What is the point in warping?

[outsidesys]

Cool. Let's get into the specifics. You might already know some of this, but for completeness, I'll cover it anyway.

A DJ mix is a version of a song that is created for a DJ to use in his/her mix set. This version is usually extended in length with an intro, a breakdown after the first chorus (optional), and an outro at the end of the song. The intro, breakdown, and outro would be used by the DJ to mix in and out of your song into, or out of, another song. They usually contain just the beat, and sometimes a melodic or harmonic element from the song.

A Dub mix is also a version of a song that a DJ would use, but this version will have less vocals (if any), and fewer melodic and harmonic elements of the song. Sometimes a Dub mix is just the song with the vocals removed during the verses. The only vocals you would hear would be during the chorus (or vocal hook). The Dub mix is also useful for experimenting with different instrumental arrangements of the song.

A Beats mix is just an arrangement of the drums and percussion elements of the song. Sometimes a melodic or harmonic element is added here and there, but it's very minimal. A DJ would use this version for mixing with the other versions of your song, and for mixing in and out of your song.

The reason I mentioned these types of mixes was to inspire experimentation. For versions of a song created for DJs, you can break a lot of the rules, especially when it comes to the arrangement.

As for straight vs. swung kicks, a DJ will appreciate an intro, breakdown, and outro that does not have swing or humanization on any quarter note kicks (1234) in a 4/4 signature. Any kicks between the quarter notes are fair game for swing and humanization. All other elements of a song are fair game for any swing and humanization.

One way to transition between quantized quarter note kicks in an intro, and swung kicks in the next segment of the song, would be to drop out your kick (and a few other elements) for the last bar or two of the intro. If the next segment after the intro comes in hard and busy, DJs who know what they're doing will finish mixing out of the previous track before the intro ends.

However, if you really don't like the way it sounds with the quarter note kicks quantized in the intro, then don't sweat it. If the song is good, and the DJs like it, they'll figure out a way to incorporate it into their mix sets.

If you want to know what it will be like for the DJ to mix your swinging quarter note kicks with another song that has quantized kicks, fade in a quantized kick underneath your beat. What you hear is what a DJ will hear when they try to mix your song with another song.

Hope this helps.

[clydesdale]

nice post, I'm putting that one in my scrapbook.

[outsidesys]

nice post, I'm putting that one in my scrapbook.

Thanks!

[TomViolenz]

Hope this helps.

It certainly did. Awesome post!
Thanks

One last question, how long are these intro/outro sections expected to be? 8, 16 or 32 bars?!

[outsidesys]

Most DJ mixes have a minimum of 8 bars. Add more if you want to introduce some elements gradually. Some genres of dance music evolve very slowly with the intent of creating more of a vibe or flow rather than energy.

[TomViolenz]

Thanks