Tips for Opening DJs – Josh Wink, Hector Romero, Mike Huckaby, DJ Dan, Shiftee +

LINK TO FULL ARTICLE:  http://blog.dubspot.com/tips-for-opening-djs-josh-wink-hector-romero-mike-huckaby-dj-dan-shiftee/

"Once again we revisit one of our most popular discussions on the art of DJing. This time we’re focusing on the warm-up set, with advice  from some A-list professionals such as Josh Wink, Hector Romero, Mike Huckaby, DJ Dan, and DJ Shiftee. "

As a rule before any gig you should find out who is playing before and after you and always show up at least 1 hour early before your set. This not only enables you to feel the vibe of the room but make sure you do not repeat any tracks that the previous dj has played. Since you have an idea of what the dj is playing before you, pick a great track to transition and leave the next dj with a great starting place. Again, you will know what that dj will be playing so you can choose something that will be easy for them to flow into. This is just common respect for the crowd and the next dj. If you play an earlier set, make sure you play a set that is groovy and does not try and rinse the energy out of the room, especially when there is a headliner on after you. The key to a good dj is knowing how to pace the energy of the night. I guarantee you will get way more compliments if you play appropriately to your time slot. The one mistake I see up and coming dj’s do that is never cool is to bang the shit out of it before the headliner goes on—as if to impress that next dj. That is not cool. If you really want to impress the next dj and the crowd, play appropriately and sexy and let the night have a nice build. If you are in a headlining position, go crazy! Again though, make sure you leave the next dj with something they can flow out of. Lastly, be respectful of the space you are working in. Most booths are small so have consideration for where the next dj will be putting their gear. You can start moving your stuff a bit towards the last couple tracks in your set so the transition can be easier for them. Oh, and never play the headliner’s new big tune in your set. I know this seems like common sense but you’d be surprised as to how many times I’ve seen this happen. - Dj Dan

Feel out the room and crowd and play something appropriate. Don’t over plan and try to stick to a pre-planned set that is not appropriate to what’s actually happening.  Better yet, know what you’ve got as options to play and don’t plan at all!  Don’t play banging shit to an empty dancefloor while people are still filing in and getting their drinks. It’s called the warm up slot for a reason.  Know your role and fulfill it and you’ll be invited back. - Matt Shadetek

Ah the opening DJ set. To me it seems like a lost art form. Art form because it takes a special kind of DJ to handle a crowd that comes early to the club and not bore them but yet not bang it out like it’s 3am.  I feel that the opening DJ’s set is as crucial as is the prime time set. In my opinion you’re actually a good opening DJ if you can rock a 10 to 1am set and not really play any major hits! And it’s not impossible! There are loads of amazing tunes that work during those early hours, you just have to put the time in and find those gems that work. – Hector Romero