Curtis Allen

As a DJ, one of the most puzzling moments is when someone approaches the booth to make a request—only to realise they don’t actually know what they want to hear. It’s a common scenario for DJs and often leaves me scratching my head. You’ve come up to the DJ booth, so surely you had a song in mind, right? 😅

In this post, I’ll explore why making song requests at events can sometimes be tricky, why guests may approach without a specific request, and how you can make better song requests that fit seamlessly into the night’s vibe.

Why Do People Approach Without a Song in Mind?

It might seem baffling, but there are several reasons why guests might come up to make a request without knowing exactly what they want to hear:

1. Overwhelmed by the Moment:
   Sometimes, guests get caught up in the excitement of the event and feel compelled to contribute to the music without thinking it through. When faced with the question of “What would you like to hear?”, they suddenly realise they haven’t decided.
2. Undecided or Indecisive:
   Picking a single song can be tough—especially when you love so many different tracks! Guests may have a vague idea of what they want but struggle to pinpoint the perfect song in the moment.
3. Peer Pressure:
   Often, people are sent by friends to “make a request,” but when they get to the booth, they realise they don’t know what the group really wants to hear. The pressure of representing the group can lead to hesitation or indecision.
4. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice:
   Some guests worry that their request might not fit the event’s vibe or be “cool enough,” leading to hesitation when it comes time to make the actual request.
5. Not Knowing What’s Already Been Played:
   Guests may not have been paying attention to the entire playlist and are unsure whether their favourite song has already been played. Rather than risk repeating a track, they might stall when it’s time to make a request.

How to Make Better Song Requests

Whether you’re overwhelmed, indecisive, or feeling peer pressure, there are simple ways to ensure your request fits the vibe and has the best chance of being played. Although there are some valid reasons why some DJs hate taking requests, I actually love when people make requests! It helps me know what they’re after and I enjoy the challenge of fitting them into the night. Also, sometimes you guys suggest an absolute banger that had slipped my mind! But remember—there’s no rule saying you have to make a request. The DJ’s job is to keep the music flowing and the crowd engaged. If you don’t have a song in mind, that’s perfectly fine!

Here’s how you can avoid those moments where you approach the DJ without a clear song in mind:

1. If you’re overwhelmed by the moment:
   Sometimes the excitement of the night can lead you to the DJ booth before you’ve actually thought of a song to request. And guess what? You don’t have to request anything! DJs are there to read the room and keep the party moving. If you’re unsure, it’s completely okay to enjoy what’s playing and let the DJ handle it. If you do want to make a request, take a moment to think about the music you’re enjoying and consider whether you want something similar or different.
2. If you’re indecisive:
   Choosing just one song can feel tough when you’ve got a long list of favourites. To make it easier, think of a few tracks that always get you in the mood to dance. Pick one from that list, or even ask the DJ which one fits best with the current vibe. Approaching with a short list of ideas is better than arriving at the booth with no idea of what you want.
3. If you’re feeling peer pressure:
   When your friends push you to request a song, ask them what they want to hear before you head over. That way, you can confidently represent the group, rather than feeling like you’ve been put on the spot. Also, remind them that they don’t have to make a request—the DJ will keep the music going either way!
4. If you’re afraid of making the wrong choice:
   Some people hesitate because they worry their song won’t fit the event’s vibe. But here’s the thing— DJs are experts at reading the room and maintaining the energy on the dance floor and it’s their job to fit requests in where they will work, or maybe even turn down a request if it’s just not the right fit for the night. However, if you do want to request something, take a quick look at the dance floor’s energy. Is it high or more relaxed? If you’re unsure whether your song fits, ask the DJ—they’ll let you know if it’s a good match.
5. If you don’t know what’s already been played:
   If you’re unsure whether your favourite track has already been played, don’t worry. You can always ask the DJ if they’ve played it yet. Most DJs are happy to let you know, and if it has been played, request something similar or trust the DJ to suggest a track that matches the vibe. Personally speaking, unless it’s a wedding and the bride or groom specifically ask me to, I won’t play a song again if it’s already been played (even if you were “out of the room when it played”). It is one of those things that people will always knock a DJ for afterwards, “That DJ didn’t know what he was doing! He was playing songs he’d already played!”

Why DJs Appreciate Clear Requests

From a DJ’s perspective, making song requests at events can be a fun way to engage with the crowd—when done right. A clear, thoughtful request adds a personal touch to the night and shows that the guest is connected to the music. But vague or hesitant requests can disrupt the flow, especially if the DJ is already working to keep the energy high.

Requests like “play something good” or “you know, something I can dance to” leave the DJ guessing. DJs love engaging with the crowd, but the best results come when guests know what they want to hear and communicate it clearly.

If you’re unsure of what to request, you can always take a moment to find inspiration. Browsing through popular event playlists on Spotify could help you figure out the perfect track to request.

Conclusion: Thoughtful Requests Help the DJ Keep the Party Going

Next time you feel the urge to approach the DJ booth with a request, take a second to think it through. What song fits the mood? Does it match the energy of the night? A thoughtful request makes it easier for the DJ to keep the party going strong.

Remember, you don’t have to make a request! DJs are skilled at curating the music for the event and are happy to keep things flowing. But if you do decide to make a request, follow these tips to ensure it fits seamlessly into the night’s vibe.

If you’re planning an event and want a DJ who knows how to create the perfect atmosphere, get in touch to discuss how we can craft the ideal playlist for your celebration. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a party, I’m here to make sure the music hits the right notes! 🎧