Being a DJ is much more than just playing music—it’s about creating an atmosphere, reading the crowd, and knowing when to switch gears to keep the energy at its peak. I learned this first-hand through my residency at the legendary old Afterdark Nightclub in Boston, Lincolnshire. Playing weekly sets there taught me invaluable lessons about adapting my music, especially when faced with the challenge of catering to a diverse, multinational crowd. Here’s what I learned about reading the crowd, experimenting with genres, and when to make bold choices to keep people on their feet.
1. Start by Observing the Crowd’s Vibe
When I first stepped up to the decks at Afterdark, I quickly learned that one of the most critical skills was reading the room’s initial vibe. A crowd’s energy speaks volumes before you even drop a single beat. For example, are people casually chatting, waiting to ease into the night, or already on the dance floor craving a high-energy track? By tuning into the crowd’s body language, you’ll get a sense of where to start.
In a club like Afterdark, where people from all around the world came to let loose, the crowd’s energy could vary widely from week to week. Some nights, I’d sense a more laid-back vibe—perfect for starting with some chilled house or downtempo electronica. Other nights, I could feel the anticipation, and I’d know that jumping in with something a bit punchier, like a classic house track, would hit just right.
2. Experiment with Genres to Test the Waters
Experimenting with genres was essential in a club like Afterdark, especially with such a mixed crowd. Often, I’d start with a few different genres in the first 15-20 minutes of my set to gauge what resonated best. A mix of classic house, pop remixes, and Latin-inspired beats often helped me understand what people wanted to hear. And the more familiar I got with Afterdark’s crowd, the quicker I could sense if people were leaning toward hip-hop, EDM, or something unexpected.
For instance, one night, I might notice a small group lighting up as I dropped a reggaeton track, while others seemed more at ease with 90s throwback hip-hop. By paying attention to these subtle shifts in energy, I could fine-tune the set for maximum impact. Sometimes, it took a bit of trial and error, but the reward of finding the right genre to amp up the crowd was worth the extra effort.
3. Know When to Take Risks
Sometimes, the best moments come from taking a bold leap, even if it feels risky. I remember one night when I decided to drop a slower, more soulful track in the middle of a high-energy set. It seemed counterintuitive—slowing things down mid-set felt like it could easily backfire. But I sensed the crowd was looking for a break from the pounding beats, and when I dropped that track, it created this intimate moment on the dance floor. People responded with surprising enthusiasm, almost like they were recharging for the next high-energy stretch.
In a multinational crowd, sometimes it’s these unexpected choices that bring everyone together. Music has a way of crossing language barriers, and taking a risk with a classic tune or unexpected remix can create a unifying moment on the dance floor.
4. Use the Crowd’s Feedback to Fine-Tune Your Set
Feedback is crucial in reading a crowd, and it doesn’t always come in obvious forms. Sometimes it’s eye contact, a head nod, or even just the way people move in small clusters. For example, at Afterdark, if I noticed a certain song sparked a big reaction, I’d consider playing similar tracks or remixes within that genre.
But crowd feedback isn’t just about playing “crowd-pleasers” every night. It’s also about reading the energy shifts throughout the night. Even if a certain genre is working, there’s a natural ebb and flow that every crowd has. People need breaks, build-ups, and climaxes in a set. When you feel the energy dip, it might mean it’s time to switch things up, bringing in a different genre or slowing down the tempo before bringing it back up.
5. Embrace the Diversity of the Crowd
Playing in a place like Afterdark, with its truly international crowd, was a huge learning experience. Each nationality brought unique energy, dance styles, and music preferences, so keeping things versatile was key. Some nights, a Latin track would resonate with a particular group, while another crowd might light up at an EDM drop. It taught me to expand my playlist and keep my mind open to different musical influences.
Over time, I built a sense for what might work based on who was there that night, but there was always a bit of unpredictability. In many ways, that was the magic of Afterdark—it was impossible to get too comfortable, and every set demanded my full attention.
Stay Adaptive and Keep Listening
Reading a crowd and adapting a DJ set isn’t an exact science, but it’s something you can master with time, practice, and intuition. Every gig at Afterdark reminded me of this: no two crowds are exactly the same, and the more you observe, experiment, and take chances, the better you’ll get at creating those unforgettable nights on the dance floor.
So whether you’re starting out or already deep into DJing, embrace the art of reading a crowd. Trust your instincts, stay open to the energy around you, and remember that every set is a new opportunity to learn something unique about connecting with people through music.
Article by Hakan Nurhak
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