Learning

Step 1.1

Download Rekordbox

Rekordbox is DJ software that enables a comfortable DJ workflow with AI, cloud, and automation tech. You may download this onto a laptop or desktop, which is compatible on both Windows and Mac software's.

Many individuals think they need physical decks to learn how to DJ but that is false! Rekordbox simulates the use of two CDJs (decks) which allow you to begin mixing music for experimentation. Yes, it is obviously not as efficient as using physical equipment but for individuals that would like to trial DJing out this is the perfect start!

If you click the button below, this should take you to a You Tube channel by Dirty Secretz in which he has uploaded a step by step guide. Hope this helps!

You Tube

Step 1.2

Downloading Music

It is all well and good to have the software downloaded but you cannot learn to mix without the key element - music!

Now, the quality of music is critical! As a beginner I never quite understood this but once I started playing professional gigs on loud speakers I could hear the difference and realised very quickly. There are numerous streaming platforms where you may download free or purchase music. Additionally, there are cheeky sights which you may download music on but I recommend you investigate more before jumping in to those... (some are good, some are not so, it just depends with trials).

Regarding downloads, I obtain most of my music from Soundcloud and Beatport. Other sites include BPM Supreme, Beatsource, and Bandcamp just to name a few. Side note, you will need to download your music onto a USB eventually outside of your rekordbox for storage which is what you will plug into the decks. I recommend Sand disk 64GB.

Step 1.3

Choosing the right music

As discussed above, the quality of music is critical! Thus I recommend downloading 320kps mp3 files, this is the usual standard.

Alongside this, as a beginner you will most likely be learning how to mix basic intro's and outro's. Therefore, when downloading music you will want to search for the 'entended versions' which are normally found on the streaming platforms mentioned above. These versions may range from 3-5 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 minute songs, which usually include a basic beat at the beginning and end with no lyrics or before the actual song.

Step 1.4

Organising your music

This is not an essential step but I would consider it to be a helpful one that I wish I knew when I was starting out. When mixing music (which I explain further on) is based on beats per minute (BPM) which songs within the same genres will usually have the same and/or similar BPMs. Thus, organising your music into playlists based on genres or BPMs I believe is extremely helpful when learning.

Popular genres seen amongst Perth include: House, Techno, Drum and Base, Hip Hop & Rap, Afrobeats, Amapiano and Baile Funk.