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One of the most important things that clients are looking for when hiring a DJ is probably the most obvious. "We want someone who knows how to Read a Crowd." How many times have you been at a wedding, party or night club, and though the music sounded good, was lively and seemed appropriate - nobody would get on the dance floor? Or maybe a few would. Perhaps the dance floor was cookin' and all of a sudden everything just went dead! Why is it that some DJ's seem to have a gift or a knack for what they do, while others are just having a "bad night"? This phenomena is what I refer to as the Art of Reading a Crowd. Should it be called a science or an art? I believe that this is an acquired skill, one that has to be learned personally by each individual. In that, it's not something that one just learns by reading a book or an article such as this. The skill has to be acquired and practiced. Therefore, I lean to the side of referring to it as an "Art". |
This skill actually improves more and more with time. The more persistent and patient the DJ is, the better results he will have. I hope the following outline will offer some advice for those who wish to gain this ability.
Why Some DJs Can't Read a Crowd
Confront. This means, simply stated, being able to face something or someone comfortably. If someone cannot confront others, he won't be able to see what's going on. A DJ is an interesting character. DJ's are in the spotlight to some degree. Even if they are not directly in the light, they are still being put on the spot. This means they have been granted the duty of keeping the pulse of the whole event alive. When the music is smooth and flowing well, so are the people and so is the atmosphere. The DJ is the heart of the atmosphere, in that he is responsible for that "pulse". All factors of professional showmanship go into his role, including Stage Presence, Courtesy, Charisma, Wit, Interest, etc. There is no room for "stage fright" in this business and if someone is afraid to be in front of 30 or more people, he should get over that on his own time.
I recommend taking classes in Public Speaking, such as a Toastmasters group. This will help him develop his own style and abilities to confront a group.
Again, if a person is unable to Confront...He doesn't see what is going on in front of him.
Being Prepared
Know Your Library. All DJs should be familiar with the most popular songs for parties. They should all be in his library, and he should be well versed in the tempos (BPMs - Beats per minute), lyrics, genres, release dates (50's, 80's, etc.), artists, and so on. It helps for the DJ to have some education in music, such as keys, rhythms and instrumentation. Top 200 Most Request Songs
It is not necessarily true that every DJ needs thousands and thousands of songs in his library. It can be handy, but it's not necessary. The Top 200 List, and a subscription to a Professional DJ Music Source, such as Promo Only or Top Hits USA will keep you on top of the charts. It helps to be familiar with the Dance Charts and to listen to the radio. For many teenager groups, you should always have the past 6-12 months of the latest hits with you. The teenagers will most always make requests...and you can bet they're going to want something that just came out this week. It's good for you to know what they are listening to.
You should always have your song list handy, and it's a good gesture to have a request list available for guests.
Again, listen to your music and know your stuff! Your clients are counting on it.
Know Your Equipment. You don't need to have the fanciest equipment. I'm a firm believer that if someone knows his business, he can make the party happen, no matter what kind of gear he has, with the exception that is should be professional DJ gear - not home stereo components. Whatever you use, learn it well. Practice, practice, practice. You should set it up in your garage or your home studio and practice as if you were at an event. Get the feel for the Cue button, hot starts, beat-mixing (blending seamlessly from one song to another) and any other features your equipment offers. Please don't use your client's event as a guinea pig to try your "new tricks". You want to give a good impression and that takes homework.
I highly recommend having two dual CD players, or dual mp3 players - even if you use a laptop computer. This gives you extra space for cued up songs, which I'll discuss below.
At The Event
Okay, you have worked on your Public Speaking and Public Relations Skills. You have built your library and are familiar with the material. You have 2 dual CD players or mp3 machines (equals 4) and have your nice sound reinforcement system in place. It's time for the guests to arrive...
If at any time you are able to keep 4 songs cued up, you will be able to make last minute decisions as to what song should be played next. Here are a couple of examples:
Example #1: Your dance floor is packed with people of all ages to the song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. The song is going to give you about 3 minutes or so to prepare for 3 other possible songs. In this case, I would recommend having these ideas cued up: 1) a slow song, preferably an oldie, such as "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green in case they are looking sweaty and ready for a breather; 2) another disco song in case they want more of the same, perhaps "Best of my love" by the Emotions; 3) something entirely different, look at the people on the floor - look in their faces, how are they dressed, what is the majority's age - maybe it's time for a line dance, a more current song, a wild Elvis number - again, look at your people. Again, look at your people. Should I repeat myself?
Example #2: Dance floor is smokin' hot with a current hip hop song, say "Low" by Flo-Rida. Let's get ready for our 3 possibilities 1) a slightly faster modern song, such as "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake; 2) an oldie, just in case the older people are expressing indifferences to the current genre, say "Old Time Rock & Roll" by Bob Seger; 3) more of the same.
Gut Feelings. Also, known as a "hunch". When the DJ is working the crowd, and is properly confronting what is happening on the dance floor, he should also listen to himself. The music, the action, the lights, the diversity of people all go into monitoring the pulse of the dance floor. If there's one lesson that seems the hardest to get across, it is that you have to go with your own intuition. Sure.........you could be wrong. But if you listen to your own integrity and do what you think these guys will like, you will probably be more right than wrong!
If It Didn't Work, Admit It...Get Back On Track. Okay, okay - there are times you will need to "swallow your pride". Remember, there's always the slim chance that it didn't go quite as you planned. Let's say you had about 2 or 3 great 80's party tunes going. The dance floor is pumping, your next selection is "White Wedding", which nearly clears the dance floor - maybe a couple of people are dancing optimistically but the rest of the crowd has abandoned the scene. Now, several things could be the case here. Maybe someone outside lit some fireworks (very unlikely), the people need a slower song (more likely), the group is thinking that there's a "tag team" and it's time to let others out on the dance floor (unusual, but could be the case), they don't like Billy Idol (a slim possibility) or perhaps, gasp, you didn't really read the crowd, now did ya (most likely). This does not mean that you are a bad DJ, it means you need to observe more closely.
At this point, I would act upon the matter by cueing up 1) a slow song; 2) a current dance song; 3) a motown, such as "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. Remember to always have your Top 200 list handy, so you can quickly refer to it in a pinch. By the time White Wedding reaches the chorus, you are prepared to make the decision of which track to start. TIP: to save yourself from any embarrassment, I would let the song play up to the chorus and then make your transition. If it sounds too abrupt, it will likely call more attention to the situation.
If the moment seems right, I would perhaps say something over the microphone, such as "and now for all the Motown fans",... Respect starts...
This doesn't present a problem, but rather makes it seem intentional.
For more advanced techniques, click here: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES FOR READING A CROWD
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