How to Approach an Opening Set as a DJ

Opening for a headliner can be a daunting moment, especially for the first time. I wanted to share some tips focused around attitude rather than specific or technical skills as this is a topic i get asked advice for from you guys pretty often!

1. Respect the Headliner’s Set

• Don’t play the headliner’s music. DO NOT play any music by the headliner. No pre drops no vocals, no nothing. And it’s always good practise to check if they have a “no-play” list or to ask them directly what other tracks they plan to use.

• Avoid the biggest hits in the genre. Playing the most well-known tracks every few songs is a shortcut that doesn’t demonstrate your skill as a DJ. There's keeping the energy high, the vibes good, and the flow tight, and then theres playing Laserbeam into Name Drop into Scream Saver 45 minutes after doors (I wouldn't advise the latter). Dropping a peak-hour anthem at 9:30pm signals poor judgment and lack of understanding of the room’s energy.

• Focus on vibe and groove as much as possible! Have a proper dig, and find music that demonstrates who you are.

2. Build the Energy—Don’t Max It Out

• Your job is to warm up the crowd, not steal the show. A good opening set builds anticipation rather than exhausting the audience before the headliner even starts. One trick I’ve practised before is making the last 10 minutes of my set have less energy so that it gives the crowd a bit of a breather before the headliner. (you still have to make this section sick though!)

• Don’t go full intensity too early. Playing massive, high-energy tracks when the room is still filling up will feel disjointed and confusing for the crowd. Show confidence in your skills by reading the crowd and adjusting accordingly. Do some extra preparing and include songs in your playlist that have different energy that you can turn to should you need to. This will be less important as you get bigger and more experienced as you'll have a better idea of what to expect and more people will (hopefully) be coming to see you specifically. But for now while you're learning, PREPARE for as many outcomes as possible.

3. Showcase Your Skills Without Overdoing It

• A well-curated set speaks louder than popular tracks. A great opener can set the tone with music the crowd may not know but still creates an engaging atmosphere.

• Clever edits work well. If you want to incorporate recognizable elements, blend them creatively—like layering well-known vocals over your own productions or unique remixes.

4. Adapt to the Lineup, But Stay True to Yourself

• Know who you're opening for. If you're booked to open for a melodic artist but your style is heavier, try to find a way to bridge the gap. BUT

• You don’t have to completely compromise your style. If you were booked inappropriately, that’s partly on the people who booked you. This is up to you but you can try to adjust your set while still keeping your artistic integrity.

5. Think Long-Term—Your Set Can Get You More Gigs

• Make a lasting impression the right way. If you play too aggressively, it might come off as unprofessional rather than impressive.

• Promoters and headliners respect DJs who understand the flow of a night. If you nail the warm-up and leave the crowd perfectly prepped for the main act, you’re probably more likely to get booked again. 

• The best openers make the audience want to see them again. Your goal should be to make people think, “That set was perfect for this moment.”

6. Integrity Over Ego

Some people argue that if the headliner feels threatened by an opener playing an intense set, they should “step up their game.” While there’s some truth to that, imo energy levels shouldn’t be maxed out all night long. A night should have dynamics—peaks and valleys—rather than an unrelenting 150% energy from start to finish.

By focusing on the right energy, intelligent song selection, and understanding of your role, you’ll not only do your job well but also earn the respect of headliners, promoters, and the crowd.

Added Bonus Tips for Opening DJs

Beyond the fundamentals, here are some extra tips that can help you opening sets:

• Master Beatmatching & Transitions – Practise!! If you don't have equipment, at least practise on Rekordbox. A LOT. Smooth transitions between tracks keep the vibe going and make your set feel more natural. Having solid technical skills demonstrates competence and confidence. If you can’t practise enough or can only do it on software, then make your transitions as simple as possible. Make edits, plan them out and make them fool proof for yourself by setting hot cues/memory cues.

• Punctuality & Preparedness Matter – Arrive early, make yourself known to the team, stay composed (don’t get hammered), and stay for the headliners set! (they LOVE this, it shows you give a shit about the show that they are paying you for and that you actually want to be there) (you should stick around to learn as much as you can about a big show anyway, take everything in). Being professional in your approach makes you more reliable and respected.

• Build Relationships with Event Staff – IMPORTANT! Engage with promoters, venue managers, and sound engineers. Having a good relationship with event staff can lead to better communication and more bookings. Being nice goes a LONG way.

• Manage Your Personal Energy – Even if the crowd is sparse at first, maintain focus and confidence. Your attitude on stage can set the tone for the night.

• Always Keep Learning – Treat each set as a learning experience. Pay attention to crowd reactions, refine your song selection, and continue improving your craft.

Hope these tips help and please ask/comment below if you have any questions!