DJ Etiquette: How to Play a Great Opening Set

<p>Playing the opening set (usually 9 PM to 11 PM) is an art form. Your job is not to make people go crazy; your job is to set the mood and build anticipation.</p> <h2>Don't Play the Bangers</h2> <p>The cardinal sin of an opening DJ is playing the headliner's tracks or the biggest hits of the moment. Leave the peak-time bangers for the peak time. If you play "Mo Bamba" to an empty room at 10 PM, you won't get booked again.</p> <h2>Focus on Groove</h2> <p>Play deep house, groovy R&B, or mid-tempo tracks that make people want to nod their heads and buy a drink. Build the energy slowly.</p> <p>Need deep cuts and groovy warm-up tracks? Check out the curated warm-up playlists on <a href="https://rpool.id">RPOOL.ID</a>.</p>