Main set strategy

[Idan Korenblum]

So I know we are no robots, we are DJs, our thing is to be dynamic etc, there is no one golden rule but a set of concepts, but still, I'm very curious about your main strategy/technique when working a full-night (22:00-04:00) with no genre obligation (for example when hired for a private event, a party for a company team, a birthday, etc). Do you have a main strategy? As in going mainly according to BPM, from low to high, and mixing different genres? Or separating genres (and if so, in what order?). Would you prefer always harmonic mixing, or you rather pick a similar BPM, in a situation in which the only song you find for harmonic mixing is too fast/slow?

Anything you would share with me will enlighten me.

[RoJeC]

I have a lot of tracks. appx 200 have 5*; 3000 have 4*. In addition I used the Color field to categorize. This allows for quick search+listen.
The other songs are for requests or when I have time and think of it as good fitting.

Also have some playlists with tracks I grouped in a way I know to find...
During a gig I have like 20-40 'next' tracks in Prepare. These vary in atmosphere; BPM up, continue, down; same and different genres.

It is somewhat sorted in intended play order. I try to make sure the 'next 3/5' are always good as 'next'.

From here it is a matter of paying attention. Many things influence atmosphere, especially at private parties. Food coming in is a really downer, unless people have eaten already. In that case (generally) man go for the food and the ladies stay on the floor..

Many of these 'little' things will determine the actual tracks used. Just do not try to peak all time. People need a rest. If you manage to build this in your set it would be great. But people also come at private parties to meet and talk to family and relatives (consider this when using the volume).

Given your questions you are well prepared. Give it a try and learn. Smile and Enjoy.

One trick: take some old vinyl records with you. If anything goes wrong throw one (gently) in the crowd and buy yourself some seconds to solve it. (most will be returned with a big smile of the crowd)