Hey DJTT, I’ve found myself in a bit of a unique situation I feel. Me and a buddy of mine have been asked to DJ a huge house party (like mansion huge). The crowd is going to be mostly theater kids who have just finished up a large production, and also a friend of mine’s birthday who is gay. So between theater kids and the gay community, I’m kinda stuck on what kind of stuff I should play. He’s suggested anything fun (before anyone says it, I am playing “Too Sexy For My Shirt” or whatever the hell it is) and 80s remixes. I spin mostly electro, so this could be a challenge. Any ideas?
My idea would be not to accept bookings outside of your musical scope in the first place…
Seriously, what is it with DJs these days accepting bookings for gigs when they have no clue what to play at all and then post in forums all around the web to ask what to do??
How did those people become DJs before there was internet? (The truth probably is: they didn’t…)
Before you think I’m just ranting, here is a few good reasons not to accept such bookings:
It will cost you a hell lot of money. The requested music being outside your musical scope usually means you don’t have any songs like that and have to buy them. Considering you need a wide range of options you need to buy at least twice as much music as the length of the party would suggest (e.g. 12 h worth of music for a 6 h party). Even if buying at itunes for 99 cents per songs this can easily cost you a couple of hundred dollars. And no, illegal downloading is not an option.
The chance is very high i won’t be fun. Having to play songs you don’t like can easily take the gayness out of even the gayest party (ok, that was lame…).
You can easily spoil it. Just because you can rock an electro crowd doesn’t mean you can play to every other crowd just as well. An electro crowd is not a rock crowd is not a top 40s crowd is not a dubstep crowd ist not a.. you see where I’m getting. Playing music you are not perfectly familiar with to an unknown crowd that may/may not have any special interests sounds like gambling to me and can easily lead to frustration on both sides.
Gay crowds are easy to play for, they are generally more open with music.
Anything that would fly in a normal top 40 club will work, and the best thing about the gay community is you can throw in house (hard house, funky, classics) and have it go down really well.
There are also DJs who have a more ‘allround’ scope these days. Instead of being something what I call shortsighted and decline everything that not floats their boat, they actually accept the challenge and try something different than they’re used to.
OT, I guess you’ll be allright with your regular repertoire plus some Lady Gaga, YMCA and more of those typical ‘gay’ songs. Not that I know a lot of gays, but they always seem to take themselves not too seriously so I think you’ll be allright with doing the same regarding your DJing. So showing your skills and next to that just have fun and play some wrong shit
I DJ’ed mostly in Gay/Lesbian clubs back when I started back in 94. Those were really the only clubs playing Dance music around here back then (and still mostly now). They are super easy to play for. Just keep you set vocal and funky and you should be fine.
Questions for you…
Why did they book you?
Did they hear you play before? or did they just hear you were a DJ and book you with only knowing what you play?
Why is playing a Gay House party any different then playing any other house party?
Side Note…
With all bookings you should ask these questions before excepting.
1. What kind of music do you guys want to hear?
(Make sure you have the music collection that they are looking for. If you don’t have any of it, you will have to buy some or decline the gig. Maybe even refer someone else. Maybe you have some of it but not all. Ask a friend to barrow some records, or invite him along to mix up styles.)
2. How long do you want me to play for?
(Do you have enough of the said music to cover the time frame? If not… your back to buying tracks or inviting a friend)
3. Am I comfortable playing for said people?
(I love playing out, and getting payed to play out, but I will never play a (enter Type of) party again because these people (enter thing that they do that is a problem)
4. Do I have the clothing for this job?
(Hehe I know this sounds funny, but from my experience its important. If your playing upscale party you don’t want to show up in some ratty jeans and a old t-shirt. [Unless they came from the boutique clothing store that way… hehe] If you look like you fit in with the crowd they will be more comfortable with you. It’s silly but it works)
5. Do I have a exit plan?
(What do you do when the party goes south? Can you pack up and get out quick? Do you know a guy at the party with a iPod you can plug in to the stereo at the house? Do you have your ID ready and no contraband on you when the cops come?)
You guys are helping a lot! To answer some recurring questions:
I got this gig from my friend, who has been to most of the house parties I’ve played at, so he has heard my stuff extensively. As for why a gay house party is any different from a regular house party, I don’t know; I honestly was hoping someone could answer that for me because I’ve never played at one. From what it sounds like though, I should be able to play anything that would fly at a Top-40 club, but with a little more emphasis on Gaga and some 80s/90s throwbacks. My buddy who’s been at this DJing thing a lot longer than me will be alternating back and forth on the decks, so that will be a plus.
Btw, I know this sounds short-sighted, but I really don’t see the cops coming to bust up the night. His house is way out in the boonies, with his nearest neighbor being about a mile up the road.
On a serious note, gays do have their anthems, but considering you’re playing a younger crowd, play whatever is popular with yourself. I’m guessing the crowd is younger since you say “theater kids” - I don’t think any of them will be that upset that they didn’t hear Cher.
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