice!

[@pety1245]

I was looking through a few samples while watching the clip and starting hearing voices from the dawn in the background hahaha

[@hoojchoons2258]

Looking forward to the next mix. For me the master of knowing what a crowd will love next was Oakenfold in his prime.

[@KAHEEZYBLANK3]

What’s the background song please lol

[@graemesears8054]

Loving your channel and content, thank you. I really struggle with practicing a set and repeating it all the time, the more I listen to it the more stale it sounds to me, I quickly find myself abandoning the set and finding new tracks for a fresh set, but I'm not sure about how good that is for building a professional sounding set?

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

That's why you need to constantly add new tracks and aim to make constant and never ending improvements - always changing it up, learning and growing!

[@consciensnesttv]

👉 8:48 👈 u da man bro!! 🥴

[@jonbruhin3691]

dope video, love your energy.

[@zainchoudhry4485]

Awesome vids mate! Love from NZ! Just wanted to add that Soundcloud can be a really awesome place to explore music too, if you use it right!

[@DouglasHorch]

nuggets of gold!

[@malvikabhanot5170]

Thank youuuuu for this 🥺

[@moshboshi7205]

Thanks for all the great videos been with you since the beginning and still learning from you keep it up :D I've been dj'ing for about 2 years now and everytime i go into my little home studio and start jammin, i record myself and listen back to it (as too sort of pressuring myself to be the best at that moment). I consider everything a live set so as to learn more about how the music works and how i can improve on my transitions. Whenever i have new songs to play i simply start a set, record, and play all the songs without any cue points and i kinda 'feel' where the cue points need to be or not at all and at the same time i get a feeling if the set is working in the order i'm playing those songs. Whenever i feel confident enough about a set i'll upload it to create a sort of evolving timeline. It's funny how i sometimes listen to older sets and immediately feel ashamed of how much it actually sucks compared to the newer set. XD

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Couldn't agree more :)

[@williamvickers6473]

The paid course is fantastic, it truely does not disappoint. It hits the mark and always ends up answering the questions you may have in the back of your mind. I often go back and refer to his vids for guidance. In fact the very first time i mixed EDM was after watching his EDM mix vid and I smashed it! Thanks mate! Your course is 💯

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I really appreciate this, thanks William

[@AuSCastDJ]

I love your videos and wait every week on Monday to see that your talking about and i wanted to buy the course but had some problems with COVID-19. But all is good thank you for the info and great tips

[@laprora2017]

It depends for what purpose the set is needed. For a radio/social media set or mixtape is mixing in Key crucial. But an Openformat Club DJ is more important to read the audience and respond to it. Think for example of request songs etc.

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I always say to my students mixing in key is a tool not a rule - helpful and it gives me ideas, but intuition always comes first. Follow your heART!

[@lorenzosclips]

Great video thank you 🙏

[@dj_9iron]

We Def on same page mate... Good stuff... Prep and taking the time to know where improvements can be made is essential... Cool 😎

[@Benanza_Online]

great video, thx!

[@ShahrukhKhan-fe3qi]

Appreciate your words bro, really helpful!

[@obszoen4437]

I gotta say I really enjoy all of your vids, so helpful and detailed!

[@ernestoalmanza3717]

Great video! Answers the questions I’ve been needing answers to

[@djdamienconnolly]

Great info thanks for sharing 👏🏻

[@kieranoconnor313]

Absolutely buzzing for the minimal mix.. Toman, Chris stussy, djoko, Rossi, Diego Krause 🔥🔥

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Unfortunately I filmed it before I saw this, it comes out today - I'll be honest without prep it;'s not my best, a little nervous about it - there are mistakes, but thought I would just post to show everyone's human ;)

[@cassiusjb]

I find that if I'm using cues, I do it live so that I look busier behind the decks. :))

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

F looking busy, cues are awesome period!! Then again perhaps I'm a control freak ;)

[@matheusmuller1572]

Real talk, amazing video!

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

kin ;)

[@Atem_S.]

Nicely done!!!

[@MickBrahOnline]

doing my first set with over 100 people def gonna use these

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Options is the key ;) Let me know how it goes ;)

[@MickBrahOnline]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool going for about 200 songs to play with over the 4 hours

[@SacShawn]

I'm preparing a mix and this helped! Can't wait for next weeks vid!

[@lucian7122]

what video from your free course should i watch for preparing my set?

[@MrQWERTY56789]

Hey man, can you please do a guide on how to mix PsyTrance or even Hard Dance. I think I need help with mixing high BPM music. Artist suggestions: Mandragora, Vini Vici and Astrix.

[@mileseast14]

Another epic video! I’m not sure if it’s worth a whole video, and I’m guessing I’m asking all fellow djs and beginners, how does everyone practice...? Are there skills we should just keep at or is the best practice just to mix? Be good to hear people’s thoughts! Especially Andrews!! Cheers!

[@theaverageguy3884]

How are quality on downloads from Beatport comapred to youtube or spotify ? Im a new begginer and not want to pay 1$ for each track. Are the quality that different ?

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Yes beatport tracks are way better quality!

[@theaverageguy3884]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool Thanks for taking your time.

[@stefschippers]

He man. Im so happy u make this videos. I learn so mutch from it. If anyone DM me if i know how they can be better DJs dan i always send a massage whit your channal link. Lots of lofe go u. Dj man 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I appreciate that thank you :)

[@jamesotis9195]

When you record, do you keep your headphones in or play out loud?

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

No speaker, I prefer headphones only - I have a video on it called something like playing really loud - advanced headphones trick

[@yousifalharbii]

But how will you cue then if playing on headphones?

[@P4boot]

@@yousifalharbii there's a knob to hear the master or the cue or both at a time.

[@yousifalharbii]

@@P4boot Oh i see know. Thanks a lot.

[@bagotmusic]

mate that is so weird, i was literally searching for that prototypes remix of higher last night and couldn't find which tune it was the whole night, come onto your video this morning, i see a track called higher and thats the one!! great video, is there any way i can donate to you or something man? your videos are fantastic and have helped me a lot, I feel i'm at a point already where i don't need a dj course but would love to donate to your cause!

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Thank you, positive comments, likes and sharing the word is support enough - thank you - it means the world to me :)

[@bagotmusic]

​@@ClubReadyDJSchool fair play mate, yh i've been sharing your videos to my mates who i've been teaching to dj, you've actually taught me how to teach them! keep it up man your videos are elite

[@djquikdr]

You always need to be able to improvise, being flexible for if it doesn't work or when you get some cool inspiration on the fly. Find the right balance regarding preparation. Mixed in key is the key here to know which track works with each other but there is one thing that is better than MIK and that is feeling.

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Couldn't have said it better myself - thank you :) JUST SAYING SAYS THE TRUTH EVERY TIME - YOU BREAK DOWN THE BS - THANK YOU XOXOXOXOXO

[@TheSocialGathering623]

Hi, do you keep the BPM range linear or you play a wide range of BPMs?

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

I have a video coming up on Monday where I move between big BPM differences and a range of genres, but I guess it depends on where you're playing.

[@11browd]

Who knows the best drum and bass record pool?

[@cowboyhank456]

I honestly find using 2 player mode incredibly bothersome with just a mouse and keyboard to control, I'd much rather use the decks as I would in the end. I can just skip around with the pads anyway plus they allow me to set a million cue points to try out different mix in points.

[@adrianaotoya2774]

When you do this- can you then sync back onto rekord box on the computer and put labels etc on the computer- (while still using all the cue points you made on the actual decks?) If so, is there a correct process? Asking because initially I already had a couple of corrupt songs because I dragged straight into my usb instead of through usb and rekordbox… Thanks in advance! @Cowboy hank @dJ Ready School

[@juanbenotto8448]

Your videos do seem like Kung fu training from the matrix. Its really easy for you to convey your points. Hahaha blessings as always my man. ( preparing a set for the weekend

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

🙌

[@mduduzidesmond8523]

Want to learn but problem your currency ,when it comes to south african Rands is expensive

[@MrFalk358]

Since i noticed you played Adriatique- Voices from the Dawn in the background, do you mind uploading a melodic techno / house set? With tracks from afterlife / Innervisons labels, for example. Love your vids keep it up!

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Next Monday - be kind!!

[@DDadsge01]

I chuckled at the Matrix reference 😂

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

It just came to me lol

[@weximan1]

This is what I used to do when I was giging

[@cassiusjb]

Yeah, if you download the TOP 100 of the genre you're going to play, you have a big chance of playing the same set as the next guy or the guy before on the same night.

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

So true but then again it sucks when that's all the crowd wants to hear - crowd dynamics is a trip ;)

[@Ckny718]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool remember, a great DJ will play what the crowd doesn’t know they want to hear!

[@Djshivaayko]

huGe faN oF yOurs SiR... ❤️❤️❤️ frM India

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

The fact you recognise others means you are next!!!!!!

[@stefschippers]

🔥

[@funkytomtom]

Dude, what about Bandcamp?!?

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Yes, sorry, you are right of course, bandcamp deserved a mention, even emphasis here.

[@funkytomtom]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool thanks for the reply! I plug bandcamp all the time because 1) the artist makes more off of it, and 2) it's usually cheaper for me as well! Love your channel, thanks.

[@markrussell3599]

Don’t forget Bandcamp!

[@melaniedavies9308]

One hour and twenty songs? I start at 8 and finish at midnight... I have the whole of the top 40 since 1952 to choose from, I mix genre's with classic tracks, I juxtapose, I wind it down and wind it up as and when it's needed... I live the buzz of dropping a great track and I always notice the "recognition" when people finally 'get' the song that I am playing. I never have a set play list, I never repeat songs and I never know what I am going to play first till I get get to the venue... but hey ho, that's just me.

[@DJ-Dorian]

Second!

[@noramoss]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽💯💯💯💯💯

[@modeus4196]

Background music is appallingly loud and distracting. Thanks for the 2 firsts tips tho (gave up watching the rest)

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Noted!

[@JohnSmith-kn5wt]

The music underlay is very distracting and compared to your other vids,, not necessary.

[@mugen050]

First

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

First is great, but first to appreciate is better lol ;)

[@mileseast14]

Another epic video! I’m not sure if it’s worth a whole video, and I’m guessing I’m asking all fellow djs and beginners, how does everyone practice...? Are there skills we should just keep at or is the best practice just to mix? Be good to hear people’s thoughts! Especially Andrews!! Cheers!

[@ClubReadyDJSchool]

Haha you need to get the course if you are asking those questions :) Trust me, try it if you do';t like I'l give you a full refund - no questions - I just want to help - i know it's hard to trust but these videos are just relationship building tools - I know what you need - sequence - steps - not random info on YT :)

[@mileseast14]

@@ClubReadyDJSchool mate I’m in! All signed up.. perfect way to spend lockdown here in the UK!