Over To You: How Should DJs End A Night? I Beatsource Basics

There are two main schools of thought amongst DJs when it comes to the best way to close out a set at the end of a night. Some prefer to bring things down, playing a chilled, signalong track or two, where others will bang it out until the last second.
On the new episode of Beatsource Basics, we turn it over to you, asking you to sound off about your preferred way of doing things in the comments, so that the feedback from the community will provide valuable insights for new, up-and-coming DJs.
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[@chadnliz2k11]

All 80s night tonight, Purple Rain and Tesla Love Song are my out tracks. I send them out with hopeful chill music.

[@bboymac84]

Keep the ladies happy! Done!

[@jkharper192]

Started as a DJ in 1977... I always end the night with a song that puts people in the same "head space" I've used three songs more than others... Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, "You Know How To Make Me"... Alphaville, "Forever Young" (ballad version) and recently a song that almost always gets applause... Luciano Pavarotti and Zubin Mehta, "Nessun Dorma" believe me when I say, it will be remembered...

[@cchladny]

I've ended almost every gig for the last 20+ years with "Love and Happiness" by Al Green. It trains the regulars that when they hear that song, it's time to finish their drinks and gives the staff a heads up that the night is ending. Plus, it's a happy good vibe kinda song that nobody starts fights in the parking lot after ending their evening to. Puts em in a good mood and sends em out the door.

[@sidekick8740]

I appreciate everything you are saying. Know your audience of course. I have been in the game for a long time (house), and my gut feeling was / is to "bang it out" until the one but last track and then mix in a known lighter track (say Donna Summer I feel love) and gradually reduce the bpm and volume as a signal the night is coming to a close. I have received feedback that some people didn't like that (the slowing down of the bpm as they are dancing) compared to banging it out and then letting that "last" track end, slight pause for - hopefully - some applause, then play a known classic softer track at an appropriate bpm as an encore. That's a good time to try a remix of an old classic track to check how it goes down as well - a nice vocal and melody that sets a good mood as people head off to the dreaded cloakroom queue. Thanks again for all the great helpful posts (although you have cost me a lot of money due to your DJ equipment recommendations!)

[@pssst...]

Always end on a positive note. Chill it out, people have been dancing off the stressful work week, busting moves on the relentless rhythms, you don't want them beat down till the end. Give them something memorable, give them a interlude, a pauze and then that memorable ending, so they can go to bed happy.

[@DJSeanJ]

I'm firmly on team "is there an after party?" If I'm DJing at a club there's a consideration for safety of people driving home getting into fights and being particularly difficult to remove from a venue. For that consideration I like to end on a slowER song or something more mellow, like the Kaytranada edit of all night by Chance the Rapper. In that environment I'd like to do a sing-along somewhere within the last few songs so people get the hint that the night is winding up. If it's a private event or holiday where people might be going to another location after my set is over, ending on a high note is a lot more acceptable because there's a built-in expectation that the night isn't over. Granted I'm 36 and have been DJing in the USA for about 16 years, so I could fall into that "old DJ" space as well. In my opinion there's no right way or wrong way to display your creativity. I just think it's a lot higher stakes for safety purposes at night clubs and big public events where security staff is hired to manage drunk people.

[@djhemirukahemisphere8893]

Accurate!

[@DJSeanJ]

@@djhemirukahemisphere8893 Thx for the love!

[@sarahhall6208]

Old Skool here too, I always bring the tempo down for the last 15 minutes to chill the crowd down and drop the hint, it's home time!

[@Kulfaangaren]

How things are done now I have no clue, but from what I remember a whole sub-genre of trance was created just to calm people down and try to lower the number of car accidents when people drove home from the club. I believe it was in a documentary with Robert Miles, his "Children (1996)" probably being the most famous example of the sub-genre, that they talked about this issue. The number of accidents was partly blamed on small winding Italian mountain roads, but also the hyped up state of the drivers and passengers listening to trance and techno in the car. I would argue that this thinking still has a place in modern DJing.

[@djphiliptan]

I aim to end my nights with some sort of earworm, so the song keeps playing in their head even after the speakers are off. Singalongs work great for that.

[@shorekey1y560]

Thievery Corporation or something along the lines of downtemp trip-hop and fade out with some underground rap. As the DJ you're the social engineer, it's an unspoken requirement that we soften the evening as it plays out. A magical old head taught me everything I know close to twenty years ago. His wisdom hath never failed me, 🙏 to the ⛪️ of EDM.

[@uzi_Justice]

I've always ended every gig with Three Little Birds by Bob Martley. It let's the regulars know it's time to drink up and it always put the Punters in a good mood and stops them beating each other up outside the club.

[@uzi_Justice]

Do the taxi rank a favour end the night with a slow jam.

[@ricrush1200]

I use this often. Even when the music stops people walk out singing.

[@DjMbezzle]

The DJ who asked that sounds like one of those 18 yr old bedroom DJs who go to a club and just stare at the DJ all night, never interacting with a woman who gets mad that the DJ wont play dreams and nightmares 5 minutes after the lights are on and theres 3 people left.

[@mecdj]

If I’m closing I always calming it down last 20 but always uplifting emotional tracks , it’s a privilege to entertain as a Dj for over 35 years and I have a responsibility to the venue and my dance floor to leave them happy ! On a bad note I was playing second to last set in London one morning and I finished on Jestofunk I’m gonna love you , the next Dj came on and just did a shit spin back and blasted on not only ruining the mood but nearly my vinyl I was so angry with his lack of class and respect !

[@scottaubrey8392]

I agree with everything you have said l, DJ’s have a responsibility to the venue. Ultimately Venues close when consistently there is trouble, trouble starts when people are upset, people get upset when they don’t get what they want, a good DJ is responsible for giving people what they think they want…including a finish to the evening.

[@DJChrisCenzo]

Great video! As a older DJ who spent 20 years DJing at a roller rink in NY. It was imperative to cool down the crowd at nites end. Now a mobile DJ, I still do the same. The venues really appreciate it. Just a note: if I do get a one more song chant, it will be a banger followed by one or two cool down tracks.

[@djvip8218]

I've been DJing over 30 years I played at r&B hip-hop ,blues club I do play slow tracks in between sets to let people slow down chill out for a while then I go back to another banger set for an hour or two and I slow it down again closing time

Bedroom DJ here When I plan a set, I always do it having a slowdown end, taking the energy away. But even when I listen to other DJs' mixes, I find those finished and complete, where there is a "chilldown" at the end, not just cutting it off basically abruptly. And yes, I'm getting old too :D

[@krackerj1992]

Me being a dj in the adult skate night scene in the US. I think it's situational, based on the crowd. I have had nights where I rocked out til the end of the night and echo out the last song with an high enegry crowd, to doing up tempo soul/steppin/ R&B music with a mellow old skool crowd, to slowing it down the last 10-15 min if everyone is getting ready to leave.

[@frankhofmann1860]

During all this Years I've found a selction of Songs that worked for me to end the night. And Yes, I'm a fan of slowing down the Music with the last Tracks and not leaving the poeple with full Energy and greating a hard drop. Depends on the Event I have different songs that I always use to end the Night. Dance/Club: Art of Noise-Moments in Love Events/Weddings: ABBA- Thank you for the Music RnB/Hip Hop: TLC-Waterfalls 80's Classics: Howard Jones- Hide and Seek 90's Classics: Depeche Mode-Walking in my Shoes Classic RocK: Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody What I also liked in the late 80s and the early 90s in the Frankfurt Area. In nearly every Location you're asked to end the night with Frank Sinatra-New York, New York .

[@kolatzmusic9970]

Absolutely agree with you, maybe because I am also old school… but ending one night with people singing and in a great mude is also my thing! 🤙

[@leehaiber9837]

I am your age Mojax and also like to bring down the energy at the end of my set. I usually like to play more chill female vocal tracks within the genre. I do play the most current, newest fresh tracks of these kind though, so it doesn’t feel dated. Even in high energy genres like Drum & Bass you can pull this off, like a Liquid Roller with some soulful female vocals.

[@soundcentral]

I’ve been DJing since the late 90s, and I’ve always ended with a couple chill songs. The clubs/bars in my area close at 3, at 2 I usually do one last hype set and the last 15 minutes is for baby making music.

[@mac8050]

I think the way you said you do it is perfect personally. It is very much personality but start slow and end slow flows well.

[@DjDupree]

Definitely ending a night to bring the crowd together as one. Choosing a few tracks to make people feel like life isn't so bad. Most of the time for me that's a singalong. Sometimes rnb sometimes throwback hip hop or house just depends on the night. Cheers.

[@atcordice]

I agree with the calm music to end the night.

[@DJAUDIO1]

Many DJs today just bang it out towards the end. I prefer to slow it down in the last 10-15 minutes. Classic RNB, Funk, Soul or even Reggae works perfect. A few exceptional closing for me have been: Bob Marley - Could You Be Loved, J Boog - Let's Do It Again, Tevin Campbell - Can We Talk, Travis McCoy & Bruno Mars - Billionaire, The Weekend - Crew Love

[@chrismarshall4523]

ok, here's my choice of endings, 3rd last D-train - You're the one for me, 2nd last either Always and Forever - Heatwave, New York New York - Frank Sinatra, Last Dance - Donna Summer, then when the ligh0ts go on, a bit of the old tu e "the Stripper" to send em smiling! This set never failed!

[@gusgomez7660]

I definitely slow things down a bit the last 2 songs but they’re never the same

[@nikhoward]

I’m with you Chris, a couple slower ones to close it. Punters always love it in my experience.

[@AxelPironio]

I usually end my IRL sets with well known tracks and i am also usually playing in front of a middle-aged crowd (30-50). In this case, I usually hear them sing or mumble the tracks on their way out. Examples : enjoy the silence by depeche mode, zombies by the cranberries, children from Robert Miles...

[@chrismarshall4523]

Nice!

[@geoffloke7895]

I think it depends on the crowd also on what tracks to end the night on. Slow jazz by Twista is definitely a great "go-to" track at the end of the night, but there definitely is no right or wrong answer

[@satchelm0uth]

Absolutely, you need a start and an end. End it with something slower, bitter-sweet and euphoric. Al Kent - Pick Me Up (Say Goodbye) is the perfect disco edit to end the night.

[@percyabba]

Tiny Dancer. Perfect.

[@danielfontanes7339]

Club now wedding DJ (started in 1992). I will always play last song 10min prior to closing usually a sing along or even a slow song. Then wait for the one more song and throw Timber by pit Bull & Ke$ha or Mr Brightside by The Killers. It’s 3 min and will end at 59 past the hour lights on with the cold ending. I always hear them humming the song as they leave.

[@DJWoody714]

I'm with you 100%. I'm an old school DJ as well, and I'm lucky enough to have played in many scenes. When I was doing house, I used to end with The Killers - Mr Brightside (Thin White Duke Remix). Why? It was such a great singalong song that everyone knew at the time. Now, I'm doing latin here in LA. In the latin scene we have "drinking music" such as Vicente Fernandez, Grupo Firme, etc. Nowadays, I typically end the night with one of their songs or a spanish sing along. It works great and I've seen many other DJ's do that here in LA.

[@benoburdy]

such a good question! for weddings, i definitely flat out ask the couple if they have a preference n’ even try to check with them again before the night actually ends… for other gigs, i really hafta read the audience n’ general situation as the ending time approaches n’ make a call.

[@LAskeHosting]

You are not wrong... Its simple, just like any ride in life, it needs to end, if you are last DJ and you are ending the night, end it with something easier for people to relax... i used to do peaktime techno 4H set and end it with something as Laurent Garnier - The Man With The Red Face, and everyone loved it. And they will remember you for it, and they will tell you that you nailed them perfectly... Just like any movie, no matter the genre, has its starting, action, end point. Your set should have it to, that's what makes you unique, that's what unites the experience of that night. Just ask your self, would you watch a move if it was action, action, more action, and just cut with no ending of the story... how would you feel, would you watch that movie again? would you recommend it to anyone? :))

[@ReboyGTR]

*I play at this bar. Mostly 18-25 year olds. I usually finish with Birthday Sex by Jeremih. Becauce they're all 18 and we all know how their knights usually end....or at least how they wish how it all ends.*

[@NueNueKiro]

Hi Mojaxx. I agree with your philosophy to end a night with what I like to call “a hug”, some nice slow or deep melodic based songs to send you happy and satisfied after a long party and build up to that mood. I don’t particularly play let’s say well known/ singalongs songs because of the way I play and the music that I play, but I keep this mantra. I’m 24 and been djing for almost 10 yeats btw, so if I’m a relic for this way of thinking you should be a dinosaur. Joke’s aside, I fundamentally agree with this idea, it’s the desert, the cherry on top after a long hard night, and you basically end the story/journey, it’s not a cliffhanger. Now if there is an after party at another location affiliated with the event that I was booked for I’ll try to give the story some closure, even tho it’s somewhat more energetic and have some ending with filters, delays and reverbs to leave a long vague tail so people know okay it’s time to move out, or have a speech that is relatively known and fits the context, or switch to an entirely different bpm with a slow melodic song or a combination of the aforementioned. I like this format of videos, I definitely encourage you to make more of this kind, I love your technical approach but at the same time your philosophical one. Sincerely, one fan since circa 2014

[@patrickwayne]

I love this topic so much…im also a seasoned DJ, and ending a night on a chill happy mood is ALWAYS the way…always with a couple slow jams…my go to’s were The Manhattans “Shining Star” and Heatwave “Always And Forever”. Good stuff Mojaxx!

[@matmos34]

I'm 35 years a Dj and I'm with you too, Security like it, drunken folk get lulled out the door to sleep it all off, it brings the evening to a gentle close. Personally I prefer to play something weird or strange but that's my preference.

[@rogue66v]

Closing time - semisonic

[@ScottGiorgini]

I've been DJing since the 80s in clubs with just about any format you can dream of. From party bars to alternative / new wave clubs to huge house / techno / trance mega-clubs, you name it, I've spun it (weddings too). In all that time, I've always found it beneficial to drop down for a slow jam or two at the end of the night, whether it be to chill out the crowd and get them thinking about peacefully exiting the venue, or for the simple fact that when the night is winding down, there are plenty of folks looking to get their romance on. You'd be surprised how you can slow down the BPM while still maintaining energy with sing-a-long tracks like "Piano Man" in a party bar, and then leave 'em with something like "Beyond the Sea." In the 80s, I would typically end the night with tracks like "Always and Forever" by Heatwave, "Eyes of a Stranger" by the Payolas, or "Roni" by Bobby Brown. In the 90s, I would typically drop tracks like "Freak Me" by silk, "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star, or one of my all time favorite closing songs, "Flex" by Mad Cobra (if you don't know that track, check it out. Because it's basically the perfect end of night song). These days, songs like "You and Me" (Flume Remix) by Disclosure won't steer you wrong. Mojax is right when he says there's no right or wrong answer, but I can tell you from experience, playing a slow song or two to cap off your night (in a club or mobile gig) is never a bad thing, and I've literally had people give me $20, $50 and even $100 just for dropping a slow jam and giving them a chance to hook up at the end of the night.

[@danwhite7629]

My ideal gig ends with the Toots & The Maytals version of Country Roads Take Me Home. Great singalong, perefect tempo & a bit of a suprise for most people. I then often turn down by about 75% and play somthing like Elton John- Ready For Love or Yong Hearts Run Free while I start packdown. Most gigs aren't ideal though and my night ends with me being begged for 1 more tune! Please just say thanks instead!

[@chadmorrislionsinparis]

I think you you hit the nail on the head perfect, I do the same with giving the crowd something to sing along to on the let out. Im in Sacramento California where we just had a mass shooting downtown after the let out of clubs. the music does make people feel a curtain way and you have to be mindful of it.

[@Whopcap]

For established DJ:s like for example Hardwell, people come to see the artist which gives them the legroom to finish off with a bang (Hardwell did often finish his set with a hardstyle track). But when playing at a club, I guess the artist is more so playing for the crowd and venue and therefore needs to play their set from a wider perspective in order to keep most people happy (club owners etc). I might just be wafflin' since I'm very new to the scene but I did genuinely think DJ:s must close with a bang, but hearing your perspective makes absolute sense to me. Thanks for opening up this discussion as it's super helpful for us noobs

[@Phunkiedeknition]

Heavily into Hard Trance back in the day DJs generally play the last 10 minutes with something progressive and slightly boring which was fair enough. It's was sign to the leave the club at 6am to go to a day Club

[@jimmythetulip_]

I absolutely agree with that! ✌🏻 When I play house, the finish track of the night is Moloko - Forever more Can 7 Hometree version. Disco or funk parties: Bruce Hornsby - The way it is

[@rkashby78]

I agree with some of the other comments it totally depends on the venue and the crowd, I was a resident at a club in my hometown for 5 years back in 1998 so the crowd knew me and knew my style, same crowd every Friday and Saturday night so I could get away with a lot, at the end of a house and garage night I would regularly drop the Cheers theme tune or Hillstreet Blues theme tune as people were leaving and they loved it, like you Mojaxx I am old skool and I can totally relate to what you also said about the bouncers, one of the other DJs on a another floor at the club played Limp Biscuit Rollin’ at the end of the night, safe to say whole dancefloor of people ended up having a punch up as the lights went on, the police came, the club owner banned the DJs from ever playing that track again and the bouncers wanted to murder that DJ!

[@bianchetfam7960]

Defo calm things down. Send people off on their merry way

[@gordondarling8408]

I haven't worked as a DJ for years but I'm a massive advocate of ending on something positive. I was very genre specific so hard house and techno then onto house and slower techno. If on last I always tried to finish on something anthemic or uplifting that the whole crowd is likely to know. Basically keep it happy sand memorable. As you say security appreciated it and more importantly the very end of the night is something people remember and talk about when leaving.

[@NorthShieldsMag1983]

I don't DJ that often now. Only for friends and family. But Sex Pistols - My Way. That's my last track. It just makes people smile.

[@djdazp]

I do think sometimes it can depend on the venue as to how you close it out. Altho as you say there's no right or wrong way! Last night after playing bits of all sorts from 80s through 90s I to cheesy chart I ended the night with funky house remixes from the 60s, 70s, 80s from the top 100 beatport funky house section to keep in line with the song selection through the night but just to end with a bit more pump. It was a huge hit as well, everyone loved it. Its something I always try to do, if I play the older stuff through the night I tend to stay on that vibe but just updated remixes if that makes sense. Seems to go down well.

[@alessiorossi]

I always close the night with BlackBox’s Fantasy

[@Mechdar]

(Depends on genre and set) I like to send people out dancing, exhausted and sweaty - happy, in my understanding. But I always have a acapella snippet for the end like something from a scratch tool or something out of a movie. That way it‘s understood as the end of the night.

[@rejistry]

Guys Google about the story of Robert Miles' Children. It was specifically written as a 'last track'. Interesting story.

[@avh700]

I bang hard until 15 minutes to closing time. I bring it down in enough time to not piss off the owner, help clear the venue but mostly to make sure that everybody is still hyped up and happy when they leave because if they had a great time walking out you'll be remembered, the will have you back. It's a fine line, but having amped up guests at the end of the night will definitely get you booked because people come for a good time and come back and want it over and over again. If they don't see it again they will notice a difference. They'll ask what changed or who was the dj. Extra money at the bar and happy customers never pissed off a club or venue owner as long as you don't break the rules. As for how I end, I always get the slowest banger for each category. If it's house music, then I end off with 'Follow me' by Aly us. Bangers don't have to be necessarily fast they can be a top hit that everybody can sing along to and remember how good the night was especially with the last song. You don't want to be like every other DJ and make everyone fall asleep, but also not put heavy breaks on cause then that's a typical night. Just have them wanting a little more. You want it to be a night to be remembered not just during the set, most likely you will be remembered with how you ended it. I respectfully end on a high note.

[@avh700]

PS I noticed that some people have commented that anybody could bang out all night, but you have to remember, that there is an art to what I mentioned, so if you do have that skill or not willing to take chances to perfect that art and become seasoned to enough to control the room at the end of the night, then forget what I said and just go by the textbook.

[@danpelos]

It's depends on so many factors - the event, type of venue, location, audience age, genders, how active the dance floor has been, how busy the bar has been, the 'end time' is a big some - some events finish at 11pm while others can be 2am.

[@DjPositiveP]

Great question! 85 born dj I love playing slow Jams the last 10-15 mins.. Sing alongs are the best! In my opinion.. will love to hear what tracks works best for yall? I love lovers & friends, nice & slow, u got it bad, slow motion, my way drake & fetty, Best on earth, Best I ever had, Mariah always be my baby, Whitney, Usher, Chris Brown

[@djrohan_presents]

interesting topic Mojaxx. For me the last song has to tell the crowd - this is the last song! So a genre change with maybe an obvious message or a an obvious rock anthem will do. But generally if your playing a long set and your the only DJ you’ll be taking them on a journey anyway with ebbs and flows thru the night. Semi-sonic closing time and Queen bohemian rhapsody were obvious ones for my open format sets. But I also feel there is an element of Pleasing yourself in the choice and adding you own DJ identity to the ending….

[@CJ-gp9yh]

When I was a working club DJ, I would always close with 2-3 super familiar oldskool vocal or synth tracks to get everyone happy before the lights come on

[@sheryltupa4289]

I have two different “last songs” I use. One is “Thank you for being a friend” by Andrew Gold. The other is “Goodnight Sweetheart” by the Spaniels.

[@mikesam888]

Great topic. First up I think it really depends on the type of event you’re playing at: club, house party, wedding, corporate event etc. I’m almost exclusively a wedding DJ and typically I’m banging it out right to the end. The main reason being that the dance segments at wedding receptions are typically very short in duration. 2-3 hours max if you’re lucky and given the guests have been sitting for most of the night they’re really wanting to max their party time by dancing hard! There are so many other factors though…like age of the hosts: older hosts would probably be more amenable to a slow down at the end. Younger hosts would probably want to bang to the end. Personalities and preferences of the hosts. Is that what they want? A slow down at the end? I always give them the choice. Whatever the vibe slow or fast, I always invite all the wedding guests back on the floor for a last dance (or two) with the bridal couple. Nice sentimental way to end the night for the couple and their cherished guests. Classic singalong anthems work really well….like Bohemian Rhapsody, All you need is love, Don’t stop believing, you’re the voice. There’s something very special about people connecting over a song they all belt out together arm in arm!! Euphoric.

[@mikelopez3577]

Love and respect your reviews and take on DJing! I guess I’m old too, because I’ve been DJing 20 some years and I too try and end on a sing a long vibe. Learned that from my club and bar days of DJing. Now I dj mostly weddings. Sometimes, they really want the night to end on a bang rather than mellow sing along. Being that I couldn’t get my head around that completely, I still play a banger that people still know all the lyrics or at least the chorus. Did a edm wedding, closed with Swedish house mafia - don’t you worry child. If the group is More hip hop top 40, I’ll close with slow then if I get the “ one more song” I’ll play dj Khalid - all I do is win. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Stuff like that. 😂

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i play odd ball stuff at the end but it depends on where i am .At an intimate venue like a cafe i used to dj at i might play for example the instrumental of I Wish I knew How To Be Free and then something funny like the Jon Belushi speech on the Animal House Soundtrack Where he says over ?nothing is over until we decide it is.Thats very funny and a great way to finish.At a larger venue maybe Last Dance from Thank God Its Friday by Donna Summer then that speech by Ferris Bueller saying its over go home or the Deadpool version which is also very funny.

[@nujaxx_]

I ended the night with slow jams all the time right up til the early 2000's. It started to shift after that and eventually just became something that people would look at me like I had two heads if i played slow jams to end the night lol

[@djtoshiba]

I love going countercurrent of the night with a old song, too old for the audience, with a nice groove, but stil' unknown song for this generation. Make me see who's curious about old music and make others leave faster and security kind of love that.

[@DjMbezzle]

I'm all for evolution of the art but I'm noticing apot of younger DJs want to change the way things are done without first having an understanding of why those things are done in the first place or what benefits the change will make. For example slowing it down at the end of the night provides a ton of benefits. It's the time of night people are the most intoxicated so you want to keep them in a good mood, not ready to fight. You want to put them in the mood to leave so security dosent have an issue with getting them out. You want them to kinda flow out bit by bit, not all at once causing road issues. You want to give guys/girls an opportunity to get "closer". These are all known benefits. What would be the benefit of keeping it turnt until last call other than the DJ thinking hes great for playing bangers all night (which anyone can do). Peaks and valleys bro. Peaks and valleys.

[@avh700]

Good for bars and small party's, good vibes,I'm all for it. However the game is changing fast. I do it because I want to be rehired again. When it comes to clubs and making money, they want DJ's that will pack the house on a regular basis, with people coming back for more. With mature guests it's actually harder to do since people aren't really willing to part with their dollars like they used to, as well as possibly taking certain health risks. With clubs, there are more dj's out there and the hiring is a little harder when you have more competition. (Pros can overcome this)In general Club owners at this point want to make back money fast. If they see opportunity to fill it up and have people have a great experience and want more each time, you get rehired. It's very competitive right now. Peaks and valleys are very very key (and appears Pro) in some markets, mostly with mature guests because it gives the people a chance to collect themselves, yes. Very true to DJing as an art form. But currently if you start to talk about DJing for livelihood nowadays, those types of guests aren't the ones that will come back again soon. Youthful customers who are new to the scene have a shorter attention span and are quick to move on to the next if you don't keep them captivated and enticed.

[@DjMbezzle]

@@avh700See, you're a great example of what I was talking about. First off I agree with you in that owners want a packed club and they want those people to come back. That's been true since the inception of the industry. I also agree that mature guests are harder to rely on and it's the young crowd you have to please. From there it sounds like you have some misconceptions. Sure things change but the psychology and science to this dosent really change much. For example you said peaks and valleys are for people to get collected...this isnt the case. It's to flip the floor and rotate the bar ie: increasing bar sales. If you really want to be sure you're hired again bar sales are a major factor. Another big factor in getting asked back is not having a ton of issues at the end of the night. Clubs dont make money off customers lingering after last call and fights when the lights come on or security having to go back and forth with drunk customers is not only a problem for the club (which could cost them $$l but could make customers not want to return. You also dont want a full club full of intoxicated people leaving at once as it raises traffic risks and a handful of those can get your club shut down. Another thing that dosent change is that women (young and old) enjoy a sexy vibe here and there and guys (young and old) are there to get laid. If the women are happy and guys can get laid then theyll come back. Obviously there are exceptions. If your playing a EDM night in Vegas then you might want to keep it at 10 all night but even then I've seen big name top tier djs take it down a notch before ending the night.

[@avh700]

@@DjMbezzle My case is unique because I play in New York City and a majority of our clientele are rich kids that do bottle service. We don't have as many problems otherwise they would never be able to get in period, the rest of course is the bar. But all that you say is completely true and very relevant.

[@dirtyfunk1165]

Hey MoJaxx, great topic to discuss and as others have already pointed out it can be a subjective choice. I too am old and have played for a while and my take is from a bar or small club environment for context. That being said i have also worked hospitality too and the need to clear the venue at the end of the night can have different results on its execution depending on what is being played at the end. I have been a punter when at the end of a house night the DJ dropped a liquid DNB track which he thought would clear the floor but it brought people back on haha. I was playing a DNB night once and the DJ dropped Isaac Hayes "Joy" as his last track and whilst confused for a second at the time, it dawned on me what a great idea! It slowed things down, the track is sexy AF and has a real funky "time to head home" vibe. I subsequently stole that idea for my sets for a long time until i had an epiphany of the track i now use..... Flight of the Concordes -"Business Time" !! These guys are a New Zealand comedy duo and the track has the same sexy vibe but also has a funny edge and sends people off with a smile! Security's job made easier and in a way brings them closer to the punters as they leave as it's something to laugh about. Win / win scenario! If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favour and check it out it's great value! Anyway there probably isn't really a right answer to this topic but a great forum to share ideas that you might be able to use with your own crowds one day! Cheers!

[@leozebiosthor6242]

Hi Mojax, I ve been spinning for over 25 yrs, currently the oldest resident Dj at Warung. Absolutely, there s no right or wrong. Personally, I ve always enjoyed playing an ' emotional ' track at the end, doesn t matter if it s new or not or if it has vocals.. As long it s a happy, good mood track. Good example would be Benoit & Sergio - Everybody or Lovebirds - Want you in my soul. Now, that being said, I am probably as old as you are, so maybe we re both relics 😂

[@Mojaxx]

Wow, that’s a rather special place to be resident! Respect!

[@DBLG65]

With cash in his pocket. 😉

[@anthonygato407]

if still people dancing, let the last track play out... then play one more not mixed in. one that puts the emotion back in them. an outdoor gathering, same as above but end with "this is your land" by woody Guthrie.

[@VijayKumar-sy4id]

Old school for me. I will announce last orders to get that little extra bar sales. Then the volume will slightly come down in the last 15 minutes. And I will mention that there are only a few songs remaining. When the last tracks about to finish I thank all for attending and wish them a safe journey home or a safe night if they carry onto another venue and hope to see them next time.

[@RichardOCallaghan]

In rural Ireland, we used to play the National Anthem. Probably still happens.

[@percyabba]

Something really well known mid tempo classic, or something a bit loved up but totally unexpected.

[@DJSigmarMuuga]

Last night I was playing at the wedding and the evening was veeerry sloowwww. The host was not good at his job in my opinion, he held lots of speeches and talked a lot of nonsense and the venue was full of bored faces all the time. When it was time to dance, people were not really in the party mood anymore because of all that.. so I took some effort and time to get the dancefloor working. 2 hours into the party it was time to close the night and the dancefloor was kind of half-empty and many folks were just wandering around, drinking and chatting. 10 minutes before the end I just stopped the music in the middle of nowhere. Everyone started staring at me in the room and at the same time I took the mic and asked "yo", "yo", "you guys still here? do you know that the party ends in 10 minutes? Would you like to end it with a bang?" And then I heard a loud "YESSS" from the room. Just a couple of seconds later I dropped "Scooter - Fire" starting from the verse "FIREEE". And oh boy, the crowd went nuts and everyone started raving and jumping around. I did some quick-mixing with bangers for 10 mins in the row, played around 9 songs in 10 minutes and ended the party suddenly with "Abba - Dancing Queen". When the song ended, it was about it. The party was over. And EVERYBODY in the room were clapping hands somebody shouted "lets give an applause to our great DJ!". I got a good applause from the crowd and the wedding couple could not stop thanking me. In my opinion it always DEPENDS. I never want to leave the gig unnoticed. Thats how I get remembered and recommended to other gigs. My philosophy is never ending a party without nobody noticing or giving a f*ck. I usually give out the last maximum I have in those last 15mins of the night so that people will REMEMBER that night when they wake up in the next morning. Parties are also about making good memories and thats what matters the most for me.

[@brymills]

You mean we don’t still finish with Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, (I’ve had) The Time of My Life? Two copies, chop the middle out…

[@praveenshm]

I play some good singalong slow popular song in the end

[@DanielleKingdjdinosaur]

i just had a thought .The Sweeny End Theme is pretty good again a smaller gig might suit that theres also a nice Jazz piano version of Afrika Bambaataa s Planet Rock.It does rather depend on the crowd and the venue

[@DJShortCut187]

For me every night has a structure. A beginning, a climax and an end. Music exists for different situations in life. Music also finds its place in these 3 sections of the party night. Too few DJs accompany the audience after a night with positive vibes and bring them down slowly to start their way home. Nowadays every party should contain moshpits and energy in every minute until the end. These people often claim that they are the better DJs because they kept the energy until the end. For me this is not a solution or an approach that i like and that i want for my guests. Of course every DJ can decide and act as he wants. And that's fine. Every DJ has his own style and therefore also his own fans. In any case i don't like it at all when a DJ gives full power until the lights go up and everyone has to leave the club on adrenaline. In my opinion the DJ missed his job here. But of course everyone has his own opinion. Greetings from Germany!

[@mrdenco5743]

i totally agree with you, i always slow down the tempo towards the end of the night.... i like to feel like i have taken the club on a musicial journey & it needs a fitting end plus its makes the security's job a lot easier! i usually use one of these 3 tracks..... (1) bruno mars - the lazy song : its a feel good singalong tune (2) justin timberlake - senorita : listen to it & you will understand why.. (3) will smith ft robin thicke - switch (rnb remix) because of the opening line....

[@wesleystones670]

To me depends on the gig/crowd/vibe on the night… I also generally wind it down a bit the last 15-20 min of the night. As you said it just feels like the right thing to do. When that’s done if I’m feeling it (crowd dependant) I sometimes play a banger at the end 😈 I work in the wedding and corporate events industry. For work one of my go to final songs is “Ive had the time of my life” from the Dirty Dancing sound track. It’s cheesy af but it’s generally well received across the board. I don’t play it every gig though otherwise I would probably kill myself. “Bohemian rhapsody” is another good one to go out on. When I’m at home it’s house music all night long 🙌🙌🙌

[@clanoue1167]

I feel like this is a venue and event specific questions. Also it will also depend on how the liquor sales work in your venue. In my area you can serve right up until 2am. And the music shuts off at that same minute. House lights are always on right at 2. Yes if you bought a drink at 1:59 you have 1 min to drink it before doormen start pushing you towards the door. No need to argue this point it's how it work in this part of Canada. At a food gig, pub, style gig I think the slow jam calm people down method is the right call. If the bars empty there's isn't a full dance floor and security wants to clear everyone out asap at 2, slow jams and let the people filter out. Now I spent most of the last decade working for a major events promoter who also ran a club night 1 night a week. Our club night was promoted like a rowdy frat party. It was also meant to be a crazy "pursuit of happiness (steve aoki remix)" level of energy all night (though we didn't hit them hard until 11:30). On those nights (every saturday for 7.5 years (fucking covid killed it) we banged it out to the absolute last second. If the door men were not throwing drinks at us to stop we didn't do our job. The club new it, owners new it, but staff didn't love it, but staff wasn't paying the bills the 500 rawdy college kids where. Flash forward to today, same owners in there new venue in a post Covid world (I hope we are past this and don't get shut down again), same time frames, it's Saturday and I plan to play dance music for probably the last 30-45 minutes (open format venue), And I will probably end on some sing alone house music like shouse - love tonight. If the night doesn't go as expected and I'm plying hiphop, probably end on newish ip hop song, maybe some new stuff from drake or tyga. I don't love the super slow soft end, I want to keep people drinking right up until they are not allowed to drink anymore. I want them to leave wishing I was still playing for another hour. I kinda don't want them fully satisfied, I want them to go dam, I wish there was more and I'm coming back for sure. If 20 people come up to me and beg to know where the after party is I did my job right. Lastly If it's not me or some other open format DJ playing and I'm at a show. Some B or C list touring DJ/Producer (Because A listers are way too much money for a 500 person club), I expect them to bang it out right to the very last second. I'm putting a big red count down clock set for 2:01 on the DJ booth and I want to see them bang it out to the last second as well.

[@rdenir]

Jimmy Cliff Reggae Night was my standard last song played for just about forever, well since around 86’ at least..

[@tambian9130]

Now that's a great question....Back in the 80's at 2:08 it was known as the 'Erection Section' lol....Now we've got that out the way slowing down the end of a night is purely aimed at your own personal preference. From a soul, funk, electro, reggae sound system backround thats something ive always chose to do. Regardless of age slowing down shows experience with natural crowd control awareness. Youre reminding people the night is coming to a close. I always tell the crowd we're on the last few tracks and it reminds them to get your coat,bag etc giving people time to prepare home time is soon. Because i play all dance genres from soul funk disco house detroit techno acid house etc even slowing with those genres is a task in itself as some people still want to stay lol... So, some examples of slow tracks in raves and illegal ones where people just dont want to leave because they're loving the slow one too lol.. Disco nght last tune, Loves Theme unlimitted orchestra. Electro night, Tender love, Force Md's, Acid and house night, Ambience the adored rain mix, Detroit Techno night Psyche, Elements.

[@32PowWow]

Exactly what you said about easing MFs out of the venue. Newer DJs don’t understand this. In their minds they aren’t “killing it” unless the party rages till they unplug the shit…

[@johnparker8270]

Last rhythm last rhythm was always last tune at the blue monkey, mojaxx

[@mmmsalguero]

For the last 35 years, since I have memories of being a DJ, I have ended all my sets with New York, from Frank Sinatra, everyone knows it, everyone sings it and everyone goes home happy

[@mike._.feliciano6782]

Love is the Message by M.F.S.B is what I use to play to end the night....

[@dannybounce]

Lots of variables to take into consideration but mood setting in an eatery was a perfect ending in fact even if it was a club and you were last on the night has to come to a natural resolve so both tracks would’ve worked as well no doubt or as you said a vocal house sing a long classic it’s about vibe for me not genre or BPM if it fits it’s good to go.

[@scoopjoy]

Rose Royce - “I’m going down” 4 Non Blondes - “what’s up”

[@brenda2640]

I've started doing a "cool down" track or two at the end of my Live Streams... Never did before.. Trying something new.

[@nicolaslazy-soul6318]

I'm doing exactly like you. But I'm also an old head. If that's a thing of the past what is the way to go now ?

[@venables213]

Usually wind down near the end have 2 or 3 slower tunes at the end.. was a 60th the other night so felt the beatles - hey jude should be the last song.. younger audiences my go to has been young by fun it's got that carry you home tonight message which seems appropriate, some parties I've finished with bohemian Rhapsody, some older parties the answer by david alexander (especially in a welsh town) , ed sheeran perfect if it's a wedding.. again depending on age and the genre I've been playing i sometimes end with either three times a lady or wonderful tonight.. the end is my least favourite part of the night.. if it's been a good night i want it to go on forever

[@philphillips7732]

Wow you are so on the money with how the end of the night should be constructed to let the people know that it's the end of a fantastic night, I so remember the slow song E........ section and as the night would come to an end and the lights would be turned on , The sound of Music Soundtrack would be used to get everyone singing So Long Fair well ..... as you left the club, I think clubbers are a bit like children if you have the music full on and then turn the lights on and say time to get out ,it's going to kick off ,however if you say ok time to go in five minutes and we have got just enough time for a quick E- Section and a walk out sing song they will be very happy and go home without any trouble ,Great way to end a night and get repeat business the following week ,Nice to see you ...........Nice !!!!!

[@user-rn2jd8uo7m]

I end with a good slow song

[@jamesslaven4103]

The difference is before folk jump In. Are you paid tho

[@endonyxoneaudio8644]

The final record should be at least 200 bpm #BurnThePlaceDown

[@FunctionGermany]

can someone tell me what the "something section" was called?

[@Mojaxx]

‘The Erect!on Section’ 😉

[@FunctionGermany]

@@Mojaxx haha thanks that's quite tame compared to what i expected