DJ'ing with or without a laptop? | The laptop DJ stigma | STK 31

This is part of the #ShareTheKnowledge Podcast episode 31

Enjoy the video and share the knowledge!

My film gear (Amazon affiliates links):

- Panasonic LUMIX GH4 (camera)
- Panasonic LUMIX 12-35mm f/2.8 (lense)
- Rode Lavalier (mic)
- Zoom H5 (audio recorder)

My Livestream setup:

My DJ gear (Amazon affiliates links):

My production gear (Amazon affiliates links):

- Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 (audio interface)
- Yamaha NS10 (studio reference monitor speakers)

Snapchat: djtlm

[cueyork]

MESSAGE TO ALL DJ’s, always ask yourself this question, ...who am I trying to cater/ satisfy ?
Are you DJing to rock the crowds ?
Are you DJing to impress another DJ ?

If you DJ to rock the crowd then what another DJ feels about your equipment IS NOT RELEVANT

Peace & Respect to all.
#Salute TLM 💯

[ClectaSkiMusic]

DJs DJs Just do your thing what's most comfortable for you & make sure you rock the crowd!

[andyjames]

I applaud you on this one as you have hit the nail right on the head.
I’ve been a DJ for 25 years and started out on Technics 1210s. I know use CDJs with a laptop and I have also used controllers in the past and also CDs. My DJ style has remained the same throughout as has the energy I create on the dance floor. Be yourself and DJ with and how you want. We are all unique.
AJ

[cori]

I'm with you, I love using my laptop. I'm a Serato DVS user along with other devices .Most laptop less devices have limited search functions. I like having access my whole library/crates. The ability to see more & quickly key in a track based on the crowd is a BIG plus.

[stevemcc]

As a mobile DJ, a laptop every time. I was at a bar and I was using CD'S and a woman asked me for a song and I knew I had it, but it took me almost an hour to find it. I played the song and she was thankful, but that's when I knew it was time to switch to a laptop. 2 laptops are easier and cheaper to carry than to CD cases and I can tell a person in seconds if I have the song. I do not miss CD'S. A DJ is a person that is rocking crowd by playing the right songs. It doesn't matter what you use, the crowd don't care. My friend that taught me how to DJ uses a laptop and no controller and people seem to be dancing and having fun. Just my 2 cents. TLM your awesome.

[Tramz]

I have been DJing since 1989 (i was 15). I started off with the worst belt drive turntables imaginable. It was a few years before i got a pair of technics. When I got that first 6 channel mixer, i had no idea about anything. I thought each fader was a frequency full kill. Over the years of course i figured out what was what. This goes to my main point which i will make in a sec.

A few years ago i left turntables behind. I was very interested in the benefits of digital djing. I now use a Traktor s8. After decades of beatmatching, it became a simple thing. I like the idea of getting that out of the way so i can focus on using samples, loops, and in general, increased creativity.

Now that you see from where i am coming, i can make my point. Everyone starts out knowing nothing. Sure i had some musical training from a few years of being a percussionist, but i knew nothing about mixing. The same thing applies today. Kids spin with just a laptop or a low end (read: cheap) controller and get out there calling themselves DJs when they know nothing and just want to seem cool. Many of them may never really learn, but some of them will. It is easy to look down on laptop only or controller folks. I often do it myself, but we have to allow for those who will learn. If these folks go on to use something other than the club standard, and can do some cool stuff with it, the prejudice you find at some clubs is so much nonsense.

It is like TLM basically said: Mixing is about track selection, knowing when is the best place for a mix, layering sounds,
EQ, understanding the energy and how to work a crowd. It is about understanding your circle of 5ths and how to use it. This is where talent really lies, and it does not matter what you use, so long as you aren't lazy and learn these things.

The only caveat is that hardware makes it so much easier to exercise control over a mix. Sitting there with a mouse makes it harder to mess with eq, effects, samples and loops.

[michaele]

I really like your thoughts around not caring what other DJs think about your set up. I'm a new DJ and at first I was really worried what other DJs would thinking about me playing hip-hop using a traktor S5 with a Surface Pro 4 tablet, but for me it works great...Thanks again for the words of encouragement!

[dreamdjays]

Had to comment here. I use a laptop for mobile gigs with a controller and Virtual DJ. I also have a residency and for that I use a desktop pc with controller. People can say what they like about me and my setup. I been doing this 9 years and as you say rocking the crowds. I'm out 5 nights a week doing this full time making a living. I'm not the best DJ by far but I must be doing something right. I'm more a VJ these days as it all video based for me. Respect TLM your vids continue to inspire

[therealdeejaydosmuchoz]

Man the way I came up... When I was a kid I would have been satisfied with a mixer and two tape decks

[GuillaumeThomas]

What's up TLM, im 19 and your videos are helping me a lot with surviving in the DJ scene. Thanks a bunch!

[gusgomez]

Besides the fact that I think it’s a great topic, There’s 3 reasons why I asked this question 1: I find it more challenging to play without a laptop and it makes it a little more fun sometimes lol
2: serato integration of the Denon players kinda sucks right now hopefully that changes soon. (And yes I do have the V12’s also but been using mostly the players)
3: sometimes I have places with limited space I.E: the radio station I play for I have for that particular gig and I pre select my playlist so I don’t need my whole library.

Thanks for answering TLM I love these videos 🙌💪

[branch]

What some people fail to realize is that when, hip-hop started the DJ was like a band; Playing music for the front man or Duo. The people started getting interested in what they were doing, like if you go watch a Orchestra play music. So yes, some added more tricks to be visual. But it's All Entertainment. ROCK What You Got just as long as you are ROCKING.😎

[djd.lirious]

To the DJ community I have been DJing for a long time since the 70s and let me tell you. I welcome the fact that technology has changed. I don't have to carry around crates of Records amps speakers lights. I welcome the fact that equipment is becoming more Compact and more simplified. I never back in the day had power subwoofers and 3 Way Power Systems to just plug and play.... We used to carry at least 10 to 15 crates of Records that was easily 50-60 lbs each... then we carried all the subs, the tops, the amps and the lights it was a hassle! bringing all that equipment. I love the fact that everything is compact and smaller these days. I also love the fact of having a laptop, the bigger the laptop for me the better. I have an 18, 17, 15, 14 and a 13 inch laptop and I still think it should be bigger.... but anyway DJ TLM keep it Rockin fam.... you are doing an excellent job on your and you are absolutely right Rockin the crowd is rocking the crowd.... I come from belt driven turntables to technique 1200 direct drive tables to cdjs to the controller and I'm just waiting on what's next

[doowopshopgal]

I have a question to ask you. I am doing my very first gig from my laptop and virtual DJ free. I have a 15 inch screen laptop and it’s OK for now but if I continue to do this on a monthly basis what size screen do you suggest I get?

[cassiusjb]

I’ve noticed a trend the last few years that a lot of DJ’s just show up with a memory stick and headphones to play on the standard Pioneer set up.

[akshunjackson]

Man I'm having much fun learning stuff from you. But if you can answer a question for me. Have you ever use a xdj rx2 and if so is it a good piece of equipment

[DiegoConLimon]

So if you don't use a laptop, what are the other options?

CD's
Flash drives
Vinyls
Am I missing something?

I want to start djing but before I buy all my music, I would like to know which way to go. I would prefer to do it without a laptop because I would rather feel the hardware with my hands and not worry about choosing between programs.

[DJKEYS-brxh]

I can use my 16nch tab...or the decks or both at the same time..I beat jugle cut scrach..and I'm using Denon hd2500 one track DJs leave a lot of doe on the table.versitile..is key..

[djonixx]

Okay, while I understand that rocking the crowd is rocking the crowd; however, I have a hard time classifying a person that is actively working the decks and a person that is playing a pre-laid out set in the same category. While either is a performer, only one is a DJ or is actively DJing. The other is performing their music. No hate, it's just not the same thing. Just my feelings.

[djvertebrae]

A Fellow DJ asked me if I can send him some of my recorded mixes because he had a party coming up and wanted to use them at the party. I didn't respond because I felt he should mix his own. was I wrong?