I've talked my way into being one of the DJs for my workplace's Christmas party.

I've never DJ'ed before but this typifies my attitude that if I crash and burn, who gives a shit as I'll have had a laugh and learnt something about it!

So, have my track list all sorted and learning via youtube about beat matching, phase-shifter, crossfader, et al.

SOFTWARE

But I want to pre-cut some songs before I turn up -- iTunes allows editing of track's start & stop times but doesn't give you an updated total playlist duration after you do this. What software is better than iTunes for that?

Also, any good software to do a virtual DJ deck to practice in advance? I downloaded DJ PRO but havent' been impressed with it's over-complex & dated interface.

Also, I want to splice in some a very brief vocal segment from a corporate video and overlay it onto a club anthem song -- in a repetitive bit -- for a subversive laugh. Hope it doesn't get me sacked! Ha-ha. What software is good for splicing together two songs and recording a new one? For this, I would turn up on the night with the new fusion song prerecorded.

Ideally with all the above I want it to work with AAC as well as MP3.

Any DJs out there -- Phil and more?

For easy dj'ing, you can give a try to traktor or virtual dj. Easier if hooked to some hardware though, like Hercules DJ Control MP3 E2 PC/Mac Virtual DJ 4780583: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments

Yeah, Virtual DJ does a lot of the mixing for you - good start if your beginner

I don't want to spend anything. This is very much a one-off gig (I think!)

That Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 Controller is £749 !!

ha-ha. I'll buy two. One spare in case the other one breaks.
Maybe three, will wear the third one on my head -- DJ peacocking?

BTW I'm only interested in software, as on the hardware side all DJ decks et al are provided on the night

I will check out the free/trail versions of Traktor andVirtual DJ

i hav 2 cdj 1000 u can buy

last night, our bar was closed off for an xmas do... for a housing association, i realised why mobile dj's are so bad mannered, people wont leave u alone, PUT SUM R&B on... THIS R AN B IS SHIT GOT ANY 60's..... WHERES MY SONG

was not worth £100 not one fuckin bit... id never ever mobile dj EVER

Thanks for your tips boys, the chance to be involved with DJ'ing last night was wicked, plus my creative "very brief vocal segment from a corporate video and overlay it onto a club anthem song -- in a repetitive bit -- for a subversive laugh" delivered well too, became a talking point after my set.

Doing DJ'ing was more difficult than I thought it would be (mismatch between Virtual DJ program's interface and real-life's four big slabs of hardware!) but I had someone nearby to query and ask my 101 questions.

I was stressing out at times as a lot of it was beyond me --- seemingly 1,000 dials when all I want is about five of them!

The night out was wicked and led to my follow up speil thread at http://www.puaforum.co.uk/consciousn...-joy-flow.html

it'd be wicked if any other amateur first-timer DJs / beginner DJs post their stories of those getting started nights on this post --- now or in the future.

Rebus