The house party is where it all begins for a budding DJ. They can be a whole lot of fun, but there are many curveballs with house parties that can test even the most accomplished of DJs. See below our quick guide on how to DJ a house party.
Don’t Play Too Loud
This might sound like something your parents would say, but there is a serious point to this: if you blow the speakers, there’s going to be no music at all. You’ve got to consider that you might be using sub-standard equipment, so as tempting as it is, don’t push it too much! Not only does sound distort and clip when you get into the ‘red zone’, it can also wreck your speakers.
Bring Whatever Equipment You Can Carry
It’s always a bit of a risk to completely rely on the setup at a house. If you’re able to bring stuff that you’re used to using yourself, that’s one less thing to go wrong.
Have a Backup
In the event of the worst-case scenario, make sure you’ve got an ipod or a laptop full of appropriate music in reserve, and a cable that can plug straight into a normal hi-fi system. Make absolutely sure there can always be music.
Have a Plan, But Be Prepared to Throw It Out the Window
Like any DJ set, it’s a good idea to practice and have some kind of a plan in your head beforehand. But at parties more than anywhere else, you’ve got to be prepared to react to what people want. There is often no divide between the DJ area and the dance floor – people are likely to make a lot of requests and may make comments, good and bad. Don’t be offended – just do your best to appease them.
Don’t Just Play What You Think Is Cool
You’re probably going to have to cater for a wide range of tastes, and for people who probably don’t have the same attention span and love for music as you do, so try not to be too obscure.
Be Open to Going B2B
Even though it may disrupt your musical flow, be amiable if someone wants to jump on. It’s very easy to be protective about your own music and your own performance. Remember that it is ultimately your job to make the guests happy, and if that means letting someone else have a go, that’s what you should do. The last thing you want is to be involved in an argument – you could lose half of your dance floor if that happens.
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