Requests: Nuisance or Hidden Gem?

jonathanjohnsonchp
May 3, 2025
3 min read

As a DJ, song requests can feel like that friend who insists on singing karaoke after one too many drinks. Sometimes they crash and burn, and other times they bring the house down. The trick is figuring out which is which before hitting play.

Let me paint you a picture.

I’m on a cruise ship. The dance floor is packed, everyone’s having a blast. Suddenly, someone asks for Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Now, I love Whitney, but this is a dance party, not a dramatic love scene. I could practically hear the needle scratching off the record in my head. But after some persistence, I decided to drop it as the last song of the night. To my surprise, everyone started belting it out, arms around each other like a scene from a feel-good movie.

Hidden gem? Absolutely.

Then there are the requests that feel like a pop quiz in a language you don’t speak. I had someone ask for a Russian song once. They showed me the title on their phone, and I looked at it like it was an alien language. We spent a few minutes playing detective trying to find it. Eventually, I tracked it down—and the joy on their face was worth every second.

As DJ Black Coffee once said,

“Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions.”

And sometimes, those emotions require a little extra detective work.

Then there was that one gig I played… at a Hells Angels party.

Talk about a plot twist. One of the bikers came up and said, “We’re going to have good music tonight, right?” I nodded so fast I probably looked like a bobblehead. For the rest of the night, I prayed they wouldn’t request something I didn’t have. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and I made it out in one piece.

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The Art of the Ask

Handling requests is an art form. As DJ Jazzy Jeff puts it:

“The best DJs are the ones who understand the importance of reading the crowd and playing what they want to hear.”

And sometimes, what the crowd wants comes from the most unexpected places. But that doesn’t mean all requests are created equal.

Here’s a crash course in how to make a request without getting side-eyed.

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How to Make a Song Request (and Not Be “That Person”)

1. Write It Down (and Consider Tipping).

The best requests I get are on clear, well-written notes with the song and artist name—sometimes with a $10 or $20 bill attached. That small gesture shows respect for the craft and the crowd. Plus, it gives me time to look at your request when I’m not mid-transition.

2. Don’t Shove Your Phone in My Face. This is hands-down the worst way to make a request. DJs are in a flow state when mixing. Interrupting that by forcing your phone screen into their line of sight is jarring, disrespectful, and, most likely, ineffective. It’s basically saying, “My request is more important than your performance.”

3. Respect the Jukebox Logic. If you’d pay a jukebox to hear your track, it’s reasonable to tip a DJ too. We’re not machines—but we are curators. If you’re asking for a deviation from the vibe, a little financial encouragement never hurts. Just know that a tip increases the chances—but doesn’t guarantee the play.

4. Timing Is Everything. Don’t make requests during peak hours or while the DJ is deep in a transition. These are sacred moments where the energy is being carefully shaped. Wait for a lull or slower section if you really want your song to be considered.

5. Don’t Try to Hijack the Genre. If the room is vibing to Afrobeats, don’t ask for metal. That’s not a request—that’s a genre ambush. A good DJ is taking the crowd on a journey. If your song fits that ride, it might get a spin. If not, don’t take it personally.

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Final Thought

Over the years, I’ve realized that saying “yes” to requests isn’t just about playing a song—it’s about connection. It’s about letting someone feel heard in a moment that matters to them. And once in a while, that request transforms the night from ordinary to unforgettable.