So I have a gig in a couple of days, which is at a three story venue. I will be playing on one floor and the other DJ will be playing on another. So the problem becomes that it will be some big competition getting a crowd, since the DJ is basically one of the country’s biggest names. So what can I do to make things a little more enjoyable on my floor?
Not trying to be a douchebag, but when going up at the same time as a big name, you have to make yourself get noticed!
I’ll be playing some Glitch Hop, Electro House and Dubstep with some Progressive House bangers. and he will probably go the oldschool route of House and Progressive House.
he’s not opening, he’s playing in the same venue on a different floor.
And my advice? Just wait and see who comes. Honestly. You aren’t going to draw a crowd by playing certain tracks. People are being drawn before hand to see this “big name.” You’re there to get the people who either A) don’t like the other guy b) don’t want to see the bigger act c) some other reason.
Just see who shows up and play accordingly. You will not get yourself noticed by trying to compete, because you can’t. It is not possible. You have no brand to sell, you’re just another DJ. That’s not to say you can’t play good music or hits but don’t at all try and compete. It just won’t work. Just read the crowd, see what they want.
I dont know about some of you guys, but I dont go to hear a big name, I go to hear a good set, if it sucks it sucks I dont care who you are…and to be honest these big names are not playing anything I like, I prefer the unknowns…
i haven’t been in this exact spot personally so take this fwiw.
people will come to your room for the following reasons:
some people will come to your room because they don’t wanna hang in the overcrowded main. there will be easier bar access on the side floor, more space to dance, etc.
people may wander around to check out what else is going on, to chill out a little, to find a bathroom, to find their friends, etc.
they might find the music in the main to peak-time-ish, boring, sh**tty, or whatever and wanna listen to something more groovy, more mellow, or more whatever
most people drink and some people do drugs in clubs. if they like what you’re playing, they might forget that’s there’s some superstar DJ in the main for which they paid $$$ cover charge.
idk. i would start somewhat more mellow, less banging. and then, it depends who hangs around in your room. i’ve seen plenty of parties where the small room rocked more than the main. bring some friends to get the party started.
but look at the crowd. follow what previous posters suggested. if the room is only half-full and people look like they want to chill, then keep the music melodic and don’t get too hard.
Pretty much this. Unless I was told otherwise I would assume i was there to give the people that don’t like what the other DJ is playing something else to hear. So if you play the same type of set then people will leave the club and go somewhere else to buy their drinks. .
Thanks for the advice. I played some downtempo, minimal and tech house which was a nice change of pace. The other dj had to borrow cables from me so i Got a chance to talk to him at the end of the night. So i Think it All worked out in the end
If the crowd isn’t down with the oldschool, and they wanna hear some grimy glitchy tunes, they will come listen to you. The first Rave I was at, there was a bigger name DJ spinning a mix of jungle and metal in the main area, and a lesser name DJ playing hard house in the smaller area. I went to the hard house because that’s what I wanted to hear. Play good tracks, play well and have fun, and the crowd will come to you. If they don’t, no shame when the alternative is a big name.
