Crowd Interaction: Engage Me Without Interrupting

So often I get asked the question: “Chris, how do you interact with the crowd like that? Why do improvised moments seem to work when you bring them?”

Crowd interaction is such a pivotal thing. It's why you book a live musician or DJ in the first place! You don't want a Spotify playlist at your wedding or corporate event - you want something real. Something you can see and interact with. So of course, crowd interaction is important.

I've seen it done really well and I've seen it done really poorly. I think the main thing to keep in mind is this: “What is the point of the crowd interaction for this particular event at this particular moment?”

The thing that will make or break whether or not crowd interaction works well is does it sit in line with the culture of the event and the current moment in time. When I connect with people at an event, I'm looking to elevate their experience rather than insert myself into it and distract from what they were enjoying.

Sometimes, for a developing musician or DJ, the crowd interaction moments can actually take away from what is happening on the dance floor. Everyone is having a good time, and all of a sudden the DJ bursts into the moment of fun to draw attention to himself.

The point of the entertainer at a wedding or corporate function is to get people having a good time, not interrupt the good time. Think about it this way: you have two single friends and you think they would be great together. So, at a party, you introduce them to each other and immediately they start hitting it off. The worst thing that you can do in that moment is (out of a desperate need for attention) stick your head back in between the two of them. “Hey guys, remember me? I’m the reason you’re having a great time right now! Don’t forget about me!”

As a performer, your two single friends are: 1. The Guests at your event and 2. The Party vibes. Once they’re together and hitting it off, don’t get in the way!