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clarifications on "reading the crowd"
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| utdarsenal |
hi I think I need some clarifications when it comes to "reading the crowd" when djing.
How exactly are you supposed to know when you should start playing softer or harder songs? & when you're supposed to slow it down a bit or speed it up?
is there any moment when you think you should put in a long 'amazing' break etc. etc. or a song with no break at all?
I've been djing for about 1-2 years now and think it's easy, but I still don't think I have "reading the crowd" down yet, or at least I want to know more about it and what others think about it..
thanks! |
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| darouge11 |
| have you played out in front of people lots? |
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| utdarsenal |
Yes, a lot..
but all I've been doing is just starting my sets off soft and playing harder towards the end, that's about it..
and well I guess people like it because a lot of places keep asking me to come back and play
but I honestly dont even really pay attention to the crowd, like i'm just doing my thing playing sick music but I do want to start paying more attention to the crowd to know exactly what I should be playing at any moment.. but I think I need to get those questions I posted above clarified first to understand a bit more. |
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| Brandt Slater |
| quote: | Originally posted by utdarsenal
Yes, a lot..
but all I've been doing is just starting my sets off soft and playing harder towards the end, that's about it..
and well I guess people like it because a lot of places keep asking me to come back and play
but I honestly dont even really pay attention to the crowd, like i'm just doing my thing playing sick music but I do want to start paying more attention to the crowd to know exactly what I should be playing at any moment.. but I think I need to get those questions I posted above clarified first to understand a bit more. |
I watch for reactions. Am I losing the crowd, are they just standing around, are they looking bored. Whenever I see these signs that's when I know it's time to change it up. Typically I start off slow and build up and try to avoid alot breaks. |
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| UrbanNinja |
| quote: | Originally posted by Brandt Slater
I watch for reactions. Am I losing the crowd, are they just standing around, are they looking bored. Whenever I see these signs that's when I know it's time to change it up. Typically I start off slow and build up and try to avoid alot breaks. |
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| clay |
| if i could read crowd during the days of my djeing i think all i would be read is question marks. |
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| Zyklon_Jay |
| just find the girl with the nicest rack that is wearing a low cut dress. If they are jiggling keep doing what you are doing because guys are about to spend money turing your night into success. |
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| DjWoody |
| quote: | Originally posted by Brandt Slater
I watch for reactions. Am I losing the crowd, are they just standing around, are they looking bored. Whenever I see these signs that's when I know it's time to change it up. Typically I start off slow and build up and try to avoid alot breaks. |
What Brandt said.
What format are you playing?
Keep in mind the time of your set. If you're opening, don't expect everyone jumping, but then again, don't put everyone to sleep either.
I know my crowd doesn't like long breaks, so I edit most of them and make them very short and to the point. |
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| Brandt Slater |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zyklon_Jay
just find the girl with the nicest rack that is wearing a low cut dress. If they are jiggling keep doing what you are doing because guys are about to spend money turing your night into success. |
:eyes: My biggest distraction. lol. I miss more drops that way. |
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| Zyklon_Jay |
| Just keep them dancing and throw in a few well timed breaks for them to go spend cash at the bar. You can trainwreck every transition, as long as the bar makes money. |
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| PivotTechno |
Two simple things to remember...
White people turn up the treble.
Black people turn up the bass.
Jokes aside, just play from the heart - if you're tuned in enough, you'll be able to take the crowd on a much more powerful, personal and intimate trip than you will from observing anyone outside of you. |
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| djxtension |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zyklon_Jay
Just keep them dancing and throw in a few well timed breaks for them to go spend cash at the bar. You can trainwreck every transition, as long as the bar makes money. |
That may sound a little silly, but there is definitely some truth in that statement. Dancing people don't spend money, drinking people do.
As far as reading the crowd goes, try to look for signs of 'boredom'.
Remember that not everybody is a dancer, so try to look at faces as well. If somebody is standing just outside the dance floor smiling from ear to ear, you now he/she is having a good time (or high on some chemical stuff, but let's not go there).
Don't expect people to dance all night.
Make sure that when the dance floor 'dies out' a little, you still keep things interesting. It might be a good idea to play some more laid-back vocal tracks or something, to make sure they stay 'connected' to the music. Girls love to sing along. Remixes of some well-known tunes can work wonders here.
Also, don't be afraid to completely 'screw up' tracks by using the EQ or FX. Try playing a big track without the bass for a few minutes. You could then slam it back in after the break. Don't overdo this, of course. |
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