Tips for becoming a better DJ after the lockdown

It’s been more than a year since lockdowns forced the closure of music venues. With their dwindling brain cells, many DJs will have no doubt forgotten how to re-enter the mindset of a working disc jockey by the time their retirement comes around.

With the closing of many venues in recent months, it’s not hard to imagine how DJs may have lost their feel for the music. But with the growing number of lockdowns and police raids in recent months, it’s not difficult to imagine how many will have forgotten how to get back into that mindset.

During the lockdown, the internet was flooded with DJs, musicians, and partygoers who were live streaming or doing their own content to keep the club atmosphere alive.

In the age of social media and technology, many people rely on posting moments from their lives to feel connected. When the dance club was shut down due to a shooting, it didn’t take long for people to start posting content like live streams, photos, and videos of what they were experiencing inside the club.

You may have seen this type of content on social media or heard about it through the news. The event is already an emotional and scary time for those involved. Live streams and videos can be a significant invasion of privacy.

If that describes you, and you’re worried about getting back into the swing of things, or if you’re one of the lucky fellas few who has received a booking for the first time, don’t be concerned.

Listed below is a helpful guide to what to do, how to prepare, and how you act behind the deck:

Back yourself up

It’s likely been a while since you’ve spent time with a group of more than six people at a time. As a result, the prospect of being trapped in a room full of sweating strangers may be terrifying. Keep your cool, bro.

With the world becoming greatly more connected, it’s likely been a while since you’ve spent time with a group of more than six people at a time. As a result, the prospect of being trapped in a room full of sweating strangers may be terrifying. Keep searching to find out how you can learn to better cope with this newfound anxiety.

If you’re the DJ, there’s a good chance you’ll be the first one in the empty venue. Alternatively, they could have stayed behind the decks all night, safely hidden from the adoring crowds. Phew! Everything is fine. You’re going to stomp on it. Take care, however, to avoid any giggling throngs of clubbers who might attempt to give you a post-set hug.

Gear check

However, once you return to the real world, you’ll have to remind yourself to pack like a pro once more before leaving the house for the day. It is no secret that packing for a trip can be a tedious task. The more you visit other places, the more likely you will forget something important on your checklist. The best way to face this is by packing like a pro and following these four simple steps:

Nowadays, it’s not enough to simply speak. You need to be able to engage an audience with your words, too. After all, you don’t want your first setback to be considered a snoozer as you ask the audience if anyone has a spare MacBook plug lying around, do you?

Take, for example, backup systems. What are you doing with the wax? Make sure you have your laptop with you as a backup if the decks are shaky when you arrive. Playing with a game controller? Bring a backup set of memory sticks if you need to jump on the CDJs at the last minute.

Crowd control

The ability to say a few words on the mic while DJing was just as important as blending in and maintaining a hairstyle that is now considered regrettable back in the day. However, that was back in the day of LPs and hauling around your mobile disco lighting, as pops remind us.

In their lockdown sets, any DJ who has attempted to establish a connection with their audience has received that patter in return. So, why not go back to your real-world shows as an added bonus?

Many DJs now play exclusively in clubs with no audience. However, it’s important to note that crowds are still an essential part of the clubbing experience. Often, crowd participation is the most memorable part of a DJ’s performance.

Stay humble

The collective ego of the DJ reached its zenith during the superstar’s era of the early noughties, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of some jerks still lurking around.

For example, the warm-up dude or dudette who comes on after you deserves your respect. It is essential not to leave them with a nightmare soundtrack to mix into. As well as assisting them with the transition.

It only takes a few seconds to untangle a few wires and ensure that their show goes off without a hitch, as well. Also, maintain your composure around the bar staff.

You’ll never have to spend time untangling wires again when you use the Power Strip Protector. It only takes seconds to separate a few cables and ensure that their show goes off without a hitch, as well. Also, maintain your composure around the bar staff with the Hip Flask Lid.

Track master

With everyone else and their uncle returning to the booth, everyone will be bringing their best sets to share with the audience. However, be selective in your music selection. After all, there is a time and place for everything.

Use your own judgment rather than counting on the top ten tracks that everyone else will have downloaded. Search a little deeper if you want to stand out. Find or create your own one-of-a-kind edits to stand out from the crowd.

Although it is tempting to listen to everyone else’s songs, you should try going against the grain. Be your own self and create your own edits. You’ll have a unique sound that’s all your own, and people will be more likely to listen to you.

Be different

The majority of DJs have a recognizable style. It would be difficult to pick a lower-tier record spinner from a line-up consisting of a black tee, a hat, and jeans.

The DJ is a unique, if not the most unique, the profession in music. DJs are not limited to playing records or CDs to entertain their audience. They use various sources such as vinyl, CDs, and even USB sticks and laptops to remix and loop tracks in real-time. Most DJs have a recognizable style; it would be difficult to pick a lower-tier record spinner.

You’ve done a great job of standing out. Get that logo in front of as many people as possible. Bring the name to the forefront of your mind.

Remember to fill your onboard sampler with idents and shouts to use sparingly over your epic builds and blends – in addition to the obligatory sirens and explosion FX, of course.

It’s no secret that the tracks you drop are responsible for the majority of the work. Slay the stage, pal! Take action and do what you were meant to do.

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