Gig tips

[Brothulhu]

Sorry i this is the wrong forum but Ive seen other DJing threads here.

I'm doing a warmup set for my friend tomorrow in a small club, I have practiced loads and know roughly what tracks I want to play (I didnt want to have my set list set in stone) and I would really appreciate any tips on playing my first gig. Just maybe things you wish you knew before playing your first gig that could really help a newbie out

[wub]

• Pick your opening two tunes (assuming you've got the first set) and practice mixing between those over and over and over until you get it perfect every time. It'll help your confidence massively if you can properly nail the first mix.
• Keep an eye on the dancefloor. If it starts filling up with a couple of people, try playing a slightly steppier tune. If they stay dancing, take it from there. If they leave, bring it back down.
• Try and make eye contact with people whenever possible. Don't start intently, just a brief look and a smile to acknowledge that they're there.
• Get there a bit before doors open if you can to go through the mixer & booth setup to make sure you know how everything works.
• If you've got a mix you've done recently that is good enough to give out, burn off a few copies (5-10) to take with you. Label the CD clearly with your name & contact details, and if it's got a sleeve consider making a little insert with contact details (again) and a tracklist
• Don't get too pissed/stoned/wasted before or during your set. General rule is no more than 3 beers or 2 spirit mixers in an hour; any nerves you're having will compound the effects of the alcohol and then you risk embarassing yourself.
• If people ask for requests and it's a shit tune or doesn't fit in with what you're playing, a polite "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I haven't got that with me tonight" works wonders.
• Unless the promoter is also DJing and is on straight after you, find him once your set is over and ask him how he thought it went in terms of tunes etc. Take on board any comments he gives, be they negative or positive, and then if you're up to it, tell him you'll get another mix over to him in a week or two. Obviously don't massively compromise your sound if he tells you to play something far removed from what you like, but a little leeway is never a bad thing.
• Chat to the other DJs after their sets (not before or during, obv.), general chit chat stuff, ask them if they've got any mixes online etc etc. Network, basically.
• Once you're done, if there are people on the dancefloor that were feeling what you were doing, go up to them and ask them if they enjoyed it (don't be too over-the-top), and if they say yes offer them a CD.
• Finally, pick up as many flyers in the venue as you can that have your name on them. Always good to keep a stack of these whenever you play, so as you go along you can build up a 'promo pack' of flyers (past, present & future) with your name on that can go with future mix CDs you give out

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, good luck and hope it goes well

[serox]

Dont fuck up!

Dont get drunk, wasted. I did and made a total fool of myself in front of too many people. Remember everyone makes mistakes, its how quick you fix them is what matters;)

Hf!

[Brothulhu]

Wow thanks for the fast replies guys. Great tips wub, thank you. If all goes well tomorrow I'll try to do the pre-recorded mix CDs next time and I think I'll stick to water and energy drink before/during my set and get wasted after

Remember everyone makes mistakes, its how quick you fix them is what matters;)

Was actually practising this earlier. Intentionally starting the next track really late and wheeling it up to catch up. I also practised beatmashing a build up with the current song and drop the next one in straight after it at the drop. Doesnt sound as good as mixing them properly but it seems to work if I completely mess up

[impega]

Dont fuck up!

Dont get drunk, wasted. I did and made a total fool of myself in front of too many people. Remember everyone makes mistakes, its how quick you fix them is what matters;)

Hf!

True that! One of the most gutting things I did was get wasted before a gig I'd practive v. hard for - let myself down in front of one of the biggest crowds I've ever played for

*Edit - Oh P.s. what I found works/worked for me with early gigs was sitting down with a pen and pad afterwards and listing what went well, what didn't go well and what lessons I'd learned that night. Sounds a lil nerdy I guess but that reflective approach really helps me to analyse and improve my performance.

[Kronickz]

Dont over think what you are doing! Seems like when i try to DJ and focus on what i am doing i over think everything and that causes my nerves to go up and make little mistakes. Thank god for traktor and how it syncs on the bar. A couple time when i reached over to type something my hand clipped the pad and clicked on the song earlier in the drop..... I noticed but for the most part it sounded clean and just made the drop play longer haha

[hutyluty]

if youre the warm up dj dont play bangers wall to wall, only right at the end..

[Brothulhu]

*Edit - Oh P.s. what I found works/worked for me with early gigs was sitting down with a pen and pad afterwards and listing what went well, what didn't go well and what lessons I'd learned that night. Sounds a lil nerdy I guess but that reflective approach really helps me to analyse and improve my performance.

Was planning to do this

[mikeyp]

know your following act's style and try to finish your set with something similar to get everyone in the mood for it. it'll make both you and them look better.
not sure what you're going to be using but double hell even triple check you have all your music and everything will be in working order. my first time i made new cds just like two hours before the party and when i got there i realized they all fucked up and only put the first song on each cd. that was a disaster. don't make that mistake.

you mentioned an energy drink.. i'd suggest against that. you will be nervous before, it'll be natural. an energy drink will only make you more shakey and uppity and nervous.
don't get drunk, but a beer or two or a nice shot before to calm your nerves won't hurt.

[Brothulhu]

Just back. Wasn't very busy, the club owner was a bit of a dick (complained about the tunes) but I had fun and I got paid! Wasn't expecting to get handed £20 at the end also we were allowed free drinks.

Cheers for the help all

[bl0rg]

have your bpm's set and for god sakes mix in key lol.

[Brothulhu]

Just got asked to play another gig in a bigger venue with the same people. Really thankful for the tips all!

[Anne Droid]

what did he say bout the music??

congrats btw

[Brothulhu]

what did he say bout the music??

Just general complaints, I dont think he knew what dubstep was before hand. Expected us to be playing David Guetta and Swedish Hosue Mafia or w/e.

There was a random guy that kept asking us for faster music too so we went up from dubstep to drumstep and then to dnb but he still wanted faster, shame I had no speedcore on my laptop...