September 2025
Every DJ remembers their first proper set. The nerves, the excitement, the shaky hands trying to cue up that first track. Looking back, there are definitely a few things I wish I’d known before stepping behind the decks. So, for anyone starting out (or just curious about the journey), here are five lessons from my own experience:
1. Reading the Room is Everything
It doesn’t matter how perfect your mix is if the crowd isn’t feeling it. Early on, I was so focused on my transitions that I forgot to look up and see how people were reacting. These days, I always keep one eye on the dancefloor — the crowd tells you what they want next.
2. Keep It Simple
When I first got my Technics 1210s, I thought I had to show off with quick cuts and clever tricks. The truth is, a clean, well-timed blend almost always works better than overcomplicating things. Less stress, more flow.
3. Know Your Music and Program on the Fly
One of my most memorable recent gigs was a six-hour vinyl-only set at The Bell in Ticehurst. I didn’t plan the tracks in advance — instead, I relied on truly knowing my collection. Programming a set is about more than a fixed playlist: it’s reading the crowd, responding to their energy, and telling a story with your music. When you know your records inside out, you can create a journey that flows naturally and keeps the audience engaged throughout the night.
4. Sound Quality Matters
During that vinyl marathon, I also realised just how important sound quality is. A scratched or dusty record can ruin the vibe. Take the time to clean your vinyl, check your connections, and make sure your sound system is dialled in — it makes a huge difference to how the music lands.
5. Enjoy the Moment
Mistakes happen — I’ve hit the wrong cue or lost the beat mid-transition — but it’s all part of the learning process. The key is to stay relaxed and enjoy yourself. When you’re having fun, the crowd will too.
I’ve learned a lot since that first gig at college, but these five tips are the ones I come back to again and again. DJing isn’t about being flawless — it’s about creating moments, sharing music, and connecting with people.
Have you ever played a long vinyl set? What did you learn from it?
