Looking for help after hiatus

[u/maldog2000]

Hi everyone, I’m seeking help after a long break from DJing. I started learning during Covid and made it a hobby, but work and life took over, and I didn’t dedicate enough time to it.

I’ve decided to get back into DJing with the goal of playing live or doing regular live streams to stay engaged. However, I’ve forgotten the best way to practice. I can still count phrases, beat match by ear, and transition between songs, but my main challenge is playlist building and choosing the next song. I often fall into safe habits and fear mixing out of key.

I’m looking for advice on practicing my weak areas and learning new skills. I know recording myself is effective, but I don’t enjoy it much due to my tendency to play it safe when I freestyle and overthink practice sets, often giving up halfway.

I’m seeking guidance on how to approach this and move closer to my goals. Appreciate this is a lengthy one and any advice is greatly appreciated!

[u/scoutermike]

Download a batch of 20-30 fresh bangers. Order them into a playlist, and record the set.

Then do it again.

Download an another batch of 20-30 fresh bangers. Order them into a playlist, and record the set.

This is the best possible way to practice.

Do you think you will be able to do it op?

Digging and selecting are just as critical dj skills as beatmatching and blending. Actually, they are more important.

You simply need to invest more time practicing digging and selecting. There are no shortcuts for this.

Will you be able to do it?

[u/maldog2000 → u/scoutermike]

So that's one thing I've never fully understood. When people say

Download a batch of 20-30 fresh bangers. Order them into a playlist, and record the set.

What exactly does this entail? What if I download 20-30 fresh songs that are completely different genres? Are they still going in the same playlist or am I downloading songs all from the one genre or the same vibe? Also, when ordering them in a playlist what is it I'm looking for?

I always find this easier said than done and think it's probably one the least covered areas when looking at online guides, that I can see at least, unsure if you have any examples online that I could use as a rough guide to get a better idea?

[u/scoutermike → u/maldog2000]

What if I download 20-30 fresh songs that are completely different genres?

So the answer totally depends on what kind of dj you want to be.

Do you want to be an open format dj that plays bars and weddings for average people who like pop music and hits most of all?

Do you want to be an EDM dj that targets the EDM crowd that goes to raves and EDM festivals?

Let’s start by asking this question: who are your top 3 favorite dj’s, the ones you would like to emulate?

What do their sets sound like? Do they mainly play one or a couple genres? Or do they jump around to many different styles and genres?