Why Do Some DJs See Practising DJing As Faking It?

Is it cheating to practise your DJ sets? To rehearse transitions, plan your tracklist, even script your "spontaneous" moments? James Hype recently posted his thoughts on this - and they sparked a wider conversation about what DJing really is in 2026. In this video, I respond to James's post, draw parallels with how bands and football teams approach preparation, and share the story of my own first ever public DJ set in Manchester, 1991 - setlist hidden under the booth, hands trembling, and all. Whether you freestyle every set, plan every beat, or sit somewhere in between (like most DJs do), this one's for you. 🎧 Want to learn how James Hype builds his sets - plus everything else from beginner mixing to scratching, mixtapes, livestreaming and production? Check out our All Access membership: https://djtips.co/aaa 📘 Not a member yet? Click join on our website and grab a free copy of my book "Rock The Dancefloor" - the best place to start your DJing journey. https://www.digitaldjtips.com/join #DJing #JamesHype #DigitalDJTips