Your opinion on DJ sitting in a chair while deejaying?

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What is your opinion of sitting or standing as a DJ?

  • It looks horrible and lazy, and I will always stand no matter what the situation is!

    Votes: 6 46.2%
  • DJs over think it. The audience does not care at all whether a DJ sits or Stands!

    Votes: 2 15.4%
  • It is only acceptable to sit if you have a handi cap/disabled/injured. Otherwise, standing is a must

    Votes: 2 15.4%
  • Sitting is fine! I will always stand only because I am too hyper/energetic to be sitting down

    Votes: 3 23.1%
  • I always sit, and I believe nobody cares about it! I prefer comfort over strained/tired legs/feet

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    13

DJ Ricky B

DJ Extraordinaire
Mar 9, 2015
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There is a DJ here in Maryland that seems to be pretty busy. Older guy, he also offers multiple photobooth options and often books a DJ+photo booth package. He uses Bose Speakers, and sets up either a facade or a the Rockville DJ Booth at their events. He is an older guy, and I noticed that he sits down while he performs. I think he might stand up when he does the bridal party intro, but other than that I am pretty sure he sits. Him sitting while deejaying doesn't seem to effect how busy he is. He posts on FB when he is out performing at an event, and he is certainly busier than I have been. Now I won't talk about his price level and all of that, but my point is that it appears that him sitting down in a regular height chair while deejaying has had no negative effect when it comes to customers booking him. He stays busy. It appears that perhaps customers/guests really don't care if we stand or sit while we perform in the end.

Now, I bring a 24" folding stool with me to events. I sit in it during part of cocktail hour, just about all of dinner, during speeches of course. I also sit down during any slow dances that I might do just to get a couple of minutes break from standing. Now, it's about 5" to 6" higher than sitting in a regular chair, but I still am obviously sitting down. On the last wedding that I did, I actually sat down for about 15 minutes straight during open dancing while the dance floor was packed, and crowd was super high energy. I think I may have stood up briefly once or twice to take quick video clips, but outside of that, I sat down for a good while. The bride even came up to me while sitting down to say how awesome of a job I was doing, and asked me to play a particular song. She obviously didn't seem to care that I was sitting down. I got to thinking that maybe a DJ sitting down or standing up is really more of a DJ being over critical about how they look during events. Maybe the audience or client really doesn't care at all whether we sit or stand?

I thought to myself, what if I sit in a taller Guitar Chair or DJ Chair that props me up another 3" to 6" in height to get to that 27" to 31" seat height level. I would only appear a few inches shorter than I am when I stand up at that point. Would it really matter if I chose to sit down during my open dance sets? With my laptop stands, I have direct easy access to things while sitting at an elevated height. I wouldn't have to bend over at all. I would be behind a facade so nobody sees my legs any way when I am standing except when they come to the sides of the DJ Table.

What is your opinion about whether we sit or stand while performing as a DJ?
 
I’ll never sit… and I assure you it does affect his pricing. He most certainly does not charge in the high end. The high end will view him as tired and lacking energy if he’s sitting. Sorry but the truth
You say that now. I remember playing in a bar and standing for 6 hours playing or 5:45 minutes. That was when I first started. Now for me that's impossible. I'm old now and can't do a lot of things I did before. Father time catches up with everybody once you get a certain age.
 
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You say that now. I remember playing in a bar and standing for 6 hours playing or 5:45 minutes. That was when I first started. Now for me that's impossible. I'm old now and can't do a lot of things I did before. Father time catches up with everybody once you get a certain age.
If there is a disability, that is different. And I didn’t say don’t sit… I just said that I won’t sit… and I also said it definitely does affect the appearance of the DJ which therefore naturally will impact his perceived value
 
I’ll never sit… and I assure you it does affect his pricing. He most certainly does not charge in the high end. The high end will view him as tired and lacking energy if he’s sitting. Sorry but the truth

I have thought this way since I became a DJ, and that a DJ should always stand, BUT when you think about it...what does a DJ standing up the whole time during dancing do for the audience? What are you adding to the guest experience while standing up while people are out on the dance floor?

You can play the same songs sitting down. You should be able to mix the same (depending on how your equipment is set up).

If you are a DJ that likes to shake your butt and wiggle around a bit with the music...nobody is watching it especially if you are behind a facade or booth. Other than the bridal party intro or other times you are making announcements, what is the difference between standing or sitting to anyone else besides us DJs? :dontknow:

I have also noticed that just about every ceremony/cocktail hour musician in these duos/trios/quartets SIT while they play instruments during these parts of the wedding. The only ones I saw standing was a Jazz Band a few years back, and a bag piper (kinda have to stand to play a bag pipe). With a guitarist, some stand and play, while others will sit on a guitar stool or chair.
 
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I have thought this way since I became a DJ, and that a DJ should always stand, BUT when you think about it...what does a DJ standing up the whole time during dancing do for the audience? What are you adding to the guest experience while standing up while people are out on the dance floor?

You can play the same songs sitting down. You should be able to mix the same (depending on how your equipment is set up).

If you are a DJ that likes to shake your butt and wiggle around a bit with the music...nobody is watching it especially if you are behind a facade or booth. Other than the bridal party intro or other times you are making announcements, what is the difference between standing or sitting to anyone else besides us DJs? :dontknow:

I have also noticed that just about every ceremony/cocktail hour musician in these duos/trios/quartets SIT while they play instruments during these parts of the wedding. The only ones I saw standing was a Jazz Band a few years back, and a bag piper (kinda have to stand to play a bag pipe). With a guitarist, some stand and play, while others will sit on a guitar stool or chair.
See that’s the thing… i am vibing, I am dancing a little, I am having fun, I am actively mixing and controlling lighting etc. I am doing so much more than the guy that is sitting down is even capable of doing, and I’m connecting with my crowd. Even if you’re standing but being lifeless… there’s no value there either. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, and until you stop looking at what the majority do, you’ll never notice the small things that the few do to stand apart. And yes if you wanna take it further… use a podium booth… then you’re really exposed… but that’s to your advantage if you’re actively mixing, moving around, and creating an awesome presentation of your craft. I’ll literally have people staring at me in awe as I’m doing my mixes and transitioning one song to the next, layering, and adjusting the different frequencies as I cut lows out of one song, or loop the beat of a different song and adjust tempos.

Speaking Of quartets… I played with one recently who I just posted a video of on my Instagram story. They were ALL standing, they were shaking and full of energy, they were making cocktail hour fun and engaging in a way. Everyone was recording them on their phones and guarantee you they’ll be the first string musicians people will think of when it’s time for their wedding. They’re also VERY expensive… but that’s bc they do stand out and are in so much Demand.
 
See that’s the thing… i am vibing, I am dancing a little, I am having fun, I am actively mixing and controlling lighting etc. I am doing so much more than the guy that is sitting down is even capable of doing, and I’m connecting with my crowd. Even if you’re standing but being lifeless… there’s no value there either. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE, and until you stop looking at what the majority do, you’ll never notice the small things that the few do to stand apart. And yes if you wanna take it further… use a podium booth… then you’re really exposed… but that’s to your advantage if you’re actively mixing, moving around, and creating an awesome presentation of your craft. I’ll literally have people staring at me in awe as I’m doing my mixes and transitioning one song to the next, layering, and adjusting the different frequencies as I cut lows out of one song, or loop the beat of a different song and adjust tempos.

Speaking Of quartets… I played with one recently who I just posted a video of on my Instagram story. They were ALL standing, they were shaking and full of energy, they were making cocktail hour fun and engaging in a way. Everyone was recording them on their phones and guarantee you they’ll be the first string musicians people will think of when it’s time for their wedding. They’re also VERY expensive… but that’s bc they do stand out and are in so much Demand.
Thanks for that post. It's a matter of the kind of DJ you are. Some love to talk on the mic and show off. Me I will talk on the mic at times. I hate those DJs who don't know when to shut up. My style is me doing a great job mixing the music for certain events, letting the music and the songs I pick to play do the talking. Also adding effects to the songs I play without over doing it. My partner over does it with the horn effect. I was plan on breaking that button on the controller so he can't use it any more. I dance a little here and there but I'm not the great dancer I used to be. About 2 minutes and I'm ready to stop.
 
If you are a DJ that likes to shake your butt and wiggle around a bit with the music...nobody is watching it especially if you are behind a facade or booth.

Oh, I seriously disagree. Guests are watching you AND feeding off your vibe and energy.

I always got into the music and would smile, sing along, make eye contact and move a bit. Every event is an audition to any potential client present.
 
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Oh, I seriously disagree. Guests are watching you AND feeding off your vibe and energy.

I always got into the music and would smile, sing along, make eye contact and move a bit. Every event is an audition to any potential client present.
Do you get on the mic and sing? If I did I would clear the room.
 
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Oh, I seriously disagree. Guests are watching you AND feeding off your vibe and energy.

I always got into the music and would smile, sing along, make eye contact and move a bit. Every event is an audition to any potential client present.

But what you describe, you can also do sitting down. Harder to do this from a regular banquet chair only sitting 18" off the ground, but if you are on a DJ Chair or Guitar Stool, it is certainly easier.

A DJ can easily chair dance, make eye contact, and move their arms a bit while sitting. Smiling only requires movement in your face muscles. You don't need to stand to smile



To prove my point, I present to you this guy! ...And I bet he is doing a lot more than every DJ in this thread does while standing up when mixing. Far more engaging while sitting down :)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gZuknSvUzk
 
But what you describe, you can also do sitting down. Harder to do this from a regular banquet chair only sitting 18" off the ground, but if you are on a DJ Chair or Guitar Stool, it is certainly easier.

A DJ can easily chair dance, make eye contact, and move their arms a bit while sitting. Smiling only requires movement in your face muscles. You don't need to stand to smile



To prove my point, I present to you this guy! ...And I bet he is doing a lot more than every DJ in this thread does while standing up when mixing. Far more engaging while sitting down :)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gZuknSvUzk
Perception is everything. It’s not just what they’re doing or not doing… although sitting does greatly limit you… it’s just the simple perception that sitting makes you appear, old, tired, not engaged, that what you do is nothing special, it’s just another event to you, you’re lazy. Dunlop is right… it’s your advertisement for your next event. You want it to be the best advertisement possible… not one that cut corners. People make decisions about something and if they like it within seconds. My big setups draw positive responses within seconds of guests entering the ballroom and they get the feeling of “this is gonna be good”. If I start sitting, that positive feeling starts to lose its effect. Put it this way… who will get a better subconscious response… a version of me standing or a version of me sitting… all things being equal except the chair. Obviously the chair is going to lower my perception to some… not all but to some… that small bit of lost positive perception will either have an effect on how much my perceived value is and therefore how much I can charge, it can affect my inquiries, it can affect a lot.
 
Perception is everything. It’s not just what they’re doing or not doing… although sitting does greatly limit you… it’s just the simple perception that sitting makes you appear, old, tired, not engaged, that what you do is nothing special, it’s just another event to you, you’re lazy. Dunlop is right… it’s your advertisement for your next event. You want it to be the best advertisement possible… not one that cut corners. People make decisions about something and if they like it within seconds. My big setups draw positive responses within seconds of guests entering the ballroom and they get the feeling of “this is gonna be good”. If I start sitting, that positive feeling starts to lose its effect. Put it this way… who will get a better subconscious response… a version of me standing or a version of me sitting… all things being equal except the chair. Obviously the chair is going to lower my perception to some… not all but to some… that small bit of lost positive perception will either have an effect on how much my perceived value is and therefore how much I can charge, it can affect my inquiries, it can affect a lot.

I agree that your set up turns peoples heads, and a lot of people think it's going to be good cuz of that at first impression, but I'm just not sure that guests think "Oh, look the DJ is sitting down. He must be old, tired, and this event is just going to suck now..."

Look at DJ Frankie Knuckles prior to passing away...He would sit down while performing, and look at all the people dancing in the background right behind him in his chair! I don't think anyone there was thinking negatively about him sitting in a chair. He would do some standing to start his set out, and he might get out of the chair briefly then sit back down, but he was in his chair most of the time, and these were much shorter sets than a 4-6+ hour wedding.

View: https://youtu.be/644UU55eyzk


Here is another video where he sat down almost the whole time...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hT2vc3szIU


For deejaying a wedding. I would still be standing while doing bridal party intros. People would see me walk around at different times, maybe I stand here and there



I really think this whole "Standing is a MUST for DJs" is a Group Think idea that came about from the days of deejaying with Turntables and Records. Back then you pretty much had to stand and walk around to each milk crate as a DJ to search for your next record your were going to cue up and play, and if the DJ scratched...well, sitting just wasn't going to happen. With Tapes...you had to look all over your table or in a big bin or case so standing was still required of the DJ. Needed to stand and constantly search for records/tapes to play. CDs made sitting easier for a DJ, but still pretty much had to stand to look in your jewel cases unless the DJ brought giant CD binders with them. Now everything is right in front of the DJ when it comes to digital music.
 
Perception is everything. It’s not just what they’re doing or not doing… although sitting does greatly limit you… it’s just the simple perception that sitting makes you appear, old, tired, not engaged, that what you do is nothing special, it’s just another event to you, you’re lazy. Dunlop is right… it’s your advertisement for your next event. You want it to be the best advertisement possible… not one that cut corners. People make decisions about something and if they like it within seconds. My big setups draw positive responses within seconds of guests entering the ballroom and they get the feeling of “this is gonna be good”. If I start sitting, that positive feeling starts to lose its effect. Put it this way… who will get a better subconscious response… a version of me standing or a version of me sitting… all things being equal except the chair. Obviously the chair is going to lower my perception to some… not all but to some… that small bit of lost positive perception will either have an effect on how much my perceived value is and therefore how much I can charge, it can affect my inquiries, it can affect a lot.
If the music you play and your mixing skills suck, nobody will care that you're an interactive dancing DJ. Your setups leave people with the wow factor. With what you charge you better be damn good.
 
I prefer to stand as long as I'm healthy. Don't want to make it look too easy, everyone can be a DJ.
Some D J's need a seat and that is fine.
 
I prefer to stand as long as I'm healthy. Don't want to make it look too easy, everyone can be a DJ.
Some D J's need a seat and that is fine.
I totally disagree. Everyone can't be a DJ. First a DJ needs gear to use to be a DJ. Somebody can buy the gear. The next step is knowing how to setup the gear to use. Then a DJ needs music to play at events. Some could never pull it over. Just being able to play music with some gear technically can make you call yourself a DJ. That doesn't make that person a good DJ or that they know what they are doing. Some have been a DJ for well over 10 years and should have never became a DJ because they truly SUCK! I remember hearing the worst DJ I ever heard. My friend told me to stay home but I wouldn't listen. I went to hear this DJ play at this club and when I left I went outside cursing up a storm. I was pissed off because I could have stayed home with the lights off in my room with the TV off and would have had a better time. I only went to hear him play because I heard his name a lot. He's so bad that he never stays in any bar or club very long until people complain and he gets fired. He's played in at least 4 places that I know of and has never lasted 6 months in any of those places.
 
I agree that your set up turns peoples heads, and a lot of people think it's going to be good cuz of that at first impression, but I'm just not sure that guests think "Oh, look the DJ is sitting down. He must be old, tired, and this event is just going to suck now..."

Look at DJ Frankie Knuckles prior to passing away...He would sit down while performing, and look at all the people dancing in the background right behind him in his chair! I don't think anyone there was thinking negatively about him sitting in a chair. He would do some standing to start his set out, and he might get out of the chair briefly then sit back down, but he was in his chair most of the time, and these were much shorter sets than a 4-6+ hour wedding.

View: https://youtu.be/644UU55eyzk


Here is another video where he sat down almost the whole time...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hT2vc3szIU


For deejaying a wedding. I would still be standing while doing bridal party intros. People would see me walk around at different times, maybe I stand here and there



I really think this whole "Standing is a MUST for DJs" is a Group Think idea that came about from the days of deejaying with Turntables and Records. Back then you pretty much had to stand and walk around to each milk crate as a DJ to search for your next record your were going to cue up and play, and if the DJ scratched...well, sitting just wasn't going to happen. With Tapes...you had to look all over your table or in a big bin or case so standing was still required of the DJ. Needed to stand and constantly search for records/tapes to play. CDs made sitting easier for a DJ, but still pretty much had to stand to look in your jewel cases unless the DJ brought giant CD binders with them. Now everything is right in front of the DJ when it comes to digital music.
Again… if you were to put two of me in a room and one of me was sitting and one was standing… which would be better received? My belief is that every detail matters and to provide the best performance. I could sit and get great results, but the perception will be better if I was to stand… so for that reason alone, I stand.

Knuckles is a club DJ… people go to see him. They already have their perception of him decided. Now for those that happen to see him by chance, there may be a thought of why is he sitting, is something wrong with him, how old is this DJ, oh boy this guys gonna suck. Again perception, no matter how insignificant plays a role. I’ve often read that success comes from just making 1% improvement each and every time we go out. Simple improvements over time add up. Standing is a simple improvement in perceived value.
 
But what you describe, you can also do sitting down. Harder to do this from a regular banquet chair only sitting 18" off the ground, but if you are on a DJ Chair or Guitar Stool, it is certainly easier.

A DJ can easily chair dance, make eye contact, and move their arms a bit while sitting. Smiling only requires movement in your face muscles. You don't need to stand to smile



To prove my point, I present to you this guy! ...And I bet he is doing a lot more than every DJ in this thread does while standing up when mixing. Far more engaging while sitting down :)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gZuknSvUzk
Same guy .. you tell me which video was better.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk3dppNqsiE