Reflections on an evenings DJing – how to play long sets?

Time seems to be my biggest antagonist when playing a gig. Sometimes I feel as though there is too little time and too many songs, and sometimes, too much time and not enough songs, especially if the crowd is tough. I typically do a 4 hour set. Sometimes I prepare for my 4 hour set by dividing each hour into four 15 minute quarters/mini-sets. A four hour set turns out to be sixteen 15 minute mini-sets(seems like a lot but really isn’t). I play 5 songs (3 minutes each) per 15 minute mini-set. After the 15 minutes are up I’ll switch music styles, and repeat this for a total of 16 times. This makes the time fly and adds variety to the party. Before I realize it, time is up and I made it. And I still have plenty of songs left over just in case the party goes on a little longer. Keep in mind I don’t always use this technique. I use it when it looks like it’s going to be a tough night with a thin crowd. There is nothing like a show where you rock the party from beginning to end and you have total control over everyone. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

I think Lupe has a good thing going, provided you bring about twice as much music as you need for the set. This gives you room to steer in a different direction than you anticipated in advance and gives you some headroom if the party runs a bit longer.