How DJs deal with bad sets

While they may not always admit it, even the most established DJs sometimes experience bad sets. From technical issues to low turnouts, DJs at all levels will have tricky experiences.

A bad set is inevitable, but how you deal with it makes the difference. Can you be resilient and learn from it, or allow it to eat away at your confidence?

Here’s how DJs deal with bad sets…

LEARN TO READ THE ROOM
A quiet dance floor doesn’t always mean it’s time to drop a hail of peak-time bangers. Watching the energy of those who are there and building a trusted rapport is essential. Pushing too hard too soon can kill the vibe before it’s even built.

THE ART OF THE WARM-UP
Starting the night with an empty dance floor is about setting a mood, not peaking too early.
A wise DJ once compared it to foreplay - take your time, employ restraint, build things steadily, tease a little, and get the floor ready for the next phase.

ADAPTABILITY
Every DJ has played something that didn’t quite hit. The pros recover quickly, switching tempos, styles
or moods to reconnect with the crowd. A bad few minutes doesn’t have to mean the whole night is ruined.

KEEP A LEVEL HEAD
It’s easy to get in your own head when a set isn’t going well, but keeping your composure is paramount. Stay calm, focus on the next track. A mistake or technical hitch can be overcome with confidence and a will to move forward.

LEARN FROM THE BAD ONES
Bad sets happen, even to the greats. The difference is how you use those misses - they can be fuel to prepare better, dig deeper and hone your craft. There’s no growth without pain, so chalk your bad set off as another lesson learned.