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How I Approach DJing Like a Screenwriter

In DJing, as in storytelling, structure is everything. A great set isn’t just a random collection of tracks—it’s an emotional journey. Like a screenwriter shaping a film, a DJ crafts a narrative, taking the listener on a ride that unfolds in distinct acts. But unlike a writer, who starts with a blank page, a DJ is often stepping into an ongoing story—picking up from the previous DJ’s energy and improvising while still keeping a clear structure in mind.

Framing the Narrative – The 5 Ws

Before I even open Rekordbox or scroll through Beatport, I take a step back and sketch out the 5 Ws—Who, What, Where, When, and Why. This simple exercise helps me frame the mood, energy, and flow of my set:

• Who – The most important question. Who am I playing for? What’s their vibe? Are they deep into the groove, or do they need warming up?
• What – What kind of atmosphere do I want to create? Melodic? Hypnotic? Driving?
• Where – A beach bar at sunset is not the same as a dark, intimate club at 3 AM.
• When – What’s my slot? Am I the opener, the peak-time energy, or the cool-down closer?
• Why – Why am I playing this set? What emotion or message do I want to convey?

This process is quick—just a 15-minute journal session to set my mindset before I start selecting tracks. It keeps me intentional rather than reactive.

Act One: The Setup

In screenwriting, Act One sets the stage, introducing the protagonist, the world, and the story’s tone. Legendary scriptwriting teacher Syd Field emphasizes that within the first 10 minutes of a film, the audience should experience the “inciting incident”—the event that kicks off the journey.

For DJs, this inciting moment needs to come much sooner. I aim to establish the set’s identity within the first couple of minutes—whether through a unique intro track, a vocal callout, a layered texture, or some live remixing. Just as a film hints at its theme early on, my opening track signals the audience what kind of journey to expect. If I’m playing Organic House, am I leaning toward Desert House, Afro House, or something more cinematic?

Act Two: The Main Event

Robert McKee, author of Story, describes Act Two as “progressive complications”—a series of escalating events that challenge the protagonist and keep the audience engaged. In DJing, this is where the real groove locks in.

This part of the set demands presence over planning. The best DJ sets don’t just follow a script—they adapt to the crowd in real time. I may have a rough outline, but I leave space for improvisation, responding to the energy in the room.

To maintain flow, I focus on:

• Thematic consistency – Keeping a sonic motif throughout the set (e.g., deep tribal percussion, dreamy arpeggios, or cinematic pads).
• Energy modulation – Knowing when to push forward and when to let the audience breathe.
• Layering and surprises – Introducing unexpected elements to keep things dynamic.

Act Three: The Resolution

A great film leaves a lasting impression—whether it’s a cathartic resolution, a twist, or an emotional high. The same applies to DJing. The closing section of my set is where I aim to create a sense of closure.

This could mean:

• A gradual cool-down with lush, atmospheric tracks.
• A final peak moment—a euphoric high before a gentle descent.
• A track with a memorable vocal or melody that lingers in the listener’s mind.

But most importantly, it must feel authentically me.

The Core Lesson: Be Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of playing what you think people want to hear. And sure, there’s a time for that. Some DJs are masters at people-pleasing, shaping their sets entirely around crowd demand. But for me, DJing is about expression. I want people to experience the real me through the music I play.

So, just like a great writer doesn’t imitate someone else’s style, I don’t play just to fit in—I play to tell my own story.