The Passionate DJ Podcast

In Episode 103, David, @TripTurlington, and @MoDingo open the show with some banter about recent gigs and life happenings, and address a recent email where a listener gets shafted the day of a gig. Always remember: "Practice safe DJing - Always wear a contract!" For the meat of the episode, we discuss trends that aren't necessarily directly related to DJing, YET, but that technology is definitely moving us in that direction. The trends? Automation. Artificial Intelligence. Big Data Analytics. We touched on some of these topics back in Episode 33 (https://soundcloud.com/passionatedj/episode-33-pyro-mania) when Serato dropped their new mp3 beat matching iOS app, Pyro. But for this episode, we dig a little deeper in to the possibilities and implications of the future of technology and its possible effects on "the human element" of DJing.

For Episode 102, we take a dive in to Mo's digital crates for the next iteration of our "Crate Invasion" series. Knowing he's likely holding on to the most eclectic collection of all of us, we hold his feet to the fire, while also learning a little more about how he organizes his music. Donna Summer - Hot Stuff Crystal Waters - 100% Pure Love Daft Punk - Da Funk (E- Rock Cover) PM Dawn - Set Adrift on Memory Bliss M.O.P. - Ante Up! As an added bonus, Mo Dingo does a phone interview with Rob Holtzman, who is also a Passionate DJ that provides the soundtrack for women's body building shows, where his wife is a competitor!

In today's episode of the podcast, we wanted to explore some of the biggest headlines in the DJ and dance music world this summer. Of course, the hot topic right now is SoundCloud and their latest woes, so much of our time is spent speculating about the struggling streaming giant. SoundCloud - July 12: TechCrunch reports that “SoundCloud sinks as leaks say layoffs buy little time.” - July 13: SoundCloud responds with confidence via Resident Advisor - July 14: Do they have a Chance (the Rapper)? Spotify - Is Spotify creating fake artists? - Profiles with no external presence that have millions/listens Piracy - Stream-ripping is now the piracy method of choice - Research finds stream-ripping now overshadows all other methods of illegal music piracy TomorrowLand protection methods - Screens 400k ticket-holders; rejects 38 - Increased security as a defensive reaction to terrorism, according to Dancing Astronaut - 38 people were refused entry; other security measures were taken. (Your EDM) - Those 38 may have been rejected due to potential for “radical behavior” Sony returns to pressing vinyl - Sony resumes pressing records for first time in almost 3 decades - Japanese sales of vinyl records have roughly octupled from 2010 levels to 799,000 units in 2016. - Vinyl sales outpaced digital music sales at one point last year in the U.K. In the U.S., 17.2 million units were shipped last year, with consumers 35 and younger accounting for 70%. Dubspot accused of scamming students - In an article by THUMP, it is stated that Dubspot have accused its CEO Dan Giove of fraudulent activities and erratic behavior. - Teachers aren’t even showing up - Physical locations have closed Age 37 is “too old” for clubbing - Why is this going viral? This “research” was done by some electronics distro in the UK - Magnetic Mag has a few suggestions for raving past 37

We finally hit the triple digits! In this special episode of the Passionate DJ Podcast, you’ll hear the replay of our exclusive livestream from July 08, 2017. We were joined by previous guests Mike Donovan, Mister Shifter, and John Chapel. Not only did we have some great conversation about our struggles and successes in the realm of DJing and promoting, but we made several big announcements: • We’re launching our online shop! Get Passionate DJ logo merch, exclusive t-shirt designs, and even shop for all your DJ hardware needs. • We’re launching the Passionate DJ Ambassador Program! Are you down for the cause? Give us feedback and help us spread the word about Passionate DJ. Earn points for some friendly competition, and win rewards! Apply here for this limited-access program: http://www.passionatedj.com/survey • We have new theme music for The Passionate DJ Podcast! Produced by our own Trip Turlington. A full new intro will be coming soon! We also collected several polls from all you dedicated listeners who were hanging out with us in the chat room, and had a terrific live Q&A session to wrap things up. P.S. – big apologies to Kilma and Joe Pardo, who were supposed to join us, but couldn’t due to technical problems on our end! Special thanks from David: Stacey, Tracea, Kate, Mel Dingo, Marin, and The Ginas ™. Thanks to Nick Gwozdz for the awesome decals, and Noel Serrato for his thoughtful voice message. Huge props to my team. Through their hard work, The Passionate DJ Podcast is becoming something truly special. Love you guys. Finally, thanks so much to you – our listeners. You are the reason we do this. Keep on spinning, and here’s to the next hundred!

It's the last of the double-digits! In Episode 99, I (David) bring in five different mixes which I thinks that DJs should listen to. These mixes have a lot to offer, especially to DJs, because of their mixing style and programming. (full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/danny The first mix is Danny Howells' Essential Mix from 2007. This mix covers a lot of ground, representing loads of different styles while somehow making it all work together. From start to finish, it's loaded full of interesting dance music. After you're done listening, you get the feeling that you've just listened to a "house mix"... yet, I would categorize few of the songs as simply "house". The standout track, for me, is right at the beginning: "Shinkansen" by Tom Middleton (though, it's pitched down in this example). (full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/holden For the second mix, we explore Balance 005, mixed by James Holden. Back in 2003, this mix (especially disc one, which we will hear clips from) almost helped wrap up an era of beautiful and dark progressive house. There are a few "light and fluffy" moments, but overall, the mix has a somber tone. "You are Sleeping", Luke Chable's remix of the PQM track, is the highlight here: an entertaining (yet somewhat depressing) tale of a lonely man and a young woman in need of saving. (full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/irish Then, I take you way back into my past, with a 140 - 145 BPM example of what got me into this whole dance music thing. This hour of ravey, trancey goodness is called "Essential Trance 4" by DJ Irish. It represents all the aggressive, synthy, melodic music that I was looking for as a teenager. It's a vinyl mix (which can be detected by the scratches and pops), with excellent transitions and harmonic mixing. Buckle up, and be ready for some cheesy 90s goodness. (full mix) > http://passionatedj.com/5mixes/nintendub The fourth mix is entirely different than anything else in the list. "Nintendub", by Squincy Jones, was a weirdly awesome mixture of dubstep, 90s hip-hop, and 8-bit Nintendo sounds. There are a few other nods to the 80s and 90s as well, such as music from The Lost Boys, and the Unsolved Mysteries theme (aka, the stuff of nightmares). Overall, this 2008 shows extreme creativity through its use of heavy beats, rap acapellas, video game music mashups, sound effects, and more. (full mix) > http://www.passionatedj.com/5mixes/northern Finally, I wrap up the show with one of the best recorded DJ mix albums of all time: Northern Exposure, by Sasha and John Digweed. If you listen to only one of these mixes in full, make sure this is the one. The whole thing is just chock full of beautiful music, ethereal soundscapes, and dance music that originates from a time before most people had heard of a "rave". This 1996 mix album will be very revealing about where electronic DJs come from, as well as where it can go. Cheers, take care, and we'll see you next week with the recording of Episode 100 Live!

In Episode 98, we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the United States Independence Day holiday to honor the American contributions to DJing. Find out more about the following advancements in DJ technology and culture from American innovators: - Beatmatching and Slip-cueing - Beat juggling (aka 'the funk') - Scratching - The invention of the phonograph, itself! - The term “DJing” - The classic American radio DJ/American radio And, of course, some of the quintessential genres in dance music: - Hip-Hop - Disco - Chicago House - Detroit Techno - Florida Breaks - Miami Bass - Funk Music (with some focus on our hometown: http://passionatedj.com/daytonfunk) Don't forget, we are just 2 episodes from Episode 100! There's still a few spots on our interactive live webinar, so go to www.passionateDJ.com/100 to get signed up!

In Episode 97, we investigate the worst of the worst: What can go wrong? What do you do if your computer becomes damaged, unbootable, or is stolen? What about when USB media or hard drive can become corrupt or lost? How about when you encounter user errors like accidental deletion, occupational hazards like beer being dumped in mixer, software and firmware updates that cause unforeseen problems, or getting screwed by a promoter, employer, wedding planner, etc. We don’t always know what will go wrong! But, with a little preparation and a proactive attitude, there are some steps we can take to mitigate some of the most devastating of issues: * Computer and music backups * Redundancy planning for the gig * Make a checklist to reference on day of show * Prep your DJ bag (or make a “first aid kit”) * Comprehensive set of RCA/quarter/XLR adapters & cables * Have a second method to DJ (CD wallet, extra USB key, etc.) * An “in case of emergency” mix * Arrive early for extra reaction time * Contracts can keep you from legal or financial trouble * Insurance: For events and for your gear * Protecting against theft * Know how to play on anything Episode 100 is coming up SOON, so consider leaving us a voicemail to give us your comments and congratulations, or tell us why PDJ Podcast is important to you! What are some disasters you've encountered, and what can you (and others) do to avoid it?

Before we let loose about all of the things that aggravate us in Episode 96, first we have to let everyone know that Episode 100 is coming upon us, FAST! We will be live streaming, with guests, and interaction from YOU! So, if you'd like to be in on the fun, go to www.passionateDJ.com/100 and sign up! For the next 80-something minutes, though, we're going to go through a list of things that just plain gets our goats. Maybe you'll connect with some of these, maybe you're guilty of some of these. Either way, we're getting it off our chest! Maybe you've got some things that irritate YOU that we didn't mention? If so, SOUND OFF! Hit us up in the comments, or shoot us an email or voicemail!

In Episode 95, we tackle the subject of creating mixes. Why do we do it? -- Promote ourselves, obviously. If you're a DJ, but don't have a mix, how do you promote yourself as a DJ? Having a mix is part of the foundation of your brand. -- Self reflection. To listen back and find our own weak points, as well as take pride in our strengths. Continue to accentuate the areas in which we do well, and work on the things we don't, that way we are better prepared for the live gigs. How do we do it? -- Digital DJ's have it easy...just press the record button on your digital DJ software. -- Could always go old school (might have to if you're a vinyl junkie) and record to outboard gear or another computer. Why DON'T we do it? -- APATHY. Aren't we just adding to NOISE? -- Not enough feedback, people ignore mixes. -- We are our own worst critics. What are your reasons for recording mixes? How do you record? What are your tried and true methods for promoting those mixes and getting listeners engaged? Send us a voicemail, email, or leave a comment!

In Episode 94, we take a detailed look at the EQ, starting with some basics, then getting in to some more complex concepts, all while giving some tips and tricks, as well as audio examples along the way. Learn how the guys approach all manner of EQing, from how to correct audio inconsistencies and adjusting for desired audio mixing effects. Gain an understanding of the audio spectrum and how to avoid clashing frequencies and phase cancellation. Learn the difference between quickly swapping out bands for a dramatic mix, or longer, surgical blending for a seamless mix. Understand the difference between filter and EQ, and how to use a filter as a mixing tool, rather than an effect. All of this, and more, in Episode 94!

In Episode 93, we tackle a bunch of your questions in our very first AMA! Some questions include: - The gear / software needed for a home studio set up? (warning - this conversation starts going down the "production" discussion) - How to broaden your popularity when you are in a particular niche. - What headphones do we all like and use? - When to make a playlist / setlist? - What to do when the universe seems to be pointing all signs to quitting and selling your gear?

In Episode 92, we start this session with a great voicemail message that has us talking about the future of using social media to promote ourselves as DJs, the difference between producing and DJing and why Trip doesn't currently have plans to switch from DJing to live performances of his produced tracks, and a clarification on the "press play" controversy. Then, we raided Tony's record collection and threw the wax on the decks. (Warning: a LOT of trance ahead LOL) -- Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar 98 -- Kriss Kross - Jump -- Platipus Double Pack (PLAT035): 1. Libra Presents Taylor: Anomaly - Calling Your Name 2. Quiet Man - Now and Zen 3. Art of Trance - Kaleidescope Tony also brought one in to share some love for a super talented group of rappers from our home state of Ohio: -- Bone Thugs-n-Harmony - Thuggish Ruggish Bone And we close out with one in dedication to a fellow fallen local DJ who passed away, recently. (Rest in Peace Chad Slemker) -- Dennis H. Christ & Midiman - Pennywise

In Episode 91, we start the party off by taking a listen to some of the feedback from Episodes 89 & 90, and poke a little fun at Ja-Rule and his Fyre Festival debacle. Then, per popular demand, @Tony-DeSaro and @TripTurlington give some tips on how to pull off a proper event. Apparently there's a lot of you out there who are interested in doing your own events, or are at least curious what all goes in to a legitimate show, so Tony bears all, with Trip chiming in with some of his experiences when he was a promoter. This episode covers nearly everything in the planning stages, leading up to the day of an event. Some of the important points we cover: - Researching dates and venue availability - Reach out to agent to see which artists are available - Making an offer to an artist, and the contract work if offer is approved - Obtaining and utilizing press kits, working with your graphic designer on promo materials - Determine which locals and regional talent best fit your event - Get artist, agent, and management approval on all the details - Treat social media event page as a "launch" to maximize the organic reach - Never rely totally on social media. Order flyers, tickets, and posters and PUT THEM IN PEOPLE'S HANDS. Hitting the streets is a MUST! - Check with local newspapers or city zines to advertise in the artist/entertainment sections - Pay for some social media post boosting to hit your target geo locations and demographic matches. There's so much more, but for those who are interested in just how much work goes in to a thankless job that doesn't make you a lot of money, this is a good primer. Hit us with your comments, emails, and voicemails if you have questions or want us to expand on any of these points!

Today’s episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. In part 2, we start out by discussing some of the actual scientific research behind music therapy. We've all heard about the "healing properties" of music, but what's the evidence? Then, we listen to a call from one of our listeners, making a great point about the problem of escapism. Don't forget: just because you use music (or anything) as an escape from your problems, doesn't mean that the problems go away. Finally, we talk about how we can use DJing as a connection to other people. There's an "infectious" nature to the good vibes resulting from playing good tunes to a receptive audience. Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just “get out of our own heads” for a while. The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse. Resources from this episode: Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x Moby – LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/

Today's episode is all about how passionate DJs and music lovers utilize music as a sort of personal therapy. David starts off by telling a story of a recent mobile gig which he was flat-out not interested in doing, because he just wasn't feeling like himself. By the time the event began, he was right as rain. DJing has a way of just making us feel...better! Music can be used to trigger an emotional response. As DJs, we take some level of active control over the music. This allows us to use existing music as a form of expression, to form a connection with an audience, or to just "get out of our own heads" for a while. We talk about the structure of electronic dance music, and how its accessibility, versatility, and repetitive nature influences our response. We also discuss the nostalgia factor of music, and the way our brains intensely bond music together with memories from our past. Quite literally, our memories live on through music. The Passionate DJ Podcast crew wishes to dedicate this episode to the memory of Dayton Kruse. Resources from this episode: Before We Were Kings (DJing & Music Therapy Documentary) http://amzn.to/2qpmz3x Moby - LA1 (Free Ambient/Relaxing Music) http://moby.com/la1/