A New Compatibility Measure for Harmonic EDM Mixing

DJ track selection can benefit from software-generated recommendations that optimise harmonic transitions. Emerging techniques (such as Tonal Interval Vectors) enable the definition of new metrics for harmonic compatibility (HC) estimation that improve the performance of existing applications. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide the DJ with a new tool to improve his/her musical selections. We present a software package that can estimate the HC between digital music recordings, with a particular focus on modern dance music and the workflow of the DJ. The user must define a target track for which the calculation is to be made, and obtains the HC values expressed as a percentage with respect to each track in the music collection. The system also calculates a pitch transposition interval for each candidate track that, if applied, maximizes the HC with respect to the target track. Its graphical user interface allows the user to easily run it simultaneously with the DJ software of choice during live performances. The system, tested with musically experienced users, generates pitch transposition suggestions that improve mixes in 73.7% of cases.

Automated summary

This study presents a software package that can estimate harmonic compatibility between digital music recordings, aiming to improve the DJ's music selection. The system generates pitch transposition suggestions that improve mixes in 73.7% of cases, according to tests conducted with musically experienced users.