First Club Gig Tomorrow!
So I finally got a club gig!
I’ve done a few house parties and played a few bars.
After a few months one of the 3 big clubs where I live (pop. 75 000) contacted me about DJing for the next 3 Thursdays as a trail.
The promoter said he really liked my mixes.
I’m super stoked to say the least, I’ve been waiting for this chance for a while now so I dont want to blow it.
I’m look for some advice and things to look out for.
Thanks in advance guys
Just keep your cool, acting over excited might freak the promoter out a bit. Always act grateful for the opportunity and let him know how much you appreciate the chance. The little things like being polite, and thanking him will go a long way.
Keep your eye on the crowd, and watch for any dips in the number of people dancing. Was it your song choice? Are you keeping them entertained?
I wouldnt stress, take it easy and always ensure you have some tracks in the bank for an emergency if you need to pull back the crowd. IF you’re playing unknown stuff or lesser known stuff just ensure you always try follow up with a more recognisable tune to keep them into it. It may not apply depending on what style you are playing.
make a small recorded introduction to your set…
helps with anxiety and reduce the posibilities for mistakes in the first minutes of mixing and get people hype without stressing the first minutes…
as an example vitalic uses a song called polkamatic wich is a polka that turns into a super dope electro half beat house tune…
I totally agree, this is probably going to be your best advice. Aside from relaxing and just having fun. If you are having fun the crowd can feel that vibe and will have fun too. Use the first hour to poke and prod the crowd to see what they like music-wise. Don’t play a pre planned set. That may not work with the crowd that night. Just flow with the crowd.
I would also like to add, that don’t let requests fluster ya. Work em in if you can. Some people can be total pricks and keep coming back if you did not play their song next. Remember you control the programming. You can say no, if you are not comfortable with that, tell em you don’t have it and give them another song that may be similar that you can throw in. You will find that after your 3rd or 4th night at the club, you will get to know what the crowd likes and you well get lesser and lesser request. Or you can be “that” DJ that don’t take request. 
Congrats and welcome to club DJing. Have fun with it.
Awesome! thanks guys this is what I was looking for.
Nontablist: thanks for the idea, I’m gonna use it.
Have you been going to the club regularly. It helps if you know what music is generally played in the club. Do you know type of crowd the club draws. All this will help you in determining what type of vibe to set. Also look up articles on opening headlining and closing sets. This will help in determining how you set your vibe.
Show up early and scope out the club what are the DJ’s playing how the crowd is reacting take it all in so that when you get into the booth you will also have and idea of what to offer.
Be nice to requesters what I try to do is have a little list they can write on so i could see if I could work the song in when I get to it.
Use the sync button.
^ +1
I almost forgot about that.
Always works… and of course its always good to get a little bit nervous at the begining… means youre still loving your work!!!
Also about request… I Have rules…
1.- If you want something… be polite…
2.- Ask for something adequate to the situation (Slipknot song during a electro house set its a BIG NO NO!!!)
3.- I dont take requests from really drunk people, basicly because they are not in the correct mood to ask for something.
4.- If you dont know the song dont ask for it.
5.- Never touch my gear while your doing a request… or I will kill you!!!
This is a great idea, especially for your first time. This will help you start out loose and stay loose, which is key. Your audience can sense your confidence or lack thereof, and if they can see that you are flowing with the music and that you have high energy, the chances of them enjoying your music are greatly increased.
The other thing is, play music you enjoy and feel, because not doing this is a quick way to become burnt out. And people respond to a DJ (especially if they can see you and you’re not tucked back in a booth) that enjoys his music.
Good luck, mate.
Check the first minutes of this… monotron intro to freaq girl… Thats the introduction I use to start my gigs… Of course its a rehearsal and i get lost at the middle but well rehearsal time its for that…
Be nice to the waitresses.
…and for god’s sake…HAVE FUN!
play your shots strategically… identify your go-to tracks.
and bring extra cables.
definitely gotta have a go to song that will always bring the crowd back to life if things start to go south. if you aren’t headlining do not play every banger out right now or the headliner will have nothing to play. know your roll in lineup is what i’m trying to say i guess
I’ll be the only DJ tonight. My time slot is 10-2, I figure I’ll poke around for the first hour or so, play a few different styles. Around midnight I’ll move into deep house, house, and electro if things start going south.
Again many thanks for the input guys. keep it coming.
Good luck man. Go forth and kill it. Give us an after report. 
I know its last minute but bring friends! having familar faces who will support you either way is great! really helps.
Plus theyll always dance for you, and it looks good to the promoter that you can bring in people to come see your shows.
1mco: For Sure! I’m working on getting a crew together and its looking like maybe 10 of my homies are gonna be there.
DJ ATX: thanks breh! I’m getting ready to hop on the ferry ( i live on a island now), its about a 2hr drive, going to the club for a patio beer and look things over. I’ll report back.
Again this is why i love this site, much respect and thanks!
take it or leave it, but I would suggest staying as sober as possible for your first gig there.
This ensures that you have a clear head to be your best and impress your promoter. 
(but on the flip side, I have a friend who is a better dj when he’s at least tipsy! So…it’s really up to your judgment)
Good luck!
Hey dude, my one tip is if the crowd is not responding, just PLAY WHAT YOU LOVE!! There’s nothing that makes people want to dance more than seeing the DJ wide eyed and smiling ear to ear as he air humps the decks and messes with a filter. Enjoy yourself, you’ll do great. Best of luck dude. I’m so jealous. Maybe we can trade; you can do my homework and I can play out? Just consider it, its only an English essay! 