How to DJ in the UK

The UK clubbing scene is well-respected all over the world. New club nights open in cities up and down the UK from week to week and big name DJs jostle to perform at prominent nightlife nightspots such as London, Leeds and Manchester. Crowds are severely spoilt for choice and consequently expect a lot. So just how should DJ’s impress, in a British club?

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Be aware of the North-South divide. Tracks that go down well in London may be criticised in Northern cities such as Manchester or Leeds. Always research current trends in particular areas. This will help you to streamline your set into something that is guaranteed to go down a treat.
2. Drop in more tracks by British artists than by artists from any other country. UK audiences have great pride in English music and will respect you more for playing predominantly English tracks. An American music heavy set is asking for trouble!
3. Expect crowds to be influenced by the weather. Rain is a big problem in the UK. If you’ve been booked to perform on a cold, wet, winter’s evening, prepare yourself for a small crowd!
4. Bring along a few well known cult classics to mix into your set. For example, a drum and bass remix of the Clash, or a techno version of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” always go down well.
5. Read UK DJ magazines such as Mixmag, DJMag and www.365mag.com for a good idea of the general state of the music scene in the UK right now and find out what tracks are most popular at the moment.
6. Watch out for English louts! Remember that Brits drink more than almost everyone else. Watch your records, decks and laptop too… all have been known to go missing from some pretty high profile venues around the UK!
7. Dress well to be accepted. English clubbing audiences are fashion conscious and will take note of what you are wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep on top of your game. Listen to new tracks whenever you can. After all, if you’re a DJ then music is more than a hobby, it’s a job! Consequently, you are responsible for bring new killer tunes to the clubs!