InsideTheDJBooth.com

Using the superhero as a comparison, it's easy to understand how a utility belt could be useful. These belts often carry items of indispensible value that at some point or another enables them to wriggle out of some ridiculous jam devised by their arch-nemesis. In the same fashion, it's a good idea for DJs to also carry with them several items that may aid in a show going more smoothly, or even just going at all.

01] A flashlight - big or small, the choice is yours. I prefer a small maglight that can be held between my teeth or placed around the neck. A small portable light can be useful for finding your way around a dark dj booth, to locate the headphone volume on a strange mixer, or to signal for technical or drink-related help.

02] Small roll of tape - great for taping things down... or up.

03] Extra audio cables + Adapters - try to find out what type of mixer you'll be playing on before you show up to the gig, especially if you like to bring extra gear with you - an FX box, sampler, CDJ, etc. When you start adding on these extras, they may need to be set up in a different manner from the way you have at home. So, aside from the cables that usually attach these things to your mixer, I recommend additional lengths of RCA cables and 1/4" audio cables. Audio adapters can also get you out of a jam too, so bring a few RCA > 1/4" plugs, 1/4" > RCA's, and maybe some Y-splitters. Again, finding out what mixer you'll be playing on before you arrive will go a long way in helping you figure out just how in the hell you can hook up all that gear with minimal teeth gnashing.

04] Cartridges + needles - whatever is supplied for you might start crapping out, so bring at least one extra cart and needle set. Or you may just prefer the sound of your own needles...

05] Slipmats - personally, I hate playing on dusty, worn-out slipmats, so if the ones supplied aren't up to snuff I'll throw on my own pair.

06] Power strip / Surge protecter - this could be in addition to the extra cables and adapters I mentioned earlier... it applies mostly to those DJs who take extra gear with them to gigs.

07] Promo CDs - after your set is over some people may approach you for CDs of mixed sets - it's way better to be able to give them something right then and there, rather than writing down their email or phone number on a party flyer and promising to do it the next day. Some of those people might be other promoters, so it's in your best interest to have your marketing materials in order. Don't forget to have up-to-date contact info on these CDs!

08] Performance contract - if you signed a contract for a particular gig, be sure to have a copy of it in your record bag. Some promoters can be weasily, but if you have a written + signed contract agreement in your possession you won't have to second-guess anything.

09] Deverages - I find playing in front of people to be an exhilarating, energizing and nearly exhausting experience. Aside from beer and red bull, have at least 1 bottle of water nearby to keep yourself hydrated.

10] Record brush + Towel - the record brush is for your vinyl and the towel (or clean rag) is for your hands.