Naturally, we all like to think of the best outcome regarding any gig or event. More often than not, we fail to consider that things might not go has planned leaving our attention fixated on other details such as music for the event, physical appearance and DJ hardware.
A well-equipped professional DJ has to be prepared for worst-case scenarios such missing power adapters, forgotten cables, faulty equipment and other nightmares that will eventually happen.
In order to keep up with delivery expectations, maximize performance and avoid sudden nightmare, its best to be equipped with a utility gig bag containing replacements, spares and other useful items that can be reached quickly to salvage difficult situations whenever the need arises.
A utility gig bag is designed to carry, separate and locate items quickly and easily during any emergency. It contains multiple pockets and compartments with internal safety straps to keep items or equipment safe during transport. They are super tough and made to handle all the abuse a DJ will put them through. Below are some of the DJ must have in any utility gig bag:
Spare thumb drives are the safest things to have in a utility gig bag. Having two or three with high storage capacities loaded with different genres as well as few mixes on each drive will keep the event going and crowd happy in case of an equipment problem that’s taking longer hours to fix.
It is easy to leave cables and power adapters behind when packing hardware making it hard-pressed to find any suitable replacements at the venue. Unplug cables and pack them at the same time as the hardware they belong to while it is also advisable to keep spares in case of any power surge.
This is something that’s often overlooked but has saved many DJs. I have turned up at event venues ready to set up and found that the extension socket when moving from one venue to another is missing. If you pack an extra extension socket, you can set up everything ready stress free.
In the case of laptop loss or failure the show must go on. A portable hard drive with all your music backed up on it is an instant solution. This will also prove useful for music swapping with other DJs.
USB drives can suddenly stop working, but USB laptop cables can also break without warning. Any cable that is being flexed will eventually break, the plugs can also wear out. If you are using a laptop or controller then these are essential you will definitely need as backup. It is also prudent to pack spares of the most essential cables such as RCA > RCA cables, RCA > Jack cables, XLR cables, Laptop power cables, etc.
This should be at the top of your DJ utility gig bag checklist. You will always need them but they are easy to forget. When using them at home, it is really easy to leave them behind on your mixer after practicing. it’s a good idea to buy a second pair that always stay in your gig bag.
Make your cards stand out from the rest. Add your DJ name, contact details, and social media accounts. When people enjoy your performance, they might want to hear more ultimately leading to more gigs.
With a good performance at gigs, request for your mixed CDs will definitely come from the crowd. This is an opportunity for you to do soft PR and also make extra cash from mixed CD sales. Again, add your contact details and social media accounts so that new and old fans can easily reach out to you.
Always add your phone and charger to your DJ essentials list. You will need your phone to post pictures and videos to your social media accounts to show your fans where you are playing or if you are feeling particularly kind, when a customer asks you nicely to charge their phone, you are able to oblige. Don’t forget your phone charger as you don’t want your battery going flat.
If you travel a lot for gigs or events, this might be one that you don’t want to think about, but it can absolutely happen. After eating before your gig starts, you feel that rumbling in your stomach and everything seem upside down, a medically prescribed diarrhea relief tablets will come in handy leaving you in great shape for your best performance.
Don’t neglect any of these items as the day will come when you might need any of them. If you can think of more DJ essentials, please add them to your utility gig bag as this is not an exhaustive list.
My party pace pusher for this week is Joeboy – Baby
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