Gather your arsenal of techno music. If you currently have little or no techno music and you are looking for a cost-effective way to build your collection, Applegate recommends downloading a freeware or shareware DJ software program. You can also purchase a subscription to a music download company and download techno MP3 or WAV files.
Mix your music. If you downloaded a DJ software program, you can use the virtual mixer that comes with most programs to replicate the mixing process. If not, Applegate recommends plugging a traditional mixer into your home stereo system and/or computer.
Experiment with mixing different songs. According to Applegate, the basic concept of mixing techno music is to matching the tempo of one song to the tempo of another. This is done by adjusting the speed of one track with a pitch controller to match the BPM (beats per minute) of the other track while using the crossfader on a mixer to fade between the two. Depending on the song, tracks can also be mixed with simple, subtle fades, a technique that's similar to that of a traditional radio DJ.
Save mixes that work well in a specific file so you can find them easily. Applegate recommends burning these mixes on CD-Rs as backup before playing a show in order to keep things flowing and avoid hiccups in your performance.
Call small clubs and offer to DJ for free one or two nights a week in order to gather a following and refine your craft, suggests Applegate. Once you have some experience, you can apply for DJ positions with larger, paying venues.