Properly performing the job of a DJ requires a special chemistry that is part science and part art. A successful set demands that the DJ pay attention to the crowd while playing music, reading body language, managing energy levels, and much more. This skill is learnt over time and through experience, and when executed properly, it turns an average evening into a night to be remembered.
What does it take to keep guests dancing all night, from crafting the overall vibe of a room to knowing exactly what high-energy track to play to get the crowd going?
1. Understand the Crowd’s Energy Levels
A wedding DJ needs to be able to read a crowd’s energy levels. When you play a track, are people jumping with excitement, or is the entire room just warming up? By observing the crowd and reading their energy, you can make the right choice for the next track.
2. Watch the Crowds Body Language for Real-Time Feedback
Are people hanging out at the edges of the floor, hesitantly dancing, or are they working their stuff with enthusiasm? Body language will tell you a lot about the mentality and state of the group at the event.
3. Adjust Song Selection When Necessary
DJ Terry Lewis says, “Sets sometimes need to be changed on the fly to match the crowd’s vibe. Did that late 80’s song just bomb? Did the Motown hit well with the crowd? Even if you had a plan to play certain songs, you may have to change it based on the reactions you are getting from your crowd.”
4. Juggle the High Energy Tracks with Slower Tunes
The dance floor can be like a living thing, and it can’t always be running at full speed. Having a nice mix of slow tunes to complement the faster and more exciting ones is a way to pace the evening and keep a broader range of people on the dance floor.
5. Pay Attention to the Crowd’s Reaction
When the crowd has a monster reaction, take note and try to match that with another great tune. If a song starts and the floor clears, fade out and bring the floor-filler in. You must take your cues from the entire audience as the night goes on.
6. Build Momentum with your Song Selections
A memorable dance floor experience is fueled by the momentum built by the song selection. With the right combination of tracks, you can have the crowd in a frenzy, coming back for more, track after track.
7. Be Involved with your Audience
You don’t need to tell the crowd your life story to interact with them. Being involved means having eye contact with people in the crowd, listening to their inquiries and suggestions and using gestures to get the crowd pumped throughout the night.
8. Be Flexible
Similar to being willing to change a song if necessary, being flexible with the direction of your set is necessary for a successful DJ. Not every set will go as planned, and adjustments might be necessary to keep the night exciting and fresh.
9. Craft the Vibe
“Crafting a vibe” involves using all these skills and mixing them together to create an atmosphere where people want to dance and be on the floor. This sets the tone for the night and the event and can make or break its success.
Keep The Party Going
Being an amazing wedding DJ takes time and practice. As an experienced DJ, your guests will be dancing until the lights come on.
