5 Things You Should Never Ask A DJ
Okay, we get it. Your friend just got a gig or residency somewhere and you’re stoked to go out and support them. While this is an incredibly exciting time for you and them, there are a couple things to keep in mind with your DJ friend’s newfound success to make sure that they can keep it that way.
1. GUEST LIST REQUESTS
“Hey [your DJ friend]. Can you put a few peeps on the guest list? It’s just me, Carlos, Johnny, Sarah, Michelle, Ben…”
Even if your DJ “friend” can put you on the list, you should never ask a DJ that favor. You’re putting your DJ friend in a bad position with the venue’s management. Be patient and wait like everyone else. Besides, be happy that your friend is getting to play at popular venues!
2. TOUCH/MESS WITH THE DJ’s GEAR
“Sup dude. Can I scratch real quick? I promise I won’t mess up your gear.”
If you want to get into a fight with a 6’3”250-pound security guard named Tiny, then messing with a DJ’s gear and equipment is one of the fastest ways to tussle with Tiny. Do not, under any circumstances mess with a DJ’s gear. If you do, pray that you have good health coverage.
3. DANCE WITH THE DJ/DANCE IN THE BOOTH WITHOUT PERMISSION
If you think it’s a good idea to join a DJ in a 3×5 space with thousands of dollars of equipment surrounding you while you flail your booty and arms in random directions, then you better take a step back and check yourself. Unless the DJ personally invites you up, please refrain from moving your way to the booth. You will be kicked out of the club faster than you can say twerk.
4. TRY TO PROMOTE YOUR LOCAL MUSIC
“Yo. I’m a local musician. Can you bump my track real quick?”
Even if you adamantly feel your music will take the world by storm, it’s best to keep the music promotion for other platforms. This is the DJ’s time to shine and you don’t want to put them in an awkward position and ask them to play your new track that may or may not go with the vibe of their set.
5. SONG REQUESTS
Don’t expect that the DJ will play what you and your friends want to hear all night. Remember that there are hundreds of other people in the club with various music tastes, and it’s up to the DJ to vibe the crowd and play the right music to set the tone for the night. If you don’t like the DJ’s set, you can always leave a club or venue that has the kind of music you’re looking for.