Open Format DJ Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques.
Open format DJing is a relatively specialized skill, that not all DJs have unlocked. To successfully play a good open-format DJ set you need to have a deep understanding of more than just a single genre, have the techniques for cross-genre transitions, and have good audience perceptions.
There are so many music genres out there that it seems only fitting to be able to use as many of them as you can in your sets to keep the whole crowd happy.
In this guide, I'll explain what a open format DJ is, demonstrate a bunch of essential tips and key skills open-format DJs use, and how using DJ.Studio can help you improve your skills at home to get you ready for those live sets, are you ready to get the dance floor packed?
TL;DR - Open Format DJ#
An open-format DJ will play any mix of different genres in their DJ sets.
Being a multi-genre DJ requires a range of extra skills - like transition skills, audience awareness, and understanding a range of musical genres.
Having an extensive music library is another key cornerstone of open format DJing.
Regardless of what genres you're mixing, DJ.Studio is a great DJ software that makes set planning, preparation, and creation easier than ever.
What is an Open Format DJ?#
Unlike genre-specific DJs who might focus solely on, say, techno, hip-hop, or house music, open-format DJs rely on their versatility and ability to play to more diverse crowds.
These artists will mix tracks from various genres like pop, rock, hip hop, house, techno, EDM, and more; all within a single set.
This approach requires a deep understanding of different musical styles, a sharp awareness of the audience's reaction, and the ability to transition smoothly between genres that might not traditionally be mixed together.
Why You Should Learn Open Format DJing#
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What are the Positives of Being an Open Format DJ?#
Although it is much easier to DJ using a particular genre, developing open-format DJing skills presents several advantages for DJs, let's take a look at some of these advantages below:
- Access a wider range of gig and commercial opportunities - Perform at weddings, corporate events, clubs, and parties.
- Become a more adaptable and versatile DJ - gain the skill of being able to please any crowd of music lovers.
- Expand your knowledge of music - Dive into a range of different genres by listening and gain an understanding how to mix them all together.
- Develop your DJ skills - Unlock more advanced techniques and tricks to impress your audience.
Becoming a skilled open-format DJing requires training, practice, and experience. You need to hone a range of skills and techniques to pull it off.
Why not give DJ.Studio a go today and see how it can help develop your skills as an open format DJ. Download now!
How Can DJ Studio Help You Become a Better Open Format DJ?#
DJ.Studio is a great tool for open format DJs, making it easier to create professional mixes across multiple genres. Here’s how it can help you improve your mixes:
Faster Set Creation & Smart Mixing – Automix quickly arranges tracks while maintaining harmonic and tempo compatibility, saving hours of manual beat-matching.
Custom Set Openers & Mashups – Create unique, personalized set openers with layered samples, loops, and custom DJ intros.
Smooth Genre & BPM Transitions – Build transition mini-mixes in advance to bridge large BPM or genre gaps without struggling on the fly.
Toilet Break Mini-Mixes – Open format DJs play long sets, so having a pre-made short mix for quick breaks is a game-changer.
Music Discovery & Library Expansion – Explore new tracks effortlessly with DJ.Studio’s integrations for Spotify, Beatport Streaming, and 1001Tracklists.
Playlist & Set Preparation – Compile themed playlists with perfect harmonic and tempo flow, ready for export to your live DJ software.
Precision Editing & Creative Freedom – Fine-tune transitions, adjust track order, and experiment with different mix structures before hitting the stage.
Seamless Export Options – Export your mix for radio shows, content creation, or practice sessions with ease.
DJ.Studio takes the technical workload off your plate so you can focus on what really matters – designing and then creating an open format mix. Want to see how DJ.Studio can help you with your open format mixes? Try it now for free. Download here.
How to Create an Open Format Mix with DJ.Studio#
DJ.Studio can help you with your open format DJ mixes, let's take a look at the steps you need to take to create your first open format mix.
Download DJ.Studio - DJ.Studio is available for both Mac and PC users
Open DJ.Studio - you can use it in your browser, or the app for a better experience with integrations to your main live DJ software.
Build Your Library - DJ.Studio features its own powerful library manager - which has the unique ability to connect to other DJ music libraries and streaming services.
Create a Project
Local File Projects - These use downloaded music files to create mixes, and have the widest range of export options. This type of project can be used to connect with your live DJ software too.
Beatport Streaming Projects - One of the latest integrations enables you to create mixes from any of the 12m+ tracks in the Beatport Streaming Library. Your finished mixes can then be downloaded and shared using our Legalize feature.
Create the Setlist - After you've made your project, you need to start adding your songs. DJ.Studio can scan your library and suggest songs to fit based on harmonic analysis - which is a perfect tool for open-format DJs.
Automix - You can make the setlist order yourself, or use DJ.Studio's automix algorithm to find the optimal order based on harmonic mixing and beatmatching. Within moments, you can go from a random bunch of songs, into a seamlessly flowing mix - with no clashing keys or beats.
> Why Not Give DJ.Studio a Go<Edit and Refine the Mix - Now it's time to start getting creative and editing your mix. DJ.Studio features a timeline editor allowing you to shape your mix however you imagine. You can cut, copy, loop, use effects, add samples, add voiceovers, use stem separation, use transition presets, and add manual automation - giving you endless creative freedom.
Export - When the mix is finished, you have a range of options for exporting your mix depending on which project type you used.
WAV/MP3 - Export your mixes as a high quality WAV or MP3.
Create Videos - Local File projects can be converted into animated, audio-reactive mix videos with our huge library of graphics thanks to Shadertoy. These can be uploaded to YouTube, and generate the tracklist information with timestamps to create chapter markers.
DJ Set - DJ.Studio can export finished mixes as a DJ set file, which can be imported into all mainstream live DJ software like Rekordbox, Traktor, Virtual DJ etc.
Ableton Live - If you want to edit your mix with extra tools, you can convert it into a multi-track Ableton Live protect.
As you can see, DJ.Studio makes being an open format DJ quick and easy. Find out how you can plan and create you open format sets, download DJ.Studio for free today!
Tips for Becoming a Successful Open Format DJ.#
Now we know how DJ.Studio can help with your journey as an open format DJ, here are some useful tips that can put you ahead of the game:
Master the Art of Music Selection#
Broaden Your Music Library - Make sure you have a diverse music library, constantly expand your collection across genres, eras, and cultures. You never know when an obscure track might perfectly fit into your mix.
Understand Your Audience - Research the demographic of your audience beforehand if possible. Age, cultural background, and the type of event can guide your music selection.
Be Open - You won't always be able to play your favourite tracks or even DJ-friendly genres. Playing commercial music, dance music, chart music, and anything else the crowd wants is part of the job as an open-format DJ.
Skillful Mixing is Key#
Create Seamless Transitions - Learn to blend tracks smoothly, even across different BPMs and keys. Techniques like beatmatching, harmonic mixing, and using effects can help maintain energy and make a creative transition sound good.
Creative Use of Technology - Familiarize yourself with DJ software features like key shifting, sampling, stem separation, and sync to make mixing diverse tracks easier.
Read the Crowd#
Engagement Over Ego - Your primary goal is to entertain, not to show off your music taste. Watch the crowd's reaction to each song when out on the dance floor and be ready to shift direction if necessary.
Interactive Experience - Don't be afraid to engage with the crowd, whether through the microphone or by responding to their energy with your music choices. Be prepared for song requests!
Prepare but Be Flexible#
Have Playlists Ready - Prepare several playlists for different vibes or parts of the event, but don't be afraid to deviate based on the crowd's reaction.
Improvise - Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from spontaneous decisions. Trust your instincts and be bold with your choices when the moment feels right.
Technical Proficiency#
Know Your Equipment - Whether it's turntables, CDJs, or a digital setup, being intimately familiar with your DJ equipment allows you to focus on the creative side of DJing.
Backup Plans - Always have backups for your music and equipment. Technical issues can arise, and being prepared ensures the music never stops.
Continuous Learning#
Stay Current - Music trends evolve quickly. Regularly explore new music and mixing techniques to keep your sets fresh and engaging.
Seek Feedback - Open yourself up to constructive criticism from peers and mentors. It's a valuable tool for growth. DJ.Studio has a community mix platform for interacting with other DJs and getting feedback on your mixes.
Professional Courses - There are plenty of DJ courses out there that can help with improving your DJ career.
Being an open format DJ is about more than just playing music; it's about creating an atmosphere, telling a story, and making sure everyone in your audience feels included in the experience. Why not see for yourself? Download DJ.Studio today for free.
Final Thoughts#
As a DJ you will often encounter a crowd of people who all have different musical preferences, planning your sets beforehand is a great way to cater to the masses.
DJing a range of genres is can be a difficult skill to master, you will need smooth transitions between different genres seamlessly, this will help your mixes sound more professional and should help in your DJ career.
Using DJ.Studio means open format DJs have the ability to create their mixes with ease and speed, why don't you find out and try DJ.Studio today. Download now!
FAQs About Open Format DJing
- How can I be a good opening DJ?
- How do DJs create a setlist?
- How do I become an open-format DJ?