When DJing an opening set for an established Producer/DJ

**Jamie 3:26** · 09-17-2008, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by fred da warrior

Frederick would slap the shit out of you on the spot

And Dennis and...

**bigshawn** · 09-17-2008, 04:42 PM

Can't see the other side of this you all. Help me with this and stay with me for a second....1) I hold down a residence every thursday that plays music along the style of the headliner. 2)Since it is something that I have help to build, therefore giving this person the payday and the chance to widen the fan base, I can't swing for the fences? 3)I try and swing for the fences every week so why should I have to avoid certain songs? 3)where is the love for the residence who in there own right can't cheat the people that are loyal to them?

**bomb cola** · 09-17-2008, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by lvdphse

Please forgive my lack of knowledge in this area me being a basement dweller and all but what is the reasoning behind this?

I can kinda see if a cat got current shit out and you already beat the hell out of it before he comes on but a few old ones here and there?

I figure most a these guys are so tired of hearing their own shit (even when its new its just new to us) that they stay away from it, or they come with a better/different version altogether.

Does this also apply to an artist performing at club?

This would have been my answer, if I wasn't beaten to the punch. Granted, I probably have'nt played with as many heavy hitters as Mr. 3:26, but I've played with some "names" and the reasoning is exactly the same.

Originally Posted by Jamie 3:26

I have played with some heavy hitters and I would NEVER play any of their productions,remixes,or edits.It's tacky and unprofessional.It also makes you look like an amatuer.

You have tons of music and you just have to play something by this person??

**bomb cola** · 09-17-2008, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by dennis f

Honestly....it doesn't matter to me. In fact if you do play my jams..then it makes me work! I like that. In reality I don't like to play my own records..but I realize that alot of the times people who come see you want to hear them. So i'll oblige...but if you beat me to it? So be it. Bang that sh*t!! I say...

one and out

Have you ever done it somebody?

**JimmyEllis** · 09-17-2008, 05:26 PM

I have quite few times.

But...

I know the guy's that i do it too, and I know they have absolutley no problem with it.

**silverbull** · 09-17-2008, 06:10 PM

Im not a dj but as a fan i know if for example i hear a opening dj play a track from a headliner 1 or 2 at most and not their most biggest tracks i think its a great thing.

**martino** · 09-17-2008, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jamie 3:26

You are opening for Frankie Knuckles and you play the Whistle song as your last cut.

See if you don't get read...

lol. I'm assuming the dj would Use some discretion and pick something other than one of their biggest tunes. I've seen it done. I've interpreted it to be a nice gesture. I'd take it as a compliment personally. like "this is one of my fav. tracks of yours. The crowd loves it, and now the crowd is yours".

**TAD** · 09-17-2008, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Jamie 3:26

You are opening for Frankie Knuckles and you play the Whistle song as your last cut.

See if you don't get read...

he said opening jamie, not closing. lol

playing the whistle song to end an opening set is suicide and hella tacky.

**bigshawn** · 09-17-2008, 09:38 PM

Not true...It can only go up from there..Hahahaha

**Science** · 09-17-2008, 09:47 PM

I agree with Martino 100%

I wouldn't play 'the banger' but would let them know I appreciate their sh*t. If it fits the set and mood and it ain't one of the bangers, why not drop it...

**bigshawn** · 09-17-2008, 10:13 PM

I see what Martino is saying, but I don't see why I have to restrict what I play for someone else. I can almost gaurantee that I would not drop the headliners hit, but if I did, They are the star and should be able to work through it.

AK · 09-17-2008, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Jamie 3:26

You are opening for Frankie Knuckles and you play the Whistle song as your last cut.

See if you don't get read...

Ha ha. Been there. My approach was simply to ask him ahead of the night if there was anything he'd prefer I didn't play. With his usual class, the response was "no, play whatever you feel. This is your time to shine." And I know he meant it.

Still, I not only stayed away from his stuff, but also some other records I knew he liked to play at peak time. A matter of respect, IMHO.

**bomb cola** · 09-17-2008, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by bigshawn

I see what Martino is saying, but I don't see why I have to restrict what I play for someone else. I can almost gaurantee that I would not drop the headliners hit, but if I did, They are the star and should be able to work through it.

I'm sort of confused as to why it seems you would want to compete the "headliner" if you're opening? Why try to put the cat in that kind of corner for them to have to "work through it"? I always looked at that sort of set up as a team effort. It was about the vibe of the party, and not a Me thing.

edit- NOw its different if the headliner says 10 mins before the gig, "don't play this style of music, or keep the bpm's waaaayyyy loooooowwww", simply to make them look better, and yourelf not so good, when they get on. Then it's all systems go.

**bigshawn** · 09-17-2008, 10:32 PM

I don't wish to compete at all, but put yourself in this position. You build the night and have a loyal base. Shouldn't you give them what you always do? If it's your best effort everytime they hear you, why should you have to not be yourself becausee someone who is headling. They are the star regardless just because of the name and time slots right?

**Jamie 3:26** · 09-17-2008, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by bigshawn

I don't wish to compete at all, but put yourself in this position. You build the night and have a loyal base. Shouldn't you give them what you always do? If it's your best effort everytime they hear you, why should you have to not be yourself becausee someone who is headling. They are the star regardless just because of the name and time slots right?

Man,you don't have a clue.

No one said play shitty.It's about mutual respect.That's all.

Timeslots have nothing to do with the topic at hand.Hell,I've played before headliners at my residencies I have held and made their asses work.Which is what I'm supposed to do.I didn't do it,to try to show out or upstage anyone.

I just did my thing,which is the main point of the thread.

Do you musically,but be classy and respectful.Least ask the cat if he minds if you play one of their joints.

I know I would be pissed if a cat played one of my edits before I got on...the shit is just thirsty and wrong.

I guess I come from a different school.If I know a style a cat plays and his/her flava,I am going in the other direction mucially.

The main thing also is,it's about the party first.Not set times or none of that other bullshit.Cats who play on the norm don't trip on shit...especially if they play every week.

The guest dj is a treat...it's not a damn rock concert..it's a party.

**bomb cola** · 09-17-2008, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by bigshawn

I don't wish to compete at all, but put yourself in this position. You build the night and have a loyal base. Shouldn't you give them what you always do? If it's your best effort everytime they hear you, why should you have to not be yourself becausee someone who is headling. They are the star regardless just because of the name and time slots right?

If you only have that one gear on your transmission...

**DJ Celeste Alexander** · 09-17-2008, 11:36 PM

Its really simple to just ask isnt it? Especially if you have never played with one of the "big" names before. Just out of respect, Ask first. No need to playing guessing games with it. this way you dont offend, and you can still do Your thing. There is So Much music out there, if there are certain tracks they would prefer you stay away from then oblige that.

I also understand that as an opener for one of these names, you may be playing before they arrive, if that is the case and you MUST play their music, rock one of their older tracks, something that will bring back memories for the crowd and help build up momentum for their set. Set the pace for them in a tasteful and non offensive type of way.

**bigshawn** · 09-18-2008, 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by Jamie 3:26

Man,you don't have a clue.

No one said play shitty.It's about mutual respect.That's all.

Timeslots have nothing to do with the topic at hand.Hell,I've played before headliners at my residencies I have held and made their asses work.Which is what I'm supposed to do.I didn't do it,to try to show out or upstage anyone.

I just did my thing,which is the main point of the thread.

Do you musically,but be classy and respectful.Least ask the cat if he minds if you play one of their joints.

I know I would be pissed if a cat played one of my edits before I got on...the shit is just thirsty and wrong.

I guess I come from a different school.If I know a style a cat plays and his/her flava,I am going in the other direction mucially.

The main thing also is,it's about the party first.Not set times or none of that other bullshit.Cats who play on the norm don't trip on shit...especially if they play every week.

The guest dj is a treat...it's not a damn rock concert..it's a party.

I agree it is about the party first, the guest is just a treat. That is the most perfect way to put it. I also said that I can almost asure you that I won't play anything that the guest would, but, if I did I Don't see anything wrong with that. I am from the old school also and used to think the same way,but it's like asking a back up QB to not throw a touchdown if they can. We all know the starter (headliner) is going to do there thing so why would it matter?
I respect your musical opinion on almost every post you make, so can we agree to dissagree on this one

**Charliee** · 09-18-2008, 04:41 AM

Having the ability to not throw that touchdown @ will when u're in a position to score is the difference. If it ain't the Superbowl & we're all in for a good time, why sweat it.

**däp** · 09-18-2008, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by AK

Ha ha. Been there. My approach was simply to ask him ahead of the night if there was anything he'd prefer I didn't play. With his usual class, the response was "no, play whatever you feel. This is your time to shine." And I know he meant it.

Still, I not only stayed away from his stuff, but also some other records I knew he liked to play at peak time. A matter of respect, IMHO.

definitely a balancing act. if you work with a guy on a regular basis (part of the team) it's a littlle different. Most truly established dj/producers have music that is unreleased ,so you can play whatever and they will bring some exclusive heat. the problem comes when you try to "show up" your guest or when you try to "show up" the guy who put you on to do a "special" opening slot. bottom line is that you should always bring your A game but be professional. there are many layers to this discussion. not cut and or dry.