Why do DJs Take Requests?

One of the biggest and most important skills that a good DJ needs to have is the ability to read the crowd. In doing so, a great DJ will be taking in so much information  about the crowd and checking that against their own music knowledge and experience reading crowds from the past. One of the ways good DJs read the crowd is by taking requests.

Now, a good DJ isn't going to play all requests, but they're going to use that information to make better song selection that can appeal to the majority of the people at the wedding or event or club or party. For example, if you're at a club and someone requests an old classic rock song, it's probably not the best environment to play that song, but it can let the DJ know that there may be some people there that are into more rock-influenced, edgier music. With that info, a DJ can choose songs that will fit in with the energy level and the environment that would please that person. 

That's just one example, but there are many, many more ways good DJs use requests. So, if you're out and you're at an event with a DJ, feel free to make a request, just know that if it can't be played, the DJ is likely using that info to find things that you will like that fits in better.

Oh and for some dj humor, here's an awesome clip of DJ No Request from the movie The Goods:

How to Deal with Bad Requests

Let's face it, everyone has a different taste in music and they're not always good. In fact, a lot of times, DJs get requests for songs that are just too overplayed or not right for the atmosphere or the type of crowd you have. Somebody at a wedding might request a song that is on the Bride and Groom's DO NOT PLAY list. In those cases, you'll need to know how to handle them and give an appropriate response.

For weddings, you can always say that you have a plan with the bride and groom and that if the request fits in, you'll play it. For parties, bars, clubs, and other types of gigs, just use your best judgement, tell them you'll see what you can do, but never commit to doing something you know you're not going to do, after all, you do want these people to like you.