When Requests Go Wrong: A DJ’s Night Behind the Booth

As a DJ, every night is different—full of energy, surprises, and of course, a few unexpected moments with the crowd. Whether it’s the latest chart-topper or an old-school banger, requests are a common part of the job. Sometimes, they flow seamlessly into the set, but other times… well, they take a bit of a twist. This funny (and slightly chaotic) interaction from a recent night at the bar shows just how unpredictable things can get when you’re behind the decks.


The Request Conundrum

It all started like any other night: I was vibing with the crowd, spinning high-energy tracks, and keeping the dancefloor alive. A girl, who had been enjoying the night for about three hours, came up to the booth.

“Do you take requests?”

As a DJ, it’s kind of a given. Requests are part of the job—if the vibe is right and I can work them in, I’m all for it. So I gave my usual answer:

“Yeah, sure!”

It was when she started listing artists that things took an interesting turn.


The Chris Brown Curveball

She asked for Chris Brown. Fair enough—his hits definitely have crowd appeal. I was already in the middle of a set, so I told her I’d work it in after a couple of songs. But then, things took an unexpected twist.

She didn’t let up with her requests, and suddenly, I was hearing:

“What about One Direction?”

Now, I’ve got nothing against One Direction, but the vibe I had going at that moment wasn’t exactly screaming for a boy band hit. So, I politely let her know:

“Not right now, it doesn’t really fit with what’s playing.”

She seemed to accept that answer, but then came the shocker.

A Very Odd Moment

Out of nowhere, her tone shifted, and she came back with:

“HEY! Liam Payne is DEAD!”

Now, I didn’t have a clue where this came from. It was a completely random comment, and I was caught a little off guard. Of course, I had to acknowledge it:

“Yeah, I know.”

But then—without missing a beat—she followed up with:

“Will you play Chris Brown then?”

At this point, I couldn’t help but laugh at how quickly the conversation had spiraled into confusion.

The DJ’s Dilemma

As a DJ, moments like this are part of the experience. Every night comes with its set of wild requests and unexpected conversations. Sometimes, it’s about keeping the crowd happy with their favorites; other times, it’s about navigating the chaos and keeping the vibe in check.

In this case, I played her Chris Brown track like I said I would. But honestly, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love being behind the booth. The unpredictability, the energy of the crowd, and even the bizarre conversations all come together to make the job memorable.


Conclusion: Embracing the Chaos

If you’ve ever been to a bar or club, you’ve likely had your own encounter with unexpected requests or off-the-wall moments. As DJs, we have to keep it cool, stay flexible, and navigate the requests—no matter how strange they might be.

So, the next time you’re out at the club and the DJ says, “Yeah, I’ll play that!” just remember… there might be more to the request than meets the ear!


Bonus Tip for DJs: Handling the Unexpected

  • Be Flexible: Sometimes the best way to handle a bizarre request is with humor and a willingness to work with the crowd.
  • Keep the Vibe Flowing: If a request doesn’t fit, let them down gently but keep the energy alive. You can always work in their request later!
  • Stay Calm: Strange or shocking moments happen, but maintaining composure is key to keeping the night on track.