DJ BETTER - HOW TO BUILD A DJ SET

I've had a few requests for this video, so here it is! A tutorial and lesson in how to construct a set. The video turned out a bit long, so for those who are impatient, the music examples start at 19:50. However, I think the discussion is very useful as well.
www.soundcloud.com/justarman
soundofarman

[@juanfe98rain]

I think this is all very useful if you want to succeed as a DJ, but if you want to be an artist, play the music you love. I got known for playing tech house, and while I like tech house to some degree, the music I really love is deep, melodic house & techno (very similar to Arman's style). You have to learn to entertain the crowd, but if what you are playing is not what you love then you will feel empty. I find that when I mix from the heart I blow the roof off, but when I mix for the people I just do good. It's all about the balance I'd say.

[@SoundofArman]

Well said! Thanks for sharing.

[@SilentRio]

This is where I am gonna get to. I want to tell a story when I DJ. My story...

[@tmkolb]

Bro, from all the DJ tips videos I've watched, this was the most helpful to me! The last part, where you show the types of tracks was insanely helpful. Thank you so much!!!

[@ToxikDnB544]

"energy release tracks?" I call them BANGERS

[@ToxikDnB544]

7:00 I stand Corrected :)

[@Richard-xg2ge]

same here, wanna share some?

[@Buxtonphil]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIalZKelaNOeoNE

[@agustinamaria6774]

BOMBAS!

[@danibenitez8690]

same :D

[@alexweisshaar9170]

The part about the opener not playing “bangers” or hard music was very helpful thanks for the great video

[@aaronsewell5664]

It’s bullshit advice. If you can throw down better than the headliner you would be a dummy not too.

[@jeffrobertson3684]

Dude thanks for posting this, super helpful. Loved the “restraint is key” for open sets to give the next DJ or yourself room to go. Truly a professional DJ. I am subscribed now. Thanks.

[@SoundofArman]

Thanks for watching!

[@gvlive]

Oh man, the voiceover track commentary is just what I needed. I’m about to dive into your channel in hopes there’s more of this. Thank you.

[@pistolen87]

10:00 Just saw "The art of DJing" from RA with Dr. Rubenstein and she said "I always try to escalate the energy, you know, more is more". So kind of the opposite of what you're saying. I guess she's a headliner DJ now days and she has a distinct sound that club goers expect to hear. This to say that it's very hard to come up with general rules or a formula for a successful set. I really do appreciate hearing your point of view though, you've got some great tips! Especially since a lot of DJs have a competitive mindset and are hesitant to share them publicly. Learn the Rules Like a Pro, So You Can Break Them Like an Artist. - Pablo Picasso

[@lendylopez6798]

"Play weird music around 3am or something" hahaa | This guy! Straight up things you can relate to! Underrated channel for sure! Keep it up

[@agustinamaria6774]

Lendy Lopez amazing yes hahahaa and so true...I recién a lot of those “weird 3am moments”

[@xResourceHD]

New subscriber and love your videos so far! I mainly mix tech house and house so its great to get information from someone so knowledgeable within a similar genre.

[@aysounds45]

Dear Arman, Thank you for this one. Even though I am watching this video 5 years after its release, still very useful to me. I am beginner, but some things I felt like I knew. Thanks again.

[@badermienhoff773]

hey man this is some great insight, alot of videos talk about the technical side of Djing but , what you said about the key of the song, builds up and energy levels of tracks is hugely helpful, I like to mix in key and didn't know about how major and minor keys affect the set and now i tweaked the track list and it sounds so much better to my ears ,,

[@rik-keymusic160]

Great video !!! Thank you. I learned so much more in one video then i did back in the day i was mixing with “a friend” .

[@majik1135]

"Practice and enjoy" - always hear ellaskins whenever I hear that now... even when it's not dj related. Lol Thanks Arman, really digging your vibe subscribed right away.

[@kc-rb3xp]

nice to actually see some conversation behind the decisions around what types of songs to put where. Subbed!

[@xavierguerrero2712]

Great video I love the examples at the end the whole thing just tied together well, and was very informative

[@anyadubois]

I am a beginner DJ and I loved this! Thanks, I am hoping to mix up something to post on my sound cloud soon!

[@BarefeetB]

Another very informative video man ☺ Thanks for sharing Keep em coming 💃 💃

[@SteveAldous]

Some great tips here, really helped me out alot, great videos, well produced, great quality. Thumbs up!!

[@carolinecampelloarruda5022]

Amazing content Arman. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@palkerzz]

For anyone wondering, the third example track is Atlas World Solomun Night Remix! It is NOT The Last Track by Lehar :)

[@Jack2000B]

Amazing tutorial... besides gifted you are a natural !!! Thank you for sharing !!!

[@SjefkeHighland]

Thanks Arman, great video and helps a lot for me as a beginning DJ!

[@danecustance2734]

Thanks for sharing your experience Arman.

[@TheBiscokid]

Great videos, looking forward to more. Love at some point to see Rekordbox organization! Cheers from NB Canada

[@jameselsom100]

Great tips! Your channel is very useful, thanks!

[@househeadspeakz]

Thanks Arman for this video and your insight.

[@stephaam_music]

The best! Please do more of this! Thanks!

[@shanogeorge5078]

Thank you for this video, this is helpful for a beginner in the music industry and would hope to get more of you're videos soon !!!! keep rocking !!! Subscribed :)

[@pixelpusher91]

Very good and inspirational video! I'm tagging my 1300+ tracks (and delete the junk in the meantime) based on the categories explained here. It is also very good direction how to listen to music thinking with a DJ's mindset.

[@agustinamaria6774]

Amazing video, just take a look at the end you got mixed atlas world with the lehar song! You are great, best tutorials ever!

[@Goorlel]

Great content mate, i'm just starting out but your videos are very helpful

[@JimLigon]

Good stuff, Arman! Thank you!

[@cargandousername]

Whoa man this was SO good! Congratulations, this format really works for you. Also, first!

[@SoundofArman]

Thanks my friend!

[@nikovoorspoels6024]

Nice lesson I’m so bad in organising and stuff This really make things clearer

[@Patchaddictedpolymath]

I love your videos and your soundcloud. Thanks man

[@Giovanni-mu4zs]

Great explanation, valuable tips for beginner DJs

[@SuperFluidFerroFluid]

I could have not said it all better myself, Excellent video! Less is more.. Respect your fellow dj's and Have Fun! :)

[@Stef_96]

hey man love your videos, i would love an in depth video on mixing tracks with the filter

[@theasadoguy]

i am a starter music producer trying to become a dj at the same time, you just opened my eyes with these types of track. its like an added perspective, you gave me a new way to look at my songs when i am making them, its easier for me now to think what should i add or change in the song so it gives the feeling that i want it to. thank you

[@savailic]

Dear Arman, This is the greatest video I have ever seen! So useful details, so well explained! You're the King!

[@davidegrimaldi3113]

Very clear and instractive, Thank you very much!

[@kznweekend8014]

Shout out from South Africa, really I enjoy your videos. the track at 22:20 goes in very hard, I can picture the audience jumping into the dance floor. by the way I'm still building confidence to start my Dj career.

[@ArseneGray]

Thank you for the amazing video!

[@hunterray7944]

I literally thought your stage name is "DJ Better" 😂Anyway, thanks for the awesome tips!

[@infinitemusic1017]

😂😂😂

[@tsunshine]

🤣

[@pixiecut11]

😂😂

[@djronald27]

I neva watch a video completely because most of the video on Djing as it is majorly bullshit n done by amateurs. This video randomly poped up n I did watch it completely, I must say this must probably b da best video that is there on this topic, hope so people pick up valuable techniques n ideas that must have probably come thru years of experience. Thank u Arman so much... At the end when I saw ur track selection I so loved it(as I enjoy da same vibe), had to go thru ur sets. I m probably on da 6th set of urs now. Thank u, keep up da good work...

[@alekseibaikov7098]

Thanks, man! Very helpful!!!

[@phonouts3845]

Maan!! very good explained videos, seriously , also well explained and good examples! keep doing it :) by the way was funny that im spanish and its a bullfight in your wall Lol

[@prsdiwan]

Keep it up man! It was very helpful :)

[@agentdumpling937]

Great video. Thanks man!

[@acidclarity_]

cheeky provocative😂 bro this is explained really well

[@jimmyspit]

Brilliant!!! Definitely hitting that subscribe button!!!

[@freysoh555]

Great advice, thank you!

[@pavlotreba]

Useful video, thank you very much

[@juanfe98rain]

Funny thing I did the three folders thing about two weeks ago. I think the best is to carry all your music with you. I personally have a 64gb drive with me all the time, and there I have all the music I buy.

[@househeadspeakz]

You are right Arman but I would like to add something. You mentioned about playing a soulful track on 118 or 120 bpm. I don't advise that because you will be putting the oncoming crowd to sleep or it may take you a while to get your mojo working. Since I am a House DJ, I play at 125 bpm. I usually play Soulful and Deep House for about 5 to 10 tracks depending on the event and the time slot. For example, if you opening for an event and you know that DJ/Producer play mostly Deep and Soulful, you play it as a opening DJ and maybe throw in so Jackin House to get that next DJ time to get their mojo working. I was a House music blogger. I also DJ and an online radio show. For the most part I pretty much have an idea what to play so I prepare. Beginning DJ: ALWAYS PREPARE AND PRACTICE YOUR SETS B4 YOU PLAY THEM OUT! Trust me, it will make your time on the decks much smoother.

[@WLnGD]

You have a clear and succinct way of teaching. It's really refreshing. In terms of djs who would like to delve a bit deeper into music theory, do you have any book recommendations or paths of study to understand the more technical side of music? Thanks!

[@MrLukas190]

i would maybe recomend looking a bit into music production, becouse if you are fideling around with music that way you automaticaly learn a bit that way, or at least watch music theory tutorials wich are meant for music producers. The two crafts arent that far away from each other, one is just a bit more behind the scence in a certian way.

[@pyromaster10000]

This is really good.

[@jonnybonbon9]

Some great advice, especially about the different types of tracks! But trying to get my ear in (techno rather than house) I have a horrible suspicion that my library consists almost entirely of bangers

[@jonnybonbon9]

@Halifax more or less a year of bangers! Nah jk, building in different energy levels within my range

[@dajay2k]

@@jonnybonbon9 nice. It's crazy how that happens. I started djing in march and my style has changed massively! Really is about the build up!

[@SteveAldous]

great work very helpful advise

[@djbeeniednb]

another point on vocals, don't play vocals back to back

[@cyrusjulian187]

Good info man. Thanks. New subscriber

[@dessyalpizar4037]

Great video man, very informative. Keep em' coming! Only thing i point out is that your Tracks ID is out of sync with the tracks that are playing.

[@souldustsounds2121]

Really Helpful... Thank you ...

[@levyhoeykens5423]

really helpfull video's! can you maybe make one on how to end a dj set with effects or something?

[@zemo8684]

hi i really appreciate what you are doing, keep it up

[@timunderwood5121]

Excellent tips. I'm opening a festival 12 noon on a Sunday so this has given me some ideas. Any more tips for this time as people will have been partying since Friday night. Thanks!

[@dajay2k]

How did the festival go

[@timunderwood5121]

Went really well, here is the mix. www.mixcloud.com/TimTanUnderwood/beatherder-2019-the-fortress-14-july/

[@vvvvvvvvvetem]

Really helped me, thanks

[@Purple-Dove]

Thanks that was an awesome video

[@sascha.2001]

You could also do a video about the phrase mixing technique!

[@nil-rev8479]

Thanks, I will now become the successor to that one kid that hosted raves in the school bathrooms

[@WiLegend]

Hi Arman, What method do you use to search for music? Do you explore by releases of your favorite record labels?

[@furkansafak3]

A ring light on your videos would be great for better lighting. especially when you speak to the camera. just a suggestion

[@bobbyjones7354]

Awesome 🎼🎼🎼

[@RsTwins100]

Good tips mate they helped a lot. Do you think a you could do a video on how to get your name out there and things to avoid when trying to make a name for yourself? things along those lines will be great, cheers.

[@SoundofArman]

Yes, actually I have something like that coming up soon!

[@effezed]

Hello, thanks for the advices, iI'm actually wondering about the overall structure. When you play 2h set, how do you usually heat things up before "releasing the energy"? And do you play one peak time track every 5 or 6 tracks for eg? Thanks

[@hashirgill2922]

Also have the same question but from my experience listening to good DJs, ambient tracks would only go at the beginning. Suspenseful/tension builders can precede either build up tracks or tension releasers (peak time). Driving tracks (maintainers) sound best right after the tension releasers, followed by either build up tracks or tension builders which lead back into tension releasers and the process repeats.

[@rawaffelwuff]

Great video. The tracks at the end are messed up though. Some of the track names are correct, but the others appear in wrong order. In case anyone is wondering..

[@saintkamikaze]

Thanks a lot, dude

[@blunykerecords4701]

How should I categorise my music? Now I have them all in one techno folder. should I put them in genre folders?

[@dannydxm]

The first tension builder track is actually Liua Bei - Atlas world (Solomun Night Remix)

[@djrangel_oficial]

Dan Achiriloaei and the name of the second example of tension builder? I searched in soundcloud but it’s another track

[@lt9773]

U r very articulate. 👌

[@willievaughn6474]

Awesome you are Thank you

[@ac12484]

Thanks man!

[@KingdomWearProd]

Excellent Video Yo #DJSEVERE

[@lt9773]

I'm here because of global pandemic. Thanks again for your insight .

[@lt9773]

Wow. Thank you. A lot.

[@nekter550]

Could you/someone explain further the difference between energy builders and tension builders?

[@J2LO]

Can u make a video how do remix song into deephouse? Also how to use rekorbox?

[@00Atali]

congrats on 3000 on sound cloud. whens the special mix comming out ?

[@SoundofArman]

Thanks! 3 hour mix comin' in hot this weekend.

[@00Atali]

Sound of Arman Can't wait! keep it up Arman!

[@andycarassi5609]

Song used in the intro? “The one that says sometimes I feel soemthing” track name

[@andres.giacomini]

Your video, although it has good advice, I think you take a lot of predetermined rules and as for whether we talk about techno it is very relative. If you make a more industrial techno set or Heavy stuffs, with tracks from Loktibrada, Rumeniege, Regis, Surgeon, Chris Maccomark, Steve Bicknell, Richard Turner, etc ... The tracks will last between 3 and 4 minutes and maybe you can spend in an hour and a half 30 tracks (not counting environments or a third tray). But it is also very educational and many would have served them well.

[@Dj_ajit]

Good 👍

[@maurodegiorgi3637]

bro thanks

[@Doovlin]

Nice

[@thetortillachips]

Too bad that clubs close at 2AM in the US haha. But nice vid.

[@JUSTINONYXB]

nebneb 5813 dude seriously

[@thetortillachips]

Mvizualz mostly yeah

[@grbsygrb29]

Go to Europe man

[@lt9773]

Are you saying you build set like a mountain shape ? Start off slow, peak, and then down.... How many min/ hours does this build and fall happen ? I have picked my songs but havent mixed them yet .... Some individual songs have a mountain and valley in them... How do I work that in ? ... Or like you said just finding an aspect about it ? I thought your intro needs to be more intense to grab attention because people are more likely to remember the intro and outro. Peace . I'm a newbie. Im just playing around ...

[@melissawarkentin3913]

What's the Name of the Track at 21:07? It doesn't match "The Last Track" shown. Great Video

[@melissawarkentin3913]

ATLAS WORLD SOLOMUN NIGHT REMIX

[@thisistalay]

Big 🤙

[@activistarts7722]

what if the headliner is trash ? Ive been to sets where the middle DJ/Producer had better music, costumes and visuals and the headliner just was not cutting it.

[@SoundofArman]

If I had a dime for every time I heard a local Toronto DJ play a way better set than the international headliner.... I'd be moderately wealthy!

[@activistarts7722]

LOL so do the those guys in the middle face consequences for that. Im sure there are a lot people like me who leave a few minutes into the headliners set when the energy level doesn't pick back up.

[@SoundofArman]

It's not necessarily about energy level failing - their set may be worse for any number of reasons, but typically I find the dance floors stay busy for these internationals because people have bought a ticket specifically to see them, and they are playing higher energy level music. The mixing may not be great, or the track selection not ideal, but they are playing tracks that make people want to dance, so I guess that's what counts at the end of the day!

[@curbsideloaf]

MASHUP VIDEO??

[@phatkaveh60]

Arman Van Burren playing them Hooooooj toons