Survival Tips for Clubgoers and Promoters

After 10 years behind the decks, I’ve seen it all. As a DJ,
​you encounter people from every corner of life—some are a vibe, while others… well, not so much. To help you navigate the club scene and better interact with the ones spinning your favorite tracks (aka “The DJ”), here are a few golden rules to live by:

1. Your Complaints About the Music? Noted… and Ignored.
Hate that new Latto track playing right now? Too bad. Complaining to the DJ about their set won’t change a thing. Think of it like trying to hit 60 mph in rush hour traffic—it’s not happening. We’re hired to read the crowd and keep the energy alive, not cater to one person’s musical preferences. Spoiler alert: We really, really don’t care.

2. Keep Your Bars to Yourself.
We get it—you’ve got fire lyrics and you’re dying to prove it. But barging into the DJ booth mid-set to spit your verse? That’s a hard no. DJs are juggling playlists, cueing transitions, and watching the vibe of the crowd. The last thing we need is someone throwing us off by rapping into our ear while we’re working. Save it for open mic night.

3. Got a Request? That’ll Cost You.
Requests are a thing, sure, but don’t assume they’re free. When you approach us mid-groove and ask us to spin your song, you’re asking us to disrupt the vibe we’ve carefully crafted. That interruption comes with a price—so don’t be shocked when we “tax” you. DJs aren’t jukeboxes; we were hired for a reason.

4. DJs Aren’t Here for Storytime.
You know what’s exhausting? The long-winded chatterbox who slides into the booth and starts telling us their life story while we’re mixing tracks. We’re not being rude when we look disinterested—it’s just that we’re busy curating a packed dance floor, not trying to win a “Most Attentive Listener” award. Cool story, bro… but maybe save it for later.

5. Drink Tickets Don’t Pay the Bills.
This one’s for the promoters and club owners: Stop trying to pay DJs in drink tickets. DJs are professionals, not frat pledges. Paying us what we’re worth is non-negotiable. A drunk DJ might sound fun in theory, but trust me—it’s not good for business. Respect the hustle, and respect the price.
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The Final Drop
Being a DJ isn’t just pressing play—it’s reading the crowd, creating memories, and setting the tone for an epic night. So whether you’re a clubgoer looking to vibe or a promoter hiring talent, remember this: DJs stand on business. Respect the booth, respect the craft, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll make it onto our good side.

#TalesFromTheDJBooth