Every DJ should know the importance of song selection, but crafting the perfect setlist goes beyond just picking hits. It’s about creating a journey, and for me, a great mix feels like storytelling through sound. I think about how I want my audience to feel at the start, during the peak, and when the last song hits. It’s like building a movie soundtrack in real time; each track builds off from the previous song, carrying emotion, tempo, and mood.
When I plan a set, I focus on two things: flow and connection. I ask myself these two questions: Do I want to start slow and smooth before dropping into high-energy beats? Or do I want to surprise the audience with quick transitions that keep them guessing? I’ve learned that a setlist isn’t static, but rather it’s quite alive. Reading the audience, sensing the energy, and adjusting on the fly is what transforms a performance from good to unforgettable.
Music is essentially emotional storytelling, and every DJ has their own way of narrating it. Whether you’re mixing at a club, performing at a small event, or even curating a playlist, remember that every track has a chapter in your story. Challenge yourself to think beyond a mix, but tell your story through the beats. Next time you create a playlist, I want you to choose the order carefully so that others perceive you in the way you want.
Picture is an AI generated photo of music telling a story.
My side of the booth 