So you’re booked to play Shapes at Pianos…

But what does that mean… What is Shapes.. what should I play… and should I listen to Mark?
These are some of the questions that usually come up from DJs booked to play Shapes. Clearly you know how to DJ and/or have good taste in music. That’s why you’re playing. We only occasionally book the wrong Djs, and that’s on us.. I guess me. Hey i’m Khalil, good to meet you. Something I totally forgot I wrote a few years ago was: Shapes embraces the international diversity of New York City bringing people from around the world to party together as one. Bringing together the best of NYC alongside DJs from around the globe, with the simple policy of good vibes and good music. In many ways this is kinda it. There is no track or genre you can’t play, but there is a feeling and vibe to Shapes, and in that sense, I invite you to be part of this. I don’t really know where i’m going with this… We’ll start with general vibes and then talk Front Bar and Back Room..

So what the fuck do I play, and is this gig really worth the effort?

It’s probably not worth the effort.. at least not financially. But is life all about money? Let’s create something great!
The first step in a successful Shapes DJ set is to understand you are playing Shapes, which happens to be at Pianos. You are NOT playing a regular Pianos night. I don’t care what happens upstairs, or what you played when you did a Friday night there.. It’s not about giving the people in front of you exactly what they want (we all have moments when we do this). It’s about creating a vibe and finding the balance. You are playing Shapes. Questlove has played Shapes. sosupersam has played Shapes. DJ Tunez has played Shapes. Previous guests also include Vashtie, Donae’o, Alewya, Skratch Bastid, Just Blaze, Rich Medina, Moma, MNDSGN, Kitty Cash… You are becoming part of the history of Shapes. Trust me, no one is gonna remember that time you played Drake. But you can still play Drake, just don’t limit yourself. Be open. Be free.

Shapes is still a party. We would like people to have a good time… DJs are people too. You should have a good time. I think the key is to make the party fun. There is no need to play a million trap hits.. No one we want at the party wants to hear tons of top 40.. Play too much, and some of the crowd will love it, but you’ll never be DJing here again.

So what does all of this mean
Honestly, i’m still trying to figure it out. But THIS (click the link) was a really great event (halfway through the first paragraph). Some things to consider. There’s a LOT of music in the world. let’s try playing a little less American music.. Let’s keep it fun. RnB, 90’s / 2000’s classics or new is always a vibe, but maybe skip the most commercial ones. EVERYONE loves Lucy Pearl 👀 Afrobeats is a vibe. Dancehall is a vibe. Edits can be dope. some classic House is cool. Hip Hop throwbacks are cool too, but don’t get stuck there, just use them for a lift when you need, Amapiano has a place! Throw in a Prince record.. or Jamie XX… or Sault.. or Patrice Rushen… or Kaytranada (that’s an obvious one for you). The key is keeping it vibey, keep it moving and keep it fun. There is space for everything… but be aware of the vibe you’re creating. Please stay away from top 40, EDM and commercial reggaeton.. This just isn’t the party for it, and I don’t really care if they crowd wants it.. Let’s all work to get a better crowd.. Don’t take requests. It’s a waste of your time and just opens the door to more requests. They don’t know better than you (unless we accidentally booked you by mistake, and you’re actually a bit shit). If people do try to make a request, politely tell them to fuck off.

I’m playing the Front Bar at Shapes at Pianos

Some DJs that have been amazing in the front include Quinnette, Milkyshake & Ill Digitz. Other DJs have had a more turn up / crazy party.. which has been great, but you’re here cos we’re changing it up a bit. For context, upstairs at Pianos is full on hits. Most weeks, it’s the biggest tunes from start to finish. You don’t need to do that. there is a space upstairs for that. The back room is the main room and party for shapes.. There are a lot of big tunes being played alongside everything written in the paragraphs above. In the front, you are free to play music. What would you want to hear if you’re chilling in the front bar. Some DJs follow the tried and tested 2 for them and 1 for the crowd method, which is a nice way to run it. I think you just have fun with music. Keep it vibey, there’s no need to play big trap records in the front.. you can play a set of well known tunes if you want, or play 75% of tunes people have to shazam! Just have fun with it and don’t feel ANY pressure to make people dance. It’s SOOOO EASY to play big tunes and have a lit party.. so here’s a chance to challenge yourself and create a space you’d like to hang out at

Playing in the back room..

Okay… It is most definitely a party, and it gets hot and sweaty. Let’s make it a good time. You should have a good time… So i’m gonna take bits from the earlier paragraph and add to it..

There’s a LOT of music in the world. There’s a lot fo big tunes that aren’t what you hear at every bar and club in the city. Let’s keep it fun. RnB whether it’s 90’s / 2000’s classics and new is always a vibe, but skip the most commercial ones. EVERYONE loves Lucy Pearl 👀 Afrobeats is a vibe. Dancehall is a vibe. Edits can be dope. some classic House is cool. Hip Hop throwbacks are cool too, but don’t get stuck there, just use them for a lift maybe, Amapiano has a place! Throw in a Prince record.. or Jamie XX… or Sault.. or Patrice Rushen… or Kaytranada (that’s an obvious one for you). Try playing a little less American music.. Honestly, it can make for a much better party! The key is keeping it vibey, keep it moving and keep it fun. There is space for everything.. including the current big tunes, you can and should play them, just be aware of the vibe you’re creating. Don’t go too far one way. Surprise people. Play a tune YOU love, even if only 2 people in the back know it / love it. That will make their night. Take a risk, it might work… Keep it fun, and keep it moving. Don’t take requests.. they don’t know better than you! Trust the music you love.