First Gig
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- This topic has 6 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 5 months ago by
Ethan Iredale.
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July 24, 2017 at 1:31 pm #2594031
Ethan Iredale
ParticipantHi all,
This is my first post; however I have been following Digital DJ Tips for a long time (just out of intrigue really and always wanting to see myself as a DJ)
I would still very much class myself as a beginner when it comes to DJing and even though I have been practicing little and often over the past month or so (and with the help of Digital DJ tips of course), I have decided to test myself and book my first gig at a local pub in my town. I was involved in that free webinar session you did a few weeks back and managed to get myself a copy of your book which has helped massively.
I figured I have been going to this pub for years and I know the place inside and out as well as all of the staff very well so what better place.
Just wondering if anyone can give me some pointers or tips before the gig in a few weeks time. I am looking forward it.
Thanks
Ethan
July 24, 2017 at 3:30 pm #2594181DJ Nostalgia
ParticipantHi Ethanol – Welcome to the DDJT Forums…
Exactly what ‘kind’ of tips are you hoping for – technical, how to prepare/approach the gig?
If it’s the second point, here’s my ideas –
You say it is a pub, so I’m guessing it’s a ‘public’ gig, not an invited guests only private party?
1. Be ‘up for’ taking requests – You’ll never ‘please all the people, all of the time’ but at least you’ll please some of them, most of the time!
2. Depending on the age range – you say you know the place well – decide a rough ‘structure’ for your set, e.g. genre, era, time of the night.
3. Don’t ‘expect’ to have a packed dance floor – assuming there is one – all night. If you do, great.
4. ENJOY YOURSELF! A happy DJ exudes confidence and enthusiasm upon his or her audience. Good luck…
July 24, 2017 at 3:32 pm #2594211DJ Nostalgia
Participant*Ethan* – Damn Autocorrect!!!
July 24, 2017 at 3:49 pm #2594221Ethan Iredale
ParticipantHi Nostalgia,
Thanks for the response and yes you’re second point is right on the money. That was what I was after.
It will be a public gig. I live in a small town so everyone basically knows everyone; I would (almost) be playing to a full room of people I know.
I would fully be expecting to take requests as well and I had a thought to jot down any songs that are requested which I do not have so I can get them ready for next time (assuming I am asked back). It is mostly younger people who I would be basing my music on 18-30 since the older generation like to sit at the bar and talk or go elsewhere.
Thanks
Ethan
July 25, 2017 at 10:45 am #2594431DJ Nostalgia
ParticipantOn the subject of requests you don’t have, I have never had an issue with connecting my smartphone to my laptop via USB and downloading ‘on the fly’ from Amazon – which can get you ‘Brownie-points’ with your crowd if you can play their requests within minutes of them asking!
July 25, 2017 at 3:52 pm #2594651Peter Lindqvist
ParticipantHey! 🙂 Congrats to your decision. It sounds you’re pretty new to Djing, so this is what I’ve told my kids when they’ve approached their first gigs: Spend most of your prepare time with getting the music you know will work in order. Use cut mixing where you set a good cue point where something happens everyone recognizes. Like the intro of a guitar riff or a vocal that get people going. Don’t use intros or outros, ’cause they’ll kill the mode before you’re even on to the next track. This way you don’t need to stick to the same tempo or key and, if done with some proper timing, it will sound very good and most people will never notice you’re not beat mixing. Wait with the beat mixing on public gigs until you can do a 2-3 hour good matched set in practice. Keeping it simple will make you confident in what you’re doing and you can have fun while you’re playing. It will also give you the time you need to choose the next track and say hello to your fellow punters. A failed cutting mix sounds a hundred times better than a train wreck of a beat mix, every time. You have the rest of your life to perform flawless beat mixing when you’re ready for it. Good luck and have fun!
August 7, 2017 at 2:54 pm #2601981Ethan Iredale
ParticipantThank you both for the helpful advice. The date is now set and confirmed for this Friday (11th) coming, the nerves are starting to kick in!
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