Photo: djtechtools.com
Photo: djtechtools.com

We’ve written a lot about how to know what music to play when through the course of your set. We’ve suggested that it’s generally not a good idea to play hits right off the bat, especially if you’re opening for another DJ. There’s a rhythm to a set. You start off with a particular set of songs, usually slower ones. Then you move on to some that are sure to get people onto the dance floor.

Well, now there’s something called 5 Rhythms. Created by Gabrielle Roth – an American dancer, musician, and author – that lays out some basic guidelines regarding structuring a soundtrack for your set. The 5 rhythms are: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness. They should be followed in a specific sequence in order to get the most from the crowd.

Read the whole story here.

How much thought do you give to song placement when you build your sets?