Before the Drop: How I Deal with Pre-Gig Nerves

You’d think that after playing for hundreds of people, the nerves would go away.
Spoiler alert: they don’t. At least, not completely.

Every time I step behind the decks before a set, there’s this short moment of stillness where everything feels intense. My mind races. What if the crowd isn’t feeling it? What if something goes wrong? What if I mess up the timing?

That’s performance anxiety—and it’s real, even when you’re doing something you love.

I used to think nerves were a sign that I wasn’t cut out for this. But over time, I learned that they actually mean I care. And instead of fighting that feeling, I’ve found ways to use it.

Here are a few things that help me settle in before the music starts.

1. Breathe First, Play Later

Sounds simple, but trust me—deep, steady breathing works.
I’ll find a quiet corner, away from the noise, and take a few deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It resets everything. Slows the heart rate. Clears the fog.

2. Pre-Set Rituals Are Your Friend

I have small habits I do before every set. Nothing crazy. Sometimes I scroll through my cue points one last time. Other times, I just zone in with headphones and visualise the first few transitions. That predictability brings calm. It’s like muscle memory for my mindset.

3. Accept the First 10 Minutes Might Be Awkward

This one took a while to learn: it’s okay if the first part of your set feels a bit off. You’re warming up. The crowd’s warming up. Don’t panic if you don’t get a huge reaction right away. Keep going—you’ll settle into the groove. You always do.

4. It’s Not About Being Perfect

Perfection is a myth. Even top DJs mess up transitions, hit the wrong cue, or have a moment of doubt. The crowd isn’t expecting perfection—they’re here for energy. Connection. You showing up with heart.

Performance anxiety doesn’t disappear—but you can make peace with it. Now, instead of seeing it as something to fear, I see it as a spark. It reminds me I’m alive, present, and about to do something that matters.

So when the nerves hit, I breathe, I focus, and I remember:
I’ve got this. I always have.

See you on stage.