Being Unique

 

Use effects for live surprises. If you have a professional set-up and only cut from track to track with the crossfader and beatmix, that's just being lazy. All turntables and mixers have at least a few effects, and even the most basic setups nowadays have at least three. You have effects, so use them.

• You can get echo effects, loop buttons, sample record buttons in your set-up, so learn how to add them to your mixes and sets.
• All mixers have the equalizer knobs, so you can use these for things like cutting off the bass or removing everything except the vocal track.
• Experiment with every button on your mixer. Even the play/pause button can be used for things, and in the end however you choose to use these it will be all your personal DJ style.

 
 

Do more than play music. It's not all mixing tracks. You have to throw your entire self into the mix, using hand gestures to lead the crowd. A few hand waving movements go a long way, but you can utilize hand claps, fist pumps, and other movements to get the whole crowd moving along with the music.

• Move around. If a DJ seems to be digging what they're hearing, people will get on board. If you look like a scientist tweaking dials, people are likely to be intimidated. Make it seem like you're having fun.

Talk to the crowd. You're the master of ceremonies, so master that ceremony. Talk to people, field requests, chat up cute dancers, shout-out people's birthdays, ask if everyone's having a good time. Be the face of the party and facilitate the good vibes.

• It's also good to know when to shut up. Talking to a crowd can be cool, but no more than once an hour is a good rule of thumb. If you're talking between every song, you're ruining it.

Study the masters. Uniqueness is important, but it's not the most important thing about being a DJ. Playing a room is a craft. You can put your own spin on things, but it's also important to familiarize yourself with the great DJs of the past, to learn as much as you can about the footsteps you're walking in. This will make you a more humble, talented, and interesting DJ as you move forward.

Tips

• A couple of days before your set, practice.
• Don't be afraid to test new tracks, or even your own.
• Classic tracks work well.
• Read the crowd.
• Act like you have control over everyone on the dance floor because if you don't already know, you do.
• Add surprises and suspense to your mix.
• Change speed gradually.
• Use your effects.
• Get a feel for the club by going there beforehand and checking out other DJs who play there.
• Stick to remixes rather than original (every other dj will play this version) tracks.
• Be yourself, play what you want, what you like, however you want to. Be sure to stick to the organizer's guidelines.
• Keep your tracks at the same average time limit.
• Always try to mix your tracks.
• Keep going faster, rather than slowing down.
• Interact with the crowd.