Warm Up DJ Set

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I have been receiving a lot of requests to do a video on how to play the perfect DJ warm up set. Let’s face it if you’re a new DJ the chances are you’re going to have to start at the bottom and this means playing the opening slot.

By the end of this video you will have the tools needed to play the perfect warm up set for every occasion and you will also know what it takes to get asked back and perhaps next time, the promoter may give you a better set time.

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[YakAttack]

Not sure if you have a video dedicated about it, but would like a deeper dive into reading a crowd. Things like the evolution of the crowd through the night and how to manage that, keys to look for, how to get back on track, and how to sense the vibe. I know the basics like look for groups, or getting the women on the floor first (guys will follow), as well as play a combo of music for them /you. But would like to hear from someone like you who have seen many types of crowds. Thx and cheers from Texas

[darshansinghdhami]

Love this guys energy while explaining the topic!
Just love the way he talks😍

[Casmir]

Not sure if I learned more about DJing or sex in this video. Thanks a lot for both 😬.
The only difference is that you usually don't want someone else to take over your partner once you warmed her up 😂.

[harrysarge]

When starting out and if you are booked as an opener, expect to play for little money or nothing, if you are in it for the long run you should take any opportunity regardless of money! I got my first gig with my friend as we DJ as a duo by e-mailing a club asking if they ever need an opener for no money and within the same week they replied and got us on the lineup with Ellie Cocks and GW Harrison who are two big London tech-house DJs!

[nicky]

Warm up sets are the best fun to play - different level of pressure, more freedom to experiment and a totally different challenge for a DJ. To my mind there are three levels to get the crowd into - dancing in their heads (the tapping/ swaying section) - dancing with their bodies - then singing (or any vocal response)! On the few occasions I've played 3-4 hrs I've managed to shift through those gears - it's a great feeling! But I always love that first hour or so, that lays the foundation. Never played a 9-hr session tho! That must be what the yoga's for

[marklholloway]

True that many DJ’s starting out step on toes with their opening set by playing bangers. Spot on about festivals. And even more so about always creating atmosphere and keeping the promoters happy 👍

[MrWiley]

Power tutorials always. Your the best one doing this, you just have the karma for teaching.

[CleezyClark]

Creating a vibe is so important. I was just starting out and I would bring at least 10 ppl ( most I ever got was 40 :)) not many people in my town come out for electro nights. Bringing people who know how to dance and vibe to your music gives the rest of the club the "ok" to dance! If you're in a town like mine, def attend other events and make friends/build a community. When other DJs are on, get out on the floor and build the energy (even if you don't like the music 🤣)! I hate playing a show and other DJs are chillin at the bar, basically waiting for their turn, then leave immediately afterwards!

[neverokay]

humility, teamwork & respect for your peers - I like this message

[bengoldstone]

Playing my first opening set on the 21st, proper helpful advice, cheers from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[matthockman]

This is great insider information about the club scene and music event industry.

If you're not going to work as a team you're not going to be on the team.. good tip.

[pamperlaan]

' I actually do yoga do them' is the sweetest thing i heard all morning

[NateTatesMusic]

I fucking love this guy and I'm not even saying that because of how much he taught me. His vibe is everything!

[diskjokk]

Sooo glad I found your channel recently! Love your stories and energy while providing some education in this profession we're all so passionate about.

[ErwinSchrodinger]

Completely agree. I thought there wasn't much to the art of warm up sets until I head JImmy Van M warm up for Sasha & Digweed on the Delta Heavy Tour. Jimmy Van M started with ambient... transitioned into downtempo... then 118 bpm tech/deep house... a hour later 120bpm techno... inserting progressive breaks all the while into the mix... slowing building energy... slowly wanting me to want more. By the time he finished his last track he was at 125bpm before Sasha started his set. By this time, I didn't realize he played for over 2 hours. Mixing all these genres to slowly build a crowd helped me realize how much skill he had. Overall, it made me appreciate warm up sets so much more.
A really good portrayal of this is Global Underground (GU) releases that always have 2 part sections. The 1st section, the warm up set. Usually, it's the warm sets I enjoy a lot more even though I enjoy playing more energetic tracks.

[S_P_A_R_K_S]

Great advice and loved the shout out to RÜFÜS, they’re probably my favourite discovery of the last few years. Weirdly loads of people still sleeping on them here in the UK but I’ve caught them on their last three tours and been blown away every time!
Keep up the great videos mate, the best on YT by far

[EricvZ]

I always enjoyed playing warm-up-sets very much. I like deep, dark progressive, but still melodic.

[robbboynton]

Have to bring the crowd on the journey and gradually bring them up and finish out with bangers and higher energy!

[mikedimond]

I'm still blown away your videos don't have millions of views. Wait till people find you, man, you're gonna be huge.

[souldustsounds]

I really appreciate your approach of explaining stuff ... I have learnt a lot.. I am more excited to play now...