How To Fill Dancefloors & Keep Them Busy All Night - DJ Gig Tips & Tricks

[@tombyrnerocks]

This is top top TOP advice. Phil really knows his stuff. DJing itself isn't hard. But knowing exactly how to implement the stuff that Phil mentions here is the key to success. As someone who has been at it for 15 years, starting off playing nonsense in the bedroom, to playing shitty pubs and clubs, through every genre under the sun, to now doing weddings and events almost exclusively, trust me..... it is ALL down to managing people's energy levels. Everything else is a walk in the park! Great vid Phil, thank you. Newbies, listen to what this man says and learn from it. Because you ain't getting those headline festival sets until you've learned how to move a crowd properly. Peace x

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the support tombyrnerocks, and glad to hear you've done so well!

[@peterhalliwell8634]

Spot on Phil. It's great that what you describe is what I've learned over the years. I work mobile and you're right. Typically open at around 105 bpm with classic pop disco build and relax. Build through to rock'n'roll and drop back. Build from Motown to Northern Soul and drop back. Build from 90s dance to House / Trance. Party dances and 80s classics. Build from 60s pop, Beatles, Bowie, Stones to Rock and heavy metal. Indy disco, Hip-Hop, R'n'B. Love songs. Around 15 to 20 minutes in each segment using requests and taking cues from the floor and the room.

[@digitaldjtips]

Awesome, so nice of you to share your typical genre sequence there, thanks Peter.

[@MrJFunkSanchez]

Somehow I always tend to go back to my “gold” tracks at the end of the night similar to the beginning of the night. Everyone knows the tracks and just having a good time, sing a long, etc. Always a bit of trial and error but keep rotating your music too. Don’t play the same sets at every club/event. It has helped me be a better mixing dj and keep everything fresh.

[@digitaldjtips]

Nothing wrong with that - depending on the venue and the crowd of course, often the end of the night is less about dancing and more about a mass singalong!

[@Aceguy2001]

15 years as a musician and 5 years as a DJ, I couldn't agree more. :) When your track is playing, it's all about looking at your audience, judging their reaction to a new genre, constantly monitory people, adjusting and adapting to your surroundings.

[@digitaldjtips]

Not sure if I mentioned that explicitly, but YES - spending as much time as possible watching your audience and as little as possible with your head in your laptop is super important.

[@Guachum]

This video has the best DJ advice on KZbin. Some DJ's focus on mixes, effects, back spins, scratching and other tricks. Instead of playing for the crowd, they are playing for themselves and other DJ's. Stick to these suggestions, unless your are a high-profile DJ. What annoys me most is a DJ that thinks he's a superstar, keeps on talking, yelling and making jokes.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for your support Guachum.

[@BenCaesar]

Great advice on watching people on the sides! I know from MCing clubs for years that the managers want people buying drinks but want the music to keep them there.

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah got to learn how to rotate a dancefloor :)

[@cherzinga]

I'm surprised very few DJs understand this concept

[@realdjcash]

Great breakdown on the art of filling a dance floor. This is science, psychology & chemistry all in one. I love your videos. Thank you for sharing all your DJ. Its ALL LUV💯🤙🏽

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks, DJ Cash!

[@irie1tes]

I really appreciate the way you convey abstract ideas. It was interesting to hear you describe some things I've been doing subconsciously

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad it helped, irie1tes.

[@StrobeSteppa]

Good stuff Phil - Subscribed.... Been dj-ing for 40 years - Originally from Reggae sound system days in 79' - Have played to all sorts over the years but in my opinion and experience if u wanna get the party started play for the ladies...guys seem to be a tad inhibited whereas the females when they had a drink its all go....Guys can get down too don't get me wrong...Also read your crowd, and also know your music....and I mean know your music, what to play, when to play. Timing is key - crap dj's play what they think is good - Good dj's know what's good. From pirate radio Medina fm in 89' to Pulse FM in 91', done Teneriffe cicuit in 88' and my own illegal warehouse party where 3000 people turned up in North London, Park Royal in 88', I absolutely shat myself playing to that size but kept the fundamentals - Reggae - soul - House, and my favourite Acid House, if the dj's having a good time your vibe will bounce to the crowd and they will have a great night.

[@digitaldjtips]

Hi Tam, thanks for subscribing. Wise words, and what a musical history you have there!

[@fabricationbycloud]

It's one of the most important things if not THE most important one people who want to get into clubs MUST learn. Well said.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks ToastDevSystems :)

[@dumisanimpofu3094]

Great in theory...Its just a tough one especially since today most people only wanna hear what they know and aren't really patient enough...Sucks more when you switch genres and people leave ....... :)

[@digitaldjtips]

People will ALWAYS leave clubs though - but getting an audience to know and trust you is the key. It takes time and consistency.

[@renedjenkins]

Switching genres is easy once you master your ear in terms of recognizing a disco tune has an R&B sound versus high energy, or a House track has an edgy guitar track to transition into a pop track etc. At the end of the day it's mostly about be confident in taking risks and recognizing failures and making corrections. Don't be afraid to fail.

[@digitaldjtips]

Well said! Once you think beyond "genres" and start hearing sonic elements of tracks, this all becomes simpler.

[@David-ib8ek]

@Scott Goin Run DMC’s Tricky into ACDC Shook me all night long is one “genre switch” I use that also works well

[@gailstifler9708]

Great information....love to hear more like this...

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Gail, watch this space! What in particular would you like to see us cover?

[@metruna]

Always the best tips. Thanks, Digital DJ Tips!

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem!

[@djswivells3613]

Great advice for us dj's

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help :)

[@DJMIXXTHAT]

I do stick to one group until my special people will walk up and make a request to get me off that group then the next group will party hard so i will keep to there group. Great video!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for watching :)

[@krissymarklewis1793]

You can play wall to wall bangers all night but rotation is the key. The smoking ban made things a lot for difficult but people might wanna go outside, to the bar, etc so I find I have to kinda do it in waves to keep things moving.

[@digitaldjtips]

Good advice :)

[@partycity55]

Great video I’m a mobil DJ and I really like these tips

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad they're helpful Dj Allen!

[@rajd33p42]

No Bull$hit direct straight to the Point... That is why I'm a subscriber of this channel...

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks, we appreciate the support.

[@ILoveOlSkoolMusic]

Well said Phil. Great video as normal

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Michael :)

[@yourtunesentertainment8152]

I couldn't agree more. It also depends on how large your audience is. A wedding of 30 attendees is much harder than a house full but the concepts are the same no matter how many are there.

[@digitaldjtips]

Very true :)

[@nazb33]

I love your videos Phil. I'm feeling the vibe more to get going because of your videos. I'm just shopping around for a little hardware and more software. Fingers crossed I'll get what I need

[@digitaldjtips]

Just ask for any help as and when you need it Naz B.

[@nazb33]

Digital DJ Tips I really appreciate it. I'll definitely be in touch. I'm going back in time and watching your previous videos now. Thanks for getting back to me

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome, have fun :)

[@guslauzon2513]

Well said phil. You are so right about fill and rotate but every gig is very different so for me I call it adapting and reading people as well. Thanks again phil for the awesome content as always.. Thumbs up

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes, it's so true - no such thing like two identical gigs1 Thanks for the feedback Gus.

[@tomhancock9306]

Phil is a legend - such great advice even to us guys who think we know it all. Alwus learning from this guy and the channel. Keep it up.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Tom

[@jrd2112]

Hi Phil!!! Great tip coming at a good time as always! And the volume trick is great and unexpectable. Cheers!

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you found it useful Joao :)

[@djdigital3806]

My sound system is Ace. 🔊🔊 Thanks for the information.

[@damid69]

Good points !

[@oaklaketrailsnaturistpark8762]

Great Advice! Thank You! I can say from experience that this true :) Play what you know your crowd likes but also do something for everyone :)

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for the support Oaklake Trails Naturist Park

[@yashbalkaran7834]

Thank you sir, this was great stuff.

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@ahmeditron4440]

Well it all comes with time and observation but i really love it when i connect with the crowd that feeling is really special and i usually perform better when im djing alone all night i build up the vibe and continue it in a wave form then i reach the peak and continue it for almost 45 minutes to one hour then i go to hip hop and R&B and thats how i finish my night

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice one Ahmed :)

[@willisjacksoniv9745]

Thank you!

[@kristchantea5780]

Thanks Phil, this is very useful

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome.

[@akinkunmicook2977]

Great advice!

[@rwothumiohenry8725]

this is a nice one phil

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks!

[@hot4futureyears2come]

Had a gig that thing. Happen. I tired everything but it seems like Spanish house and pop stuff work. But when I tried to include the other folks they did not bite. It was a frustrating night but it happens to everyone so I just did

[@digitaldjtips]

...and the funny thing is, lots of the audience probably really enjoyed it.

[@hot4futureyears2come]

@@digitaldjtips five people came to me at the end of the night, saying you did great man !! and those five where sitting the whole night, lol

[@digitaldjtips]

Yes - pretty standard! Us DJs can be too hard on ourselves sometimes.

[@leroymayo8580]

😭😭😭 I remember the good old days, this just popped up on the recommended to watch................................ I have no dancing as the venues are seated tables only. 2020-2021 R.I.P Dancefloors

[@digitaldjtips]

Hopefully back from the dead soon!

[@guyhermanson3002]

You nailed it.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks!

[@djobanyong1631]

Thank you for your advices. 100%work👏 well done

[@digitaldjtips]

Cool, glad it helped!

[@alexzanderking1556]

very helpful

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks!

[@djfredgarde702]

Nice topics!

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks Fred.

[@mochaloco84]

Thank you for this! I think i push them too hard and i feel like sad like girl alone on friday night sad when ppl leave dance floor😂

[@guyhermanson3002]

Your bang on mate. The only issue I have is the requests that don't fit the sets I'm playing at the time. Then once in a while I have the odd person complain I didn't play their song. They don't understand their song wasn't appropriate for that set or they are just selfish pricks. Alcohol does that to some people.

[@digitaldjtips]

...but as I always like to remind people, requests are just that - requests! They're not "demands"...

[@guyhermanson3002]

@@digitaldjtips here in Nova Scotia, Canada I've encountered many people over the last 30 years who do demand songs. They get worse when they are drunk and because they are regulars the event hosts listen to them when they say the DJ didn't play their requests (demands). Its up to the event managers to handle them and trust the DJs. We as DJs also have issues where clients want a professional DJ for less than 500.00 even for weddings. Its taken years to get the price up past 500.00 and people just don't get what it takes to be a DJ. I was asked to do a wedding for 350.00 yesterday. I told them to go ask a rookie since renting DJ gear costs 250.00 to 300.00 just to play at a wedding not counting paying for all the other expenses and paying salary.

[@guyhermanson3002]

@@digitaldjtips one event manager told me my price of 300.00 was too high to play from 8pm to 1am so they were going to hire another DJ. I was shocked since I played there for the last 5 years and I even spoiled them by providing more gear than they paid for. I even did Hallowen dances with tons of lights, props and decorations for no extra charge. Here where I live people are just clueless about what DJs can do and how much time and effort goes into it. I have 30 years experience and some of my clients are very loyal but unfortunately not everyone has that kind of relationship.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing. By the way, do people call each other "mate" in Nova Scotia? I thought it was only a UK thing... :D

[@guyhermanson3002]

@@digitaldjtips we have a large connection to the UK and Ireland since many of our ancestors are from those countries. Half of my family are of Irish decent. We also use other slang terms as well such as Cheers and Feck. I'm part of the Dickies clan from the green isle.

[@dgalviniZD843]

Please and tease...nice 👌👌👌

[@batstarmuaz4904]

This realy helped, thnks

[@digitaldjtips]

Glad to help Batstar Muaz!

[@NicolasAlnajjar]

Great advice 👍👌👌👌 Can you help us find some useful crossover tracks between genre 🤗

[@digitaldjtips]

Look for remixes of popular tracks in a different style to the original, as a place to start.

[@planetmusicsamos]

hahahaha Phil.... Phil. u naughty .. u r revealing secrets hahahaha great video , kisses from Samos island Greece .

[@digitaldjtips]

We believe in sharing, planetmusicsamos! 😄

[@andnegr]

Very true!

[@iconix21]

Cool tip..

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks illamax.

[@AsiCmusic]

Nice Tips ! Very Clear - ! Thanks !

[@digitaldjtips]

No problem!

[@djsteevemixofficial4984]

Great

[@eklektikTechno]

You gotta miss videos like this before Covid.

[@digitaldjtips]

For sure 😅

[@andreumateulamas]

Thank you for your advise. Could you or anyone please tell me where to get one of this computer stands?

[@digitaldjtips]

Here you go: geni.us/Hm2vgMc

[@digitaldjtips]

Here you go: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FDOL30O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@andreumateulamas]

@@digitaldjtips Bougth it !!!. Great.. THANKS A LOT !!!!!

[@digitaldjtips]

You're welcome!

[@1djricky]

Nice one

[@crazycuts6891]

Mixing is just as important as the track selection, that's what completes the atmosphere. However, many DJs tend to either track drop using echo effects, sloppy mixing or, excessive quick two second quick "beat match", which also destroys the atmosphere. Even though people may not care about the mixing aspect, it is very important, otherwise, just use a playlist from a computer device.

[@digitaldjtips]

A playlist from a computer can't programme music on the fly though - we think mixing is important, but programming more so.

[@crazycuts6891]

@@digitaldjtips Actually, you can program the music on VLC Player for example, it'll play the tracks in the order you program them. But both mixing and programming are equally important though.

[@guyhermanson3002]

I've DJd for 30 years and Phil is right.

[@digitaldjtips]

Our point is that a DJ is a music programmer, reacting to the crowd and picking the right track, for the people in front of them, right now - a pre-programmed setlist can't do that for you.

[@crazycuts6891]

@@digitaldjtips Tracks can be dragged and dropped in VLC Player on the fly. In it's basic function without the effect, t's not much different than any other time coded software that is used. But I do agree that DJs are music programmers.

[@DJDynablend]

Top Notch Content!

[@rickquesada925]

Yes, get the Ladies dancing first, then the Gentleman will follow. 😎🎧

[@digitaldjtips]

For sure!

[@danquay9504]

This has certainly got me thinking, but I usually start of with a slow pace 124 and build it up to 138, I like to tell people what playing or singing so they know what coming up even though I mix the genres and keep a pace, great video , I like to mix old stuff with new and I usually don’t play a track for very long to keep the familiarity

[@digitaldjtips]

Nice one Dan :)

[@MrJones-ci7wj]

What's the name of your controller?

[@djjameshayes9766]

I 90% of the time listen to requests. It can always go in your favour unless it’s a terrible song or a track that’s 90bpm as you’re playing 124+ but definitely be open minded

[@digitaldjtips]

Good tactic James.

[@djslimm3684]

I recently played a "biker" bar and totally misread the room for 3 hrs until i just played what i would usually play at a wedding and i had some people finally get on the floor

[@digitaldjtips]

You live and learn! :)

[@DoctorDupe]

No matter how many gigs I do still taking to me to school on here 😂

[@andrewdonoghue9164]

I play D&B. U just have to lash their face's off with some tumping bass. Job done.

[@digitaldjtips]

😎

[@nomad1517]

Whenever someone says being a DJ doesn't take talent. They just hit the play button on their iPod shuffle. Show them this.

[@Mike-ui9uz]

Let's say that I am in my crate (the one that has the main set songs) and I get started. I usually start from 70bpm and go up to 160. I see my list sorted by bpm. At the end, when I finish that crate I put some slow songs. Is that right? Shall I change something?

[@digitaldjtips]

Not sure what you're asking here DJ Mike.

[@Mike-ui9uz]

@@digitaldjtips I mean, shall I play my music by bpm or choose different speeds (90bpm - 91bpm or 90bpm - 110bpm) depending on the people (if they are dancing or not)

[@digitaldjtips]

Ah got you! No right way, but usually you'd beatmix tracks that are close, and clean cut or other non-beatmixing technique for big changes.

[@DJSTOEK]

🖤

[@DJmicaiah]

Nice topic unless you are trying to rotate the dance floor with bar to make the bar money

[@N0biKn0bi]

This sounds so logical and straight forward, but it's so hard to actually do it. I'm DJing for 5 years and still have problems doing exactly that every time!

[@digitaldjtips]

Keep at it Noblauch

[@dj_noizzy]

💯😎

[@simonturner990]

Don't know if you ever saw the Fast Show but this sounds like "djing is like making love to a beautiful woman - please and tease then fill and rotate" 😂😂😂 I bet your wife is a happy lady 🤣🤣

[@digitaldjtips]

A classic British TV show :)

[@DJKOOLBREEZE]

I like your vids. But did u know especially this tip will not work for a dancehall dj. Dancehall fans want to dance all night. Forget the rotate.

[@digitaldjtips]

So what tips would you give to dancehall DJs, Telony Ex?

[@jgottschling]

If you‘re playing on a floor with a specific genre, you usually will rotate within the genre itself, using different subgenres/shades/variants, to keep the crowd dancing. Also using different energy levels, volume, popularity, etc. Variation is the key on every dancefloor. If the crowd gets bored, you lose them. Watch yourself. All good DJs I know do this. But some do not explicitly know this, just doing it intuitively. That’s at least as good as explicit. Often it’s even better.

[@digitaldjtips]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@XEinstein]

Phil & Rotate? Is this you shamelessly promoting you and your DJ buddy?

[@digitaldjtips]

Does sound like a DJ duo doesn't it? :D

[@XEinstein]

@@digitaldjtips it surely does! Can I book you for my wedding?

[@digitaldjtips]

Yeah, I'll be doing the warm-up and Rotate will do the main set, as usual :D