What Are The Most Necessary Skills For My Event Dj To Possess? What Should I Expect?
Kevin Hart! Starshield Event Coordinator and Headline Wedding Dj
Written by Matt Watts
Now that the flood gates have been opened in regard to Dj’s breaking into the industry relatively easily, its ideal for anyone searching for Dj services to do a decent amount of research prior to setting yourself up for disappointment. Unfortunately the days of Dj’s and Mc’s purchasing their own records and having to mix by hand are far behind us and the capacity to be a press play Dj is more common than ever. (The term “Press Play Dj” refers to inexperienced or under trained Dj’s whom still pass for decent entertainers) The specified skills and resources that you need to thrive as an entertainer are difficult to come by without experience or help from an already established vet whom most likely doesn’t need you.
1) Adaptability - If your Dj can’t read and react to the crowds preferences and the general vibe being sought by the hosts as well as the party participants you are likely cruising quickly toward both failure and wasted funds. The art of steering a crowd upward and/or inspiring energy are learned skills typically and very rarely are Dj’s “born” with these capacities
2) Musical knowledge - This attribute is closely related to adaptability and is crucial in regard to avoiding narrow mindedness when picking songs and fielding requests. Most Dj’s whom practice the craft avoid playing songs they aren’t familiar with. In reference to application; the more vast the array of songs and genres a Dj is comfortable with mixing into his set, the broader the scope of the party and allows for many different applicable vibes to executed comfortably.
3) Preparedness - With all the moving parts necessary to make an event pop; checking yourself, double checking your team, and triple checking the mandatory components is more than crucial. All of the p’s and q’s must be attended to far before hand, that is the best way to avoid catastrophe on game day.
4) Mixing Capacity and Knowledge - An in-depth understanding of all of the software and hardware is paramount on barring a technical issue from ruining your event. While mixing songs together effectively is a hallmark of any Dj worth his asking price. High profile Djs are harshly critiqued on there mixing and remixing capacities. (i,e Dj Diamond Cuts who’s name literally references her mixing prowess or Steve Aoiki who is famous for remixing popular songs better then the originals to dance to)
5) Outgoingness or Capacity To Be - This may not be the most crucial aspect of your Dj’s arsenal however many in the industry know that outgoingness, like-ability, professionalism can cover up for a multitude of unfortunate events that otherwise would have ruined the party. The capacity to relate and joke with crowd, establishing genuine relationships with the party hosts and goers as well as the venue staff can cover a multitude of sins should they ever arise.
6) Coordinating Capacity - Your Dj is, and should carry themselves as the commander and chief of any and all events. Coordinating with the venue and the clients to execute the event as effectively as possible falls squarely on the Dj’s shoulders and if that responsibility isn’t embraced many things have a tendency to be left up to chance which obviously isn’t fair for a paying customer.
7) Dancing and Energy - Dancing behind the booth, leading line dances skillfully, getting out onto the floor, and showing your party goers that you’re enjoying yourself as much as they are is not the most common aspect of Dj’ing and may not fall under the umbrella of necessity. However, in regard to generating relatability and assimilating yourself into the party as not only its host but a participant as well, dancing and vibing with your guests is remarkably effective. The Dj may not dance particularly well, but neither does everyone in the crowd typically. With the refreshingly diverse age groups and personality types that attend events, not everyone is super outgoing or a natural dance floor leader yet you as the Dj expect them to dance to your musical selections. Genuine enjoyment of the event from all party’s involved is key to executing a great event and as the purveyor of the entertainment, leading with your energy can be effective.
