In an age where truly anyone can be a DJ, opening a night may seem like a lost art. More than just not playing the bangers, there are things that opening DJ’s can do to guarantee the club night goes well. Here is that checklist:

1. Do Your Research – Follow the headliner on social media. Peep their latest mix and do whatever it is you can to do to get familiar with their set. The more you know about them, the more you’ll be able to prepare for the night.

2. Arrive on Time – 30 mins prior to your set is the perfect time to arrive. This allows you to test cables, mic’s, Serato Box, or whatever is being used to ensure everything works properly. Unless approved by management, you should never show up right before your set. It’s whack and makes you look bad if something goes wrong.

3. Always Have a Backup Mix – Even if the tech rider doesn’t call for it, have a backup CDJ plugged into the mixer with a mix or a couple of tracks on ready to go. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

4. Be Familiar With the Technology – As the opener, it is your responsibility to make sure the changeover between you and the headliner go well. When changeovers don’t happen smoothly, it’s because the opener and headliner have not discussed a strategy for switching over. Talk with the headliner beforehand and make a plan for changeover.

5. Fill the Headliner In – Every night club is different. Yes, the headliner is headlining for a reason however a little direction is helpful. It shows that you know your room, and DJ’s will respect you for that.

6. Don’t Play New Music – This seems like an obvious one, but this is one of the main gripes from DJ’s. Don’t be the DJ who runs through all the bangers before 1130pm. That’s an easy way to never get booked again.

I curated a playlist from one of my opening sets recently. Check it out here.

Hopefully you picked up some gems. And if I missed anything, feel free to shoot me your thoughts on IG at @DJunclebang.