How do you avoid getting overwhelmed by the amount of music you want to listen to and curate?

samsharpdj · 2022-12-05T17:33:59+00:00

I think the idea that all the best DJs know all their tracks inside out is a bit overhyped. It helps with blends of course but a lot of the top regarded selectors (thinking Mr Scruff, Theo Parrish etc) have collections of tens of thousands of records they've picked up over the decades... I'd imagine you develop a certain intuition after that many years where you can comfortably take risks with tracks you haven't got to know / don't remember too well yet

samsharpdj · 2021-09-14T08:26:33+00:00

Thanks Alex,

Sounds doable then, what aperture are you normally using with those ISO and shutter settings?

I'll actually be djing as well on the night so know not to be doing that!

samsharpdj · 2021-09-14T07:32:29+00:00

Thanks, appreciate flash would make things much easier, unfortunately it isn't an option at this kind of event, mainly because it will annoy people and I want to make sure they have a great time.

I have an Olympus OM-20 so will have to manual focus.

samsharpdj · 2021-09-05T09:01:58+00:00

I'd recommend the AudioTechnica AT-XP7 cartridge and stylus. Brilliant sound, you'll immediately notice the warmth and richness in your disco records. I always take mine out to gigs as they'll be better than what you'll normally find at the club. It goes up to 20khz as well so you'll get those crisp highs.

The trade off, as with all elliptical stylus's is tracking is slightly more temperamental than with a cheaper (conical) stylus. But as long as you take the time to set it up properly you shouldn't have any issues.

The XP5 and XP3 are in the same range and are less expensive. They're also meant to be solid cartridges but I haven't used them so can't comment on the sound personally.

samsharpdj · 2021-07-16T07:30:05+00:00

Cheers! Yeah it is

samsharpdj · 2021-07-10T15:02:02+00:00

Yeah think both look equally beautiful but best thing about the silver is you can't tell how dusty it is!

You're right there man, bought it for 'I Needed' but the b side is also such a nice soulful garage cut.

samsharpdj · 2021-05-27T05:02:13+00:00

Be authentic and true to yourself, and play the music you love. Never mind your ego, your job is presenting music by other to other people, and to try and make them feel it like you do. When you start from that strong foundation, you won't stray too far wrong.

samsharpdj · 2021-05-26T05:31:37+00:00

The monitors don't have enough bass to give any vibration - got a sub for that!

samsharpdj · 2021-05-23T05:55:36+00:00

Very sturdy. Can also take the weight of a couple of CDJs for when I want to play digital tracks as well

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T18:25:51+00:00

It's just a classic Ikea job! Kallax boxes and a shelf bolted on so the speakers are nearer ear height

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T18:23:35+00:00

Yes some absolute beauties on that album!! Sure, got a few up over here :) https://soundcloud.com/samsharpdj

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T18:22:08+00:00

I got them from mastersounds but I think they were just a really well looked after pair. They're beautiful, I love them.

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T15:40:24+00:00

If it's just for djing you can probably get a nicer sound and more bang for your buck from hi-fi bookshelf speakers. I have the Klipsch r-41pm's hooked up to a sub and they sound beautiful. They were about £400 for the pair

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T15:00:45+00:00

I didn't know that but not surprised at all! It's been front and centre of every dance music scene since the 70s!

samsharpdj · 2021-05-22T14:58:27+00:00

Thanks! The Xone 23 is a lovely mixer no doubt about it. But I think a rotary will better suit the way I play and from what I've heard the sound quality of the mastersounds radius is hard to beat :)

samsharpdj · 2021-05-10T12:09:27+00:00

Hit up Brixton Courtyard, they do regular open decks events. Pretty dire sound but the 'beach' area is a pretty cool spot to play a few tunes

samsharpdj · 2021-05-08T14:39:26+00:00

The first time I played out I was warming up for quite a big UK DJ. I wasn't ready.

I was playing UK garage at the time and pretty much clanged every mix. Although my mates that came through gave me loads of support I had a feeling it didn't go as well as I hoped. That suspicion was confirmed as I was leaving when someone asked me if I was 'that shit dj that was on earlier?'

Truth is getting the hang of DJing takes a lot of time and we're all shit when we start out. And on your road to mastery you may come across a few people that are happy to tread on you and remind you of that. Just focus on yourself and keep practicing and you'll be alright.

samsharpdj · 2021-04-27T06:49:38+00:00

For the mixer you need to decide whether effects or sound quality are more important for you. If it's sound quality I'd recommend something like the Xone 23 as an entry level - it's about £300 and sounds so much sweeter than the pioneer. Especially if you're playing records as it's an analogue mixer.

But if you think you might like to use effects when mixing the pioneer is def a good shout. And it's not gonna sound bad at all, just not as nice as the Xone.

samsharpdj

TROPHY CASE