Top 5 DJ Do's & Dont's
I'd love to start this blog by sharing with you, that if you didn't already know, I started DJ-ing when I was 8 years old. So you can trust me when I say, I've been to many parties, celebrated many events with many different cultures, age groups and backgrounds. I have experienced great nights, bad nights and embarassing nights behind the turntables.
Oh, you thought it was easy huh! Just pick a few upbeat tunes and PRESTO you get the crowd moving. Things always look a little easier on the other side of the dance floor. On that note, here are my top five Do's and Don'ts when choosing the music for your next event!
1. PAY ATTENTION TO THE CROWD!
So you have the crowd moving and grooving, you see them laughing and grabbing their partners...GREAT JOB! But now you get the sudden itch to just switch up the flow, change the genre, make it interesting. I know the feeling. Sometimes there's a song you just love that you want to hear...but please before you do...just take a look at your guests. If they are enjoying themselves don't go to drastic just yet. I remember playing 50 cent's "In Da Club" at one party we hosted, and the crowd was loving it. Then for some strange crazy reason ( I love risks!) I decided to play...(oh gosh)..."Return of the Mack".
*Blushing*
Let's just say I cleared the dancefloor in 15 seconds...not so smooth there, mack!
2. HAPPY DAYS MEANS HAPPY SONGS!
Here's a little rule of thumb. Never play a depressing song at a generally happy event. For instance, when hosting a wedding never play a break up song, no matter how popular it may be. Tears on the dancefloor...not a good bad combo!
3. SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN (Clean)
You never know who will end up at a party. I've had crowds with ages ranging from young children to 70 years and up, so just to be safe, always have some clean edited music. You don't want to offend grandma and grandpa at the wedding, or the head VP at a corporate function!
4. BE CREATIVE...HAVE A LITTLE FUN WHY DON'T YA!
DJs are musical mixing magicians! You gotta bring a little magic to every event, something that's unique and adds a little style to how you mix. Add a live remix. Add a little scratch here and there. Show off your creative side, in moderation of course!
5. DON'T CUT!
Some songs are just too epic to cut quickly. When that hit song comes on and the crowd is all excited, just let it play out so they can enjoy the words and the beat. This will keep the energy in the room flowing, and hey it's a hit song so you can jam a little too!
At the end of the day playing music is an art, and no two DJs styles are alike. My overall suggestion, make it real to you and it will be real to your crowd!