6. Onstage & Offstage Behavior

You’re not just playing tracks. You’re the energy guiding the crowd — and a team player who builds bridges or burns them.

During your set:

Be present. Don’t scroll your phone, don’t check Instagram — you’re leading the floor, not watching it.
Make eye contact. People want more than sound — they want reaction. A look, a nod, a movement can connect instantly.
Keep it real. No need for arms in the air every 30 seconds unless it’s organic. Authenticity beats performance.
Respect the gear. Don’t spill drinks, drop mics, or dance on shaky booths — someone paid for this, and it’s part of your toolkit.
Stay calm under pressure. Sound cuts? USB glitch? Surprise artist arrival? Stay cool. Grace beats panic.

Say thank you. To the booker, sound guy, bartender — gratitude is more powerful than a social media tag.
Don’t whine if it didn’t pop. Learn from it. Ask yourself: “What can I do better next time?”
Don’t disappear instantly. Stick around, support other DJs, chat with people — community matters.
Watch your state. If you’re playing — don’t lose control. People remember what you looked like, not just what you played.

Drop the act. Be the same — or better — offstage than on. Ego, lies, and diva vibes get spotted fast.
Keep promises. Said you’d send a mix? Show up? Remind? Your reputation is your currency.
No gossip. Music scenes are small. One screenshot and you’re off future lineups.
Smile often. Not forced — just real joy. It’s contagious, and it sticks in memory.

People might forget your tracks —
but they’ll remember your energy, face, and attitude.
Make them say: “That DJ was awesome. Let’s get them back.”