Last week, we caught up with DJ Monopoli – a Fit Radio DJ favorite and creator of his wildly popular workout cycling mixes on our ‘Spin’ workout station. But how exactly does he craft these perfect spinning mixes? He broke it all down for us here:
Q: How do you choose your music?
A: I tend to gravitate toward tracks that build into a really intense drop, but also have a very melodic breakdown. I also love digging for unique remixes of classic tracks.
Q: How does your mix formula help during Spin classes?
A: Every instructor likes to do things a little bit differently. The general formula consists of a warm up track (something relaxed that allows everyone to get their mind right as they begin to pedal and get warm), followed by something that’s very high energy to get everyone going. After that, I tend to mix it up. I love to use a variety of different genres and tempos to really keep people engaged. More focus on the music = less focus on how bad your legs are burning! And then I always try to end with a feel good track that leaves everyone in a positive state of mind.
Q: What do you think about when you put a spin mix together?
A: I really try to visualize myself being a part of the class so that I can determine which tracks will provide the boost riders need to keep pushing forward.
Q: What is most important element in a Spin mix?
A: ENERGY! Every track has to play its part in fueling the riders to keep going. A track’s energy can single-handedly provide that little extra push even when someone thinks they have nothing left. But with that, there must also be balance. People can’t cycle at full speed forever, so the music needs to provide that balance.
Q: What feature do you love about Fit Radio?
A: I LOVE having the ability to set my intervals and rest periods. I’m in the gym listening to Fit Radio daily, so setting my intervals really keeps me working at the pace I want to.
Q: What are the benefits being a Fit Radio DJ?
A: I really enjoy having the ability to interact with my listeners. Everyday I have new listeners reaching out via Twitter to let me know how much they enjoyed my mixes. That’s what it’s all about and Fit Radio provides that platform.
Learn more about DJ Monopoli and listen to his latest mixes here.