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The DJ Warrior Mindset is needed for bigger gigs.

In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield speaks of Resistance—that invisible force that keeps us from doing the work we are meant to do.

DJs are no exception. Whether it’s the fear of failure, the comfort of routine, or the doubt that whispers, “You’re not good enough,” Resistance is always lurking. The antidote?

Become a warrior.

The Warrior’s Journey: Beyond the First Gig

Most DJs obsess over their first gig. The nerves, the excitement, the validation. But the real test comes afterwards—as the nervousness never really goes away and gigs become more frequent and stakes get higher.

Growth requires facing new challenges, evolving past playing safe, and stepping into bigger spaces.

If you just hide behind your music, only playing within a single genre or niche, you might keep your gig opportunities low—unless, of course, you’re Black Coffee. So, sticking to a single genre could actually be resistance.

The Right Kind of Nerves: The ‘U Bend’ of Performance

When you land a big gig, the feeling is a mix of exhilaration and fear. This is where psychology steps in.

Performance follows a U Bend curve: too little stress, and you’re disengaged; too much, and you’re overwhelmed. The right level of nervousness provides a kinetic energy that fuels creativity and presence. This is where you thrive.

Public speaking has a principle: Engage, Entertain, Educate—a DJ’s job is no different. Engaging is about reading the crowd. Entertaining is about keeping the energy alive. And educating? That’s what happens when you introduce listeners to something fresh, when they leave the club still humming your tunes, ears opened to new soundscapes.

Balancing Mindset: From Child to Warrior

Just like the ‘U Bend’ of performance, the mind also needs balance. You can’t be so nervous that you freeze up, nor so overconfident that you coast on autopilot. Here, the warrior mindset is key.

A warrior doesn’t hesitate before the battle. They don’t overthink or second-guess. They step into the arena, fully aware of the risks yet unshaken. In Transactional Analysis, we often talk about three states: Child, Parent, and Adult. The overly nervous DJ is stuck in Child mode—uncertain, seeking validation. The overconfident DJ is in Parent mode—rigid, assuming control without adaptability. The best DJs, the ones who truly perform, embody the Adult: calm, measured, analytical, and adaptive.

Your inner child will kick in—it’s natural. You’ll feel the excitement, the ego boost, the adrenaline rush. But the warrior in you must take charge, channeling that energy into precision, flow, and impact.

Go to War with Resistance

Every gig is a battle—not against the crowd, but against yourself. Against the part of you that wants to play it safe. Against the fear that whispers doubts. Against the Resistance Pressfield describes.

Step up. Take the risk. Own the moment. And most importantly—perform.

Here are some insights from DJs that align with the themes of overcoming resistance and adopting a warrior mindset in performance:

• Steve Aoki, the cake thrower, known for his high-energy shows and demanding tour schedule, emphasises the importance of discipline and intentionality. He approaches his performances with an “athletic mindset,” focusing on balance and wellness to maintain his energy levels. ​gq.com
• Jonas Blue highlights the skill of reading and engaging the crowd, stating, “Anyone can be a DJ, but understanding how to read a crowd and keeping them on the floor is what takes years of experience.” ​brainyquote.com
• Hardwell emphasises the importance of focusing on the audience, noting, “As a DJ, I’m really focused on the crowd. I never play the same set. I always look at the crowd, try to read what they want, and always look at the signs, point at people.” ​brainyquote.com
• David Guetta discusses the importance of testing his productions in a live setting, stating, “Everything I make as a producer, I visualise it as a DJ first. And all those beats, I test them as a DJ.” ​brainyquote.com
• Afrojack encourages aspiring DJs to pursue their passion, sharing, “For me, it’s a great thing to tell people anything is possible. When I was 15, people told me ‘You’re not going to be a DJ.'” ​brainyquote.com