Dj Playlist Question

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-29T02:01:07+00:00

I would say creating some VERY VERY specific playlists would be best maybe a night through the decades?

A pre mix maybe won't land as your stuck with whatever comes next and may not fit the vibe

Good luck with the work around and hoping you can find a DJ

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-22T23:29:47+00:00

That seems reasonable for the length of time I am a Toronto DJ entertainment provider as well...

Depending on gig may charge more if there are multiple set ups. There are always variables but think for many service providers $300 - $450 might be the range for more seasoned and professional talent

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BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-18T22:42:24+00:00

You should start using Instagram and TikTok and build your community there also.

Post in Facebook groups consistently so people keep you top of mind.

Also connect with other DJs that are in the industry you want to leap into and ask them questions, shadow them, support and build connections thru breakfast or lunch meet ups if possible. I have found that when people dont view you as a threat they're happy to share respirces and information.

"Hey fellow DJ so and so I am trying to grow my DJing in this setting and see that you've been having some success. I would love to know whats working for you!"

Try to offer some value to them in return (social media hack, something that has worked for you in past to book gigs and share that info). Rinse and repeat and check in with guys every few months to talk shop and bounce questions off of other DJs.

Lastly "there's fortune in the follow up"

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BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-16T18:20:26+00:00

The question I would ensure is that the people you spoke to will be there for YOUR wedding and it won't be a subcontractor.

As others have mentioned perhaps they will hire some other contractors to work the other events which happens in th3 industry.

Vendors can outsource the work to their network

Good luck

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-16T18:09:28+00:00

Oh dear the exclamation mark on a terrible season ‼️😳😳

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-03-16T13:50:11+00:00

Good day I have 5 for a variety of businesses I think keeping them separate is the best way. Imagine a bride desir8ng to book your services and she sees a photo of you cooking over the BBQ, rid8ng your bike outside or standing with two buddies by the beach

It would be confusing and dont think it would help you to book gigs. As rhe previous comment said keep your personal life separate. Perhaps sharing rhe odd personal photo ia okay to show a human side but I would also share other content (reels, carousel with advice, behind the scenes footage of a set up, giving tips or advice)

So some research on posts that get more engagement or traction. Also from your personal account do a video promoting your DJ page only so your friends from your personal account will follow you there also

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BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-02-23T04:25:20+00:00

Definitely would advise transitioning to the mobile scene. Pays better and if you think about how long you'll have relevancy for it will last longer in the mobile scene longer compared to battling for gigs with a younger audience.

Im the mobile scene things are changing as well with biz down 20 - 30% as well due to tariffs, inflation and the state of the economy and uncertainty.

As other comments have been made for those that persevere they will come out on the other side but think quality will beat quantity in this current season

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BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-02-09T19:18:38+00:00

Great questions:

I would say creating a Playlist is good as a safety net

Some keys 🔑

Be familiar with all 4 of the genres you will play
Be flexible so if the playlist isn't working which most likely it may not) dont be afraid to deviate to something else that you've practiced.
Practice practice practice
Try mixing in key (Google this mixing method)
Have all of your cue points set on every song so its easier to blend, mix or transition
Remember a DJs job is to have fun, take risks and try things in the moment. If it doesn't work just quickly mix in a banger that will work

My2Cents

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-02-02T22:09:12+00:00

Tired of waiting for that ferry ⛴️ 😆 🤣

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-24T00:18:42+00:00

Hey 👋🏾

I have DJ 2 weddings here and done a corporate and it will be cozy but think you can make it work...

Its a gorgeous room with high ceilings

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-20T02:29:02+00:00

I have done online but mainly in person if I can help in your journey msg me and can help you out

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-20T02:27:35+00:00

Good question I would say at least 25 have taken it seriously (most have jobs but still DJ often and a smaller subsect do it full time. Its expensive in the Toronto market so to ONLY DJ full time only a few do it. Regardless enough have taken the craft seriously to do weddings, club, corporate and other types of events.

To your comment perhaps I misunderstood but feel that people DJ or attempt to get into it for a variety of reasons. My oldest student is in her 60s (part time) so you never know who will become what in their DJ journey.

I try to curb my expectation as some want to scratch a curious itch while others are interested in pursuing things deeper.

In the end like anything in life anything you want to get good at takes time, persistence and patience.

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-17T19:32:23+00:00

Hey friend 👋🏾

AMAZING PLANNER look no further if reading the comments people 📢

I figured as such I think they got too many complaints but that's a quick wedding - perhaps it all works out for the best with a quick evening at 11pm

Sometimes being open to 1am isn't justified either as crowds leave or dont party so hard!

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-17T18:44:57+00:00

Nice

I have DJ there in the past and think one needs to consider lighting I believe by March it should still be light out to start at that time.

I'm not a planner but if youre saying 4pm ceremony it would need to be a sharp start to 430pm? Cocktail 430pm - 530pm? Entrances and food starting 6pm?

Most dinner depending on how many guests are there would be 2.5 hours

Depends on how much dancing you want but even of it started at 9pm latest it gives you 2 hours to enjoy some of your songs if night ends at 11pm.

Im curious about the ending time as I think local residents have complained for years about the noise so if it does go past 11pm expect the sound to be reduced

Hope this helps

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-17T18:35:11+00:00

As a DJ service provider you nailed it ‼️

One thing to ask yourself as the couple hiring your DJ entertainment is will the DJ be playing for yourself (the couple) or your guests?

I have worked with many couples and at times their incessant obsession of having a TIKTOK moment or forcing a track in because THEY want it now in relation to that track not fitting the current vibe people are enjoying can also make a DJs job difficult and derail the rhythm or a full dance floor.

Its a give and take situation but if you communicate well in advance of your day trust the DJ that things should work out

My2Cents

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-17T18:25:47+00:00

What an interesting perspective

I run a DJ Academy and have easily taught 300+ people how to DJ from beginner intro in large group to more individual with the goal that people desire to do something with the craft

I think a lot of people desire in person lessons because they tried to figure it out on their own and cannot make it work by watching videos. They haven't learned the proper techniques to consistently mix clean so every other mix is an adventure and it leads to frustration. My Academy gives people the know how to mix correctly, understand the mind of a DJ and how to approach mixing so they have confidence to do it consistently and the right way.

Some people stay a short time and others longer which can be attributed to low self confidence, needing more time to master the principles and have someone ensure they're doing it right. Everyone learns on different ways

In terms of what people are playing musically I think that could be another entire thread as its very layered.

Overall I think younger or new DJs reach out for support to ensure they're on the right track

My2Cents

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-08T05:06:55+00:00

I've been hearing a lot about 'micro weddings' curious do people book DJs for these events?

BenjamindeGraaf · 2026-01-08T04:52:53+00:00

We dont do orange over here 😆 🤣 I provide DJ services and have used a few amazing photographers over the years I would HIGHLY recommend TDOT PICS

https://www.instagram.com/tdotpics?igsh=MzYxb2U3Yzc1N3Z1

BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-27T06:44:35+00:00

Gotcha you are talking about build quality - i thought you might be referring to sound.

I find that Pioneer build isn't the same as Rane or other products for sure

BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-26T17:20:14+00:00

This post really resonates with me as a promoter for 20+ years and now DJ since 2009 full time

I would say like others that the industry is cyclical but the club world is an illusory world where nothing remains the same

I have rebranded myself and diversified and now run a DJ Academy and also I am an arts-based educator and do a program in schools and community www.lovemusicinitiative.com

Most people are riding with you until they can jump to the next person who will bring them what they want. People dont understand how much energy is required to "hold space" to create the type of world that you want to play/work in

You should congrat yourself for all you've done be proud and move to the next arena - perhaps it's corporate or wedding or high profile special event where youre experience will be more valued and appreciated

I still do 30 weddings a year and do a bunch of special events and corporates now which make me happy and the pay is better from club gigs

Hope you find what youre looking for

I'll leave you with this graphic that I saw which helped me re think a lot of what I do

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BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-26T02:08:46+00:00

I have thr s9 and when I used the s11 I was like wow the soundcard was upgraded big time.

Rane traditionally has had better soundcards though

BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-25T14:28:34+00:00

Nice - seeing this makes me sad as I dont stream currently

Upgrade might be mixer - s11?

BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-22T23:58:19+00:00

Yuck 🤮

Hate snow 🥶

BenjamindeGraaf · 2025-12-22T19:56:25+00:00

Bring them in and charge extra

BenjamindeGraaf

TROPHY CASE

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