It’s easy to assume that DJs have it easy; they can just roll up to a show with their USB stick and get the party started. But that’s far from the case. Most DJs, especially the ones at the top of the dance music industry, devote the entire day of the gig to prepping and mentally preparing to put on the best show possible.

Lee Burridge’s All Day I Dream parties have long set the standard for multi-artist day parties, and now that we’re a few shows deep into its nationwide tour throughout the United States, we figured there would be no better time than now to invite three of their leading artists on to share how they spend the days and hours before one of these gigs in preparation. Tim Green, Christian Löffler, and Sinca were all gracious enough to talk about how they get ready, so let’s pass the reigns over to them and find out what they do before the show that enables them to work their magic on the stage.

Learn More About The Upcoming All Day I Dream event series, that’s probably coming to a major city near you before the end of summer right here.

Tim Green

In the past, I used to prepare my music quite specifically for every different show, thinking I should tailor my sound to the city, venue, crowd and set time. Plus tailor it depending on what DJ’s might be playing before or after me. So I was making new playlists for each show, usually with about 50% brand new music I never played before. But music I felt would be appropriate to the above criteria. 

Nowadays it’s quite different. I essentially have one or two playlists that I treat like I would a Record Bag. When I started DJing, I was playing vinyl only (as CDs weren’t a big thing at the time), so organizing music this way feels more natural to me. And so for this main playlist, I will just add new tracks or remove old tracks as I please. It’s about 100-150 songs total, but the amount varies obviously. 

Within this playlist I can play a whole range of moods and tempos – but they are much more inline with my own personal style. Now, I never change my style or which songs I play when going to different shows. I don’t tailor my sets like I used to. I will play from the same set of songs in my playlist, but in different orders depending on the show and the flow of the night.

So most of my preparation for each show is more listening diligently to new promos or demos I get sent. To get to know the songs really well before committing to playing them out. And I’d say most of the main playlist is unreleased music. Maybe 75% or something. Which is music from me or from my friends who send me new demos. So even though I’m retaining a lot of the same songs week after week in the main playlist, it’s still fresh music that only a handful of other DJ’s might also have or play out. Plus, to add to this, I make a lot of my own edits of other songs – so more often than not, I’m making edits to songs right up before I play! Which is a big part of my sets.

I like working this way with music as it feels the most natural to me. Plus, I’m not scrolling endlessly through different playlists searching for songs. I really just focus on the main playlist of songs that I feel most strongly about, and play mostly those. The rest I just leave up to the flow of the night, and choose what song to play next within that moment

Christian Löffler

Even before I reach the venue, I like to ground myself – as an artist, you tend to travel a lot, and I personally try to find time to connect with myself and the cities I visit. Here in Los Angeles, I have found peace in moments spent at the beach and walking along the Santa Monica pier – the sun is always shining, spirits are high, and there’s so much life, along with a beautiful view. I have also enjoyed taking hikes up in Topanga. I make it a priority to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature, and these trails have become quite special to me. 

There isn’t a real pre-show routine for me, especially on bigger shows like those on this album tour, where I collaborate with other artists like Malou on stage – the soundcheck is the most important element. The vocals must be adjusted for optimal sound quality to ensure the best possible experience for the audience. It’s also incredibly reassuring to have the confidence that all my equipment is functioning perfectly, so I won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises when I step onto the stage at the beginning of the show.

Generally, I place a lot of importance on the visual aspect, and I believe that precise technical arrangements are necessary to ensure that the specially filmed visuals for the show come into their own. When I am certain that everything is set for the show, I like to have a more quiet backstage environment. I prefer being surrounded by my friends and being able to sit together and talk. It sounds super boring, but I also try to eat a light meal – it just feels better during the show. These moments of relaxation and connection during the pre-show preparations help me center myself and prepare mentally for the show. 

Before the show begins, I will also create a specific setlist that I use as a loose guide. During the show, I tend to feel the mood of the audience and decide which tracks to play, as well as the order and intensity. I am very free when it comes to the tempo and arrangement of the tracks, and I decide on these aspects spontaneously during every show. I find that this allows me to connect with the audience in a unique way. No audience is the same, and neither are any of my shows.

This has been especially beautiful to experience with the current tour for my album ‘A Life’, as it’s an album created to celebrate the human experience. Witnessing audiences from all around the world connect with the album in their unique ways, bringing their own experiences and stories to the music, is one of my favourite aspects of being an artist.

Sinca

Preparing for a DJ set demands careful planning and attention to detail, especially for this upcoming show in Los Angeles under the banner of All Day I Dream.

As the opening DJ of this event, and considering that I’m playing after a wellness session, my objective is to establish an atmosphere that is simultaneously invigorating and positive. Therefore, when curating my playlist, I’ll definitely consider the mood of the audience and also the vibe I want to cultivate during my set. Also, knowing that the event is during daytime and is outdoors, I will prioritize a track selection that evokes an uplifting and happy experience.

Additionally, I always try to strategically select tracks taking into account the artists performing before and after me. This ensures a smooth transition and coherence for the crowd’s journey. While I understand that some DJs may overlook this aspect, I believe it brings continuity, and prevents abrupt shifts or clashes in energy that could disrupt the audience’s vibe. Moreover, it presents a new challenge for me at each gig, as every event is unique.

Finally, I love incorporating some of my latest compositions into my playlists. This gives me the opportunity to test them in a live setting. Creating tracks in the studio is one thing, ensuring they resonate with dancers is another!

Before a performance, I always have a pre-show routine that involves getting some rest and, very importantly, staying hydrated. I also try to give my ears a break from loud music right before my set, this is essential for my mixing. Additionally, I like to have a small drink prior to taking the stage (or on stage), as it helps me relax and get into a positive mindset.

Beyond the event itself, I see my time in Los Angeles as an opportunity for professional development and networking within the music industry by exploring the city’s scene and developing connections with industry peers.
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The post How Artists Prep For Gigs: Three DJs Share How They Get Ready For All Day I Dream’s Events appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.