Playing the opening set (usually 9 PM to 11 PM) is an art form. Your job is not to make people go crazy; your job is to set the mood and build anticipation.
Don't Play the Bangers
The cardinal sin of an opening DJ is playing the headliner's tracks or the biggest hits of the moment. Leave the peak-time bangers for the peak time. If you play "Mo Bamba" to an empty room at 10 PM, you won't get booked again.
Focus on Groove
Play deep house, groovy R&B, or mid-tempo tracks that make people want to nod their heads and buy a drink. Build the energy slowly.
Need deep cuts and groovy warm-up tracks? Check out the curated warm-up playlists on RPOOL.ID.