Prepping for a 4-Hour Vinyl DJ Set: The Art of Curating Your Collection (Bay Area DJ Serving San Jose, Oakland, and Fremont)

Prepping for a 4-Hour Vinyl DJ Set: The Art of Curating Your Collection

Preparing for a 4-hour vinyl DJ set in 2025 is a far cry from the days when I used to carry six heavy record crates to a gig. These days, I’m down to carry four crates. My arms and back will thank me later. The process has become an exercise in selection, as I’m faced with the challenge of narrowing down my collection of vinyl records.

In the early 2000s, vinyl was on its way out. While everyone else switched to CDs and then MP3s, I held onto vinyl, stubbornly resisting the digital revolution. By 2010, most of us had embraced digital formats, but I kept my records in case vinyl ever made a comeback. And though vinyl didn’t get lighter, its mystique never faded. The  experience of spinning a record on my beloved Technics 1200 turntables is something that MP3s can’t imitate.

When it comes to the music I’ll be bringing to my next set, the decision-making is just as tough. I’ve handpicked a selection of freestyle, 80s new wave, and some classic 90s R&B. No set would be complete without funk, so I’ve made sure to pack a few essential party tracks. But then, the dilemma: Should I take my 90s house records, or trade them for 2000s party anthems? I’ve always loved playing 90s house, but looking at the crowd, I’m betting the 2000s vibes will hit harder.

Ultimately, it’s all about reading the crowd and creating a memorable atmosphere. Whether you’re sticking with vinyl or moving into the digital realm, curating the perfect set takes time and intuition. I know I need to spend some time with my vinyl before my next vinyl show  but it feels good knowing I can  only play what I bring like the good old  days.