Performing in front of hundreds, even thousands of people can be an exciting experience that stays with you for a lifetime. A steller DJ performance is also a great way to get noticed by new fans and impress people in the industry.
Just one great gig can be a launchpad from bedroom Djing to further and potentially new heights in your DJ career.
The Summary
In short, Practice makes perfect. And that also goes for top DJ tips preparation. Perfect practice preparing for a show properly and get yourself accustomed to good Djing habits. The better you are prepared for a gig the smoother it will go. Whilst you are at a gig always maintain a high standard of professionalism, DJ booth behavior, and respect for other DJ tips, venue workers, and, of course, the party go-ers.
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Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
Messing up a DJ tips performance in front of thousands of people can haunt you for ages.
Underperforming is not something you want to do during any DJ performance. Keeping that in mind, it is all the more important to always be fully prepared.
Getting a shot at a big night requires hard work and dedication to your craft and a large part of that is preparation and planning.
However, getting on local, smaller gigs can be far more manageable even if you have not yet made a big name for yourself or are just starting out.
Promoters are always looking to fill smaller side stages with up-and-coming DJs.
That is not to say that there is no competition in the lower ranks, but a great mixtape and an intriguing presentation, and stand-out networking can be enough to secure you a spot.
Of course, previous club experience and your name cropping up on the promoter’s social media news feed organically will increase your chances.
Your skill level of DJ performance should obviously be good DJ enough so you can step on any stage with confidence. Assuming that you already did the work and got your DJ gig locked in, let’s dive into how to make the experience as smooth as can be.
Confirm The Event Details
Once your gig has been confirmed, make sure that you get all the gig information all by email.
Some bigger events tend to be more complex in organizational terms compared to smaller club gigs.
You will find that some festivals are super organized, while other DJs can be a little all over the place.
And remember this, the person whom you confirmed the gig with will more than likely be too busy to answer you on the day of the event. Do not leave anything last minute, you have been warned.
You want a clear email containing what date you are enjoy playing, time slot, arena, payment details, accommodation and travel info, rider allocation, and whatever relevant event policies are to be adhered to.
Please also double-check your guest list information for any potential guest that you have coming. The last thing you want is for there to be an issue with a guest and for them to be left stranded at the door.
Especially if you are about to play! It’s a real headache.
It does happen regularly, so check!
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Equipment Riders and Hospitality
If you’re not a main or headline act it will be unlikely that the event organizers will bring in specialist equipment (outside of the standard stage DJ rig) for your DJ performance. If you DJ with specialized gear be expected to bring everything with you.
The fact of the matter is, the more prominent a DJ you become, the more sophisticated your equipment rider can be.
Please make sure well ahead of time that you are clear about what equipment will be available in the venue and the exact room you are performing in. I repeat, it is crucial to get this sorted well ahead of time.
Organizers should also send over information on what equipment will be available. If they haven’t, request it.
Chase this up, it is important.
If you have special DJ equipment needs, such as 1210 turntables, make those clear and ensure that you understand you may have to make additional setup arrangements yourself.
Again, please, DO NOT leave this all to the last minute.
Create a Personal Checklist
Creating a personal DJ checklist includes all the personal equipment you will need to bring in your DJ bag or backpack.
Make sure you get everything listed down that you will need for a DJ performance. And I mean everything.It is also advisable to arrange a soundcheck whenever it is possible.
Ask for at least ten minutes to check if your gear works, how the equipment is DJ set up, and to get an understanding of how the DJ booth feels.
A more detailed soundcheck is suggested if you plan to plug in any hardware of your own. Even if that means coming in at an earlier time – better safe than sorry!
Remember, be committed to DJ performance preparation. It could make all the difference.
Your checklist is there to count things out and back in again, so nothing is left either at home or at the venue.
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Drinks Hospitality Rider
Just a quick one about the notorious ‘drinks or hospitality rider’.
This can be pretty hit and miss at clubs and festivals.
You may find that the hospitality at one venue is insanely decent and the hospitality at another is next to non-existent. It really does depend on the event and promoter.
Again, just make sure that you ask the promoter if there will be drinks tokens/tickets provided.
These may be allocated on your arrival at the venue. If not ask the stage liaison manager to arrange it for you before your DJ performance.
Plan Your Set Properly
The most crucial thing before any gig is dialing in your DJ set preparation. This is critical out to play at one of your first ever DJ performances.
Ideally, you want to have a basic sense of what your DJ sets will feel like, but also have options to veer off into if you are sensing that the crowd needs nurturing.
Prepare for a couple of scenarios, have additional transitional tracks, other genres library, and even simple drum tracks to fall back on if anything unexpected happens.
Check out who the DJ will be before you play to get an idea of what you have to transition out of.
The first three tracks should be well thought out, as that will be your introduction to the crowd.
After that, you need to relax into it and it is up to you to read the people and decide what tracks might work out best.
Be Prepared to be Spontaneous
It is not unusual to plan a DJ performance one way and for things to make an immediate turn at the drop of a hat.
Or hi-hat…did you see what I just did then?
The most important thing is to have tracks that are so good they deliver in any scenario, that is half the job done.
Be sure to organize your music library as efficiently as possible.
If your tracks selection is outstanding and your DJ mixing is at least decent, that can already make for a superb show. Always avoid big hits, anthems, classics, and “pulling out the big guns” if you are warming the crowd up.
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Don’t Over Complicate Things
Don’t overdo the mixing tricks or scratching! Simple discover things done smoothly can make for a quality DJ performance, just keep it very real to what you are about.
All in all, remember that people want to have a good time and get lost in a musical trance, not to judge your every knob twisting wizardry or DJ transitions.
Just ensure your DJ performance is as clean as can be.
They are not critics. Well, most people that is. Fellow DJs can be!
Connect With The Crowd
While playing, it can be overwhelming to focus on the whole crowd at once.
A great music DJ performance tip is to keep your attention on the sweet spot of the crowd, around the middle section.
Establish a good connection with the sweet spot, the mood will then spill over into the rest of the crowd.
Importantly, learn how to read the dancefloor crowds reaction.
See what works, see what kind of grooves make people move, and adjust your new track DJ sets selection to fit.
It is ok to keep your head dipped down locked into your decks, many do it, but there is something to be said about building a direct connection with the crowd you are entertaining. Once the DJ gets going, the mood becomes contagious, and the crowd responds.
In other words, try to be as present with the crowd as possible without overdoing it and losing focus.
Dress To Impress
Be sure to feel comfortable on stage and consider the temperature you will have to deal with. Playing a DJ sets onan open air Zrće Beach summer stage is a far cry from a DJ performance halfway up a mountainside in Switzerland!
Use your commons sense.
If you are confident, a subtle but unique outfit can make you stand out from other performers and keep you memorable/
That is purely optional.
It is up to you what you want to wear and how you want to come across before, during and after your DJ performance. It is important though, especially in the times of social media, a solid image can leave a lasting impression.
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Do. Not. Be. That. DJ.
We have all seen occasions when artists have arrived at a club with either no sleep, drunk, or with a right attitude on them.
Don’t be that DJ. You will lose bookings faster than you can say…”damaged goods”!
In short, misbehaving, being a liability or just being too wrecked to DJ is an additional headache for a promoter (and a big one!).
PLUS, and we’re talking social media again, everyone has a smartphone to record those embarrassing DJ performances or primadonna behavior moments.
Moments that are easily shared and can potentially last a great deal of time.
Be professional DJ. Get plenty of rest before the day of the show, hydrate, and eat well to be in top mental shape. Avoid getting too drunk before your DJ set – you want to be in full control.
After your DJ sets, it will be time to celebrate to your heart’s content…within reason of course!
We wish you all the luck with your next DJ performance, and savor those DJ moments!
After all, you’ve worked hard for it.
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