BEATS PER MINUTE
One of the things you need to be aware of when you learn how to DJ is the BPM’s (beats per minute) of a track. Because most house music is around 125 BPM to 130 BPM it’s a little easier DJing house songs when you compare it to mixing disco music. Why? Watch my Instagram Reel below to find out.
Since most disco songs were recorded by live bands the BPM’s sway a lot during the duration of a song. So even though the track may show on your DJ software of choice as 122 BPM it could fluctuate 10 to 15 BPMs. That makes mixing Disco when learning how to DJ a little trickier than mixing house tracks.
MY NEW HOUSE MIX
Speaking of house mixes, my new House DJ Mix is airing tonight at 9PM CET/12am EST on 93 FM which you can listen to online HERE. This radio show is called Diaries of a House Head which is hosted by my boy DJ Mike Marquez. I’ll write a new post about this mix and include the track list for sure, so stay tuned!
BACK TO MIXING DISCO SONGS
This is why riding the mix with the pitch shift and platter is essential to blending two disco tracks together. You definitely need to use your ears and have lots of practice on your turntables of choice.
In the example above I used Cerrone’s Supernature and “Let’s All Chant” by The Michael Zager Band. Both of these tracks in my opinion are creme de la creme when it comes to disco. They encapsulate everything you need to feel like a disco queen on that dance floor. Follow it up with a Sylvester track and it’s just another night at one of the most underground disco spots in NYC circa 1978!
Better yet, learn to DJ by using acapellas of different songs using Serato Stems in your DJ sets and create your own mashups. If this interests you then you will love this post on How To Use Serato Stems.
CURATE DJ PLAYLISTS LIKE A PRO - FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW
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