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It’s like a rug’s been pulled from under my feet the moment I’m on the road headed to a DJ gig realizing that I’ve forgotten something. The next question I ask myself is, do I have enough time to run back home and get it? Usually the answer is NO.
To help you avoid this happening to you, I made a checklist of items to consider before heading out to your next gig. Print this out, hang it up, and glance over it before leaving. Make sure you have everything you need.
1. All Equipment:
- DJ needles
- Vinyl records
- headphones
- microphones
- wireless bases
- Turntables
- CDJs
- DJ controller
- mixers
- speakers
- speaker stands
- table
- table cloth
- computer
- computer stand
- hard drive
- lighting
- chair
- decoration
- event paperwork
- misc.
Get yourself a nice reliable backpack that is protective and spacious. Also, invest in a dj case that suits your needs and can hold almost all of your items.
Tip: When you are at home practicing consider having a separate DJ set-up from your mobile DJ set-up so that you won’t forget anything on gig days. Try to keep your mobile DJ kit separate and untouched so that on gig day you can grab it and go without having to spend extra time packing it up and double checking it.
2. All Cables:
- XLR
- RCA
- 1/4 inch
- USB cables
- Aux cables
- adaptor cables
- power cords
- extension cords
- power strip
- back up cables for the cables listed above
- gaffers tape to cover the cables
- phone charger base & charger cord
3. A Snack
If you’re hired to be at an event for several hours, don’t expect to go on a lunch break anytime soon. I personally hate leaving my equipment and computer alone and unmanned while at an event. I suggest packing a snack like a healthy bag (or bags) of mixed nuts and raisins, or dried fruit, maybe some crackers, or a snack bar. It sucks feeling hungry when you’re only halfway through your gig. The gig will seem to go on forever, it’ll be more like torture than good times. Eat a good meal before your gig. Go pick out your favorite snacks ahead of time.
4. Water
You must stay hydrated, and I mean with water, not alcohol. However, I don’t suggest going too hard in the paint with liquids an hour before your gig and during your gig. That way you can better avoid bathroom breaks every 20 mins. You want to avoid leaving your equipment alone and unmanned if you don’t have anyone to watch it for you. But, I do highly suggest you bring a bottle of water with you for a sip here and there to keep you going.
5. Refresh products
This could be anything from lipstick, to gum, a comb, bobby pins, disinfectant wipes, etc. Make space in your packs for some quick fix products that keep you looking good. Whatever looking good means to you, is how this would pertain to you. If you don’t care about keeping up your good looks while working, then skip this point. But remember…
If you look good, you feel good, if you feel good, then you are good. -Dieon Sanders a.k.a “Primetime”
6. Back-up music
Switching DJs, equipment failure, odd silences are all reasons why you need back-up music ready to go. Bring back-up records, CDs, iPad, MP3 player, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, or a second computer, etc. You can connect an aux cord or hook up an alternative CDJ or turntable to your output; whatever works best for you. You never want the music to stop so make sure you have a back up method of music to fill in the gaps.
Tip: Make some party DJ mixes or playlists ahead of time just in case you need to throw it on real quick from your back-up music source.
7. Back-up DJ console:
In the rare (not so rare) event that your main DJ set-up completely fails on you, bring something else you can play on. Stopping the party is a “no-no” unless absolutely necessary. I usually bring my Akai Professional AMX controller or my pioneer DDJ-SB2 for instances like this. They’re not my first choice controllers but they’re compact, easy to travel with, and will get the job done.
8. Cell phone
For safety and informational purposes preferably related to your current gig, have your cell phone near by. Try to stay off of your phone as much as possible during your gig, it looks rude and unprofessional.
9. A jacket
If you’re like me, and get cold easily, I highly suggest taking a jacket or sweater with you. You’ll be miserable without it if the temperature is freezing at the event.
10. Address/Directions to the Venue
Know where you are going ahead of time and check your route before heading out to your gig so you can see if there are any problems on the roads that may slow you down from getting there on time.
11. Contracts signed and payment agreed upon
Make sure all the business is taken care of before you get to the gig. If you are to be paid in full by the end of your gig then confirm it with a DJ contract. You can require a portion of your fee upfront if need be. Just make sure all that is hashed out ahead of time. No Surprises!
12. Gas in the car
It’s such a pain in the butt when you are on schedule, ready to go, you hop in the car, and you’re low on gas because you forgot to fill your gas tank up the night before. Either leave early enough to get gas before you head to your gig or set a reminder to fill-up way ahead of time.
Tip: Invest in a car that is gas efficient and spacious enough to run your mobile DJ business. Preferably, a nice sized hatch-back or compact SUV. If you’re supplying equipment like subwoofers, DJ truss’ , a facade, and lots of lighting you may want to look at getting a work van. If so, keep it looking good. Your work car is an extension of your business, keep it professional.
13. Outfit ready with the right shoes
Give yourself enough time to get ready for the event. Plan out your outfit and know what shoes will work best for you. Shoes that are stylish and comfortable enough for both setting up equipment and standing-up for hours. If it’s feeling like an event perfect for high heels with your outfit, then bring along two pairs of shoes; shoes to move equipment and heels for showtime. Have that all planned out ahead of time so that you can just sail right out the door on gig day.
14. An idea of your music selections
Put together some kind of song list or DJ set list ahead of time so you don’t have to sweat so much over what songs to play while at your event. It takes time getting music together but if you want the best results then do your research and have a good sense of what you are going to play. I never play a pre-recorded set because I mix in songs based on the energy of the room. Be creative and be prepared.
15. Enough time
I give myself an hour and a half to get ready, add my drive time to that, plus add a little extra buffer time, like 15 mins, for good measure. Set up your gig-day schedule with enough time that gets you to your gig on time, every time. Your clients will love you for it.
Conclusion:
Hopefully this list gives you a better idea of what to be prepared for on gig days. Make it as simple and stress free as possible for yourself. Float out the door with your DJ gear in tow seamlessly. Best of luck to ya!
Check out my other articles that will help bring all this together: 5 DJ Tips: How to Have a Successful Show also 15 Tips for Beginner DJs
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