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DISCORD ANNOUNCMENT

CHAMPIONSHIP RULES

RECORDING TIPS

SUBMISSION LINK

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Following a special workshop held on Monday 22nd September, here is a list of the advice from Tsickle and Hapa.

Storyboarding a DJ Mix - Coach Hapa

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• Think in “Moments,” Not Just Songs:

  • Instead of planning your set as a sequence of tracks, identify key moments you want to create—such as a powerful intro, a surprising transition, or a climactic ending.
  • Build your set around these moments to ensure each part of your mix has impact.

• Visualize the Set Structure:

  • Use tools like post-it notes, a poster, or a visual map to lay out the flow of your set.
  • Mark where each moment, transition, or energy change will happen.
  • This helps you see the “story arc” of your mix at a glance.

• Plan the Journey:

  • Decide how you want to start (grab attention), what the high point or twist will be (middle), and how you want to end (leave a lasting impression).
  • Make sure there’s a logical and emotional progression, not just a random order of songs.

• Consider Visual and Audio Elements Together:

  • Think about how visuals (camera angles, back wall, stage presence) will align with the musical moments.
  • Storyboarding helps you coordinate these elements for maximum effect.

  Why is Storyboarding Important for a Short Mix?

  • Maximizes Impact: With only 5–7 minutes, every second matters. Storyboarding ensures you use your time efficiently and don’t waste moments on filler.
  • Creates a Memorable Experience: A well-structured story keeps the audience engaged and makes your mix stand out to judges.
  • Reduces Last-Minute Stress: Having a clear plan helps you stay focused during recording and reduces the risk of getting lost or improvising aimlessly.
  • Supports Creativity: By visualizing the whole set, you can spot opportunities for creative transitions, genre fusions, or visual effects that enhance your story.

  In summary, storyboarding is a powerful tool for crafting a short, compelling mix that feels intentional, engaging, and memorable—key qualities the judges are looking for in this competition.

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Hints & Tips

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To ensure your mix stands out and tells a compelling story in the open format competition, consider these strategies:

1. Be Creative with Song Selection and Transitions:
   • Don’t be afraid to blend genres, use wordplay, or defy expectations. Judges are looking for creativity and storytelling, not just technical skill. Think about how each track contributes to the overall story you want to tell.
2. Use Visuals and Stage Presence:
   • Make use of camera angles, back wall visuals, and your own stage presence to enhance the performance. Emote, interact with the camera, and use visuals that support your mix’s theme or mood.
3. Master the Equipment, but Don’t Overcomplicate:
   • Use the tools available in Tribe to their fullest, but don’t try to use everything at once. Sometimes, a simple but well-executed idea is more effective than a complicated routine.
4. Edit and Prepare Strategically:
   • It’s acceptable to edit tracks or create mashups in advance to streamline your performance. This can help you maximize impact within the short time limit.
5. Don’t Fear Imperfection:
   • Submit your mix even if it’s not “perfect.” Sometimes, the moments you think are mistakes can actually add character and appeal to your set.
6. Keep It Authentic:
   • Let your personality and unique style shine through. The judges are looking for someone who embodies what a VR DJ can be, not just technical perfection.

By combining these strategies, you’ll be able to craft a mix that is not only technically strong but also memorable and emotionally engaging for both judges and the audience. Good luck!

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FAQ’s

Equipment and Tools:

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• Q: What equipment can I use? Is it about the gear or how I use it?
  • A: You can use any equipment available in Tribe, but the focus is on how creatively and effectively you use it, not on the specific gear itself. Judges are interested in your ability to tell a story and express yourself with the tools at hand, rather than just technical prowess or expensive hardware.
• Q: Can I use external visuals or mixed reality (e.g., OBS, chroma key)?
  • A: No, all visuals must be created within Tribe. The goal is to keep the competition fair and focused on DJing skills, not on who can create the most elaborate external stage or effects. You can use the back wall and in-app visuals, but not outside software or overlays.
• Q: Can I use MIDI hardware or Tribe’s new MIDI functionality?
  • A: No, only the virtual equipment in Tribe is allowed. This ensures everyone has equal access to the same tools and keeps the competition focused on VR DJing.
• Q: What if I want to use a very stripped-down setup (e.g., just two vinyl decks and a crossfader)?
  • A: That’s allowed, but the competition encourages you to use the tools available to push creative boundaries. However, don’t overwhelm yourself—focus on what best tells your story. </aside>

Content and Rules:

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• Q: Are there restrictions on language or content in my mix?
  • A: Follow YouTube’s guidelines. The mix doesn’t have to be “clean,” but avoid anything offensive or over-the-top, as it could hurt your chances with the judges. Clean music is the “lowest common denominator” and allows your mix to be shared more widely, but some expletives are not an automatic disqualification.
• Q: Can I use only instrumentals?
  • A: Yes, instrumentals are allowed. However, vocals can help engage the audience, so consider a balance for maximum impact. </aside>

Recording and Editing:

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• Q: How long should the mix be, and is there flexibility on the time limit?
  • A: The target is 5–7 minutes. Slightly over 7 minutes is acceptable if justified, but anything over 10 minutes is not allowed.
• Q: What if my recording crashes or there’s a technical issue?
  • A: Since the mix is pre-recorded, you can re-record as many times as needed until you’re satisfied. Minor glitches (like a brief video dropout) won’t disqualify you. The focus is on the quality and creativity of your final submission.
• Q: Can I edit my audio or video after recording?
  • A: You can combine audio and video (e.g., sync a better audio recording with your video), but you cannot splice together different takes to fix mistakes. The performance should be a single, continuous take to reflect your real DJ skills. </aside>

Submission Process:

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• Q: How do I submit my entry?
  • A: Submit a link to your mix (preferably YouTube) via a Typeform link provided by the organizers. Alternatives like WeTransfer for video files are also accepted. The submission should be in by the end of September 30th, Pacific Time.
• Q: Can I submit more than one entry or replace my submission?
  • A: Generally, only one submission is allowed. If there are extraordinary circumstances (e.g., a major technical issue), contact the organizers directly for consideration. The intent is to avoid multiple versions and keep the process fair. </aside>

Judging and Criteria:

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• Q: What are the main judging criteria?
  • A: Judges will look at technical skill, creativity/storytelling, stage presence, and equipment utilization. The emphasis is on creativity and storytelling—how you use your skills and tools to create a memorable, engaging performance.
• Q: Does the level of difficulty of equipment used affect judging?
  • A: The competition encourages creative use of all available tools, but it’s not about fitting into traditional DMC standards. Use what best showcases your skills and creativity, but don’t feel pressured to use every feature if it doesn’t serve your story.
• Q: When will the winner be announced?
  • A: The winner will be announced on October 11th in Tokyo at the DMC World Finals. The winner may be notified slightly before the public announcement to capture their reaction. </aside>