DJ etiquette

[Karlos Santos]

Is there some unspoken code that I've yet to learn?

Its not unspoken... Its called 'The Warm Up Slot'

The clue is in the name.

[djalexlaine]

if the crowd is too tired to dance when the headliner comes up, you havnt done your job properly. it isnt about playing boring music and making the guy look good. it is about getting the crowds energy level to a play where the crowd is primed and ready to have a great time.
for instance, i went to the m-nus show at MoS in london a few months ago. the warm up DJ was on for like 3 hours, he started really chilled and progressively got more and more energy in it. the party really started off about 30 min before magda came on, which was exactly what he should have done.
always try and talk with the guy you are opening for before you go on. see what he is going to play and try to move to that, keep the BPM lower or at where he will be and DO NOT play any of their original stuff (unless you know he wont play it, nothing worse then having someone play out your current big track before you get on).

[Nosferatu]

+1 for talking to the organizer... this person can get you gigs!

You'll also find that there is a fine line between having creative control and exercising a little restraint when selecting your tracklist.

Look at it this way.... play your cards right, and soon you'll be having a conversation with the DJ that will open for you!!

[dry_bones]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I guess the only reason I was concerned was because the event organizer booked me right after I played a real high energy set. Being one of those DJ's that does just as much belligerent dancing than mixing, it's going to be hard to contain myself. I'll probably just start off with some more minimalistic techno or w/e. I'm gonna talk to the organizer too. It should be a great night though, I'm stoked as hell

[photojojo]

Nice mix on Soundcloud. Not what I normally listen to, but technically it's pretty good.

[dry_bones]

Thanks photojojo! You should add me as a contact or w/e on soundcloud. I was unable to find you...

[photojojo]

Check the link in my sig

[BestLegsinHD]

i say you start off with some bloody beetroots and finish off your set with some Justice. give 'em hell!

[rvltion909]

not to highjack but its on topic with this thread so...

For a night were one may be sharring the booth with an other DJ for a sort of (I play edm for an hour then you play hiphop back and forth) what is considered good "etiquette" as far as hanging around or not?

Is it cool to hang in the booth since you'll be up again in an hour anyway (assuming its not cramped)?

[DJ Nada]

I guess I'm a little jaded because I've been burned warming up for people, I was playing really chill head-nodding tracks, then started bringing it up a bit and the main DJ jumped in because he saw the mood changing, making me look like a putz. (Oh, I see ya'll want to dance, let me kick this lame DJ guy off.)
I think my personal rules (actual etiquette may vary) for opening are to keep the BPM lower, and don't max out the volume. The nicer thing about opening is you can play weirder tracks because the momentum of the party isn't riding on you yet. But seriously, don't hold back anything because you're "just opening." Bust out that complicated 4 track set that makes the next DJ wish he had practiced a little more, but give him someplace to go when you're done, not an exhausted dancefloor.