DJing is not just about mixing tracks; it’s also about finding the right music to play. This is where “digging” comes in. Digging is the process of searching for and discovering new music. It is an essential part of a DJ’s job, and it can help them stand out from the crowd. In this post, we will discuss the top 5 DJ digging techniques that every DJ should know about.
What is Digging and Why is it Important?
Digging is a crucial aspect of a DJ’s job as it allows them to find hidden gems that can make their sets stand out. Personally, I find DJ digging to be an exciting and rewarding experience as it exposes me to new sounds and styles that I may not have discovered otherwise. I enjoy exploring different techniques, such as crate digging and online digging and experimenting with different genres and time periods. Through digging, I have been able to develop my own unique style and create sets that reflect my personality and tastes. Overall, I believe that digging is an essential part of being a successful DJ, and I highly recommend that every DJ take the time to explore different digging techniques and find what works best for them.
Top 5 DJ Digging Techniques You Need to Know About
Here are the top 5 DJ digging techniques that every DJ should know about, and I’m excited to share my personal experience.
Crate Digging
Crate DJ digging is the traditional way of exploring and is my favorite technique for discovering new music. There is something special about the experience of going through stacks of vinyl records at a record store or flea market and finding a hidden gem. I love the feeling of holding a physical copy of a track in my hands and the nostalgia that comes with it. The process of crate digging also allows me to explore different genres and time periods that I may not have otherwise discovered.
When crate digging, I always keep an open mind and go through every record, even if it doesn’t look like something that would fit my usual set. I also make sure to check the condition of the vinyl before purchasing it to ensure that it will play well during a set. Overall, crate digging is not only a great way to find rare and unique tracks, but it is also a fun and exciting experience that I highly recommend to any DJ looking to enhance their sets.
Online Digging
Online DJ digging is a convenient technique for discovering new music from the comfort of your home, making it ideal for busy DJs who don’t have the time to go crate digging. While it can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of music available online, I find that it’s also a great way to discover new and upcoming artists who may not have physical releases yet.
Platforms such as SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify provide easy access to new music, and the ability to create playlists and save tracks for later makes it easy to keep track of your discoveries. One thing to keep in mind when digging online is to be cautious of the quality of the tracks you find, as not all uploads are of the highest quality. Overall, online digging is an excellent technique for discovering new music and staying up-to-date with current trends in the music scene.
Collaborative Digging
Collaborative DJ digging is a great way to make new connections and learn from other DJs. In my experience, attending music events and joining online DJ communities have been the most effective ways to find like-minded individuals to collaborate with. By sharing playlists and discussing new tracks, I have been able to discover new genres and styles that I may not have otherwise explored.
Collaborative digging will also allow you to gain new insights into the music scene and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of DJing. I highly recommend that every DJ try out collaborative digging, as it can be a great way to enhance your skills and discover new tracks that you may have otherwise overlooked.
Genre Digging
Genre DJ digging is also one of my favorite DJ digging techniques. There’s something about focusing on a specific genre and genuinely immersing myself in it that I find so enjoyable. Whenever I discover a new genre, I make it a point to study its history and listen to the most influential DJs within that genre.
I also try to attend events that focus on that genre, as it’s a great way to discover new tracks and connect with other DJs who share my passion for that style of music. I believe that genre digging is a great way to develop a deep understanding of a particular genre and to find unique tracks that fit within that genre.
Time Period Digging
Time period DJ digging is an exciting way to discover unique tracks that other DJs might not be playing. Personally, I love exploring music from different eras and learning about the cultural and social contexts in which they were created. When I’m time period digging, I like to focus on a particular decade or era and listen to as much music from that period as possible. I find that this helps me develop a deeper appreciation for the music and allows me to discover tracks that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Some practical tips for time period DJ digging are common to the genre one; they include:
- Studying the history and musical tendencies of that period
- Listening to influential DJs within that era
- Attending events that focus on that period of time.
By doing so, you can develop a deeper understanding of the music and find tracks that will set you apart from other DJs. Overall, time period digging is a great way to add a personal touch to your sets and showcase your unique style as a DJ.
Conclusion
Digging is an essential part of a DJ’s job, and there are many different techniques that DJs can use to find new music. No matter what digging method you prefer, it is crucial to keep an open mind and try new techniques. By doing so, you can enhance your DJ set and develop your own unique style.
