Like most entertainment jobs, DJing has taken a major knock in the last 18 months. When was your last set? Do you still own your gear, or have you offloaded it onto someone else? Now that all DJs have completely forgotten what it’s like to DJ in public, let’s recap on some of the differences between DJing sets in front of people and doing it via Twitch, Mixcloud Live or other similar services. 

Energy

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The biggest difference between DJing in real life and live streaming your set is being able to feel the energy of the room. You still get a buzz from seeing your Twitch stream get busy, but we all know it’s not the same. Rooms of people are less predictable, less controllable and more committed to what you’re doing. They can’t just turn you off. This makes you more responsible, and the pressure feels greater. But so does the payoff - a great time! 

Technical matters

Solving technical problems is one of your best friends in the DJ techniques toolbox. Cables, volume levels, power issues. In real life, these typically differ from gig to gig. You’re not always sure what equipment the venue has, or how much table height and surface space you’ve been given. There may be other DJs or interruptions like speeches. But once you’re set up on Twitch (or wherever you stream), it’s easier to save settings and predict the outcomes.

Followers

One great thing that live streaming has done for DJing is given them identities. In a real life event, you’re usually part of the background. Most of the guests don’t know your name and couldn’t really tell their friends about you even if they wanted to. With live streaming, however, all your data and links are splashed out in front of them. You get to control and divert attention much more effectively, even if it’s through a screen. Those are the people who come to your in-person gigs when they ultimately can.

It’s a bit weird even comparing live streams and real life gigs. As if our digital selves are anything more than a simulation of our real selves. But now that we’re able to connect with people everywhere all the time, there’s no reason not to begin employing both to our advantage. Get the industry advice from pro DJs by checking out the courses offered by DJ Courses Online.