Hey DJTT,
I recently got a gig to play at an 8th grade graduation party, and I’m a little confused with what music to pick. I’ve been thinking:
Top 40 Remixes
Some Mild Electro/House
Any other genres or general tips you guys can give me? I play a lot of electro, house and dubstep. I’ve been mixing for two years, and have just recently started getting an influx of gigs. It’s one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. Managing high-school, college searches, as well as music is really rewarding but a lot of work.
Anyways…some help/thoughts on this topic would be great!
Thanks!
P.S. Additional Details:
-40 8th Graders
-Setup: Hercules RMX, Traktor Pro 2, BlackBook , Midifighter, 2 Harbinger APS15 Speakers, and Subs, Foggers, DMX Lights
-(Plan on upgrading to an S4 after a few more gigs)
I play a few parties for like kids in about grade 10 or so, and i find that using top 40 remixes and electro is the way to go. Those kids wont be into it unless they can sing along, thats just how kids are.
you need to have ALL the songs that are on the radio. and you wont be doing much “mixing” other than putting one tune on after another.
recently tho, theyve been getting more into the electro dubstep. just feel em out. most of the time they wont be dancing (girls hve cooties) and if they are. its only to the dumbest shit possilble. I.E. Photojojos post. AND its so annoying finding/ playing clean tunes the whole time. – especially when they want Look at me now. and bustas rap is all cut up and edited. sounds horrible. not to mention they all know the lyrics anyways regardless of if its edited;
cutting the deathmetal breakdown into that song was HILARIOUS tho. the looks on those kids faces after jumpin around going “partying partying YEAH!” then that. LOLZ.
there was one deathmetal kid who LOVED it tho. so it made my night.
god. seriously. if you wanna get them dancing (lol) play a 3/4 song bieber block (yes the one with sean kingston counts) all in a row THEN you dont have to listen to that shit at all the rest of the night
oh and be prepared to have to explain the flow of the night to EVERYONE because you know, droppin sandstorm, scatta, look at me now ect…within 3 min of starting your FOUR HOUR SET …makes sense? (EDIT - im gonna try that one time then just play what i want for the last 2 hrs. “See! LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!” slight_smile:
If this is a private party, ask the kid who’s hosting it for a request list.
I do several school dances every year, and usually post a request sheet about a week in advance at the school, you’ll find a lot of songs that you would never get on your own by asking the kids, and they’ll think you’re really cool if you let them feel involved.
Lots of Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber, and whatever’s playing on the radio.
In my experience, kids won’t go for remixes too much, they want to hear exactly what what they heard in the car on the way over.
yeah. that… unless you meld them to your will (most of the kids that go to the dances i dj hang out where i work. so i know all the lil shits already. so they know better than to expect original mixes. )
Great idea with the indie/dance/electro types of songs. That’s something that would flow really nicely into my set. Maybe some mild dubstep like Innocence-Nero, or some Flux would go good too.
Making a list of songs/genres that the kids want is also a great idea. Definitely planning on doing that as well.
I was thinking about getting into doing school dances as I my wife is a teacher and we have lots of friends who are principals. I was wondering what kind of sound system would be needed for a small-medium sized party talking 50-100 people. I have power studio monitors but I doubt these would suffice. Also do any of you that do these regularly have any kind of insurance on your gear if so what kind?
, Midifighter, 2 Harbinger APS15 Speakers, and Subs, Foggers, DMX Lights
slight_smile:
(most of the kids that go to the dances i dj hang out where i work. so i know all the lil shits already. so they know better than to expect original mixes. 
)
