I recently saw two really good bands that did a great job of keeping the party going and the dance floor packed. During their sets the music was nonstop and they did seamless transitions between tunes often with a drum beat intro to establish the tempo. I’m going to try to experiment doing this on my keyboard. Maybe some of you have videos of yourself or other keyboardists playing “DJ” style. Any tips on how to do this?

Thanks!

Maybe I'm not being clear? Here's what I'm talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FGMT5nKeE8

Paul,

This is actually fairly easy to do using registrations. It takes a fair amount of preparation, but if you have the ability to memorize the words and chords, it's just a matter of setting up the registrations and pressing a few buttons.

Good luck,

Gary

Yeah Gary, I just did that for a party that we played at. It was great! I did have a set list and my charts in order (hopefully one day I wont have to use those anymore)

Basically what I did was just not use the endings and set the next song to start with a drum beat or intro. Probably old news to everyone here but it will change the way I perform. BTW Gary, one thing I loved about your videos is how you waste no time between songs. Do you plan out your set before hand?

Sets? What's that?.......just read the audience and play off the cuff....I never know what I'm gonna play.....things change constantly in the audience to drive your show....

Wish I could do that! Maybe some day...

As Donnie said, just read the audience, play what you think will get them activated, and go from there. Every performance is a bit different, but in many ways they all have some similarities. In many ways the audience essentially dictates what you'll be playing, but you have the ability to guide them by utilizing your entertainment skills. You can set the mood, and you can change the atmosphere. It's not something you can learn overnight, but in due time you will develop and perfect those entertainment skills - it just takes time.

Cheers,

Gary