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Hey! I've just started DJing on rented Pioneer DJ gear but it's becoming unaffordable for me as a student and a DJ can someone lend me their Pioneer DJ controller until I buy a new one?

Hey folks,

I just published a new podcast episode with Mark Macleod on Beyond the Decks DJ Podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with Mark MacLeod, a progressive house and downtempo DJ, label founder, and business strategist and coach with deep roots in Toronto’s rave scene. Our conversation explores Mark’s journey, which has taken him from the remote Isle of Lewis in Scotland to the heart of Montreal and Toronto’s nightlife. We dive into:

• Toronto & Montreal Rave Scene: Moving to Montreal, Mark found himself immersed in the early ‘90s rave movement, which became the foundation of his career.

• Navigating the Industry: Balancing his business background with his passion for music, Mark shares insights into founding Deep Down, his progressive house label, and the unique challenges of running a label in a niche genre.

• Artist Development & Deep Down: Mark reflects on his approach to artist development during his time running A&R for the label.

• Spirituality in Music: From Kundalini yoga to spiritual gatherings, Mark explains how his personal journey shapes his music and his approach to life.

• Music for Seekers: Mark introduces his latest project, which aims to create community-driven events blending music, mindfulness, and positivity.

Mark MacLeod’s story highlights the dedication, resilience, and sense of purpose that drive his mission to connect more deeply with audiences and elevate the progressive house scene.

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Subscribe for new episodes at: https://start.learningtodj.com/podcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln

RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/

Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/ @learningtodj

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hey folks,

I just uploaded a new video on my youtube channel from my full beginner to intermediate DJ course on why DJs use harmonic mixing

Enjoy!

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hey folks, I just released a new Beyond the Decks Podcast episode EP6 with 170 DNB talent Homemade Weapons.

In this episode of Beyond the Decks, I catch up with Andre Delgado, better known as Homemade Weapons—a pioneering figure in the 170 drum and bass scene.

In our conversation, Andre shares his journey from DJing to music production, discussing how he balances complexity with minimalism to create space in his sound. We also go into the deeper challenges of today’s music industry, particularly the struggle between maintaining artistic authenticity and engaging with commercial pressures.

Andre reflects on his creative process, the allure of pushing musical boundaries, and his future plans, including the exciting launch of his new label, Homemade Weapons, in 2025. Packed with valuable insights for aspiring DJs and producers, this episode provides an insider’s perspective on how one of drum and bass’s most innovative artists continues to evolve.

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln
RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VscLkVsXwyU

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hi folks,

Just published a new article on the blog: "How to Format a USB for CDJs in Rekordbox on Mac or PC" 

Whether you’re on Mac or PC, setting up a USB for CDJs can be tricky. One wrong format, and your tracks won’t load! Learn the essential steps (including that crucial FAT32 setup) and get the lowdown on Device Library vs. Device Library Plus for different CDJ models. Check it out below

https://learningtodj.com/how-to-format-a-usb-for-cdjs-in-rekordbox/ 

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hi folks,

I just uploaded a new video on my youtube channel from my full beginner to intermediate DJ course on why DJs use harmonic mixing

Enjoy!

Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hi folks,

I just uploaded a new video on my youtube channel from my full beginner to intermediate DJ course on how to beat match.

Enjoy!

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here. I run a podcast called Beyond the Decks where I interview pro DJs, artists, labels and more.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hey folks,

I just released a new video talking more about Music Theory for DJs specifically explaining what EQ actually does when you use it in your mixer.

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here or download a free PDF guide for How To Backup Your DJ Music Library here

Hey everyone, I just released a new Beyond the Decks Podcast episode EP5 with Techno veteran Mark Williams.

In this Beyond the Decks episode, Robert dives into the career of global techno artisan Mark Williams. They explore Mark’s early inspirations in Essex’s late 80s rave culture, his first gigs hustling through London’s underground, and his disciplined creative process—where activities like running fuel his music production. Mark also shares insights on the evolution of techno and hard groove, today’s fresh interpretations, and his journey back into music after a hiatus to focus on family.

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln
RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

https://learningtodj.com/btd005-mark-williams/ 

This course is now migrated over to my own platform on Teachable.

You can enroll for free at: https://school.learningtodj.com/p/versatility-series 

Hey folks,

I put out a video lesson last week as a part of my free mini series on Versatility for Digital DJs.

Try practicing mixing tracks without sync for a maximum of 45 seconds!

Check it out below:

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learningtodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses that you can checkout here.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here.

Hey folks,

Just released a new DJ lesson from my The Complete DJ Course for free on youtube - enjoy!

This video covers the concept of song structure at a theoretical level.

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Hey there, my name is Robert I run a DJ blog called learnintodj.com and also have a variety of online DJ courses.

You can enroll in my free DJ tutorial on Versatility for Digital DJs here.

Hey folks,

Put up a video for one of my courses on YouTube hopefully it will helps some of you newer DJs.

If you're interested in the full course on Mistake Recovery for House & Techno DJs checkout the link below:

https://school.learningtodj.com/p/mistake-recovery

The course is: concise, practical, and focused. You'll Gain the fundamentals and knowledge to transform live DJ mistakes into smooth recoveries with performance psychology and technical tools.

👋 Hey there, I'm Robert, I run a DJ blog called Learning To DJ which teaches the art and skill of DJing & musical influence (you can checkout my courses here: https://school.learningtodj.com/)

I also interview emerging, established and professional DJs on my podcast: Beyond The Decks. You can listen on 

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

via RSS

Hey everyone, new Beyond the Decks Podcast release EP4: 

In this episode of Beyond the Decks Robert catches up with Eko Electronic pioneer and member of the African Electronic Music experience trio Afrique Like Me, Razaq El Toro (aka. Razaq Onakoya). From his roots in Lagos, Nigeria to migrating to Toronto’s fast-pace nightlight scene, Razaq El Toro’s story highlights the power of authenticity, curiosity and openness in building a quality reputation as a DJ and performer. Razaq opens up about his journey, why he feels personal identity is essential to great DJing and how he thinks DJs can build a name for themselves in a competitive scene using niche appeal.

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln
RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

https://learningtodj.com/btd004-razaq-el-toro/ 

Hey everyone, new Beyond the Decks Podcast release EP3:

In this episode, Robert speaks with George Aponte, aaka Saliva Commandos, a veteran house music DJ and producer from the Bronx. They discuss:

• George’s upbringing in a Puerto Rican family, surrounded by his father’s guitar playing and the Bronx’s hip-hop scene.

• His DJ beginnings, buying turntables in 1986 after being inspired by neighborhood street jams.

• George’s artistic background in film production and graffiti, which influence his music.

• His key influences in hip-hop, house, and Latin freestyle.

George’s journey illustrates how cultural roots, diverse influences, and passion can shape a successful career in electronic music.

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln
RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

https://learningtodj.com/btd003-saliva-commandos/