Reading Your Crowd & Programing Music For DJs - Introduction

some ideas (not rules, only suggestions) on getting on your way to being an effective programer

Category:

Howto & Style

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[DJSonnyD1983]

hey brian i got a question. The DJ gigs i do i dont really do alot of talking on the mic. my question is do you think its a very important thing to do, to be talking on the mic as a example, trying to get the crowd on the dance floor. and get in the mood of danceing.? please let me know. thanks and BTW i havent seen a vid on ur arm. do you have any more feeling in your arm or can u move it at all?>

[briansredd]

@DJSonnyD1983 We'll talk about the Mic in a video sometime soon. One thing I'll say is that when it comes to talking on the mic is that you should always have a reason to turn it on. Some tend to blab or try to be a radio DJ, but it's my oppinion that thyere ARE important things to say sometimes so yeah, have a mic & say what must be said. However, shut up and play music otherwise

[MrBklein31]

Hi Brian, Great topic. I talk extensively with my clients on what they like, but most importantly, make them aware that you need flexibility to do the best job possible. They may think they know what the crowd wants, and I listen carefully to that, but you don't know for sure until you are there and playing. Do your homework.. if it's a Wedding, know what the B + G want, if it's a club, go in on another night and pay close attention to what the DJ is doing. "Riding the wave" is dangerous.

[briansredd]

@MrBklein31 "Riding the wave" to me is playing effectivally to the crowd in-the-moment. Giving them what works best the best way i know how and doing it one song at a time. I study the reactions to the song that's currently playing and calculate my next move from there. Yes, there needs to be B&G's musical personality in there, BUT there are 150 other people in the room we'd like to have stick around and dance too. The only danger, if done right, is a great party

[DjPhonicProd]

Unfortunatly im that teenager that doesnt know the music !!!! :( but know the rest :(

[briansredd]

@DjPhonicProd Time to learn it

[briansredd]

@djboentertainment I never pre program sets. What i like to do is find out what the client likes and work it in at the best point possible. Otherwise, i'm just kinda riding the wave and doing what feels best at that particular moment

[briansredd]

@TheDjDissolve That's all a matter of personal taste & style.  I personally try not to go over the top with any effect. I also feel most people, if they are feeling a tune, want to hear at least most of the song you are playing. To go verse chorus mix verse chorus is not what most crowds want

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[JosephHuntington]

You really need to get a bit more experience and equipment before you post to YouTube. My time is valuable. You just wasted about 3 minutes. Please take down your channel. Thank you.

[thedjcircle]

Learn Your Music!!!! Skills can be taught. Without a firm grasp of where music has been, you can't expect to relate to your crowd.

[RootGinger]

@MrProDJSolutions Totally agree with you here. Makes you feel like you are doing something wrong but not every crowd is up for a party and very small crowds are particularly difficult to play for. This Christmas season has been a strange one for me as I've had three maybe four parties where the crowd just have not been up for dancing at all no matter what I played and I've had large swathes of the audience leave directly after their meal before I've even had chance to play.

[MrBklein31]

@briansredd I agree with what you are saying. When I say "riding the wave is dangerous", I was referring a person who commented that they never have a plan when doing a show, they just "ride the wave" Some idea of the type of music you are going to play, and several ways you can go depending on the crowd reactions is good planning. I never go into a show with a set list, but I do have ideas in my head before, during, and after each song to decide where to take the crowd next.

[ItsRyanBlair]

Good stuff!