Questions to ask before the gig
Before you play, know the load-in time, parking, power access, table or booth setup, sound system owner, expected music lane, must-play songs, do-not-play songs, dress code, timeline, and who has final authority on requests. The more you learn early, the fewer surprises become emergencies.
A confident DJ is not someone who guesses well. It is someone who reduces unknowns.
Soundcheck essentials
- Confirm left and right outputs are working.
- Play a reference track you know at a safe level.
- Check headphone cue, microphone, and booth monitor if available.
- Set a healthy master level and avoid redlining the mixer.
- Test one backup playback option before guests arrive.
Common mistakes
- Arriving with only the exact cable you hope the venue needs.
- Testing music but forgetting the microphone.
- Changing your whole library five minutes before doors.
Put It Into Practice
Assignment
Create your own one-page gig checklist: gear, cables, music, power, contacts, venue questions, backup audio, and emergency songs. Keep it boring. Boring checklists are how pros stay creative during the set.
Open Practice Tools