Getting a gig as an up and coming DJ can be an exciting moment. It’s extremely important to ensure everything goes perfect. If it does, the odds of being asked to come back and perform again, or having a client spread the word about your show will increase tremendously. If it doesn’t, it could take some time to repair your reputation. That is why the following list of three tips to improve your live DJ performance are monumental. The tips are (in no particular order) as follows:
- Know The Audience
- Expect The Worst
- Practice
Know The Audience
Although every artist has their own unique style, there are minor changes that can be made in order to adapt to a crowd. Not everyone will like the same thing, and that’s okay. The key is being able to quickly identify when this has happened and seamlessly transition to something that is more appealing to the crowd in front of you. The best DJ’s in the business make this appear to be effortless, but in reality, it takes years of practice to master and execute perfectly.
Expect The Worst
No matter how much you plan for a show beforehand, the worst can still occur. Always have backup equipment ready in case of system failures, as well as a diverse set list in case the crowd isn’t quite into what is being played at the time. It’s also good practice to arrive at the venue hours before the actual show begins.
Practice
The single biggest and most important tip is quite obvious: practice. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a few close friends or alone in a room. Practicing as if a live show is being performed will make the real thing fell second nature. The truth about muscle memory of any kind is that it is predominantly in your head. The same is true for performing in front of a live audience.
There is no guarantee that a particular show will go off without a hitch. But, by employing some time tested techniques such as the ones listed above, the chances of your show being successful can be greatly increased. Being a DJ is an art, and without practicing and aiming to perfect that art, there is little to no chance of it ever improving.