Sure you can work on your mixing, looping and scratching, but are you thinking about the guests entire experience? How else can you really become a better DJ? How else can you get your name out there and book more jobs? One way is to make sure you are interacting with your guests! Become a better DJ, by being an interactive DJ.
What’s so great about being a DJ? People want to be around you! You are the person in charge of the music! So, don’t just stand behind your computer, or controller, with your head down – interact with your guests! I can’t tell you enough how this has helped me to book more and more jobs.
In this very short video, I am standing behind my DJ booth, yet I’m dancing with the audience. Most of the time, I even get out on the dance floor while playing sets. Why? I’ve been told numerous times by guests, “We love that you came out and danced with us!” What’s more? Sometimes guests want to dance, but they’re not familiar with the latest dances. So teach them! They’ll love you for it!
Starting out as a DJ assistant, I was hired to be the “first person on the dance floor”. I’m so glad now I started as a DJ assistant and not as a DJ right away because I learned this huge fact – most people want to dance, but they don’t want to be the first, and only person, on the dance floor. So sometimes you need to jump out there and get the party started yourself. This also makes you much more memorable as a DJ because people get to know you. You’re not just the guy, or gal, standing behind the table they never met.
Is it hard to run back and forth between the dance floor and the DJ booth during sets? Sometimes. This is why I prepare! I prepare tentative playlists before hand. This way, I set myself up for success. This doesn’t mean I don’t stray from these playlists when needed. I certainly do. Yet, being prepared gives me that extra time to get out there and meet the people. Even if you are a club DJ, give this a try next time you’re at an event and see what happens.
Coming up in the next few weeks? “How to Set Your EQ on a Self Powered Speaker” and “Are Self Powered (Active) or Regular Speakers (Passive) better for me?”
Hope you enjoy our video from the Warner Theatre Atrium in DC! Thanks to Bertos for another great video production! If you liked our video today please don’t forget to Get Shell Shocked and SUBSCRIBE! Thanks guys! DeeJay Shelly