Disco Mixing

[jericho]

Do any other DJs post on this forum? I've recently acquired a set of turntables, so I want to mix my disco vinyl but I'm finding it really hard. I can mix house & other sequenced stuff fine, so I wonder if disco presents a problem because the drums are usually live (and therefore slightly out of time). Any techniques that would help would be greatly appreciated, or am I going to have to be happy with the 5-second crossfade?

Thanks Guys & Gals....Jericho

[sammyperez]

Jericho:

I'm assuming, if you just got turntables, that you are just starting out in mixing and dj'ing. Based on that assumption I will begin by saying that experience will eventually assist in mixing those disco classics. Meaning that those problems you face with live drum beats will eventually get better with practice. However, some things to consider. If you have to settle for a five second fade, as you called it, then maybe you want to bring the record your mixing in at the same volume level as the record your playing versus fading it in; This way it makes the appearance of the mix being longer than a quick fade. This is hard to explain in words, but I think you get the idea. However, if you're dead set on fading it in and maintaining a long blend then certain techniques such as playing with the pitch control and utilizing your fingers and hands on the records or wheels themselves will eventually have to incorporate themselves. Once again, hard to explain in words, however, each DJ over time develops unique skills that enhances their craft. The bottom line is practice makes perfect and inevitably you will find that you will develop a certain style that makes mixing those records, old or new, a joy that comes from within. Good luck.

Easy,

Sam "ALL JAM"

[jericho]

Sam -

thanks for the words of advice. I'm actually quite an experienced house/techno dj, but I sold my turntables a few years ago when I started to get bored of that sound. Now, most of the stuff I listen to is in the disco/early 80s NY style, and I want to start DJing again. Basically, i wanted confirmation that to blend this kind of stuff, you do need to be constantly adjusting tempos to make it work. That said, your best advice - get into your own groove - is great. Truly in the disco style, brother. I would still like to hear how DJs mixed this kind of stuff in the peak of discomania, though. I guess a Larry Levan mix CD should be my next purchase - not to rip off, just to see what can be done.

Thanks again dude,

Jericho

[euroflash]

Hello Jerico,

you are absolutely correct - it is much easier to mix house or techno. There are many breaks and "built-in" opportunities to make a mix with the next song. The sound is generally also the same - it makes it easier... Mixing Disco is another story... Bernie featured some time ago a Disco mix from John Seglia himself - it was incredible. I learned a lot from his beat-mixing techniques.

A very good site for mixing ideas is http://www.godisadj.org

Thanks for readin'

[DJ Jimmy M]

Ok,
well mixing disco is just the same as mixing house, techno, etc.., just in some ways could be different. You need to get to know your tracks, mainly always use 12" single mixes cause they give you various points to mix out on. For instance, 2 tracks.. "War Dance" by Kebekelektrik you can blend the first 30 sec to min intro from the 12" of "Moskow Diskow" by Telex perfect at the synth break at the middle of "War Dance" perfect if you get what i am saying. Slowly fade in the Telex track over "War Dance" at this part and match the volumes exact. Then as the vocals are about to come in on Telex, slowly fade out on "War Dance" and there is a smooth as hell blend. Another track is "Hills Of Kat mandu" by Tantra doing the same type thing with "Magnifique" by Magnifique (and many others work on this as well). Basicly, as long as you have a beat break or bass break of some sort, its all the same as house and techno. After all, House and Techno evolved from the club disco sound and eurodisco sound. Hope this helped a bit.

DJ Jimmy M

[The Lord of Flatbush]

An important part about mixing disco songs is that you don't have to play the song long. Please keep in mind, most songs have different breaks whether it's the LP version or the 12" version. I prefer the 12" version because of the height in volume from the sound than what's less from the LP version.

For example, Put Your Feet To The Beat - The Ritchie Family 12" Mix (6 minutes plus) I found to be better than the LP Version (9 minutes plus). Blending from the percussion, keyboard and horn solos are parts that I like mixing into. It takes practice to perfect this art, based on the beats per minute and keeping the elements from clashing.

The same measure goes for all genres of music, preventing clashes and mixing by harmonic keys will pay dividends for the next, aspiring DJ.

_________________
THE BEST, KEPT SECRET IS OUT!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: The Lord of Flatbush on 2002-07-25 07:23 ]</font>

[jericho]

Thanks to you all...some good advice throughout, even though I don't recognise a couple of the tracks you use as examples...

[NickNack]

Hi Jericho,

Everyone has shared some good advice with you. We've had this discussion before on the forum and some of us agreed that it was NOT a good idea to ALWAYS mix out on the breaks of songs. This is usually the height of the song and what the crowd has been waiting for so they can "cut loose". So, please keep that in mind as you practice with the classics.

As one who'se been at this for more years than I want to count, I agree with you that it is NOT like mixing house or techno. That music is simplistic and synch'd tighter than original disco because most of it has no live players. As you listen to the older music you'll start to get a feel for how the tempos usually shift. Some are extreme, but the majority are workable so you can build your night without cutting out all the highlights.

Good Luck. BTW --- did you spring for Technics?

[Giovanni]

Hey man,

when I began djing the glorious 1200s with their direct drives were not born yet and we use to mix with Lenco turntables with a slow adjusting pitch..... beat mixing was a nightmare, but we did!!
Technics changed the whole thing, but the basic rule to beat mix disco still is "EAR & PITCH".

[jericho]

NickNack - yes, I've always maintained that a DJ should be secondary to the music. I reminded myself how true that was trying to mix out of "Mainline" - I love the whole end section of that tune, and anytime I tried to mix over it it was a case of "ouch".

Yes, I did spring for technics, which is probably another problem - being used to the "hands on" feel of belt driven decks, technics are still a bit too precise for me at the moment, if that makes sense. Still, I am getting better, thanks in no small way to the help from you guys.

[Bernie]

On 2002-08-01 07:47, jericho wrote:

Yes, I did spring for technics, which is probably another problem - being used to the "hands on" feel of belt driven decks, technics are still a bit too precise for me at the moment, if that makes sense. Still, I am getting better, thanks in no small way to the help from you guys.

You'll get used to the 1200's fairly quickly. When I took the plunge and got the 1200's back in the day, I was horrified that I couldn't mix anymore. I also had come from belt drive tables and wasn't used to the high torque of the 1200's.

A DJ friend said that I will get used to the 1200's and in effect I have to relearn some of my technique. He was right! In a few weeks I was back and much better than before. Just give it a little time and keep practicing. Good luck.

[The Lord of Flatbush]

My first pair of turntables were the BSR Quanta 500. Belt Driven of course before I was introduced to the 1200's. I'm certain some to most of us either used or owned belt driven turntables at on time or another.

Practice will make you perfect as time marches on. If not, you'll have fun trying.

_________________
THE BEST, KEPT SECRET IS OUT!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: The Lord of Flatbush on 2002-08-01 17:12 ]</font>