New DJ Meetup: On Deck 504 at Emporium Arcade Bar

Last Wednesday, I finally did something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time — I played my first open deck set at On Deck 504, the weekly DJ meetup at Emporium Arcade Bar. I’d heard about the event through a few local DJ friends and decided it was time to stop just watching from the crowd and actually get behind the decks.

To be honest, I was a little nervous walking in. But that feeling quickly faded. The vibe at On Deck 504 was super welcoming — no egos, no pressure, just a group of DJs and music lovers vibing out and supporting each other. It felt more like a jam session than a performance, and that made it a perfect space for someone like me trying to get some real-world experience.

For my 20-minute set, I went with a mix of hip-hop, rap, house, and some old school classics — tracks that I love and that I thought would connect with the crowd. Once I dropped the first beat, everything clicked. Watching people nod their heads and move to the music was the best feeling. That moment reminded me exactly why I fell in love with DJing in the first place.

What I really love about On Deck 504 is that it’s not just about playing music — it’s about building community. DJs of all styles and skill levels are welcome, and there’s this mutual respect that makes the whole thing feel really genuine. Whether you’re a veteran or just starting out like me, there’s space for your sound.

If you’re thinking about spinning your first set or just want to catch some dope music midweek, I can’t recommend this enough. On Deck 504 goes down every Wednesday at Emporium Arcade Bar, and trust me — it’s where you want to be.