Once upon a time, the DJ mixtape was the number one way to get your mixes heard. These days, most people listen to DJ sets online, and most DJs distribute their mixes through the web, rather than on mixtapes. But why not go one step further, and broadcast your mixsets live online, in real-time, as you’re spinning? Here’s 5 reasons why it’s a great idea.
1. You sound fresh
As a DJ, you need to sound fresh. Listeners will go elsewhere if they don’t think they’re getting the latest sounds. But if they’re listening to a live broadcast, they’ll assume they’ve got the latest sounds: after all, why broadcast live if you’re not spinning the newest tracks?
2. It turns every mix into a special event
Everybody is used to sharing MP3s, and links to mixsets over Facebook and Twitter. But by mixing live on the web, you’re doing something totally different: you’re creating a special event, a one-off happening which your listeners have got to catch in real-time. What does this mean? It means you’re doing something intrinsically more special, and more valuable, than simply posting another MP3 on the web. It’s just one more strategy in setting yourself apart from the crowd.
3. Real-time comments and feedback
Mixing in a club or real-life party is totally different to mixing in your bedroom. Why? Because the club is full of people, giving you instant feedback on every new track, mix and rewind you perform. So the musical journey you take your listeners on is moulded by the feedback you receive: something you can never expect to get if you’re recording your DJing alone in your bedroom.
Not unless, that is, you’re broadcasting live on the web at the same time. Then, your listeners can leave comments and likes which you’ll receive instantly. Or spin a track that doesn’t go down well, and you can re-adjust if you feel like it. You can get the natural feedback cycle between DJ and listeners, even in your bedroom, and your sets will be all the better as a result.
4. Mixing live makes you a better DJ
It’s easy to get bored when you’re recording a mix in your bedroom. Because there’s nobody listening live, you can switch off and your concentration leaves you. Before you know it you’ve done a bad mix and it’s all gone wrong.
When you’re broadcasting live, however, it’s easy to stay alert: you know you’ve got 10 people listening to you right now, so you’d better keep it tight!! There’s no pressing stop and going back. It’s just like DJing in a club or party: keeping the mixing tight during a set comes effortlessly in a party, but at when you’re mixing alone you’ve got to really think about it. And mixing live online gives you the same result.
5. It’s fun
Broadcasting live online is fun! And it’s for putting yourself under pressure, and practicing for a live DJ set in a club or party. It’s never been easier to make your own internet radio station, so why not give it a try.
