Playing A Silent Disco @ Music Festival This Summer...

[SlayForMoney]

If it's not for noise pollution, then what is the meaning of them? What benefit does a silent disco have over an actual sound system?
I'm curious, maybe I'm running the business incorrectly.

i do believe one other reason are DJ "battles" i.e. two or more DJ's mixing, crowd deciding what DJ they want to hear (blue LED/green LED)

[sicnarf033]

That may be be how you run YOUR business but it definitely isn't what happens in the UK. Creamfields, Global Gathering, SW4, Glastonbury, V Festival, Reading Festival ALL have silent discos that run concurrent to their main stages. As I said its definite NOT noise reduction that makes these popular.

It could possibly be to get people more familiarized with the concept of silent disco. I've seen it at San Francisco parks where its used due to noise ordinance but I have also seen it at festival. And my guess, is that, its to add extra activities to the event. Yes you have your huge music stages with big sound systems, your ferris wheel, etc etc. But to add more varieties, they have silent disco. I don't know what the big fuss is about. I think it's cool and plus they play disco/bass house (which is what you're not going to get from the big stages).

[Karlos Santos]

Ive played loads of them and they are shite I hate them
They just turn into obvious sing-a-longs where DJs just try to play tracks that everyone knows the words to and can dance to.


HOUSE OF PAIN - JUMP AROUND 14,million times.

Still, people seem to love em and I always got drunk and people loved it so... cant complain (although I just did).


The reason I am cranky is that I have to have my diabetes blood tests tomorrow and I have to fast for 12 hours and and im f*cking starving.

[loverocket]

Ive played loads of them and they are shite I hate them
They just turn into obvious sing-a-longs where DJs just try to play tracks that everyone knows the words to and can dance to.


HOUSE OF PAIN - JUMP AROUND 14,million times.

Still, people seem to love em and I always got drunk and people loved it so... cant complain (although I just did).


The reason I am cranky is that I have to have my diabetes blood tests tomorrow and I have to fast for 12 hours and and im f*cking starving.

good luck on the tests man.

>

[DJ Asand]

Coachella has one at the Camping grounds every night after curfew. The dance floor has wooden panels with subwoofers under them so you actually still feel the bass.. not sure HOW it works, but it does. I loved it. In fact, EVERYONE did. That's one of the most fun parts of Coachella.

No sing along tracks either, pumping techno and house later in the night.

[DJ Asand]

..expect people to be amazed.
make sure to be on your toes. shitty, wireless headphones don't do anything to help your mix. You'll see people come and go a lot faster at festival tents, and even more-so at the silent dance parties.

[sicnarf033]

when it was at the treasure island music festival, i didnt have problems with the headphones. it was a lot of fun but it does give you sweaty ears so i can see why people are over it quickly. but nonetheless, still great music and had fun.

[SilentStorm]

how do you dj on a silent disco? i mean is there some sound or are you just djing in your headphones?

You'll need to mix in the headphones by using the Master and Cue settings on the mixer. You can hear the music that the audience is hearing through your DJ headphones by setting the input to the master. Then when mixing, just turn up the level of that deck, or switch between the Cue and the Master. You should also get a set of the silent disco headphones as well, which will basically act as your monitor, allowing you to hear exactly what the audience is listening to. When switching between DJs, ensure there is no dead air to keep the momentum going on the dance floor.

Some other tips: silent disco is very dance-friendly. Since its very visual for those who do not yet have headphones, having an energetic dance floor will draw people in to join the party. Another attention grabber is when those listening to you sing along with the music - so if you have any music with familiar lyrics, great! If you're comfortable with a microphone, we highly encourage bringing it and interacting with the listeners. Guests react very well to the DJs voice - its like you're speaking directly into their ears - and the louder you can make them all scream, the better the effect will be for those yet without headphones.

You'll love the experience -- have a blast!

George
Silent Disco by Silent Storm