How To Mix EDM Like A Pro - With DJ.Studio
Noah Feasey-Kemp
EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is a popular genre for both DJs and audiences. This fun, high-octane genre is known for its energy, and exciting buildups and drops.
DJ mixing EDM is a broad art form, and there are many techniques and secrets of the trade. Creating DJ mixes from EDM music was revolutionized in 2023 thanks to a new unique piece of DJ software: DJ.Studio
This guide explains how to mix EDM using DJ.Studio, and gives you some extra pro tips for improving your skills.
(Check out our guide on DJ Mixing Different Genres for other styles!)
TL;DR - How To DJ Mix EDM#
EDM is a fun and exciting genre of music to mix.
DJ.Studio makes EDM mixing quicker and easier than ever before.
Unlike other DJ software, you don't even need to buy music, thanks to DJ.Studio's YouTube mixing feature.
Learn how you can easily make EDM mixes below!
EDM Demo Mix in DJ.Studio#
Before getting into the tutorial, check out this demo EDM mix which was made 100% using DJ.Studio, from discovery to editing and sharing.
DJ.Studio EDM Mix Demo
You can even start remixing and editing it yourself by clicking the REMIX button!
Pretty cool? - Create an Account!
How To Mix EDM using DJ.Studio#
Making EDM mixes in DJ.Studio is super quick and easy. It’s full of tools that are designed to make the mixing process more creative and efficient.
Not only is it a great tool for the mix production stage, but it’s also super valuable for discovery thanks to integrated platforms like 1001Tracklists and YouTube.
It offers a flexible and diverse workflow that means anybody can create EDM mixes to their best level. If you are a total beginner and just want to get stuck in with the basics, DJ.Studio takes care of all the tricky parts so you can just have fun making your mixes.
If you are a professional, then DJ.Studio has all the advanced and detailed editing features you need to create a pro-level mix. You can achieve cleaner, more expressive, and more precise mixes in DJ.Studio compared to recording a mix with decks or a DJ controller.
Because of how diverse DJ.Studio is, there are a bunch of ways to make mixes.
The following steps revolve around the online YouTube mix mode.
EDM Mixing in DJ.Studio: Step-by-Step Guide#
Open the app and register an account.
Create a new set - either use local files or YouTube. The instructions below are for YouTube, but the overall process is very similar. If you want to mix your own music, or downloaded tracks, use the Local File mode instead. You don't need to buy any music if you use YouTube mode, as it streams all the tracks from their servers.
Import tracks you want to mix. If you need inspiration, click on the 1001Tracklists tab and browse the charts, or you can search for your favorite DJ and copy some tracks from their DJ sets. You can even mix music from Spotify, letting you convert your favorite Spotify playlists into full-length, shareable, and seamless DJ mixes!
After adding all the tracks to your mix, you can use the automix button. This automatically beat matches, harmonically mixes, and arranges your tracks on a timeline. It even places crossfade transitions between tracks - so you already have a rough seamless mix. Harmonic mixing is essential for a pro-sounding mix - otherwise, tracks might have clashing keys and will sound out of tune.
Now you can customize the transitions in more detail, add extra automation, and arrange your mix some more.
When you’re happy with the mix, you can instantly share it by clicking Share. This gives you an online player which hosts your perfect mix, and can be listened to by your family, friends, and fans for free! It even works on mobile too.
As you can see, DJ.Studio makes the mix creation process lightning-fast and incredibly intuitive. It works more like a digital audio workstation than standard DJ software.
You can use it to find new music, make a mix, and share it with your friends in a matter of minutes!
Using this type of software has a bunch of advantages over a traditional DJ setup, and means you can mix two songs together better than ever before.
3rd Party Integrations
DJ.Studio features seamless integration with a bunch of other DJ software, giving you an interconnected DJ universe. When you use Local File mode, you have access to a bunch of cool connections with other software.
Some of the notable names include rekordbox, Traktor, Serato, Virtual DJ, Engine DJ, Mixed In Key, iTunes, and more. Some of these let you import cue points across the software to get a better view of your tracks.
The integration goes in and out. So you can mix in DJ.Studio using your DJ libraries, and then import your arranged sets back to your live software and start mixing for an audience!
Another neat feature is the ability to export your DJ.Studio sets as Ableton Live multitrack projects, so you can add extra sound effects and do further editing and mastering.
5 Extra Tips for Mixing EDM#
Here are five extra essential tips for DJ mixing EDM music...
Master Beat matching and Phrase Mixing#
Beat matching: Practice beat matching regularly to ensure seamless transitions between tracks. Use your ears to match beats manually, honing your timing skills.
Phrase Mixing: Understand the structure of EDM tracks. Mix during breakdowns, buildups, or at the beginning/end of 8, 16, or 32-bar phrases. This creates natural and harmonious transitions, enhancing the overall flow of your mix.
Utilize Effects and EQ Creatively#
Effects: Experiment with effects like filters, delays, and reverbs to add depth and excitement. Use them tastefully; the effects can elevate the energy of your mix.
EQ (Equalization): Master the art of EQ. Use high-pass and low-pass filters to gradually introduce or remove elements from tracks. Precise EQ adjustments can help blend sounds and create smooth transitions.
Diversify Your Track Selection#
Curate a diverse music library. EDM encompasses various sub-genres like trance, house, techno, and dubstep. Having a wide selection allows you to cater to different audiences and moods.
Explore both popular tracks and hidden gems. Surprise your audience with unexpected but fitting choices, keeping your sets fresh and engaging.
Understand Energy Levels and Build Energy#
Pay attention to the energy levels of your tracks. Start with tracks of moderate energy to ease your audience in. Gradually increase the intensity, leading to peak moments in your set.
Be mindful of track keys and energy levels. Harmonic mixing can enhance the emotional impact of your transitions, creating a more immersive experience for your listeners.
Read the Crowd and Adapt#
Stay observant of the crowd’s response. Adjust your track selection and mixing style based on their energy and reactions.
Be open to change. If your planned set isn't resonating with the audience, be prepared to switch gears and adapt your mix on the fly. Flexibility is key to keeping the dance floor engaged.
Remember, practice and experimentation are crucial. Each performance is an opportunity to refine your skills and learn what works best for your audience. Stay creative, stay open-minded, and most importantly, have fun while DJing!
Summary#
With your newfound EDM mixing skills, you’ll be able to shock and excite your audience better than ever before! Whether you are mixing live or using DJ.Studio, the above tips will help you to make the best EDM DJ sets you’ve ever made.
I suggest using DJ.Studio to plan sets and experiment with new music for free, then jump over to live DJ software when you need to play in the club!
You can use DJ.Studio to create mix tapes, radio shows, podcasts, and party playlists completely in the app itself - pretty neat!
Make sure you check out the power of DJ.Studio with our free 14-day trial!
FAQs: DJ.Studio For EDM
- How to mix EDM songs for DJ?
- What is mixing EDM?
- What is EDM in DJ?