I believe what makes a great DJ is a DJ who cares, therefore when it comes to taking DJ song requests, you should always try your best to squeeze them in so long as they are appropriate. Besides, taking requests can sometimes be really helpful if you are trying to work out the crowd.
Can a DJ take a song request?
A: Yes, many DJs are open to taking song requests from the audience. However, whether a DJ can fulfill a request depends on several factors, such as the genre, the appropriateness for the event, and their own expertise.
How do DJs handle requests?
A: DJs handle requests by assessing the appropriateness of the request for the current mood and atmosphere of the event. They consider factors such as the genre, tempo, and energy level of the requested song, as well as the preferences of the audience.
Say No. It’s your set, so unless you’ve agreed to take requests prior, you’ve got every right to say no. This is especially true if you’re DJing at a club, bar, or similar venue. Although you might want to change your stance if the bride at the wedding you’re playing is requesting the next song.
What should you do when a DJ arrives?
Do: Pack up your equipment by the time the next DJ arrives so they can start their set as scheduled. Do: Respect a manager or event planner’s requests. If the manager asks for songs by very famous artists or asks you to turn down the volume, you should do so. Do: Handle errors gracefully.
What etiquette should a DJ have?
As a DJ, you are going to get song requests. It should be an expected part of the job. But you need to know how to handle them with the right etiquette. Here are a few tips: Always be friendly. The friendlier you are, the happier the crowd will be. The happy guests are also likely to talk to the staff about your awesome behavior.
What not to ask a DJ?
DJs have one goal: keep everyone having a good time. Approaching the DJ to take more time than it takes to request a song, takes their focus off the party and the whole party can suffer. Requests are great, but ask about their life story after the party.
What questions should you ask a wedding DJ?
This is one of the best questions to ask your wedding DJ because it separates the pros from the rookies. See what their techniques are for keeping energy levels high—perhaps they have a go-to song that always gets everyone moving, or maybe they like to interact with the crowd to keep them engaged.
What should you not do if you are an opening DJ?
If you are an opening DJ, don’t play all the hits and most popular songs because it will leave the headlining DJ with fewer songs to work with. Don’t: Accept bribes to play certain songs. Word can get around, and you may lose credibility as a DJ. Don’t: Abuse a venue’s DJ gear.
What are the best tips for DJing etiquette?
Knowing these top 20 tips for DJing etiquette can help you be more successful as a DJ while also allowing you to gain respect in the industry. The most important things to remember are that you never want to set your equipment up during someone else’s set, always be available, and don’t overdo it with the drinks.
What questions should you ask a DJ before signing a contract?
Before you sign any written contracts, you’ll want to learn more about the potential DJ who may preside over your event. Start by asking about their performance style and their experience as an artist. “Ask questions like, ‘Do you have nightclub experience?’ and ‘What’s your mixing style?”” suggests New York-based DJ Nicole Otero.
Why don’t DJs take requests?
They don’t take requests because they have the format & plan to follow. It is the customers job to find the right place that fits them. Remember these dj’s are people too, To be rude & yell at them because you think you know better is not the right idea.
Why should you avoid DJ mistakes?
Avoiding these mistakes will get you a better name as a DJ, you’ll progress faster, and you’ll keep clubbers and club owners happy. As you’re learning to DJ, mistakes can, and very often do happen. DJ mistakes are common at the beginning, but the only way to progress in this industry is to realise our mistakes and to learn from them.
What if someone asks you to DJ at a house party?
Well, if someone asks you to dj at a house party you probably will be the only person responsible for the music playing. This means that you’ll have to prepare an adequate party playlist, learn how to move between the songs in appropriate way and that you will most probably have to manage people requests during the party.
How do you say no to a DJ?
You can be honest and explain that the song just doesn’t fit with the moment. Give them a shred of hope and tell them you’ll try to fit it in later.
What should you do if a DJ doesn’t play a song?
If they are dancing, keep playing the song. If they are leaving the dance floor, switch to something different. Don’t just play what you want to hear. Do: Pay attention to both your DJing and the crowd during your gig. Look engaged. Don’t spend too much time on your phone or talking to your friends.
What should you not do while DJing?
Don’t: Comment on anyone’s appearance or behavior while emceeing or while in the booth. Don’t: Drink excessively or do drugs while DJing. It won’t necessarily loosen up your performance; instead, it will make you sloppy. Additionally, you may lose respect from the client or venue manager or do something you’d regret.
Should a DJ Play All songs at the start of a set?
Don’t: Play all the hits and most popular songs at the beginning of the set. If you are an opening DJ, don’t play all the hits and most popular songs because it will leave the headlining DJ with fewer songs to work with. Don’t: Accept bribes to play certain songs. Word can get around, and you may lose credibility as a DJ.
How do you make a good DJ?
Watch/listen to as many sets in your tastes as you can, and take notes. Come back in a month and take more notes. When you find something cool, mark it down and try to repeat it later. Today’s DJ software will function surprisingly well on its own, even without using dedicated hardware (like a controller).
Can you become a DJ with no experience?
To become a DJ you really just need a little bit of equipment and a bit of musical understanding. Since you do like to have a non-stop mix and want people to listen to a flawless mix, you also have to train and get some knowledge about what type of tracks would generally work together.
How to become a good DJ?
Recognize that you will be doing it throughout your entire career. For example, if you are to stay on the cutting edge, then you’ll need to be researching and discovering new music and artists constantly. Also, if you are producing, or even just DJing, then technology is changing and evolving super fast.
Is DJing a fun job?
Enjoy! DJing can be the most fun job in the world. The crowd can tell when a DJ is truly in the zone, and they love it. Let yourself have fun, check your ego, follow your heart, and constantly learn how to better your technique. If you do that, you can’t go wrong.
What are the pros and cons of being a DJ?
Browse available jobs for DJs. As a DJ, you have the power to control the energy and mood of a room full of people through music. It can be a thrilling experience to see a crowd dancing and enjoying the music you are playing. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider:
Can a DJ become a superstar?
Here’s the reality-check: many people become DJs, but few become superstars. You need to be insanely talented, lucky, or both. You have to hustle, you have to love it, and you have to work on it even when it sucks. Don’t count on success, if your sole purpose is to get rich and famous. That’s not to say you can’t make money, or build a following.
How much should a DJ talk?
An ideal DJ will talk as much as necessary to enhance the event. They are there when you need them to be and invisible when you don’t. Some rules of thumb to help you know where to find the balance may be helpful here. There’s no need for an event DJ to announce the title and artist to every song they play.
How much does a DJ cost?
Pay for beginner DJs at bars and clubs tends to start in the region of $100-$150 per night. While private parties and weddings pay better, typically between $200-$500, it’s still unlikely to earn you enough to live on. And being a DJ is expensive, too. This is my small setup for when I occasionally do mobile gigs. DJ kit is very expensive.
How many DJ speakers do I Need?
Generally one DJ speaker is suitable for small rooms, for a small crowd and for less than 100 guests. Whereas we recommend using a pair of speakers for a larger space and/or more than 100 guests. Two speakers should suffice for most events, including school dances, proms, weddings and other midsize parties.
What should you look for when hiring a DJ?
One thing you should look out for is how well the DJ mixes different songs. A good DJ will be able to seamlessly transition from one song to the next without it being distracting or out of place. Also, a good DJ will be able to read the crowd and play the music that people will enjoy.
Do DJs have to talk?
When DJs talk, they can engage in conversation with their audience and keep them entertained. Plus, talking can help keep energy levels high and create a festive atmosphere. However, DJs don’t have to talk if they don’t feel comfortable doing so – some DJs prefer to let their music speak for itself.
Can introverts become DJs?
And with preparation, picking your gigs correctly (smaller is good), and judicious use of the headphones (they make an excellent “barrier”), introvert DJs can put themselves in the position where the magic is likely to happen… and once the music and the vibe takes over, well, we all know the feeling that comes next.
Can radio DJs play any song?
As long as either the DJ and / or venue holds a blanket license, they can play any song. The only exception to that is if the DJ is playing ON THE AIR. The FCC rules then come into play. Those rules prevent songs with bad language from being played on the air.
Do DJs make their own music?
Some DJs, however, produce music and DJ with their own music, but also DJ with other people’s music. A lot of music producers started their careers as a DJ, like DJ Tiesto and Martin Garrix, but are now famous for their music producing talent. How
Do DJs have a license?
The simple answer/reason is: DJs don’t have the license to share, post, broadcast, or stream the music comprised in the DJ mix they created. When a DJ spins at a nightclub/venue, it’s incumbent on the venue to make sure they have a license for public performance. This license, in the United States, is acquired from the PROs.
Why are DJs not allowed to share their mixes?
With these explanations in hand, we can move forward and explain why DJs aren’t “allowed” to post, stream, or share their mixes. The simple answer/reason is: DJs don’t have the license to share, post, broadcast, or stream the music comprised in the DJ mix they created.
Where do DJs get free music?
There are places where DJs go to find free music. Like there are record pools where you’ll have to pay a monthly fee, there are also record pools where it’s free to register and download songs. Some DJs choose to get free music from ripping music from youtube videos.
How do DJs make it big?
One of the best ways to get your name out there and put a flag in the dance music sand is to produce your own music. All the biggest headliners in the last 10 years have a production credit to their name, and often the reason they are able to tour is because people know their songs.
How much does it cost to become a DJ?
If you want to become a Dj, you have to spend a lot of time learning how to DJ. It will cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars to get better at being a DJ. Top DJs use them to improve their skills. Consider becoming a mobile DJ! Mobile DJs make a decent amount of money, and mobile DJs make their money from home!
How do a-list DJs make money?
A-list DJs make money from several ways, including paid sponsorships, live events, appearances, and more. It’s not unusual for a top-tier DJ to make over 5 million dollars net profit over a year, with the best artists making over 10 million. Below I provide a list of the highest-grossing DJs of the last few years.
Can a beginner DJ make a living?
Beginner DJs earnings playing at a bar, pub or small local club. Playing wedding and mobile gigs can provide DJs with a half decent living. These kind of gigs require a DJ who is able to read a dancefloor well and have a varied music selection to cater for diverse crowds.
Do DJs get tips?
Tips can really help a DJ make more money per show! However, most DJs who play in clubs get paid per night, so they won’t get tips unless there is a tip jar or some other way for people to pay them. When club DJs are hired for big events, their pay is usually worked out with the clients before the event. Do you make good music?
Do DJs usually bring their own speakers?
DJs need their own speakers if they want to be able to practice DJing from home or if they’re a mobile DJ who ‘comes with their own kit’. Otherwise, they don’t necessarily need their own speakers at all. If you’re booked to play a DJ gig at a club you can expect to use their in-house equipment.
Do DJ speakers matter?
When it comes to DJ speakers, size does matter. The larger the speaker, the more bass it will be able to produce. However, you also need to consider the size of the venue you’re playing. If you’re a mobile DJ playing smaller gigs, then you might not need speakers that are too big.
Do you need speakers for a club DJ?
If you’re a club DJ, then you’ll need speakers that are powerful and can handle a lot of bass (although you’re not likely going to need to supply your own speakers for a club). However, if you’re a mobile DJ, then you might not need as much power. You’ll also want to think about how big your venue is.
Do you need a subwoofer for a DJ?
Passive speakers, on the other hand, require an external amplifier. If you’re just starting out, then active speakers are probably the way to go. They’re less expensive and easier to use. However, if you’re an experienced DJ, then you might prefer the flexibility of passive speakers. Do you need a separate subwoofer/s?
What equipment do you need to be a DJ?
If you want to be a DJ, you’ll need some equipment. The most important piece of equipment for a DJ is a set of turntables. Turntables allow you to play vinyl records, which is the traditional format for DJing. You’ll also need a mixer, which is used to control the volume of the music and transition between songs.
Why have a DJ at a party?
A professional DJ can do so much to make your event special and memorable – they can set the mood, keep things moving, and keep everyone entertained. Plus, they’re an affordable way to add value to your party without breaking the bank.
Why should you hire a DJ for a party event?
Below we seek to answer that question for you briefly and succinctly. DJs have always been the number one choice for party event entertainment, and rightly so! They provide the music to entertain the audience. Their vast array of music usually mean they can provide a very diverse selection and help to cater for the audience at hand.
Why do DJs play a lot of music?
They then play more of that music in order to keep the dancefloor as full as possible. They also take into consideration the type of event. For example, if it is an EDM night then they will play whatever style of EDM they are into, and what the crowd is enjoying.
Do DJs get paid?
This varies massively depending on the situation i.e the type of event, whether it is a corporate event or just for fun, and also the ability of the DJ. At house parties, for example, a DJ will often be playing just for fun and will not be being paid anything because there is no entrance fee being charged at the door.
How do I choose a good DJ for my event?
As you search for the perfect DJ for your event, keep these qualities in mind before choosing. Make sure your DJ has a good equipment set-up. They must have appropriate speakers and a powerful light show. A good DJ is positive and approachable with a passion for music. They have a strong social media presence and a professional attitude.
Should I DJ for free?
And to all my fellow professionals, and especially for those readers who are aspiring to become professional DJs, I ask you all to consider never “paying-to-play”, or (more commonly) playing for free just for the sake of “exposure”, when you are asked to DJ for a promoter or venue who is making money from your audience …
Are there free DJ software alternatives?
There are lots of expensive DJ software solutions on the market today, but for those of you who are just starting out, are on a limited budget or just want to DJ for fun, there are plenty of free DJ software alternatives available. I have listed the software in alphabetical order so as not to appear biased in any way.
How do I choose the best DJ software?
There are two ways to approach this – your choice of DJ software could be guided by having a specific controller you already own, or like the look of, or you could experiment with several applications and then choose a controller based on which application you get on best with. What is DVS?
How much money do I need to start DJing?
You don’t need to spend much money to get set up DJing and start making your own mixes, especially with the amount of powerful free DJ software out today. In fact, all you really need to make mixes is a computer, DJ software, some music files, and the passion to create!
What do you need to make a DJ mix?
In fact, all you really need to make mixes is a computer, DJ software, some music files, and the passion to create! This guide shows you the best free DJ software to get your mixing fingers on, and explains some other cool options!
Should you meet with DJ before booking?
You absolutely should meet your DJ at some point in time. Companies who employ multiple DJs (commonly referred to as “multi-ops”) usually won’t have their DJs “sell themselves” to clients before booking. (Otherwise, the DJs would just work for themselves).
What questions should you ask a wedding band or DJ?
Among the questions to ask a wedding band or DJ, this is a biggie. A wedding DJ will likely have a music collection you can browse through, while a band will have a list of songs they can perform. Ask if you can take a look—you want to make sure there’s a wide selection! Tip: some bands will be willing to learn a special song or two just for you.
Should you hire a DJ for a wedding?
Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, prom, or corporate event, hire a DJ to get your guests out on the dance floor. DJs can often serve as an emcee as well to inform your guests about activities and keep your event on schedule.
When should you rethink booking a band or DJ?
If the band or DJ is playing ’round the clock all weekend, their performance might suffer. If they’re going to be running on empty by the time they arrive at your reception, you might want to rethink booking them. Do you perform at more than one event in a day?
How long should a band or DJ be in business?
There’s no set amount of a time a band or DJ needs to be in business, but you should feel comfortable with the answer they give you. How many weddings have you played? A band or DJ may have a decade of paid performances under their belts, but birthdays and proms are very different than weddings.
How does a DJ control a crowd?
Fundamentally, the main skill of reading a crowd is so that the DJ can make sure they are playing the music they enjoy. Sometimes you are booked for a DJ gig and given a list of genres by the venue but when you actually start playing them the crowd just don’t react!
