Stepping into the thrilling realm of club DJing can be an exhilarating experience. However, it's important to navigate this path with caution, as new DJs often encounter common pitfalls that can hinder their progress. In this blog post, we will shed light on these mistakes, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help aspiring club DJs thrive in their craft.
1. Not Playing Enough Classics :
Many new DJs wrongfully believe that it is of the utmost importance to constantly play latest music. While it is great to play new songs and have a fresh collection of remixes & mashups, one should strike a balance by playing out enough classics that have withstood the test of time. No one can deny the power that a classic, time-tested song can deliver on the dance floor. Tracks like Jumma Chumma, Koi Kahe, Gasolina, I Gotta Feeling & many more are still a staple in my club sets. However, underground music scene is an exception to this rule. The reality is that a majority of people at most nightclubs are not nearly as involved in music as we DJs are. So make sure to always keep a folder of classic weapons ready & balance them out with latest music!
2. Not Reading the Crowd :
When starting as a club DJ, i would sometimes pass on playing time tested bangers to instead showcase all the exclusive remixes & mashups i had made & the new tracks i had found that week. The group of party goers who order bottle service at your Saturday night residency probably do not care about your exclusive new creations. They probably just want to hear Badshah's new song, and there is nothing wrong with that. So one needs to draw the line & perform a DJ set with empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of the person on the dance floor who works 40 hours a week and wants to get a bit loose at the club. For the majority of club DJs, we are there for the crowd, not the other way around.
3. Playing All The Best Tracks First :
Holding the audience on the dance floor is critical especially at a nightclub where people will come and go off the dancefloor often. So when you play out, it is tempting to do everything possible to keep the crowd’s attention at the start. But do not play all the bangers and floor fillers at the very beginning of your set. Create a flow & program a Dj set like a story. Always leave the crowd wanting for more when you've finished.
4. Drinking Too Much :
Alcohol is such a part of nightlife culture that it can be hard to abstain, but drinking at every gig would be an incredible health hazard if you're playing out 3-5 nights a week. Alcohol can have a dramatic effect on a DJ's:
* Ability to read the crowd and tell what they want
* Personal wellness & health
* Sense of timing (making it hard to beat match & doing ghoda gaadi transitions)
* Ability to communicate with crowd / promoters / club owners in a respectful manner