5 Things DJs Hate That People Need To Stop Doing
Just like other professions, there are things DJs hate about their jobs. There’s no good party without a good DJ. It’s like having a beautiful car with no engine. It looks good but it’s going nowhere fast! And, although the life of a DJ can be fun and fascinating, there are some pitfalls that come with the profession. Specifically when it comes to things that party-goers do.
5 Things DJs Hate That People Do When We’re Working
Now, I’m talking about being a DJ mixing at a party. Not a radio DJ. We call those jocks these days. For the record, I do both for a living, but the things radio jocks specifically hate are another story for another day. Here are the things party DJs hate that people need to stop doing.
Things DJs Hate #1: A Random Request
Most DJs don’t mind you asking for a certain song. What is annoying depends on how you ask and, in most occasions, the timing of your request. When you bring a cell phone to the DJ booth with the attempt to show the DJ a certain song that’s on your personal playlist, not cool. Also, if the dance floor is shoulder to shoulder and everyone is dancing to an uptempo song, you should not request a ballad. And just because you tip a DJ does not mean he/she is obligated to play your request.
And while on the subject, yes it’s customary to tip a DJ. If you’re at a club and there’s someone spinning, throw him five or ten bucks if you’re enjoying the music. But don’t get it twisted. That’s just a show of appreciation. We are not your personal jukebox.
Things DJs Hate #2: Asking To Get On The Microphone
One of the most annoying things that DJs hate is when someone comes up and asks to talk on our microphone. I’m especially looking at you, drunk father-of-the-bride who is already pulling the mic out of my hand before I have a chance to say “no”. Talking about “let me just say this real quick…I love my baby girl” while you’re sobbing and I’m smelling the Thunderbird on your breath. Who still drinks Thunderbird? Did it come free with those elbow patches?
Things DJs Hate #3: Sitting Drinks On The DJ Equipment
There probably aren’t many things DJs hate more than someone trying to ruin their equipment. Even if you aren’t the one who spills your drink on my board, that glass is sweating. Don’t put that crap on my electronics or speakers. That stuff is expensive, and you’re going to be the one who gets the bill if I have to replace it. I don’t care if you’re setting it there for ‘just a second’. How long do you think it takes for a drink to lose the fight with gravity? Think about it… I’ll wait.
Things DJs Hate #4: The Price Is The Price Is The Price
Another one of the things DJs hate is when the party host is trying to negotiate the price of our services. Especially when they do it AFTER we’ve already told you the price. Look, we’re not some trinket at a swap meet. You can’t haggle to get the price down. We work hard. We pay full price for our equipment. And you pay full price for our talent. Don’t insult us by trying to get a discount.
Things DJs Hate #5: Trying To Talk To Us While We’re Working
The last of many things that DJs hate when we’re working a party is when someone is talking to us while we’re working. I’m not talking about a quick hello or compliment on what we’re doing. I mean that lonely Auntie who is trying to have a full conversation about her life, political views, and past relationships while we’re trying to focus on our craft.
And, by the way, Auntie, yes I’m taken. Peddle your story somewhere else. I hear the father-of-the-bride is recently divorced and more recently too intoxicated to realize how much you’re talking. Bye Felicia!
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sweet guy. So if you see me spinning at a party and I’m anything else, look for the guy in the elbow patches and his new girlfriend, Auntie Shirley. It’s most likely their fault.
