When becoming a DJ, there are a lot of different terms and phrases you’re going to have to learn. One of these is a particularly common and interesting term, and that is “DJ set”. If you were to ask most beginner DJs, they’d probably look at you completely confused.
Let’s clear this up.
Firstly, it is not referring to your DJ equipment set up at home. That is completely different.
So, what does DJ set mean then? A DJ set generally refers to the time slot or moment when a DJ mixes music in front of a live crowd.
Also, if a flyer read “DJ set” with an artist’s name next to it, this would mean that they would be performing pre-recorded tracks during their “DJ set” rather than mixing the music live or while playing as part of a larger musical group or band.
A good example of this would be the band Faithless. They originally found fame as a live band delivering some of the most iconic electronic music tracks of all time, most of which they wrote themselves in the studio. Today, some of the band members, Sister Bliss, regularly perform “DJ sets” playing a series of popular house tracks mixed with Faithless tracks.
Because DJ performances are hardly simply affairs, often with a ton of different factors that go into how and what a DJ does, it is normal for a DJ to mix tracks that others have already found enjoyable.
After all, one of the best things a DJ could hear, after spending the past several hours mixing is, “Great set!” So why not lock that performance down and play it a few times where everything needs to be perfect?
In this overview of a DJ set, we’ll get into what a DJ set is in more detail as well as what the different types of DJ set you are most likely to hear or come across.
What Is A DJ Set?
A DJ set is essentially meant as a reference for a specific slot for when a DJ will be performing. In the DJ vernacular, there are a variety of different sets that can be referenced – from traditional sets, to live sets, to B2B sets. The best way to look at a set is in terms of general music performances.
As a band performs, they are usually required to provide something known as a “setlist” before showing up at the venue. A setlist goes over all of the songs that the band will perform throughout their specific time slot. Generally, everything is agreed upon before the act, as the band will need to rehearse as well as make sure every potential change or break in the instruments has been noted and accounted for.
A DJ set refers to a musical performance inside a club or other venue. For those that are new to the club scene, understanding the different acts that may come up throughout the night, and why one set is called one thing and another set is called something else, is incredibly important.
What Does It Mean If “DJ Set” is Next To An Artist’s Name?
If the term “DJ set” is put next to a musician’s name, it’s not there by accident. By writing “DJ set”, the venue is making it clear to the audience that the performer will be enacting an entirely different performance rather than what they are most known for. The “DJ set” reference can be for either a solo artist to a large-scale band.
The “DJ set” technique is often used by event promoters in particular, as it works to get a high-profile name on the bill while at a fraction of what it would cost to bring them in. As promoter costs can be quite significant to bring in leading act live, many contend with a DJ set, which is all-around a less expensive scenario.
It’s often much cheaper and far more convenient to set up DJ gear than it is live musical equipment.
What Is A DJ Lineup?
If you were to collect all of the DJs that were performing in a single night, that would be known as what’s called a “DJ lineup”. As an example, if DJ JD was performing alongside John Jacob, with JD performing a four-hour set while JJ opened for him with a two-hour set, that would be known as a “DJ lineup” (or just “lineup” for short).
What Is A Set Time?
A set time refers to a specific time where a DJ performance is “set” to play. What plays during this time is entirely up to the performer and can often be regarded as offering the performer a fair amount of creative freedom, either to plan out everything likely to play out, or to just go along with everything that’s currently happening, following what the crowd most responds to.
Different Types Of DJ Sets
As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of different DJ sets terms, each with its way of operating, these include the following:
- Traditional Sets
- Live Sets
- Hybrid Sets
- B2B Sets
Traditional Sets
A traditional DJ set is generally what people think of when they think of DJ sets in general. When it comes to traditional DJ sets, these are done when the DJ decides to play music or tracks within their library. These tracks can be within their digital library, a vinyl library collection, or from both areas. All of this music has already been recorded, and they are making selections during the set.
When people hear what a traditional DJ set is, they tend to believe that it’s easy.
It isn’t.
The reality is that, despite using a pre-recorded selection of music in your set, you’re going to need to have musical skills, a deep understanding of what music flows together best, as well as the right decision-making process when performing on the spot, gauging your crowd’s reactions.
Live Sets
Live sets are very different from traditional DJ sets. A live DJ set is when the set is specifically labeled as being “live”. At this time, the DJ or music producer will create their music from behind the scenes in the DJ booth. There, when a DJ is playing, other instruments and DJ equipment will typically be used when creating a standard musical set.
A live set is a great way to show off a DJ’s skills as they are essentially putting music together right on the spot for the crowd’s enjoyment. Performers that do this are generally at the top of their game, as they’re quite literally required to deal with the incredible mental strain that comes from performing at a constant level for hours on end.
Hybrid Sets
Next are hybrid DJ sets. Hybrid sets are performed when a DJ uses a standard controller alongside a mixer and several additional features. These features could include an instrument, such as a drum machine or a guitar set.
Many of the foremost techno DJs, such as Richie Hawtin, will often use either a remixer or an additional synth to add in some of their previous sounds and place them on their track. This ultimately creates a freestyle effect that is both creative as well as energetic.
B2B Sets
B2B sets are pretty cool as they refer to two different DJs playing their set times together with one another. Generally, this is done by a lot of duo DJ setups, like the Martinez Brothers and Layo & Bushwacka! These DJ duos are well known for playing their sets together, switching tracks between one another.
These sets are particularly awesome, as you can create some compelling performances as the two different artists may have wildly different play styles and techniques that may normally clash against each other. When in a B2B set, however, these two sets can potentially make something truly spectacular, as they have no choice but to flow alongside each other.
How You Should Plan Your DJ Set
When setting up for your next gig or event, you will see that you have a time slot presented for you. This is your “set time” and it is meant to prematurely mix all music that you want to be included in your set at that time.
Some DJs will pre-record their entire sets while others will just decide what types of music they’ll include in their performance, mixing once they get in front of their audience. On the other end of the spectrum, some DJs completely ignore the set time offered and instead just perform live.
While it is easy to argue why your method of setting is the best, it ultimately is determined by the DJ and their personalized preference. All styles are and methods are useful in their way and simply require careful practices and precise planning if you want your event to be something that people walk away remembering.
How Do Streamed Sets Factor?
Since the onset of the current global pandemic, many DJs have found a niche in the DJ streaming field, playing entirely at home with their crowd being online. While it may seem obvious, a set is a set regardless of how many people are viewing it or where they are viewing it from. As such, “streamed DJ sets” are simply regular sets that are performed online through streaming software.
Which DJ Set Is Most Popular?
When it comes to which DJ set is the best, the reality is that each has its strengths and weaknesses. while also all requiring a tremendous amount of practice, skill, and energy to perform. As mentioned earlier, it’s understandable to have a personal preference, but it’s virtually impossible to say which is objectively the best of the group. It all depends on what you are interested in as well as how the crowd is likely to best respond for that time.
What Does DJ Set Mean? Summary
So, have we answered the question, what does DJ set mean? As a general term, it may seem difficult to understand at the outset, however when broken down and properly taken a look at, it becomes much less complex. By understanding what a DJ set is, and more importantly, understanding which type of DJ set resonates with you, you can go about creating some legitimately amazing musical performances.
If you’re just starting, consider practicing with all four to see how they all feel. From there, perform in a small group and gauge the crowd. Are they responding? Are you feeling like you’re getting to them? Or are they dozing off and focusing more on their phones? Knowing these things, knowing how to correct them, and finding the perfect DJ set to prevent the issue from ever arising are all the key markers of a top-tier DJ. Practice, practice, and practice some more, and you’ll have some sold-out sets to your name in no time.
