Organising your record collection for a set

Sally C breaks down her process for organising her record collection for a set.

This class is from Sally C's best selling vinyl mixing course Learn the art of vinyl DJing.

Class summary

• Organise Records by Genre and Energy

  Before a set, split your records into piles based on genre and energy level. This helps you navigate through your selection during the night, starting with chilled tracks and moving to more intense records later.

• Categorise for Different Parts of the Night

  Separate records for specific sections of the night—begin with chilled, groovy tracks at the start of the set and save the harder, high-energy tracks for later on.

• Visualise Your Set Progression

  Lay out the records in the order you might play them, from intro to peak-time tracks. This helps create a rough structure while allowing room for flexibility.

• Use Dividers if Needed

  If you prefer more organisation, consider using dividers in your record bag to split genres like house, hip house, and techno. This can make it easier to navigate during your set.

• Stay Flexible and Read the Crowd

  Although your records are organised, avoid sticking too rigidly to a plan. Be responsive to the crowd’s energy and adjust the order as needed to maintain the right vibe.