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 company events often have a specific theme. Understandably, organisers want appropriate songs that underline the motto of the evening. We are happy to discuss the style of music or specific song titles in advance. However, this list should not exceed 30 songs. 30 songs equate to about two hours of music, which is already a considerable part of the party. If the song list were longer, as an event DJ, I would no longer be able to respond adequately to the audience - but that's what makes a professional DJ so good. With experience, I observe the guests, always asking: How is the audience composed today, which songs work better today than others, so it makes sense to play more from one genre or another? The longer the song wish list is, the less freedom there is 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.
What I offer you as a DJ for Christmas parties
4. Music requests from guests in advance
Gerade bei Weihnachtsfeiern erlebe ich es oft, dass die Gastgeber ihre Mitarbeiter vorher gerne auffordern möchten, Musikwünsche zu äußern. Das ergibt in der Summe leicht viele Stunden Musik – denn wenn die Musikwünsche nicht gespielt werden, sind die Gäste schnell enttäuscht. Auch schränken die Gastgeber damit die Flexibilität ihres Event-DJs am Abend sehr ein.
In der Regel ist es auch oft so, dass eine große Zahl Mitarbeiter keine Songwünsche einreichen und eine kleine Anzahl sehr viele Songs. Die Wünsche spiegeln dann den Musikgeschmack einer kleinen Gruppe wider aber nicht der gesamten Party-Crowd. Sinnvoller ist es, in der Einladung zur Party oder am Abend selbst darauf hinzuweisen, dass die Gäste sich gerne beim DJ einen Song wünschen dürfen. Das erlaubt dem Event-DJ eine größere Flexibilität, den richtigen Song zur richtigen Zeit zu spielen.
5. Why an event DJ rejects certain songs on party night
I only turn down songs on party nights for three reasons. Firstly: The songs are on the NO-GO song list. I strictly adhere to these - if a guest requests a song from the list, I show them the printed list and point out the host's wishes. Of course, I will handle it in a friendly and professional manner and immediately suggest a suitable alternative. Secondly: As an event DJ, it's my job to keep the party at a certain level once it's properly started. If guests request songs at this point that would spoil the mood or empty the dance floor, I tell the guest that I will be happy to play this 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. That's not even necessary on a single party night. Sometimes, I play two or three current top hits at the beginning of the party and then again towards the end of the evening at the guests' request. But that would be the only exception because it's essential that the party evening remains varied and musically exciting for the guests. If a guest requests a song already played two hours ago, I will also point out the end of the party, where the song may be played again.
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
In principle, music requests from guests are welcome during the party and give the guests the feeling that it is "their" party. However, it is a good idea for the organiser to let an event DJ know in advance if there are any songs or genres they would prefer to hear less of at the party. If a guest requests something accordingly, the DJ can exclude specific songs according to the organiser's wishes. In principle, music requests should not get out of hand because the most crucial task of the DJ - especially with such a strongly mixed audience as at company events and the like - is to organise the evening in such a way that as many guests as possible feel addressed by the music. As music requests at parties are a much sought-after topic, I have also written a blog post with 7 tips on music requests at parties.