It’s true! DJ’ing can be scary. It’s natural to feel a bit nervous leading up to a DJ gig, especially your first DJ gig.
Recently, a young new DJ reached out to me scared and nervous about her upcoming first DJ gig in front of people. She was seeking some last minute motivation and advice to ease her fears. I felt her pain and immediately sent her a response.
Read on for my advice on overcoming your nerves so that you can dominate your next show with confidence.
1. You Ready?!
I’ve said it many times before, but let me say it again.
Practice makes perfect, and preparation is key.
When you have everything set-up and ready to go by showtime, you’ll feel less stressed.
This means, give yourself enough time to get there, set-up, and sound check ahead of time. Have a good idea of what music you’ll be playing during the event. And feel confident, you got this.
See my “Gig Day Checklist!”…Make sure you read this before your next DJ gig. Also, here’s 5 DJ tips on how to have a successful show.
The more you DJ, the more you will feel comfortable performing.
Don’t worry even the most seasoned DJs still deal with nervousness at times. It’s normal.
2. Calm down and Breath
What do you do to calm your nerves?
For some that could be praying or meditating right before the show.
For others drinking one’s favorite libation may help. (I don’t condone heavy drinking while DJ’ing. But hey, as long as you’re of age, 1 or even 2 drinks for the day could be ok if that’s your thing.
Be careful and drink responsibly.
For me, I like to have a cup or two of calming chamomile tea the night before a performance, and then again the day of.
Take a few deep breaths. Center yourself and your thoughts. Affirm to yourself that you are going to kill it, and tell yourself to have fun while doing so.
Now, get out there and make it happen captain.
3. Most people Don’t care as much as you think they do.
Unless you’re playing to a room of DJs who tend to critically listen for DJ transitions and song selections, know that most people aren’t paying that much attention to you unless you’re calling out for it.
As long as you have a great song selection for the type of event you are playing, and your transitions aren’t abrupt and distracting, most people will not be thinking much about the DJ.
This even goes for web parties on Twitch and Zoom. Check out my article on how to properly set up for a DJ gig on Zoom.
4. Pay attention
As a new DJ it’s in your best interest that you stay focused on what you are doing.
This is why I say drinking alcohol may not be the best thing you can do to stay calm. It can easily take you off your A game.
People will want to talk to you, ask you questions, offer you drinks, and make song requests, but you need to be able to handle this while you are DJ’ing without skipping a beat.
Staying focused on the main task at hand (DJ’ing), and giving it all you got will help ease the side effects of nervousness. You’ll feel more confident.
But whatever you do, don’t stand up there stiff. Loosen up, dance a little, lightly sing along to your song selections. It adds texture to your stage presence.
5. Mindset on Fun!
With all that said, having fun is the cherry on top.
You want to go into this experience with a great attitude knowing you got this.
Repeat after me:
“You’re gonna have fun, you’re focused, you’re ready, and you’re gonna do great.”
Nervousness is natural. It lets you know that you are human, and that what you are about to embark upon is important to you.
Appreciate it, however it doesn’t run your life.
Shine baby shine!
Check out my 15 tips for beginner women DJs
