What to consider from the DJ's perspective when party guests request songs
In my opinion, handling music requests is one of the most important factors in a party's success. In the following 7 DJ tips, I explain how I handle this topic as an event DJ at Christmas parties, company events, trade fairs and more.
1. Song wish list for the party in advance
Christmas parties or Corporate events under a specific theme. Understandably, organisers wish for corresponding songs that underscore the evening's theme. We are happy to agree on the genre or specific song titles beforehand. However, this list should not exceed 30 songs. 30 songs correspond to approximately two hours of music, which is already a considerable part of the party. If the song list were longer, I, as an event DJ, could not react adequately to the audience – but that is precisely the quality of a professional DJ. With experience, I observe the guests, always with the question: How is the crowd composed today, which songs work better than others today, so that it makes sense to play more from this or that genre. The longer the song request list is, the less freedom remains to react to the guests.
2. Availability of songs on party night
Discussing a song wish list in advance is a good idea, especially if special songs are required for a party or if themes are to be catered for. That way, I can ensure that I always have these songs with me and, if necessary, can buy them in advance as part of the preparations for the party. I can generally handle common genres; it only gets trickier with special genres, such as Indian music or Balkan beats - these genres require a little more preparation. Of course, I am always online on-site via my iPhone hotspot or Wi-Fi and can spontaneously respond to special music requests that may not be available in the current library. I have several SIM cards with me at every gig, but it can still happen that the reception isn't good or there's no Wi-Fi available on site - in which case I can't download special songs quickly.
3. A NO-GO song list is allowed!
If you wish, you can also define a NO-GO song list beforehand. This is very helpful for me as an event DJ, both in the preparation and during the evening. The NO-GO song list can contain specific genres - for example, "no pop" or "no techno" - or specific songs. As a DJ, I can also easily categorise the guests' music requests in the evening and have the host's permission to reject certain genres or songs.
This is what I offer you as a DJ for Christmas parties
4. Music requests from guests in advance
At Christmas parties in particular, I often find that hosts like to ask their employees for music requests beforehand. In total, this easily amounts to many hours of music – because if the music requests aren't played, guests quickly become disappointed. It also greatly restricts the flexibility of the event DJ on the evening.
As a rule, it is also often the case that a large number of employees do not submit song requests and a small number submit very many songs. The requests then reflect the musical taste of a small group but not of the entire party crowd. It makes more sense to point out in the invitation to the party or on the evening itself that guests are welcome to request a song from the DJ. This allows the event DJ more flexibility to play the right song at the right time.
5. Why an event DJ rejects certain songs on party night
I only reject songs for three reasons on a party night. Firstly: The songs are on the NO-GO song list. I strictly adhere to this – should a guest request a song from the list, I show them the printed list and point out the host's wishes. Of course, I do this in a completely friendly and professional manner, and also suggest a suitable alternative straight away.
Secondly, as Event DJ It's my job to keep the party at a certain level once it's really got going. If guests at this point request songs that would dampen the mood or clear the dance floor, I'll tell the guest that I'll happily play that song later in the evening or reserve the right not to play it at all if it doesn't suit the party crowd.
Thirdly: I rarely play songs twice. This is not really necessary on a single party evening. Sometimes I play two to three current chart hits at the beginning of the party and then, at the guests' request, again towards the end of the evening. However, this would be the only exception, as it is important to me that the party evening remains varied and musically exciting for the guests. Should a guest request a song that was played two hours ago, I will also point out here that it may be played again at the end of the party.
6. A good party needs a good dramaturgy
A certain tension curve is important for the party evening. This means that a good event DJ will not play the greatest hits of the last two years right at the start of the party - every DJ set needs a specific dramaturgy. As a host, you can and should trust your DJ to play hits and requested songs in a targeted and appropriate way - namely, at precisely the right time to match the beats and mood on the dancefloor.
7. An event DJ is not a living jukebox
I usually play requested songs relatively quickly, but not in the style of a jukebox as the very next track. However, the song must fit the current red party theme. To maintain the red theme musically – especially in terms of speed with beats per minute – I as an event DJ often have to build a small bridge to get to the requested song. This can sometimes take about 10-20 minutes – but then the song fits perfectly into the party's flow.
A second reason for not playing requests immediately is that, based on experience, it encourages guests to keep adding more requests, meaning as a DJ I could quickly lose the thread and the party would become too much dictated by others if I followed them too quickly. Fundamentally, however, I always see myself primarily as a service provider and try to incorporate as many requested songs into the DJ set as possible.
