In-store DJ sets at AGS

We created this page to provide details on how to "apply" to DJ at our store, to talk about why we host and film in-store sets, and to share advice ahead of one's own set at AGS. 

Aloha Got Soul is a boutique record store and independent record label in Honolulu, Hawaii.

AGS began as a blog in 2010 documenting Hawaiian funk and soul vinyl. We launched a label in 2015. Since 2021, we’ve operated a storefront in a residential neighborhood located a stone's throw from Waikiki.

After regularly contributing to The Vinyl Factory’s VF Live series throughout the pandemic and thereafter, we eventually started uploading DJ sets from our shop to our own YouTube channel. Since 2023, we've uploaded a new video every Sunday. 


Miss Lulu, "Weapon Of Choice"

Read this if you’re interested in DJing at AGS:

Why we host in-store sets:

  • because records should be played!
  • to provide a pressure-free, judgement-free space for selectors to share music they love
  • for the community <3

We don't do it for the likes... we do it for the love! 

Please note, DJ sets are not guaranteed to be on YouTube.

💥 Technical problems and other issues happen; we can't promise your set will make it to our YouTube channel. 

❤️ What we can promise is: AGS provides a welcoming space to play a casual vinyl set in our store. We also provide all the equipment -- you just need your records!

We've put a lot of thought into how and why we make videos. Please take a moment to read 10 things you should know about AGS on YouTube.

We don’t offer any compensation or discounts for in-store sets. We’re a small business and what we can offer is a safe space to play records you love for others to enjoy.

Ready?

Fill out this form: https://form.typeform.com/to/aZWNPdm4 

Read this before your set at AGS:

We provide all the equipment, you just need records. You can bring your own headphones, though we do have a pair of AIAIAI if you need ‘em. Full equipment list below.

🔔  Things to avoid:

  • We cannot change out any equipment. This includes the rotary mixer.
  • DO NOT use your own needles. We test ours before every set to ensure they’re working properly. Changing needles can cause unwanted audio issues.
  • If you need to use the toilet or have a smoke, please do so before or after your set. Try not to leave the DJ booth during your set.
  • Avoid looking at your phone during your set. Be with the music, and with the people around.
  • Watch the decibel reader: avoid hitting red!

🎛️  Equipment provided (see photo below)

  • Turntables: Technics 1200s
  • Mixer: Ecler WARM2 rotary mixer
  • Needles: 100 SOUNDS RC-DJ100 cartridges & needles
  • Headphones: AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ XE headphones
  • Effects: BOSS Space Echo RE-202
  • Booth monitor: Tannoy C-6 (single)
  • Decibel reader: American Audio DB Display MKII
  • Speakers: JBL 4435 (pair) and JBL L100 (pair)
  • Accessories: MasterSounds record weights, Sure Shot 45 adapters, AGS slipmats 
  • Crate: for you to put your records in while DJing

🔍  Frequently asked questions

  1. Will my set be filmed?
    • We do not guarantee a set will be posted to YouTube. See “Why we host in-store sets” in the section above
    • If you prefer not to have your set recorded, just let us know
  2. Can I make a flyer?
    • We make a flyer for each in-store set, so no need to make your own. We post the flyer to IG during the week 
  3. When will my set be on YouTube?
    • We aim to create a balanced mix of styles on our channel, and we typically don’t post videos in chronological order. A set might take several weeks or months to be posted.
    • When your set is posted, we’ll do our best to let you know ahead of time.
  4. Can you send me the video and audio files?
    • Sorry, we’re not able to share the files or recording with you
    • You can use an app like ClipGrab to download videos from YouTube
  5. What formats can I play?
    • Vinyl records (no CDs, no digital please)
    • Genre-wise: anything goes. Play what you love!
  6. How long are the sets?
    • Typically 1 to 2 hours. 
  7. What days / times are available?
    • We host DJ sets during regular store hours, typically:
      Sundays, between 1pm - 5pm
      Saturdays, between 1pm - 5pm
      Fridays, between 12pm-3pm

Mahalo! 🤙

Thank you for reading this far! We are a small team and truly appreciate your understanding. We aim for quality in everything we do, whether it’s customer service or hosting DJs at our store. We look forward to seeing you at the shop!

Here's our DJ setup: