Beyond Beatmatching: Take Your DJ Career to the Next Level

Bravo! One of the few books I've come across on the subject of DJing that is well-organized and well-written. It is a thoughtful book with comments from world-class DJs, and whether one is a novice or seasoned professional in the music industry, Beyond Beatmatching has something to offer. I dare to say that even parents and groupies might find this book amusing. However, it does not stand on it's own as a textbook. For example, the basis of the book is harmonic mixing. As a communications engineer moonlighting as a DJ during the 1980s and 1990s, I relied on my ability to recognize pitch in mixing music rather than understanding the chords used in a song. Chords change throughout most music and a novice DJ might find harmonic mixing stifling creativity. What makes this book so great is that it reiterates what DJs have been teaching newbies for years: Know the music you play. It is no surprise that DJs with no music education are highly regarded simply because they knew the songs they were playing. When at least one of the 12 notes intersects in the 3-note chord of two songs, the chances are that the songs are harmonically compatible. Finally, music producers today do everything imaginable to make music go together. Where the challenge lies is in mixing pre-1980s pop and disco into contemporary tunes or music from different genres. These are subjects that are lacking from this book and deserve attention in a follow-up version.

I greatly enjoyed this book for its specific, actionable ideas as to (a) harmonic mixing, and (b) modern day marketing strategies for working DJs. The authors, having worked closely with many of the world's top DJs and as working DJs themselves, are highly knowledgeable on the subject matter at hand. They do a terrific job of distilling the information into a tight 157 page work that flows well. While some of the harmonic mixing chapters are moderately technical, these sections are interspersed with inspirational interviews. The authors also make good use of screen shots and other graphics to teach concepts.I agree with another reviewer that this book evokes the feel of "How to DJ Right - The Art and Science of Playing Records" by Bill Brewster, which is a seminal work for our industry.My review is 5 stars for "Beyond Beatmatching"!

You might be a DJ for 1 day or 6 years like myself-regardless, this book has something to offer to help you become a better DJ. Harmonic mixing, interviews and insights from popular and influential DJs, and many tips on how to truly improve your DJ career. Not your typical corny DJ book. Buy! Buy! Buy..I mean Read!!!

REALLY GOOD BOOK. GIVES YOU GREAT TIPS ON MIXING AND THE STRUCTURE OF SONGS. RECOMMEND THIS FOR HOUSE DJS !

I consider this Part II to "How to Dj Right" These guys have been rocking it with their software and I'm very happy with this book and all their products. No, I don't work for them, you can check me out on [...]Thanks Mixed in Key Team!

I just finished this book last night. I was very impressed with the depth and scope of the material. Got this from mixed in key, my files are still being analyzed, there are a lot of them! Contains a great deal of information for beginners and professionals alike. Highly recommended.

Covers theory and techniques using easy language and examples. And some of those examples are Interviews with the best DJs.Guides you to a complex and fundamental subject "controlling energy level"In short, I wish this author had more books ... Congrats!

Great reading book on harmonic mixing.

Any DJ considering moving out of the bedroom and onto radio or into the public arena should buy this book. Detailed enough to get you motivated, but doesn't bog you down with minutiae.

I learned a lot , mix in harmony level energy and so on. Really pointed out what I was doing wrong and this book as level up my experience ! A must read book and well written never boring a bit ! Full of experienced knowledge

Theres no substitute for practice but this book is the next best thing. I've read the very good DJ'ing for Dummies, Bill Brewsters How to DJ Properly and Everything you need to know by Danny Rampling.This book is very practical. The sections on mixing, set building and IT are particulary strong. The Mixed in Key and Platinum Notes software are also great, I've used both for a few years.

Great book that teaches the foundations of djing, a must read to further your chances of a successful career in the music industry. This guys know their stuff !

Hier macht man definitiv nichts falsch. Praktisches Wissen & Tipps verpackt in einem kleinen Buch. Gerade für DJs, die Mal weiter raus kommen wollen, ist dieses Werk eine sehr sinnvolle Investition.Ich finde es super, dass es Mixed in Key gibt, macht weiter so!

the book has new techniques and tools for djs. must read it, highly recomended for al the djs that want to continúe learning.