How I Stay Locked In While DJ’ing: Tools & Tips for a Focused Set

As a DJ, staying focused during a live set is everything. The crowd is watching, the energy is building, and you've got one job — keep the party rocking. Over the years, I’ve developed some key strategies that help me stay dialed in and stress-free when I’m behind the decks. Here’s a look at what keeps me locked in and laser-focused when I’m in DJ mode:

RequestNow Logo

1. I Let the RequestNow App Handle the Chaos

Let’s face it — song requests can be a blessing and a distraction. That’s why I use the RequestNow App to manage all my requests in real time. No more people shouting in my ear or waving phones in my face. Guests can easily text their request, and I can check them out when I’m ready. It keeps the flow uninterrupted, and I stay in control of the vibe.

2. Event-Specific Crates Keep Me Organized

For every event I do, I build custom crates tailored to the structure and flow of the night. These aren’t just generic folders — these are strategic tools:

Doors Open Crate – Chill, welcoming vibes.
Main Crate – Core tracks I know I’ll be working from.
Banger Crate – Dancefloor igniters, go-to party starters.
Specialty/Participation Crate – Line dances, sing-alongs, and crowd-pleasers.
End of Night Crate – Feel-good closers to wind things down.
One More Song Crate – Just in case the crowd wants that one more hit before lights up.

This structure helps me anticipate transitions, stay ahead of the crowd’s energy, and never get caught off guard.

3. Tag, Tag, and Tag Some More

I tag the heck out of my music library. Every unused column in my DJ software — Composer, Remixer, Comment, Label — becomes a tool. I fill them with custom descriptors like:

Sing-Along
Line Dance
Slam Mix
Epic Intro
Crossover

It’s all about fast access and mental shortcuts. When I’m mixing live, I don’t want to waste time searching or overthinking. And yes — I’m big on color coding too. I assign colors based on things like:

Dance Floor Energy
Flipped or Alternate Edits
Dirty vs. Clean Edits

One glance, and I already know what’s what.

NO SERATO FACE!

If you know, you know. Shout out to Crate Hackers — the goal is to play your music, not stare at your laptop. This system keeps me present and connected to the crowd.

Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, DJ’ing is part art, part science, and a whole lot of preparation. The more you know your music library and set yourself up with a smart workflow, the smoother your set will be. Experience builds confidence, and each gig is a chance to improve your flow.

So prep right, build your crates, tag your tracks, and let your focus set the dancefloor on fire.

Stay ready!

– HITMAN*DDub, Me Psi Phi Entertainment | www.dddixon.com