Not many people can claim to have had a record label founded specifically to release their music, but Nicolas Geysens aka San Soda is one such artist. Long-time cohort of Red D with whom he records and performs as FCL, San Soda is a true house music devotee, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre that informs his eclectic, accessible and timeless sets.

Who better, then, than San Soda to lay down an easy-to-follow, 12 Step Guide to being a successful yet grounded DJ in 2015? Nope, we couldn’t think of anyone either…  

12 Steps to DJing

1) Take DJing very seriously. Playing music for any number of people in any circumstance is a privilege and an opportunity. Aim for every track to be the very best track you can play at that time and do it in the best way you can.

2) Don’t take ‘being a DJ’ too seriously. As much as professionalism is important, the number one priority is for you to smile, shake your ass and invite others to do it with you.

3) Never use sarcasm in interviews. People won’t realize when you’re being sarcastic and will stop reading your piece after 3 steps.


4) Always bring a fresh pair of socks to your gig. Your feet are the first part of your body to pick up the bass frequencies and they need to be comfortable at any time.

5) Read up on the history of dance music. Just like you can’t speak a language without studying its grammar and vocabulary, you’ll be a better DJ knowing what happened in NYC in the 80s.

6) Update your biography at least once a year. If you don’t do it for 5 years, people will think you’re still 21 years old.

7) Buy one track you love instead of ten tracks you like.

8) One copy of Womack & Womack ‘Teardrops’ should remain in your record bag forever. No matter where or what you play, at some point this record will become essential to you.


9) Make Discogs your homepage.

10) Don’t forget to eat and drink well before a set. A shortage of Belgian beer or French fries could severely affect your performance.

11) At home in front of the mirror, practice your facial expression for when you mistakenly stop the record that is currently playing. Every DJ goes through some of those at one point so it’s better to be prepared.

12) Finally, don’t take this list too seriously. Once you’ve purchased the latest Defected In The House compilation, you’re pretty much set to start playing and take the party to the next level.

Defected presents FCL In The House is out 25 January (2CD, digital and vinyl sampler) on Defected Records - order from iTunes and Amazon.