How to Prepare for a Successful DJ Gig: Playlist, Gear Check, Rehearsal
Today, Muse will show you one way to prepare before a gig. It's one approach we recommend, but there are plenty of others, and how you set up your equipment is up to you. Muse suggests trying several approaches to see which one best suits you and your style.
First, PREPARE YOUR PLAYLIST. Whether you're a new DJ or a seasoned pro, you should still have a list of tracks ready to play. Preparing your music isn't just about lining up the right genres for the gig; it's also because THINGS CAN GO WRONG at any moment. Having your playlist ready helps you:
- Remember some of the tracks you're about to play
- Picture the atmosphere of the gig
- Pick out the sections of tracks to use as highlights
- SET CUES to create effects exactly when you want them
Second, CHECK THE EQUIPMENT. Equipment is one of the key ingredients of a successful gig. Checking it helps you find problems and fix them in time. Also, if you're new to DJing, Muse has noticed that not every DJ can play every kind of equipment, as each type has its own standards and a different layout of buttons and faders. So to avoid glitches mid-set, Muse recommends checking the equipment at least 1 hour before you play. You might use a USB stick, a laptop or vinyl, but whatever holds your music, you should keep at least 2 copies in case your device is lost or fails.
Third, REHEARSE. This may sound like a big deal, since rehearsals are usually only for very large shows. But whether the gig is big or small, it's still worth rehearsing. Play through your whole set once so you know whether it suits the space and the time slot you'll be playing. Of course this only goes so far, because plenty of things will change once the gig actually starts. But being prepared is always better.
These are the steps Muse believes will make 70% of your gig a success if you prepare them well. Muse wishes you a great day <3
