- Last Updated:
- 10/1/2024
- Chelsea Ramsey
All the rage and none of the noise complaints: the silent disco party provides a mix of music and a fun, unique experience for each audience member. At the same time it avoids any violations of local noise ordinances.
What Is a Silent DJ?
Silent DJs are the maestros of the silent discos.
They are responsible for curating the multiple playlists transmitted to the attendees’ wireless headphones. Their job is to ensure the music and the vibes keep the party-goers engaged and grooving throughout the disco.
Why Are Silent Discos Popular?
Silent discos have the unique ability to bring more diverse crowds together by allowing them to connect with the music that most appeals to them while also connecting with both listeners of the same or different music.
Other factors that have boosted silent disco’s popularity:
- No large speakers equals less noise complaints, less noise pollution, lower energy cost, and fewer equipment issues
- More variety of music genres or styles
- More choice for party-goers
- Mobile wireless headphones that can go almost anywhere
What Equipment Do Silent DJs Need?
- Wireless headphones for all attendees, plus a few backups (owned or rented)
- Radio transmitter for each music channel
- Playlists/devices – one playlist for each transmitter, on different devices
- Device power/audio cables
- Headphone chargers (typically only needed if you’re doing more than one event)
How to Host a Silent Disco Party
Similar to preparing for any event, you’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment, scope out your venue, and prepare your playlists.
How Does a Silent DJ Party Work?
Attendees are provided with special wireless headphones that can sync with 1-3 radio frequencies. They also frequently have LED lights built-in that coordinate with the channel they’re listening to, so audience members can see who else is listening to the same playlist.
The DJ has up to (usually) three separate playlists connected to individual transmitters, so that each frequency plays that music on that one frequency. Partiers can then listen to their chosen channel or switch between channels as desired.
Ravers can then dance, shout, sing, and mingle to their hearts’ delight.
Land the Right Venue
Things to keep in mind if you’re in charge of choosing or setting up the silent disco venue:
- The expected attendance
- Space for everyone to dance comfortably
- Not so much space people feel lost or disconnected
You’ll also want to make sure you have:
- Adequate power for your gear
- Stable Wi-Fi if playlists require internet access
- Backup headphones / music players
Create Your Playlist
Silent discos can have one DJ per music channel, or one DJ can be in charge of all channels! Either way, you’ll want to make sure that each one has its own distinct set list.
Playlists can be based on the party theme, a specific genre, BPM, a specific portion of the audience, or vibes alone. Parameters will likely be tied to each individual event, giving you endless possibilities and a chance to showcase your talents.
Remember to make sure you have the right licenses for all the music you play at any of your events!
Set the Mood
Enhance the scene with lights, decorations, colors, or other details. Just make sure that the ambient noise outside of party-goers’ voices and music in the headphones is at a minimum.
Set Up Silent DJ Party Equipment
Guarantee you have enough space to set up your devices and transmitters while simultaneously maintaining a good view of your audience.
You also need to create an efficient and organized headphone distribution station. To help keep track of each pair, and make sure none disappear into the night, you could implement something like an exchange system. You could collect IDs at the door, and when guests leave they can return their headphones and pick up their IDs.
Engage the Audience
The ultimate goal of the silent disco is to foster an environment where each individual can rage to their own level.
Even though sound won’t be pumping through sets of powerful speakers, you’re still in charge of making sure your audience feels the music. Remember to consistently assess how each playlist group is reacting to what they’re hearing in their headphones. And react accordingly. You got this!
Protect Your Silent DJ Gig & Career
Make sure to protect yourself, your reputation, and your business in case of mishaps or accidents with DJ insurance.
Do Silent DJ’s Need Insurance?
Just because a silent disco is stereo-free does not mean it is also risk-free. Accidents can still happen, audience members can still trip and fall or damage your equipment.
It’s common for venues to require you to have liability insurance in order to perform there. And many will require you to name them as an additional insured on your liability policy.
Learn more about liability insurance for DJs or proactively protect yourself from the cost of potential claims by applying online today.
Common Questions About Being a Silent DJ
What Is the Point of a Silent Party?
- To provide more musical variety to a wider audience
- To personalize attendee experience
- To keep the party going without violating local noise ordinances
- To provide a more inclusive atmosphere
- To let party-goers dance their hearts out without the stress of neighbors’ noise complaints
What Do Silent Disco DJs Do?
Silent disco DJs provide the vibes while monitoring the equipment transmitting the music and gauging reactions from the attendees in order to enhance their experience.
How Do I Become a Silent Disco DJ?
- Get comfortable with using more than one pair of headphones, and taking them on and off to mix
- Practice
- Invest in or know where to rent silent disco headphones and transmitters
- Solidify your music library and/or the streaming platforms you plan to use
- Ensure you have all proper licensing required for your music
- Create demos
- Network
How Can I Find Work as a Silent DJ?
- Research and investigate opportunities with silent disco companies like quietevents.com
- Add silent raves or silent parties to your website and/or marketing materials along with your other DJ services
- Network with local venues to collaborate on events
Chelsea Ramsey | Copywriter
Ohio-based copywriter Chelsea Ramsey leverages her experiences as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer, a role-playing game writer, and a former auto claims adjuster. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Ohio State University and a TEFL certification from Oxford Seminars. Before working at Veracity, Chelsea wrote for Zulily and trained with clients at her local community center. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s coverage, she now writes to assist fitness professionals and entertainers in finding their ideal insurance policies.
Ohio-based copywriter Chelsea Ramsey leverages her experiences as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer, a role-playing game writer, and a former auto claims adjuster. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Ohio State University and a TEFL certification from Oxford Seminars. Before working at Veracity, Chelsea wrote for Zulily and trained with clients at her local community center. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s coverage, she now writes to assist fitness professionals and entertainers in finding their ideal insurance policies.
