How to Create a Killer DJ Setlist: A Step-by-Step Guide

To be a killer DJ you need a killer DJ setlist.

Of course, on a serious note, a lot goes into being a successful DJ. You need to know about sound design and synthesis, personal brand building, technical problem solving, using Digital Audio Workstations, and using DJ effects properly.

But, in addition to all of this, you also need to know how to put together a banger of a DJ setlist.

So what is a setlist and how do you go about creating one? In this blog, we will be dealing with exactly that topic. As always, if you need any assistance or have a question, make sure to reach out to the DJ City team.

What is a DJ Setlist?

A setlist is a carefully chosen and ordered selection of tracks that DJs plan to use during a specific performance or event. There is nothing random about this collection of songs. A setlist reflects an intentional journey curated by the musician to engage an audience, maintain energy, showcase the DJ’s unique style and ensure everyone is entertained.

There are a few different components to successful DJ setlists.

1. The selection of individual tracks
2. The transition, and flow of said transition, from one track to the other.
3. The build-up, progression and maintenance of energy.
4. The consideration of and sensitivity to the audience.
5. The in-built flexibility for improvisation.

What is the difference between a DJ setlist and a DJ playlist?

The terms setlist and playlist are sometimes used interchangeably by those unaware of the difference but there is an important distinction between the two.

Setlists are ordered lists of songs for a specific live performance. The sequence is fixed and, in most cases, should not be changed during the performance. The reason for this is that it has been carefully curated to create a specific mood or ensure a specific atmosphere. To facilitate this, the setlist is sometimes even printed on paper or cardstock and placed on stage or in the DJ booth for reference.

On the other hand, a DJ playlist is a collection of songs that can be played in any order. DJs may shuffle, add or remove tracks at will during a live performance. For that reason, playlists – as opposed to setlists – can be created and shared outside of gigs, such as through Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube. Playlists are inherently more flexible and can be tailored by individuals to suit their listening habits and preferences.

Creating a DJ Setlist – a step-by-step guide

Ready to begin putting together your setlist? Here is our step-by-step breakdown of how to do it.

1. Choose a Theme and Identify a Purpose

Do not skip this initial step.

Before you begin to pick specific tracks, you need to have a strong idea of the overall theme and purpose. The theme will reflect the mood you want to create while the purpose will reflect the end-goal. Of course, the gig, audience and venue will all contribute to your choice of theme and purpose.

If you are struggling to work out how to go about this, try this:

• For the theme, choose three words that you want to describe the vibe of your gig. Do you want it to be “energetic, upbeat and euphoric”, “groovy, cool, and unique” or “hypnotic, otherworldly, ethereal”? 
• For this purpose, write down a single statement that encapsulates what you want to achieve. Do you want to “keep the audience dancing all night” or do you want to “give everyone a mindblowing audio experience”?

2. Create a Music Pool

Start selecting tracks that align with your chosen theme and purpose. The wider the pool of music at this stage the better. Do not worry about how many you are choosing, as two or three times the number of tracks you will ultimately need is perfect, and do not worry yet about the transition or order. Just give yourself enough sand in the sandbox to be flexible and creative as you establish your setlist.

3. Start with the Beginning and End

Choosing your opening and closing tracks is the hardest but it allows you to bookend your setlist strongly. Always select an attention-grabbing track to set the tone for the setlist and then pick one that leaves a bold, lasting impression to end off the DJ setlist.

4. Fill in the Middle

Now you will need to build out the middle of your setlist. In addition to choosing from your music pool the right tracks, consider the order in which you think the tracks will make the most impact.

Think about the tempo (beats per minute). You will want to match and group songs with similar tempos so that the transitions are as smooth as possible.

Consider key compatibility. The more compatible the keys of one track to another, the easier it will be to ensure the blend is harmonious.

Keep your finger on the energy pulse. In addition to ensuring a cohesive genre aligned with the theme and purpose, your energy progression needs to feel natural and build gradually. Too much high energy early on will catch an audience unaware. But at the same time, if you build up the energy too sharply, the audience may lose interest.

5. Refine the Setlist Order

Now is the time to be nitpicky. Review your final selection of tracks from beginning to end and carefully consider the order, adjusting as necessary.

It can be helpful to listen to short segments of adjacent tracks to ensure that they both stand on their own two feet but also provide smooth transitions.

If the energy feels off, trust your instinct and play around with the order. If a track all of a sudden does not seem like it belongs you do not have to use it. Discard it and go back to your music pool to find one that is better suited.

6. Plan the Setlist Transitions

Now is the time to consider setlist transitions. Remember that your DJ setlist order should be locked in. Without committing to an order, you might find yourself wasting time working on a transition that you will no longer need.

When planning transitions make sure you think about at which point in the song you want to transition and think about the right creative techniques, like loops, effects or other live remixing strategies will best serve this particular transition.

7. Build in Room for Flexibility

Setlists are set, but they do need some level of flexibility built into it. This is crucial as crowds can react differently from the way you expect and you will need to adjust your set accordingly.

One tip here is to have a few carefully chosen tracks on backup as alternatives. If you need to swap a track out and swap another, knowing which track you are bringing into the set, where it will slot it and when/how you will transition in and out of it will ensure that you are not only caught under pressure but that the audience is none the wiser.

8. Practice, Practice and then Practice

We cannot stress this one enough. Always practice your setlist from top to bottom many times over. This will help you iron out any issues, make sure you are seamless when it comes to the gig and familiarise yourself with the transitions so finally adjustments can be made or prepared for.

9. Finalise and Format your DJ Setlist

Once you are happy with your killer setlist, make sure everything is set out in a clear, easy-to-read version.

List your tracks in order with the essential information, such as title, artist, key and BPM. Consider printing and laminating your setlist so you can refer to it on demand and that it is durable in any environment and at any gig. Keep your setlist visible during your performance, no matter how well you think you know it. We recommend taping it to the stage, booth or your equipment for easy reference.

Create your DJ Setlist with DJ City

Ready to get going on your killer setlist? At DJ City, we stock all the music-making hardware and software you need to slay at your next gig. Explore our wide range of DJ equipment right here today.