The best equipment to make the best music

Nowadays the CD is king and holds far better quality music (in some peoples' eyes) than vinyl ever did. The digital environment with regards music certainly has its advantages, such as being able to copy various songs onto one CD, better clarity, and the ability to save space with carrying hundreds of CDs versus vinyl records.

The downfall in using CDs at a gig is that you never have as much control as when playing vinyls on record decks; even though today's CD decks come with scratch wheels and superior mixing controls than their analogue counterparts. But vinyl is inherently connected with the DJ and there's nothing like pulling off a superb mix on a pair of SL1200 decks. Also worth remembering is that the latest dance tunes always come out in vinyl format before they are pressed onto CDs.

Having a comprehensive and up-to-date selection of banging tunes and old classics is the most important aspect of any DJs working night; if you haven't got the tunes, the audience ain't gonna be happy. Playing the night out in sections to deliberately control the mood and movement of the audience is a good way of seeing through the night, i.e. start off with some steady chill-out, easier-listening-type tunes, then lift the tempo when more people fill the place, followed by the latest banging tunes, then down to some banging tunes a few years old and so on.

At a wedding or birthday gig, you'll have to diversify a lot more. All age groups will be present so you'll have to cover every genre and request but don't kill the mood by trying to satisfy everyone; keep the majority up there. Don't tell someone you refuse to play their requested tune even if it is the pits and you know it will kill the floor. Just suggest to them an alternative of the same band or a band with the same sound. You'll never satisfy everyone but be patient and diplomatic and don't belittle someone's favourite tune.

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