DJ Performance Techniques and Live Mixing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'back-to-back' (B2B) DJing?
- Playing the same track twice in a row
- Two DJs alternating track selection and mixing on the same equipment during a shared performance (Correct answer)
- Playing tracks back-to-back without transitions
- A specific pioneer CDJ performance mode
Correct answer: Two DJs alternating track selection and mixing on the same equipment during a shared performance
Back-to-back DJing features two DJs sharing the decks, alternating who selects and mixes each track, creating a collaborative and often spontaneous performance.
Question 2: What is an 'intro' section of a dance track and why do DJs use it?
- The loudest part of the track
- The opening section before the main elements enter, used as mixing space to blend two tracks together (Correct answer)
- The final 8 bars before the track ends
- The vocal hook of the track
Correct answer: The opening section before the main elements enter, used as mixing space to blend two tracks together
The intro is a stripped-back opening section (often drums only or minimal) that provides clean mixing space for the DJ to blend the new track in while the previous one plays out.
Question 3: What is a 'breakdown' in electronic dance music structure?
- Technical failure of DJ equipment
- A section of the track where main beat elements drop out, creating a moment of tension before the drop (Correct answer)
- The ending of a track
- The section with the most bass
Correct answer: A section of the track where main beat elements drop out, creating a moment of tension before the drop
A breakdown is a section where the main beat is removed, often featuring melody, pads, or atmosphere alone, creating tension that resolves when the beat drops back in.
Question 4: What is 'layering' in DJ performance technique?
- Adding multiple effects to one track
- Playing two or more tracks simultaneously so their complementary elements combine into a richer sound (Correct answer)
- Organizing tracks into multiple layers in the library
- A looping technique with overlapping loop lengths
Correct answer: Playing two or more tracks simultaneously so their complementary elements combine into a richer sound
Layering involves playing multiple tracks simultaneously so their complementary rhythmic, melodic, or textural elements combine, creating a richer overall sound than either track alone.
Question 5: What is 'acapella mixing' in DJ performance?
- Mixing tracks without using headphones
- Blending a vocal-only version of a track over an instrumental of a different track (Correct answer)
- Singing over your DJ set live
- A style using no electronic effects
Correct answer: Blending a vocal-only version of a track over an instrumental of a different track
Acapella mixing layers a vocals-only track over an instrumental of a different song, creating mashups or adding vocal hooks to tracks that don't have them.
Question 6: What does 'energy arc' or 'journey' mean when planning a DJ set?
- The geographic path of a touring DJ
- The planned progression of intensity, emotion, and energy throughout the set from beginning to end (Correct answer)
- The arc shape of a waveform display
- A series of key changes in the set
Correct answer: The planned progression of intensity, emotion, and energy throughout the set from beginning to end
The energy arc describes the intentional rise and fall of intensity throughout a DJ set, typically building gradually, reaching a peak, and then bringing the crowd down.
DJ Performance Techniques and Live Mixing 2
What is 'back-to-back' (B2B) DJing?