What actually makes a good DJ? Certainly their musical knowledge, their mixing skills and – where needed – their hosting skills too, as well as the ability to build a set with a strong sense of dramaturgy. But in the end, a successful night stands or falls on whether the DJ responds to the audience and leads them. “Read the crowd!” is the golden rule!

As a DJ becomes more popular, or is even perceived as an artist, I can impose my style – and therefore my set – on the audience more readily and without too many compromises, but still not dictate it blindly. Because even at major festivals there is a risk of failing to connect if the pre-produced DJ set simply does not strike a chord with the audience. A flat atmosphere in the crowd shows itself less in people leaving the site and more in bored faces and fixed stares at mobile phones.

It is much more difficult for a DJ to play an open-format set in an unfamiliar setting with a manageable number of guests. This is where professional experience and intuition are needed in order to fill the dancefloor and read the audience

Bass triggering physical arousal can be attributed to the way our bodies respond to low-frequency sounds. Research suggests that low-frequency sounds, typically below 100 Hz, can stimulate the body’s visceral organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and lungs. This stimulation can cause physical responses like increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

There are several theories attempting to explain why bass might trigger physical arousal:

1. Vibrotactile stimulation: Low-frequency sounds can create vibrations that travel through the air and our bodies. These vibrations can stimulate the skin and other tissues, potentially triggering a physical response.
2. Brainstem response: The brainstem, responsible for regulating our automatic functions like heart rate and breathing, is highly sensitive to rhythmic sounds, including low-frequency bass. This sensitivity might contribute to the physical arousal we experience.
3. Emotional association: Bass-heavy music is often associated with high-energy environments, like concerts or dance parties. This association can create an emotional response, which in turn contributes to physical arousal.

The study mentioned in the post likely measured physical responses like heart rate, skin conductance, or other physiological markers to demonstrate the link between bass and physical arousal.