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Five equipment pieces you need for a pro DJ setup at home

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COVID-19 has forced people to stay home. As a result, many have rediscovered their passions. Some found their way into music production or DJ-ing as a way to cope with the pandemic. Building a professional rig for a home studio can be expensive. Here are five things to invest in for a pro DJ setup at home. Image source: homedjstudio.com Image source: imgur.com Input devices , such as turntables and CD decks, are an incredibly important part of making music. Typically, a DJ would need at least two input devices in order to mix music without having to hit pause on tracks. Mixers are at the heart of any DJ setup. These are needed for effects, transitions, and recording. DJ Rama. Music at home may not require one to have over-the-top speakers. Instead, invest in a pair of quality headphones or in-ear monitors . Working with these allows a DJ to hear the sound exactly how it is mixed. DJ controllers can replace other input devices should a DJ choose not to u...

Must-have skills for professional DJs

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Image source: hustlegrind.com Passion alone is not enough to achieve greatness in the music industry. One must have the right set of skills to even compete against local and international talents. The same can be said when aspiring to be a professional DJ. No matter how expensive your gear is, skill is what separates those who play in small clubs and packed concert venues. DJ Rama shares his must-have skills for professional DJs. Image source: bellperc.com Mixing : This is the bare minimum when it comes to DJ skills. Thankfully, this can be learned through countless hours of rigorous practice, as well as online or physical schooling. It may not be required, but DJs should be able to mix physically through their deck as well as a computer program. Reading the crowd : DJ Rama claims that crowd reading is essential when it comes to playing live sets. You can learn this by experience, as well as watching other DJ sets. Observe how the performer reacts to the c...

Switching to IEMs: Getting used to the new set-up

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DJ Rama . In-ear monitors (IEMs) are a great investment for live musicians. While a good pair can be costly, it can improve an artist's performance, especially with an accurate mix. Here are some ways musicians can start transitioning from floor monitors to IEMs. Image source: Pexels.com Image source: Pixabay.com Find the right fit. DJ Rama . For those who have a budget, getting a custom-made pair will ensure that their monitors will fit their ears nicely even as they move around the stage. But for those who can't get these pairs, finding monitors that have the right weight and customizing these with memory foam buds can also be a good alternative. Before buying a pair, it would be good to test the fit and the feel to make sure that the earpieces won't fall in the middle of a performance. Learn how to mix. DJ Rama. Musicians and vocalists have different preferences when it comes to what they want to hear on their feed. IEMs are also ben...
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Audio engineers or sound guys work long days and nights at the studio or on stage to help artists achieve their best sound even when the rest of the world only hears the finished product and credit it solely to the artist. DJ Rama . Image source: urbanmasterclass.com Image source: cnmnewz.com Part of a sound guy’s job is to make an artist feel at ease in the studio or on the stage. If an artist wants to sound their best and be comfortable performing, they should also practice effective communication with their sound guy. An artist must know that the instrument and studio equipment won’t change the way they sound. Studio equipment and technique can only make one sound better, but never excellent. DJ Rama . An artist has to give their best performance for a sound guy to work their magic on the track. Before anything else, artists should know the name of their sound guy; it’s a sign of respect. Know their name and address them accordingly. Artists tend to run their ...

Lo-fi: The internet’s chill music

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Image source: Dailymail.co.uk  DJ Rama. Those who like to go online to search for new music might have differing opinions regarding lo-fi chillhop music that's making its rounds on platforms like YouTube. But what really is this rising subgenre, and what makes this "chill" music endearing to listeners? Those who appreciate lo-fi are usually those who are looking for the perfect background music for studying, reading, or just relaxing. The raw beats and melodies, usually accompanied by simple lyrics or samples of other songs, allow the mind to focus. This makes the music conducive to learning or even resting. DJ Rama . Image source: Indiatimes.in While others prefer to listen to white noise, ASMR, or instrumental music before they go to bed, there are also a good number of people who enjoy listening to lo-fi chillhop before sleeping. The lo-fi effects such as radio tuning, mumbled words, and record spinning and scratching when layered with slowed-dow...

Music and business: The reality of the connection

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Image source: blogto.com A lot of talented young people are taken by surprise when they enter the music industry. The stars in their eyes fade as the reality confronts them that to be successful in music, one also needs to know more than just music. There are a lot more things to learn than just how to write a song. One of the most important lessons to pick up is how to navigate the industry’s business. DJ Rama . Fortunately, a lot of industry experts and veterans have shared their experiences and know-how to young musicians everywhere. Here are a few important tips. DJ Rama. Image source: youtube.com Be patient. Probably, the most important skill of all is learning when to release music. Talent is nothing without people willing to listen. And the fact of the matter is trends matter. Because of this, musicians need to wait for the opportune time. When they see a trend that caters to their style of music, that’s when they make their move. DJ Rama . Never st...

Sound philosophy: Seeking out one’s own sound

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Image source: funkidslive.com DJ Rama. The music industry is where originality thrives and flourishes. The most successful musicians, composers, DJs, and producers all have their own sound. This is why for people serious about the music industry, one of their main goals is to find their signature sound. Here are two ways people can seek out their own sound. DJ Rama . Spend time alone. By spending time alone for at least a few minutes every day, one can detach themselves from the world and all its distractions in their quest for one’s own sound. By doing so, a person can search from within and identify what sounds they want to bring out based on what they think and feel. DJ Rama . Image source: theverge.com Stay genuine to thoughts and feelings. It’s pretty easy for a lot of listeners to tell if an artist is true to themselves or is simply copying other more successful musicians. In line with that, it’s also easy for listeners to tell if an artist is true to th...