Don’t Know Which Song to Play Next? Here Are Some Tips to Keep the Crowd Engaged!

by Rob Wegner

March 2023

It’s widely known that writers can experience creative blocks, but it may come as a surprise that DJs are also susceptible to this challenge. Rob Wegner, an experienced music industry professional who has mastered the art of seamlessly blending tracks for crowd engagement, understands this predicament all too well. In light of this, he offers valuable insights on maintaining momentum and energy during performances, even when inspiration seems elusive. Here are some top tips from Rob Wegner that could enhance your next show and ensure a rocking performance:

1. Revisit crowd-pleasers

For longer DJ sets, it’s particularly important to review which tracks have already elicited a positive response from the audience. This approach can help you optimize engagement among your listeners. For instance, if you played EDM earlier in the night and received a favorable reaction but now find yourself struggling with ideas while playing deep house, revisiting those crowd-pleasers could potentially invigorate the atmosphere and reignite your creative spark. A transition back to these well-received songs may provide an energy boost to the room, prompting another wave of inspiration.

2. Catch your crowd off guard

When you find yourself running low on inspiration, it may be time to shake things up a bit to prevent your set from becoming stagnant and unstimulating. Introducing a completely unrelated track can surprise and invigorate the audience, breathing new life into the dance floor.

3. Put yourself in their shoes

One of the keys to being a successful DJ is to put yourself in your audience's shoes. This means understanding what they want to hear and how they want to feel. Once you've established this connection, it becomes easier to curate a setlist that will keep the crowd dancing, making every show enjoyable for you and your listeners.

These tips from Rob Wegner can be invaluable in ensuring a successful performance, even if creative blocks occur. Try Rob’s tips, and your next performance will definitely be one to remember!