It’s possible that when you initially consider becoming a DJ, you’ll believe it’s all fun and games. You get to turn up the volume with some amazing music and amaze the audience. Being a DJ is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work. Etiquette is one thing you never want to skimp on. But how would you be able to know the DJ etiquette guidelines if nobody told you?
DJ etiquette is primarily something that is learned. In addition to knowing exactly what to do, experienced DJs also know what to avoid doing. The etiquette guidelines have never been codified—until now. These pointers will make your time as a professional DJ easier and more fruitful.
Be accessible
We cannot emphasize this enough: you must always be available. You will frequently receive an emergency call for a gig that is scheduled for that evening. Even a call from a club owner requesting a meeting within the hour is possible. Whatever the call may be, you must be prepared to leave everything behind and go to the area whether there is mixing or not.
Simply said, if they can’t reach you, they’ll hang up and probably never call back. The unpleasant truth is that. People desire a person who can meet their immediate demands and is available. It will be done by someone else if you can’t. Take advantage of early time slots without hesitation.
Don’t overindulge and don’t anticipate receiving drinks
When DJing, many people anticipate beverages. That is not completely unusual. In fact, many clubs will provide the DJ with a couple beers for each set. Naturally, you shouldn’t anticipate too many. Every club will have a specific number of complimentary drinks, although most won’t provide more than three or four. After all, they don’t want you to behave carelessly or be injured at work.
In addition to not expecting excessive amounts of free beverages, you should abstain from excessive drinking altogether. Keep in mind that you work as a DJ. You are working while your set is playing. Being intoxicated while performing will not only be unprofessional, but who knows what can occur. You can wind up losing your balance and damaging your tools.
One DJ I’ve seen play a set was so inebriated that he mixed in the same house track twice, making it play for roughly 10 minutes total. The DJ most likely had other drugs in addition to booze.
It’s typically advised to refrain from doing so, especially when you’re performing your first few shows. You want to get off to the greatest possible start despite your inevitable nervousness. You won’t advance very far in the industry by getting wasted. As your confidence grows, having a few drinks during the evening is acceptable.
- Recognize the Song Request Guidelines
- You will receive song requests as a DJ. It ought to be a given component of the job. But you must be aware of the proper manners to use when dealing with them. Here are some pointers:
- Always be cordial. The crowd will be happy the friendlier you are. The delighted customers would probably brag to the workers about your fantastic conduct. This gives you the chance to be contacted again.
- Remember that you are not required to perform the requested music. You can’t play every request if there are 100 of them. In actuality, you are under no obligation to play any requests if you don’t want to. Instead, play similar music and use the song as a guide to what the audience is into.
- Note down any music requests. Write down requests if you’re intending to grant them. If not, it will be nearly impossible to recall every single song that is requested.
Deliver Demos in Person
One of the most unprofessional things a DJ can do is submit their demo over the mail or email. Your demo will nearly always be thrown out by club owners. Instead, speak with the club owner in person and be respectful of yourself and the music. This demonstrates your self-assurance and good manners, which club owners are looking for.
Never anticipate immediate payment
The moment a new DJ receives payment is one event that could shock them. While some gigs might be able to start playing you as soon as your set is through, others might need a little more time. This is so that club owners can pay other people before the DJ. Be tolerant. Expect nothing to happen immediately.