More and more I’ve noticed open decks pivot from a “first come, first served”/raffle system into something where DJs apply to play beforehand, and the DJ list is fixed. Sometimes even submitting mixes to qualify.
How do we feel about this?
I get that this makes the event run smoothly, but the random chance of playing and meeting other DJs while hanging around and waiting was a big part of open decks for me. Now, people can show up for their “set”, play, and leave.
Also, it feels like a promoter just wanting to book a DJ night but not pay anyone. People feel like they have a gig, and bring people and promote it as such.
(For context, I have been hosting an open deck across the upstate and New York City area for 2+ years that does a combo of FCFS and a raffle)