Hi lads, does anyone suffer at all from pre gig nerves or even during a gig. No matter how many and do and the majority of them go well I still get pre gig nerves.....and no I'd never touch a drop of alcohol before....!

I used to when I first started. I'm more relaxed now, but it does vary with the gig.

This isn't a bad thing - many big name performers suffer from nerves.

I don't drink when working either,


If you're worried before you start, try to make sure you've got a few tracks lined up (3 or so is a good start). Less pressure to pick tracks, and you'll be able to relax quicker.

My main problem is picking tracks - sometimes my mind goes blank. I've been creating typical play-lists (ie 60's, 70's, 80's etc) and these contain lots of great tracks - so this is less of an issue.

Not sure if we're the only ones, but I very much doubt it!

Jason

Cheers, that's exactly it. Once you get going it's fine and then some songs spark of great runs. I started a playlist last week so I am definately going to use that as a base. Tks Jay!

Yes I reckon I can relate to what you say, I am always a bit anxious before the first track is played, mixture of exitement and adrenalin. Thing is you never know what sort of gig you are getting, even after 10 years of djing. I race motorcycles and I get the same feeling at the start of the meeting.
Having a few tracks ready alway helps by taking the pressure off, also making sure that you have plenty of spare kit as backup is also a good way of reducing any possible problems worrying you.
Generally I am ok once I am set up and ready to play, always leave in good time for the gig so as not to be rushing about which can stress you up.
There are a few on here who are not effected by any form of nerves and say it's "just a job" but all the dj's I know are like you and me, can't say we are normal though lol, if we were would we be doing this job

yeah, I do but now only the day before and not the whole week!
It's natural to want everything to go well and do a good job but obviously one
can't control every element and even some of the quieter gigs I have done
have had good feedback and repeat business from so it just shows you care.

After 26 years I still get nervous.

More so at weddings until the first dance is out the way.
The morning prior to any functions my wife gives me a wide birth so that I can have ME Time as she calls it.

My motto is is I ever stop being nervous its time for me to hang up my headphones.

I never drink alcohol while working. Soft drinks only. You stand more chance of getting pulled over by the police in the early hours.

I always get nervous and it is purely for the reason if i have a malfunction of some kind!
I have a very stable kit and backups for everything however when you experience a malfunction (i did a few years back during one of my first gigs) that 5 minutes of silence still haunts me today!!

If i am playing at a venue with a Bar or where alcohol is served then i will have a few pints.
That may sound controversial to a few of you but i am not performing open heart surgery, i become very relaxed and play a blinding set.

I used to get really nervous at the start, especially knowing what music to start with.

As the years have gone by, I am a lot less anxious however I get paranoid that there will be a problem during the first dance. In fact I normally play the first dance song on 2 decks simulatenously so that if there is a problem, I can quickly switch it to the next deck!

I think it is good to have some nerves as they get you in the mood for a great set.

I very rarely drink alcohol when I am playing, if I do it will only be one drink if it is an informal gig.

Get nervous before speaking on the Mic normally - but last night I didnt have any nerves at all... Ok, so I didnt speak *that* much on the Mic, but was all quite good for a change!

Last night was harder to work out what to start/play before the buffet, although had quite a few requests from the kids that were there, so flowed it around them..

Cheers,

David (Knackered after two flights of stairs )



I've started to organise tracks into "singalongs" "dance/cheese" and other classifications - Makes it a *lot* easier to find the "next track". I kinda came unstuck at the Buffet Break last night. Was quite surprised quite a few were singing along to "one moment in time" during the buffet (and some of them were blokes!).

Once or twice last night had a "blank" moment, and rushed to put next track on which didn't quite fit/flow propertly from the previous one.

Nerves? I've had a bagload today. Tonights my first gig with my new equipment and although I've been trying it out I won't feel settled until everything works and the first dance is underway.

So far I've had nothing but trouble getting the new drivers to work between the PC and the Midi system.

Don't do what I did... if you have new kit it might be easier to introduce each item gradually.

Into the deep end tonight.... if I remember I'll do a gig log on You tube

Have a good weekend everyone.

Teez

Now that is a great bit of advice and what i do too when doing a wedding.

I don't get nervous at my residencies but i do when its a function, i don't know the crowd , i don't know the venue as well as i know my residencies, i don't know if the playlist is self indulgent to the hosts and the rest of the crowd are into other things ...so yeah absolutely before i start a function i will be nervous , these fade away after the first few records and apart from the time when there grandad had a heart attack on the dance floor , i usually get over my nerves and enjoy the night.

On another more sober note , i am guessing by having a drink that you invalidate your PLI it would seem a reasonable stipulation from the insurance company that you were not in full control of your part of the service if you are intoxicated..just guessing but i assume that's the case.

Lads, I have been doing DJ work for 3-4 years part time now..mainly birthdays and special occasions and would class myself as a good party DJ. I always get nervous for gigs even though I am prepared Anybody have any tips? I have 21st SAT night in our local club and I will know most of the crowd there so it has potential to be a cracker and I want to really look forward to it without thinking too much. Any thoughts? I am a part timer so have a day job and I find myself thinking about how the night will go but it never goes the way you think or plan out?

I have only been Djing for a short period of time (27 Years) and still get nervous. I was once give a peice of advice that I still beleive in - If you stop getting nervous Its time to Stop being a DJ and hang up the headphones.

I am normally ok after the fist 2 - 3 tracks. Elaine keeps out of my way during the afternoon of a function because she says that I need ME TIME. I run through the job sheet and check to make sure that I have not forgotten anything.

Friends and Family are alway the hardest functions to do as it becomes more personal.
I never work for family. Friends are different kettle of fish you will need to be strong and say NO if you get pestered by them and beleive me this will happen because you are a "mate"

Just try to relax its going to be that same as every other function a sucsess.

I always get nervous.
but after about 15-20 mins in ive calmed down, because i dont have the time to be vervous.
planning the music , reading the crowd, accepting requests all goes to take my mind off it.

Thanks lads That really helps to know I am not alone. I really enjoy the gigs once they get into the thick of the night...last 2 hours or so. I will be back on Mon to let you know how things went, all good to report as usual I am sure.

I also get nervous, always a last minute check through of music to make sure I've got every possible tune they might want (many they've probably never heard of!) - making sure gear is ok, leads work etc. But I see this a a positive thing, the nerves mean you actually care about what you are doing and want to make it the best party they've ever had - so embrace your nerves and remember all the previous great gigs you've done and don't let it knock your confidence.