Dealing with the Static: Drama, Drunks, and the DJ Booth

If you’ve ever stood behind the decks long enough, you know DJing isn’t just about the music. Sure, it's beats and transitions, reading the crowd, and riding the vibe. But then there’s the static — the noise that has nothing to do with the speakers.

Let’s talk about it: the drunks, the egos, the club politics, and the random chaos that shows up when you’re just trying to do your job.

The Drunks

It starts with the song requests. Sometimes polite. Often sloppy. Occasionally aggressive.

“You gotta play Bad Bunny right now or I’m leaving!”“I’m the birthday girl’s cousin’s best friend’s ex — play Drake!”“YO DJ, lemme get on the mic for a sec…”

It’s part of the gig. But as the drinks flow, the line between fun and disrespect gets blurry fast. You’re not just playing music — suddenly you’re a bouncer, therapist, and hostage negotiator.

The Egos

There’s always someone who thinks they know better. Other DJs. Promoters. That random dude who “used to spin vinyl.” People who feel entitled to your time, your gear, your playlist — and your spotlight.

You’ll encounter clout-chasers trying to big-league you. Fellow DJs trying to outshine you. People asking for favors they wouldn’t return. That’s when professionalism matters most.

The Assholes

Let’s just call it what it is. Some people show up looking for a problem — disrespecting the booth, grabbing gear, yelling requests like they’re ordering fast food. And sometimes, unfortunately, it's the people running the show who cause the most friction.

If you let every bit of drama throw you off, you won’t make it through a single set.

So What Do You Do?

Stay Professional. Always. That doesn’t mean you let people walk on you. It means you handle yourself with respect — because how you react is the only thing you control. Keep it cool. Keep it moving. Set boundaries. Know your worth.

Have a System. Know who to talk to when there’s a problem. Have backups ready (USBs, cords, headphones). Stay a step ahead. You can't control the crowd, but you can control your setup.

Don’t Take It Personally. Some nights are smooth. Some are chaos. Don’t let someone else’s bad energy stick to you. Play your set. Handle business. Let it roll off.

Be the Calm in the Chaos. If you’re calm, you’ll earn respect. From staff, from the crowd, from yourself. It’s not about being a robot — it’s about being solid when everything else is loose.

Final Word

Anyone can play a playlist. A real DJ handles the static like a pro. You’re not just spinning records — you’re managing a room, controlling the vibe, and navigating egos with grace. The people who make it in this game? They’re not just talented — they’re resilient as hell.

So next time someone sloshes a vodka cranberry on your gear and demands “Freebird,” just smile, adjust the EQ, and keep it moving.

Because the music doesn’t stop for the drama — and neither do you.