10 Rules of DJ Etiquette - Your Secret Weapon For More DJ Gigs 😎

Phil Morse is live from the Digital DJ Tips studio, with another free DJing lesson. How DJs act in the booth can (often) make or break their career - Want to become a respected member in your DJ community AND book more gigs in the process? Today's lesson offers up 10 rules of DJ etiquette to help you out. Tune in!
Q: What's the worst behaviour you've ever experienced at a DJ gig? On the flip side, what kind of things impress you?
⚡TIMESTAMPS⚡
0:00 Intro
1:42 Today's topic - DJ etiquette
5:43 Rule 1 - Act like DJing is a job (because it is..)
7:31 Rule 2 - You've got the best job, so stay humble
9:07 Rule 3 - Don't let stress get the best of you
11:17 Rule 4 - Be diplomatic with requests
14:59 Rule 5 - Become a "can do" person (props to ‪@Jason_Jani‬ for this)
16:26 Rule 6 - Leave the entourage at home
18:10 Rule 7 - Get the basic professional stuff right
19:58 Rule 8 - Stick to your DJ set times
20:49 Rule 9 - Save the battles til afterwards
*Rule 10 (not shown) - Be open-minded and humble to other DJs: Especially in this day and age, everyone's different, the way we all DJ nowadays is super-varied. The truth is that with the right humble, open-minded attitude, there's always something to learn. Try not to get defensive about "your" way (of DJing, of conducting yourself), and always try to to learn from others' ways
23:15 DJ etiquette overview + the hard truth
26:35 DJ community chat
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[@digitaldjtips]

⚡TIMESTAMPS⚡ 0:00 Intro 1:42 Today's topic - DJ etiquette 5:43 Rule 1 - Act like DJing is a job (because it is..) 7:31 Rule 2 - You've got the best job, so stay humble 9:07 Rule 3 - Don't let stress get the best of you 11:17 Rule 4 - Be diplomatic with requests 14:59 Rule 5 - Become a "can do" person (props to @Jason_Jani for this) 16:26 Rule 6 - Leave the entourage at home 18:10 Rule 7 - Get the basic professional stuff right 19:58 Rule 8 - Stick to your DJ set times 20:49 Rule 9 - Save the battles til afterwards *Rule 10 (not shown) - Be open-minded and humble to other DJs: Especially in this day and age, everyone's different, the way we all DJ nowadays is super-varied. The truth is that with the right humble, open-minded attitude, there's always something to learn. Try not to get defensive about "your" way (of DJing, of conducting yourself), and always try to to learn from others' ways 23:15 DJ etiquette overview + the hard truth 26:35 DJ community chat

[@usedtobered6816]

Hi Phil, I've been a mobile DJ for over 40 years and the best way that I know of to endear yourself to the guests at a wedding reception is to take a note pad with you and during the dinner time, go table to table, introduce yourself, and ask if anyone at the table has a song they'd like to dance to, or is there a song that has special meaning to them as a couple. I write it down and also include their table # or their relationship to the B or G. Now it sounds as if I've known the family for years as I intro each song. AND when someone comes up while everyone's dancing to request a song, they'll see that I already have a page full of requests. I'll be very polite and say: "I'll see if there's somewhere I can fit yours in".

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice technique!

[@georgesheridan8185]

The bar/club DJ divide is a factor in requests. As a bar DJ, I always try to accommodate reasonable requests. If it's significantly off from the tempo range that I'm working in, I warn them that it might take me a while to work my way up or down to where their thing is. Also, working in bars usually makes you do a broader spectrum of music, and requests (assuming you don't recognize them as weird on their face, for some reason) can provide guidance for your choices. And Phil's right about the customers' trepidation. I've had people ask me if they're "allowed" to make requests, and all that does is make me wonder what kind of monster DJs they've run up against in the past.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, true!

[@tesaikealiiolanakila]

Reasonable is the 🔑word🔥✨

[@georgesheridan8185]

@@tesaikealiiolanakila True. I had a drunk want Led Zeppelin in the middle of a house set. He was not accommodated.

[@davidwright7588]

Best career advice I had was from Rylan Clarke. He said ‘just be nice to everybody’.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yup!

[@Jimbo386000]

A lot of this is the same as when I was a gigging drummer. Good thing I am practiced at most of these.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good to hear!

[@HVYCHKNRADIO]

ONE POINT THAT IS HUGE AND SHOULD ALSO BE TAKEN IN TO CONSIDERATION IS THE POSITION YOU ARE DJING IN WHETHER YOU ARE OPENING UP FOR A HEADLINER, YOU ARE THE HEADLINER, OR ARE CLOSING. MOST OF TIME AS THE OPENING UP DJ I TEND TO PLAY A LITTLE LES VOCAL AND MORE UNDERGROUND SETS AND NOT OUTSHINE THE HEADLINER, OR PLAY ALL THE BANGERS, BECAUSE YOU COULD GET FIRED. THE BEST SLOT FOR ME HAS BEEN THE CLOSING SET BECAUSE YOU ALREADY HEARD THE HEADLINER AND WONT REPEAT SONGS AND IF THEY DIDN’TPLAY ONE OF THE BANGERS IT’S FREE AND FAIR GAME.

[@HVYCHKNRADIO]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZbLiXqvar2KgqMsi=U5fulRaiXypMAhlF

[@djsklb]

Thank you for this ..really good tips and a good refresher for me ..especially w remembering folks names.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@omarw007]

Two things that really got me more gigs when i was Djing regularly was. 1. Being polite introduce myself when i get there and making sure i am ready to go, on time. 2. Asking the right questions i.e.: i DJ'd regularly for a band that remixes popular songs. And i asked them before i started (i played between the sets) what are sone of there go to songs? So i do not play the original. And what vibe did they want to start there next set so i could build to it when my time is almost up

[@digitaldjtips]

All great advice, thanks for sharing Omar.

[@rickchapman3707]

Phil you are a real Pro great video

[@DjCraighowarth]

I’ve been lucky enough to make DJing private parties (mainly weddings) my full time Job Phil. By basically doing what you’ve said. Don’t have an ego, be a nice guy, have good quality equipment and an understanding of what the client wants and give them a great party. Good tradesmen are always busy. 💪🙌 Remember good work isn’t cheap and cheap work isn’t good.

[@digitaldjtips]

Very true!

[@cmadlr]

Hey Phil, Thanks for the quality videos that we've got in this entire time. Definitely it its a stressful job cuz you have to put time into the editing, even choosing the perfect palette that u make while editing and choosing the correct camera for a reel. I really appreciate it =-)

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome Claudio, it's what we do! 😀

[@kimchi_b]

One super memory trick for names (people feel really special if you can remember them hours later) is to associate each name/person with something else, so if you meet a David perhaps imagine him wearing a crown (King David) - whatever gives you a strong mental image. A really short David maybe imagine him fighting Goliath. For a Gordon or Oliver you might picture them in a chef's uniform cooking. You might be bad with faces too like me, so you can perhaps link in what they're wearing, for example here I imagined Phil's shirt representing lines as a swimming pool is being filled :)

[@digitaldjtips]

What if I change my shirt? 🤣 Great advice, thanks.

[@kimchi_b]

@@digitaldjtips Then I would ask you if you'd changed your shirt as well as remembering your name and you'd be even more impressed lol!

[@martialautist2654]

Mate that's genius ❤❤ cheers man

[@kimchi_b]

@@martialautist2654 I've always struggled with putting names to faces so when I found this technique recently (Nelson Dellis) it really blew my mind. I can remember stuff even when my 'memory' wouldn't usually register stuff (I used to forget people's names as soon as I hear them!). Only been a couple of weeks so far and I can remember people 100% pretty instantly, awesome!

[@Jimbo386000]

So one thing I've done with requests when I used to play parties, is I would take the request and tell them "I'll play it if I can" and then play it at some point throughout the night if it was a good request. That gives me time to look the track up and listen to it (unless I already know it) and gives me time to see when the best time to drop it is. Again, if it's a good request. One time I had everyone dancing and some girl asked me to play "let it go" and I was like "I'll try" and just never played it cause it would've killed the mood.

[@digitaldjtips]

Perfect approach!

[@DJAztech]

I DJ at pools. I take requests with a smile and throw in the prep folder. Almost can always use their request sometime in the 5 hour set. If it’s something way off like Dixie Chicks, I can humbly answer I don’t have that but can throw some country on for you in a few. Also, the excitement they get when their song plays surrounded by others customers is contagious and it almost always equals a positive outcome.

[@digitaldjtips]

It does, you're quite right Ant Z.

[@tesaikealiiolanakila]

Almost Always Sometimes has to be the single best way to approach the situation. BRILLIANT!!!!

[@carlgoldsmith5444]

40 years in the Industry. I have played some great gigs. My one down fall is I don't suffer fools and tend let them know, there are armies of them out there. 🤭 Many managers and club owners just shouldn't be in the position of thinking they know the product we are delivering. I also have been a manager of events and venues as i progressed in time. So, I guess that I thank the ones that taught me how not to be a plank like them, and lose trade. I am in my 57th year and prefer to upload shows to Mixcloud. Don't, or can't play out, or get involved in the industry anymore due to my health, all went pear shaped 7 years ago. 4 more years in recovery. Keep up the fantastic work Phil and team. Carl from New Zealand

[@digitaldjtips]

Wisdom and experience does tend to earn a DJ respect Carl 😀

[@tukinski]

Thank you Phil! 👍👍

[@digitaldjtips]

you're welcome

[@DJONDEX]

Wow!😲 I've never thought about that good point you made! ... you know, the 'requestee' working up the courage to go ask for a song, I used to be the shy one that didn't want to go speak to the DJ incase others don't like the song I liked! Great points made in this whole video. 💯

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks :)

[@JFox337]

I just had my first club DJ gig it was a pre-Edc party in Vegas. Huge deal for me as since I am pretty new. It was my first time on cdjs although I had been practicing on them at Pirate studios. The DJ before me really changed a lot of the settings so the first 10 mins or so was a little bit of a struggle, although the music never stopped or anything horrible. After abt 15mins I got everything figured out and the set went well. I was supposed to go from 3-4:30am. The dance floor was packed and lively and everyone was enjoying my music until abt 4am I think people were getting tired and the club in general started dying down. I played a progressive song that may have been a mistake because a some people left the dance floor but I had a solid banger queued up next. 20mins before my set ended the promoter came up to me and said “the next dj is going to take over now” with no explanation. I let this happen without any drama. I went up to the promoter later and asked him how I did and he said “we will talk abt it later”. It’s been a few days since the gig and he still hasn’t provided any explanation. I’m not sure if it was as simple as him just wanting to give the next dj some time with actual people on the dance floor or if I did something wrong. Should I reach back out to the promoter? How would you guys handle this situation?

[@knvcklednb]

Lol now you even got me interested what the problem was. Go ask him 😂

[@digitaldjtips]

Ask him, but keep it casual - it probably wasn't a big deal. One tip: when a dancefloor is tiring, playing an obviously lower tempo but very danceable/recognisable song usually does the trick.

[@dweedo23]

I got a little too lit before a show and it was my first time on cdj 3000s and I kept loading the next song on the deck that was currently playing 😢 NEVER AGAIN. Thank you for stating it’s a job and to be professional cuz I sure as hell wasn’t

[@djsubculture2786]

Don't feel bad. I made the same mistake at a DJ trade show.

[@digitaldjtips]

Still, the important thing is to learn from these experiences

[@bmuhamad]

Wow, manners are most important. Thanks. A saintly diplomat...requests.

[@digitaldjtips]

It's true!

[@bmuhamad]

​@@digitaldjtipsThanks again. 😊

[@jaymaddox8858]

I can remember when I started out as a dj and being in certain environments and dealing with certain types of individuals, I would get very edgy, and agitated and not want to be bothered by people, and I displayed a personality that would attract confrontations mostly with females, who nagged and complained and were authoritative. Or send a group of guys, if I didn't do what I was told, while others were having a good time.. My patient level was never good. However , if I was DJ'ing in Diverse crowds my energy was positive. And now that I am seasoned I want to work on how to deal with with patrons in the new generation and how to channel my emotions and not let certain people get to me. I'm older now so I have to set a better example for myself.. But I wont take B.S. neither.

[@digitaldjtips]

That’s fair enough, but it’s good that you can look back and recognise behaviour you felt maybe wasn’t serving you well - I certainly can!

[@jaymaddox8858]

@@digitaldjtips Damn I should have proof read my post 😂😂. Sorry about that. I also wanted to say that being "introvert" has its advantages and disadvantages. And I learned that this industry of entertainment, is a people's industry. But i could never fake it and THAT has andvantage and disadvantage. So I believe that when I had decided to quit, that was the universe telling me, until you learn how to grow, and learn how to become a better version of yourself and have a positive attitude. You're not going to make it. You're just going to be a guy with an unpleasant vibe with people because you want to protect yourself all the time and not let your guard down. Therapy 101

[@mintomax2]

brilliant video (as always) I think probably a lot of big name DJS could do with watching this (google highest paid DJs and majority of the list will behave the complete opposite of this) from my experience the well respected well known but DJs that play deeper more subtle music (Laurent Garner/Richie Hawtin/John Tejada etc) are generally very chilled out easy to get along with people. I know what you mean about stress I was lucky as I usually got put on right at the start so once my set was done I could relax and enjoy the rest of the night, while other DJs all wanted the last slot I was perfectly happy with the warm up/opening slot. I never knew about not playing another djs song if they are playing after you, I haven't seen this to really know how this would go down.

[@digitaldjtips]

I've booked many big name DJs over the years and they're usually lovely people, with one or two unnamed, notable exceptions.

[@mintomax2]

@@digitaldjtips a lot of the highest paid Djs definitely do not come across as such on the videos Ive seen, but I guess i'm not in the booth with them so I might be misinterpreting it. Speaking about playing to the crowd I agree you primarily should be playing to the crowd but I think it's about getting the balance right between playing to crowd and educating the crowd. There is a great quite which I think best sums it up ' A good Dj plays what the crowd wants a great Dj plays what the crowd didn't know they wanted'

[@leaveempty5320]

Did the 1st new years eve after lockdown. Easiest gig in the world. Crowd were up for anything and there was no slowing down, just maxed out all night. I get a request for an Adele track. I cue it up, listen, and point the people jumping around and waving their arms and had to tell him sorry. So, yeah, some people don't seem to feel the level everyone else is at.

[@digitaldjtips]

Or they just don't understand what will happen if you do play their request - if you did they'd probably realise instantly.

[@zitkamusic]

So glad I found this! Really great tips! Had my first gig at a market in a swedish city named Borås, just did simple club music to set the mood for the downtown square where the market was held. However my dream isn't really playing for a market, I wanna go to the clubs. Any tips on how you get these contacts you were talking about?

[@digitaldjtips]

Make it your mission to go out lots and learn who runs your local scene - it will be a very small number of people.

[@bigbadjojo4863]

A good DJ is the best sociologist. My name remembering tool is think of something the name is associated with. like David i would use David the giant killer, as in David and Goliath. I might even make small talk about David the giant killer.

[@RenatoHarripaul1217]

👍👍👍

[@raoulspiro]

I always ask for feedback after any gig. Unfortunately it has become cutthroat nowadays (some download music for free and offer free gigs as well 🤷‍♂️). I would say don’t have an ego, be professional but don’t be too nice either. Practise (different techniques and genres), be good at your craft, know your tracks or cue them where the vocals start etc, basics like phrasing seem to be forgotten these days

[@digitaldjtips]

Professionals will always rise to the top Raoul.

[@Wild_D]

Just ordered an FLX4!

[@TrixInTheMix246]

I'm in the market for a controller, and I have my eye on the FLX4 as well. 🎉🎉🎉

[@digitaldjtips]

Enjoy it!

[@soundssensational4568]

With mobile work liaise closely with the venue management. Check that their finishing time is the same as the client has told you. Check if there are any special ‘house rules’. If you have a changeover after a meal ask how you can fit in with them. I have had up to 10 venues recommending me because (a) I finish on time (lots of DJs don’t). Staff want to get home (b) My sound system is better than most (surprising as you rarely see others) (c) They see me do a good job. (d) They receive compliments on my and know clients are pleased. I have had banqueting managers suggest maybe a % (not always). Cheaper than an agent! You will get far more repeat bookings from venues than any client.

[@Lazo4200]

Great advice thank you sir 🫡

[@digitaldjtips]

Excellent advice. Being able to pack your gear up and get out FAST is also important, again for the reason of staff wanting to get home.

[@grahamtarkwell7890]

Hi Phil! I've been djing using a ddj400 for about 3 years now, just doing friends parties etc. At uni, I've recently been playing more on cdjs, but don't feel as comfortable so I'm considering upgrading. Would you recommend upgrading to the XDJ 700s with a DJM 450 mixer to get more of a club feel at home? I'm seeing some good deals floating about. Thanks!

[@digitaldjtips]

I think an XDJ-RX3 would be a better bet, it has more features.

[@johnparker8270]

Not being able to remember names could be a sign of adhd Phil. ❤️ Short term memory retension is a symptom.

[@digitaldjtips]

I just call it "daft".

[@robertewbank1440]

I was told by another KZbinr about being a djay yo are a vender and club or promoter is the customer it's all about customer service I'll never forget that....

[@digitaldjtips]

It's true!

[@_SirCharge]

25:55 😮I’m awful about this also. Bartenders and wait staff who I’ve worked with for years and I still can’t recall their names.

[@digitaldjtips]

I do it with my own family sometimes 😐

[@robd1823]

😊

[@michaels8607]

I am not worried about requests,because no one tells the pilot how to fly the plane nor walks in the room to tell the surgeon how to do their job..I have always been more versatile than many,so people expect surprises, some mid set changes, and yes,I have played so close to people they had to hand me the records..It's more about balance and respect for a professional, because I never saw folks running up to DJs like Larry Levan/Dave Mancuso/ with their requests. Once you start the practice,then the line for requests grows. In other words, do not be a di=-k yet hold your ground and be professional, in case a request makes sense.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good advice, although it varies gig-by-gig (mobile DJs have different criteria to club DJs, for instance)

[@Berth407]

Let’s say you listen to DJ’s on twitch. You Shazam a lot of their songs because 1. You just discovered some great tunes 2. They flow with the type of genre of music… you dj….is that considered copying if you use some of their songs in your set..it make be deep cuts that maybe that dj played and is consistent with that twitch dj..I know it’s a stupid question… or maybe if you took a bunch of songs from their set?? Idk what’s the proper etiquette?

[@digitaldjtips]

Definitely not a problem. The producers of those songs would be thrilled you'd heard them and were spreading their music to a wider audience.

[@ClarkAfterDark1111]

Whats best advice for playing a club that sounds horrible (cheap PA / Hard surfaces big room)

[@Berth407]

Great question following !

[@paullawson8610]

Eq the bass on the p.a system

[@digitaldjtips]

do the best with what you've got

[@ClarkAfterDark1111]

@@digitaldjtips I hear ya. I think in this instance Im going to pass on the gigs at this venue until they get things better situated. Sometimes its better to just say no. Professionally I am an audio engineer myself so i would rather turn a gig running a PA like that as much as i would performing. If you know your work is going to sound bad its better to save face as they say.

[@jackmercer4244]

32:45 he's right, there are people who try to hijack the event/party. And there are competitors who would get their friends or strangers to sabotage you by requesting something opposite of what your forte is, and many other psychological tactics designed to break up your groove. This has happened to me since I got back into DJing in 2016. They did it so much but they gave up because it has never worked on me. In fact, their negativity fed me to be even stronger. I'm too old to fall for their immature BS. There's a Japanese comedy anime called Tonkatsu DJ Agetarou, and there are scenes where the main character DJ Agetaro had to deal with his competitor's evil tactics.

[@jackmercer4244]

another thing they like to do to me is stare me down when I'm mixing to make me nervous, but they scurry off like roaches when I turn on my 360 camera And they even paid hot chicks to try and wreck my gear.

[@jackmercer4244]

Hell, even my DJ partners back in the late 80's sabotaged my set by scratching one of the records. It was their record so they thought that makes it ok to sabotage a fellow crew member. They were just jelly because I was stealing the head DJ's thunder lol

[@digitaldjtips]

Jeez!

[@jackmercer4244]

​@@digitaldjtips Competition in Japan is fierce but only passive-aggressive towards me so far, and that's probably because I show them that I just DGAF, which is a very foreign concept to them. DJs in Japan takes themselves way too seriously, and that's no fun. Stealing ideas (aka biting) is rampant, same as Japan in the 80s like electronics, cars & motorbikes, breakdancing, etc. I was first to build a Li Ion battery powered DJ rig in 2016-17, capable of running windows or Mac OS for up to 5 hours, maybe 6. I suspect that a company spy stole my idea. To get a general idea what the dance scene is like in Japan, Tonkatsu DJ Agetarou is a very good comedy anime. And there is a live action film which I haven't seen yet, but possibly no subtitle like the anime does.

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

I know im going to catch hell for this but...2 things i hated when i was spinning in clubs lol 1) if you are djing...do not get so plastered/loaded you cant do your job. If you drink..and the club allows it, just keep it professional 2) if you are handing off to another dj..dont be a dick and a) not communicate with them about handing off and b) leave them with a shit song on purpose...no one thinks its funny and no one thinks your cool for doing it. I know some dj's have a god complex and think are superstars that can work anywhere..but word travels and other clubs will not book a problematic dj if they here horror stories from other djs or club managers.

[@digitaldjtips]

Nothing wrong with either of those bits of advice, we agree completely!

[@ninjalightning2631]

Phill most DJs I know are A.H s Not nice people There is my opinion for DJ behavior

[@digitaldjtips]

I have to say most DJs I know are lovely people too.