I’ve been DJing house parties and events for a few years, and I have finally gotten the opportunity to DJ a nightclub. In New York these events they call Teen Nights are very popular, promotion companies run parties at clubs in the area for kids 14-18, no ID required. They’re pretty big (they had one at Pacha NYC last week, got Laidback Luke to headline), but usually kids my age DJ, and now I’m headlining!
I’m definitely excited, but nervous as well. I’ve basically mastered the high school house party, I know the popular progressive jams that get everyone hyped up and dancing. Since I am DJing for other kids, one part of me wants to drop those vocal house jams and some of my own mashups, but I know that most of the other DJs tend to drop minimal and tech house for some reason. What should I play?
I will be bringing my laptop, Traktor, and Twitch instead of the house setup. Probably just plug into an input on the mixer.
So, any general tips and advice? If all goes well I will continue to do these, so I need to make a good first impression.
But assuming your going on later…pay attention to what the dj’s play before you and how the crowd reacts. That should give a good idea where you want take your set
Play what YOU like. If everyone else does something, do it a different way, distinguish yourself from the other DJ’s. It will help you make a name for yourself. And if you play your own stuff and it goes really well, even better.
