SwingDJs

I was DJing a small event last Week. And it seemed to be going very well. I was playing some new stuff, and from what I could see the dancers were looking happy. The dance floor had its usual number of people on it.
However I discovered later on that some people found some of the stuff I DJed not very interesting songs to dance to.
As a DJ what do you do here? How can you tell if people are not really digging the charts you are DJing if they are all dancing to them.
Has anyone got tips on reading the floor?

Bob

ask someone who is dancing (that you know) what the floor thinks.

also, if dancers aren't telling you they are dissatisfied and the floor looks OK to you, then you aren't under much obligation to change things up.

Yeah, I always love people who come to me after I've stopped playing to tell me that that they didn't like this or they liked that. I always remind them that's information I would like in the moment, you know.

There's no way to tell if you're hitting the right chord so to speak...the only way you know is by looking on the floor... if there are bodies there you must be doing something right. You're a DJ, not a mindreader. Take heart that you've done the best you can and go home happy.

Now, if I could only follow my own advice...

Tina

I have a group of people whom I trust and who give me the straight up scoop. If I have an off-night, I usually know that night.

If you have complete confidence in your skills and ability to introduce quality new material, then usually you just know if people are digging the selections. I know quite quickly myself if I've spun a dud and have made a mental note about it well before anyone comments on it. If you are ever unsure, definitely ask for feedback. That is of course as long as you are prepared for what you might hear and are willing to take it as constructive criticism - don't go getting too defensive! We want our crowds to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, not just grinning and bearing it.

Jesse

gatorgal wrote:Yeah, I always love people who come to me after I've stopped playing to tell me that that they didn't like this or they liked that. I always remind them that's information I would like in the moment, you know.

That's what "he" said....

Bob the Builder wrote:As a DJ what do you do here? How can you tell if people are not really digging the charts you are DJing if they are all dancing to them.
Has anyone got tips on reading the floor?

Bob

I try dancing to my own material, but sometimes that only reveals either my limitations/biases as a dancer or the limitations/biases of the other people at the dance. As a result, trying to learn what other people like in "other" music helps me understand what "they" want so that I can provide it, and perhaps broaden my own horizons, as well.