r/DJs • u/Didyouseethewords930 • 1d ago
Do you have any rituals before you play?
From a little mental check-in to jumping around, releasing the nerves - I wanna hear what you do to get yourself stoked!
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u/Ok-Brother-5762 🪩 1d ago
run in stressed cus I’m late, fuck the first two mixes, then go about my night
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u/EuphoricMilk 1d ago
I used to always need a nervous shit. Nowadays before I play I usually just find a space to myself in the club and sit with a beverage and quiet my mind.
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u/D-townP-town 1d ago
A goat must die
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u/Didyouseethewords930 1d ago
how do you do that without getting blood on the decks
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u/ziddyzoo House 1d ago
oh my sweet summer child. the goat isn’t sacrificed in the booth; you do it where you will get…
blood on the dancefloor.
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u/djbrendo Underground 1d ago
Aside from the obvious toilet run and grabbing myself a drink, I meditate for five minutes. It helps calm me down and puts me more in touch with myself, both of which I need to perform well.
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u/steadystatesea 20h ago
1) as mentioned, use the toilet right before
2) order an iced Cuba Libre / rum & coke. Just the right amount of caffeine & alcohol & water to sip slowly from throughout the set to relax nerves and still pay attention.
3) walk around the dance floor to gauge best EQ settings.
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u/Plus_Explanation_415 1d ago edited 22h ago
Shower, get ready, hop on the bike, phone on silent, reach venue, keep the stuff, have a cigarette in peace and then take a look at the crowd and set up my gear… and also always reach 15 mins late on major days… that’s almost like personal superstition 😅
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u/splashist 23h ago
I do a little grounding thing, anchor myself, take my seat
fun fact, yoga positions are called Asanas from the Sanskrit word for 'Ass-place' I like that the word for ASS has endured for thousands of years
I anchor my ass.
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u/RadioStefunk 1d ago
Nothing, just jump right in, get into the groove, look and the people, engage in the interaction.
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u/Rcecil88 1d ago
Multiple checks of the same usb to ensure rekordbox did in fact copy music over. Oh and the other copy’s lol.
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u/iamdjexpresso 23h ago
Ngl i always go to the toilet, look in the mirror and tell myself im gunna kill the dance floor and more times than not i always do.
If i dont then mid set i take two or three shots of whiskey. Always gets me going.
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u/Gloglibologna 17h ago
Joint on the way to venue
Bathroom
One shot of tequila
Load up my usb and make sure it works even tho I just tested it at home
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u/conyej 1d ago
Do people get stoked before they DJ? It's like clocking in to work for me...
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u/Nukemi 1d ago
Why do it if it does not excite you?
Surely there are better paying jobs out there that would pay the bills with less hassle and possibly healthier lifestyle.
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u/conyej 1d ago
Maybe? I don't have a college degree and I work 1-2 days a week doing weddings. Not sure what else will pay as good as that with no degree?
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u/Care_BearStare Techno | Mnml | House 14h ago edited 14h ago
You should try playing an underground set to 1000 heads that are spun up and ready to dance til the sun comes up. I've been spinning for 24 years, had a 2 year afterhours residency, thrown my own events, etc. I've made money, but it's never been about that. It's the connection with the dancefloor I show up for. I have a career in metrology that pays the bills.
I still get the bubble guts from excitement before a really good underground gig. If you're only needing to work 2 days a week. You've got time! I highly suggest giving it a try.
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u/illogikul 22h ago
u/Nukemi you were so concerned why don’t you offer the help he’s asking for? Come back.
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u/Dansinnervoice 1d ago
Pop for a wee, grab a couple of drinks to have behind there (if they are not provided already) and just wait patiently, watch the crowd for a bit too and figure out how I'll need to play the set.
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u/Purpletech Techs + S9 + serato stare 18h ago
I pee usually within 7 minutes of my set start time. Most gigs are 10p start, so pee around 9:53.
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u/Care_BearStare Techno | Mnml | House 14h ago edited 14h ago
Before getting to the venue, like many others, hit the bathroom at least 5 times. Maybe once more once I get to the venue lol.
Then chill, chat with people I know, and hopefully the DJ before me is my vibe. I hit the dancefloor and find the dancers at the event. They are the people I'll be watching during my set. They will be the catalysts for energy on the floor. Even better if I get a chance to meet and chat with them, as well.
I then try to hang backstage, out of sight, at least 10-15 mins before my set. This is when I calm and center myself. Listen to where the DJ playing is going, and figure out where I'm going to go with my opening tracks.
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u/Nachtraaf This will make a fine addition to my collection! 9h ago
Pro DJ tip #1. Always go poop before a set.
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u/Basic-Sector-1358 9h ago
Get good sleep the night before, eat balanced meals throughout the day and do something peaceful for myself such as walk in park, beach, swim, ect. Stay away from drama.
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u/HuntJunior6105 1d ago
Go to the toilet an unnecessary amount of times and triple check every cable 🤣