Why I Love Mixing Across Genres

One of the greatest joys of being a DJ is the freedom to craft a journey—a sonic experience that unfolds over time and invites the audience to explore new musical landscapes. This is where mixing across genres becomes not just a technique but an art form.

I can fully realize this vision when I’m given complete control over a venue, especially in more intimate settings with audiences of 150 to 300 people. Unlike large clubs with tighter constraints, these smaller spaces allow me to develop a DJ set over hours, carefully constructing a narrative that evolves organically.

I usually begin with downtempo electronic music, which is melodic yet textured with bleeps and glitches and is often purely instrumental. This stage is about acclimating the audience, giving their ears and minds time to adjust to the unique soundscape I’ll be creating for the rest of the night. Slowly and gradually, I increase the tempo, moving into glitch IDM.

From there, I shift into a more prolonged phase of Organic, Melodic, Deep, and Progressive House. These genres provide the perfect balance: engaging enough to get bodies moving yet mellow enough to allow people to enjoy their drinks and conversations. This warm-up is essential, laying the foundation for what’s to come.

As the energy in the room builds, I transition to Electro House and then Electro, allowing the BPM to rise steadily. By now, the audience is more involved, and I carefully read the room, gauging when to push forward or pull back. Tech House and higher BPM tracks bring the energy to a peak, but I always leave space to pause, giving people a chance to catch their breath, grab a drink, or re-center themselves. These moments of respite are as crucial as the high-energy tracks—they keep the flow dynamic and ensure the audience can re-enter the groove when they’re ready.

Toward the end of the night, I shift into Bass House, Breakbeat, and even 140 tracks. The room is alive, and the audience is fully immersed. But my favorite moment of every set is the closing track. I love to end with a song that stands apart from the rest—not just musically, but in its message. Whether it’s a heartfelt farewell or a profound concept woven into the lyrics, I want to leave the audience with something meaningful to carry with them as they head home.

Mixing across genres isn’t just about variety; it’s about building an emotional and physical connection with the audience. Each transition is a conversation, each track a stepping stone on a shared journey. For me, there’s no greater reward than watching people lose themselves in the music and come away feeling like they’ve been part of something unique and unforgettable.