12/12/2025
Another DJ recently made a comment about DJ’s supporting each other and how much it actually benefits the music scene as a whole.
I did post a relatively long comment in reply.
However, upon reading the reply I thought it warranted a post of its own regarding pointers on supporting each other.
So here goes…..
You and I have both been around long enough(longer than some *cough* DJ’s have been alive) to know that unfortunately a lot of the DJ’s over the past 20-25 yrs have no consideration, respect, time or patience for other DJ’s because of their style, genre, skills ego (and a million other reasons).
Why?
Because at some point they have forgotten exactly what it was that made them want to mix.
If they are fortunate enough to actually get a ‘real’ booking (asked to play for their skills, ability and presence, not because they’ll travel 400 miles, bring 30 paying mates and do it all for £0) then do mingle, don’t act like you’re the muttsnuts and don’t insult, slag off or look down on other DJ’s (usually these are common sense and logic)..
Instead guys and girls a little bit of advice (which a 1000000 other DJ’s will agree with).
My list of pointers for ALL DJ’s.
1: try to turn up early to get a feel for the place, vibe
2: know where the DJ box is and how to get in.
3: try and find who is on before you and after you, be friendly and talk with them (not at them), ask about what stuff they are playing (so you can adjust your set accordingly) and negate the same track being played 10 times in the night.
3a: try and find out what kind of BPM they intend to finish their set on and what BPM the guy following you intends to start on.
4: be prepared to alter your set if one of your possible tracks is in the other DJ’s set before you go to do your set.
5: don’t be afraid to talk with the clubbers to find out bankers / favourites both individually and for the event.
6:DON’T TURN YOUR SET INTO AN ANTHEM BASH (no matter what).
7:Don’t imitate someone else’s style - be yourself- BE UNIQUE.
8: Don’t go into the box too early (usually 2 or 3 tracks before your set is adequate).
9:always show support for the other DJ’s (clapping for them when they start or finish their set) and tell them how good their set was. DON’T be a dick and point out mistakes they made or pretend you’re better than they are.
10: try to keep the flow of energy / the vibe (bpm etc) from the DJ you’re following and try to get your set to flow towards what the next DJ has told you they are wanting to play at.
And probably the most important 3 things of all…
11: don’t just do your set and leave immediately. Try to spend at least 30 minutes after your set talking with clubbers, other DJ’s (photos etc.) and supporting the guy/girl who is playing after you.
12: no matter how nervous you are or what Fkups you make don’t get yourself worked up over them (you’re a DJ not a jukebox).
13: Keep smiling while you’re playing, enjoy everything and every second of your set whilst interacting with the dance floor (clubbers that are dancing).
A bit long and I’m sure there are lots of other points other DJ’s can add.
In fact I’m going to post this to my Always Be Kind group.
P.S. this is a personal choice.
Try not to pre plan once in a while and play it by ear by watching the clubbers and how they react.
Peace, Love and Light.
