Learn how to handle yourself on stage, how to connect with your crowd, and how to be respectful of your fellow DJs.ĭon’t overlook the power of radio. Take a deep dive-see every knob twist and button push-as Armin demos some of the ways he transitions between tracks and adds exciting layers and effects to his mixes.Ī live performer has to do more than just play great music. Learn how Armin uses Ableton Live to shorten his songs and make fresh-sounding mashups that will excite the crowd.Īrmin steps behind the CDJ decks to talk you through what gear he uses in his live sets and why. Here are the core principles that make up Armin’s DJ philosophy.Ī great DJ set is a product of careful preparation. It’s time to move away from producing and start talking about taking your music to the stage. Using the example of “Sunny Days,” Armin shows you his step-by-step approach for turning pop songs into dance floor–ready club mixes. Learn how Armin uses editing and effects to get a clean, powerful vocal track that still sounds natural to the listener’s ear. Watch Armin’s veteran ears and musical instincts at work as he and Josh select the best parts of each vocal take.Ģ3-Vocal Session, Part 3: Editing and Mixing Once Josh has finished singing, it’s time to “comp” his vocal performance. In this chapter and the two that follow, Armin works with “Sunny Days” singer Josh Cumbee to show you how to track, edit, and manipulate live vocals. Here are some of the ways Armin adds lyrics to his productions.Īrmin’s mastery doesn’t stop at dance floor trance tracks. Words-whether a sung melody or just a great vocal sample-can make your music catchier and more powerful.

Then take a listen to how the whole track came together. Watch Armin and Benno tweak their track’s drop for maximum impact.

If your drop doesn’t work, your track won’t work. Then, after some rough organization, it’s time to start arranging all of the elements of their track into an intro, breakdown, and drop.ġ9-In the Studio, Part 8: Building the Drop, Reviewing the Track Here’s Armin’s approach to crafting exciting musical journeys.ġ8-In the Studio, Part 7: Percussion and ArrangingĪrmin and Benno bring a collection of percussion loops and FX into their Logic project. A great dance track takes its listeners on a journey-from tense and intriguing breakdowns to high-energy drops.

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