«Are guests allowed to request music at your place?» I'm often asked. «Sure,» I always say. And I mean it. Music requests from guests have often helped me when DJing and often give the party an extra kick.
However, there are different types of music requests. Very well-known hits are often requested at weddings and corporate events. These are usually songs that I would play at the party sooner or later anyway. Sometimes songs are requested that I never play. These are the difficult situations for me: should I play it anyway? At the end of the day, as a DJ I'm responsible for creating a good atmosphere and I can't take too many risks. I often play the song anyway because it may have a special meaning for the wedding party.
But if there are too many music requests, it's almost impossible to fulfil them. So it often happens that I can't play song requests because either the style no longer fits or time is running out. By the way, there are often parties (especially weddings) where not a single music request comes in, but the atmosphere is still bombastic. Maybe that's also the reason why there are no requests ;-).
Music requests to help the DJ
Music requests from guests have often helped me. Sometimes a song request comes from a guest and I think: Wow, great idea, why didn't I think of it myself? These songs usually have a positive effect on the party. But the opposite can also be the case and a music request can empty the dancefloor.
It's the nice touch that counts...
There are huge differences in how the person expresses their wish. Anything is possible, from very nice to very arrogant. Sometimes the party guest stands at the DJ booth until I play the song. I always find that very irritating. Others come every 5 minutes and remind me that the music they have requested has still not been played. They forget that there are reasons why the DJ hasn't been able to play the request yet. Some wish for a song and say: if it fits in, that's fine, otherwise it's not so bad.
And another thing: sometimes I have to step out and leave the mixing desk and my laptop is there on its own. Every now and then there are actually guests who stand behind my laptop and choose songs. It's rare, but it does happen.
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