What makes a great opening DJ?
It keeps popping up in my reads, the opening DJ. Something about how he can’t be playing bangers but he has to keep the crowd entertained.
Let’s say I’m an opening DJ, what is going to make me great at my slot? I just don’t understand it all atm.
Techniques.
Ability to set the mood.
Going to gigs and listening to warm up DJ’s and seeing the reaction from the crowd.
Knowing what kinda crowd are stood in front of you.
Being confident but humble.
Not being a cock.
Finish your set ON TIME but be ready to play longer if needed.
Aren’t those pretty much universally important skills for any DJ, regardless of the timeslot? 
But I think your first sentence hits the point. If you don’t know what makes a great opening DJ, you probably don’t go out enough. I think, it’s quite important for DJs to also just go out as regular punters, you learn so much subconsciously, all while having loads of fun.
You’re setting the tone for the night so I would just try and keep the energy level down abit. I rate my songs 1-5 based on energy for this purpose.
Set the mood for sure. Start slower, start with some of the older popular songs in your genre. I usually find that if you play the older ‘classics’ in a genre you will usually get the floor filled, and not play something that the guy after you will probably play. Also, I start on the slower end of BPM’s and keep them tuned down a couple of percent, so that when the main act steps up, it really creates a lift in the atmosphere.
Would it be safe for me to play a deeper set filled with little gems like this?
In what context..? It’s impossible to know of that’s the right kinda track without knowing who & where you are playing with/at.
Honestly man, you need to go to gigs to know how to do gigs. It is the only way to learn cus it is the only way to see how a crowd reacts.
I would recommend you start going out to local shows a bit more.
Getting a crowd to dance without playing the current beatport top 100.
This just blew my mind
does that even happen?!
Shit, not over here m8
Opening DJ
Learn your music there are hits that these new DJ’s don’t even know to play from 90’s-2000’s