Is Honesty The Best Policy......??????

[StarZSoundS]

Sometimes I say too much.

Call last night.....Can you do my Sons 18th????

The Woman was obviously keen to book.....but although I am really experienced at all ages I like to give myself some cover.....

So I say....

"I'm sure I can do a fine job.......but I'd like to say I'm not totally up behind The Club Scene..House and Garage and all that"

My Partner(who is listening) cringes but doesn't understand???:bang: :bang:

"I'm ok with the Chart,Party and regular stuff tho"


She hasn't been back.....


I'm 99% sure the evening would have been fine but my biggest fear is taking on something I MAY not do a great job for.......:eek: :eek: :eek:

Does anybody else grapple with this situation....and if you do is it better to keep your trap shut and risk spoiling someones evening....or take the cautious route??:confused: :confused:

[Vectis]

Best to be totally clear right now before the 'phone rings about what you are and are not comfortable with.

Personally I don't take parties for the 16-23 age range unless it's a family party with family tunes. I don't take gigs which are predominantly 90's/00's techno/trance type music and I don't take gigs which require lots of non-mainstream rock.

Other than that it's fair game.

You shouldn't be making that decision on the phone. Take it now.

[Sapphire Disco]

I wouldn't be that keen on an 18th if it was just all youngsters, so would not worry too much about losing it but if it was more of a family type party which some still are, then no worries I'd be very happy to do it.

[leelive]

Yeah. I won;t do kids parties. Not my thing... and always tell them to try someone else.

I would love to do more 18th, 21st etc.. but I am not in their price bracket anymore.

I jump at the challenge to do any other style of party.... Bollywood.... French... Cuban.... Jewish.... I just say "not a problem".... I enjoy researching music from different cultures.

I think you should have done the gig.
The lads on this forum would have helped you with a play list...
But then.. the kids would have told you what to play.....

Was it really more to do with having to accept a lower price than usual to do an 18th that you turned it down?

Lee

[StarZSoundS]

Best to be totally clear right now before the 'phone rings about what you are and are not comfortable with.

Personally I don't take parties for the 16-23 age range unless it's a family party with family tunes. I don't take gigs which are predominantly 90's/00's techno/trance type music and I don't take gigs which require lots of non-mainstream rock.

Other than that it's fair game.

You shouldn't be making that decision on the phone. Take it now.


Not quite as clear-cut as that Martin.....


I say what I said to all prospective clients of that age.Usually the Parent says ...

"Thats fine...theres older folk going anyway......just slip a bit of Chart stuff in"

But this Woman said.....

"Well he does like all that BOOM-BOOM stuff"

I'm not just talking about 18 year olds.

Its more of a broader subject.....How do you handle accepting(or not) functions that are your DJ Nemesis.....

[DeckstarDeluxe]

theres nothing that I wont do.

If its something really weird and far out that is unlikely to come up again then chances are I would explain this but chances are other dj's will be in the same boat.

[Charlie Brown]

I will do anything. How will you ever learn otherwise? :shrug:

[Jonathan Ford]

There are certain functions I will always turn down. I'd rather the client had a great night with someone else, than an ok night with me. Anything that requires specialist knowledge, or where I suspect my best won't be good enough, gets passed by.

[Megamix]

I always use the expression "Mainstream Music" - so they realise I play what MOST people would expect to hear

[StarZSoundS]

There are certain functions I will always turn down. I'd rather the client had a great night with someone else, than an ok night with me. Anything that requires specialist knowledge, or where I suspect my best won't be good enough, gets passed by.



Thats what I was trying to say.....Johnathon!!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[rob1963]

theres nothing that I wont do.


The sign of a desperate man!

:D :D :D

I don't do kids stuff, 18ths, 21sts or anything where they want a particular type of music which I don't know or like.

I see no point in taking on a gig which I wouldn't enjoy or where I think there are plenty of other DJs who could do a better job than me.

The fact that I'm not desperate for the money makes it easier.

If I was asked to do an 18th, I'd say I don't do them personally, but that I could find them another DJ who could help them.

[funkymook]

How do you handle accepting(or not) functions that are your DJ Nemesis.....

Easy - ask all the relevent questions first,what type of music, audience, venue etc. and if you don't want to do it say - 'I'll just go and check my diary..............ever so sorry I'm already booked on that night'

[Shakermaker Promotions]

If I get an enquiry for an 18th, the first thing I will ask is "Are adults going to be present?" or "Is it a family occasion?"....If the answer is yes then I will take on the booking, no problem.

Ok, if you are not comfortable doing these functions then fair enough and yes, honesty is the best policy BUT if you are steering clear of them because you fear that there will be trouble then....why not give them some credit? Why not trust them? If adults are there too, supervising or not...everything should be ok.

[JTRS]

Does anybody else grapple with this situation....and if you do is it better to keep your trap shut and risk spoiling someones evening....or take the cautious route??:confused: :confused:

I do exactly the same thing as you did, I ask if it's an 18th where they want a good mix of music (ie there will be a lot of family there with a wide age range), or if it will be mainly 18 year olds who want club music all night, if it's the latter I'll turn it down because I couldn't do a good job of that genre for more than about 30 minutes.

My thoughts are it's better to be honest and do gigs you look good at rather than spoil someones special occasion just to get the booking, I think customers appreciate honesty and would probably come to you again in the future.

JTRS

[ian8limelight]

In my humble opinion, honesty is CERTAINLY the best policy & we all have our limitations.

For example, I don't do Childrens Parties or 18th/21st Birthday Parties usually, as I wouldn't feel 100% comfortable and I wouldn't feel that I was giving the Client 'value for money'.

When I receive such enquiries, I would recommend them to professional colleagues who I know would do a good job.

[Corabar Steve]

theres nothing that I wont do.
Especially after a few cocktails, eh Neil :sj:

Best to say if you can't do something, if you don't & it goes belly up, your reputation could suffer

[surround sounds]

I will do most things.I do all kids parties of all ages including teenagers.The only thing i will not do is drum and bass.It does my head in

[Corabar Entertainment]

Honesty is definitely the ONLY policy, as far as I am concerned. Your reputation is priceless, and certainly worth a lot more that the fee for a particular job!

However, that doesn't mean that you can't stretch yourself.....

In the circumstances mentioned in the OP (ie where is it a case that you think you could do it so long as x or y) then you need to ask questions, explain what you do, etc.... but sound positive and confident! You can always decline once you have all pertinent information stating that you don't believe you are the best fit for their event, and the client will respect you for that.

Maybe the phone call was different, but the way you explained it on the forum Martin, if I was on the other end of the phone I would have felt that you weren't sure you were up to the job and I would have lost all confidence in you and looked elsewhere (regardless of whether or not it was a mainstream family event - which you feel you could have done - or a full on club night - which you wouldn't have felt comfortable with.)

[StarZSoundS]

Maybe the phone call was different, but the way you explained it on the forum Martin, if I was on the other end of the phone I would have felt that you weren't sure you were up to the job and I would have lost all confidence in you and looked elsewhere (regardless of whether or not it was a mainstream family event - which you feel you could have done - or a full on club night - which you wouldn't have felt comfortable with.)

Thats fair comment Angie.


However we are all trying to avoid the Gig that makes us never want to DJ again...or make it look like its our first time out!!I'm not usually like that.....I usually have too much confidence.


Whats even worse is I've just come off a years run at a Pub where i've had similair ages turning up to see DJSpinner(their nickname for me)....cos I was playing the right mix of music for them.....


Can I repeat....this is not a thread for would you do an 18 year olds birthday(or would they cause any trouble....the ones i've been working for have been fabulously well behaved)....it's meant to be much broader than that!!!


Come to think of it ......surely this is the first thing that runs through our mind as sooon as we're told what the celebration is going to be??? :eek: :eek:

"AM I GOING TO BE VALUE FOR THAT"

[Daryll]

I dont mind "skirting" around my comfort zone , but a full on Dubstep or something along those lines , I would refer to some one on here . Angela is correct , a good reputation can take ages , a bad one in less than 4 hours :eek:


Daryll

[yourdj]

Call last night.....Can you do my Sons 18th????


i used to be very worried about 18ths not too long ago as i did not know the music etc. I now find them almost an evening off as i do not have to plan everything to the last second as with a wedding. its just allot easier and great fun. I do not make a habit of doing that many however. Under 13's are a different kettle of fish - don't even go there. :p

I would say the main thing is your visual appearance as your slightly older but if you knock their socks off with all the latest chart a good sound system etc. that will really make a much bigger impact than someone like me as they will think you are very cool and respect you for it.

all you have to do is have most the tracks here on the current section here and keep in tune with the chart and its complete doddle! I find listening to radio one when working helps keep in touch. i do not have a TV or read papers so am not hard wired to the mainframe :o

http://www.yourdj.co.uk/trackupload.php

One thing however never take the parents suggestions into too much consideration when it comes to the music as they are often way off the mark. get the birthday girl or boys number and call them. ;)

[Excalibur]

I will do anything. How will you ever learn otherwise? :shrug:

The art Charlie, is learning what you can't do, without the customers spotting it. ;)

18TH's: Can be just like weddings. The whole family's there, from toddlers to Grannies, and it's all the usual suspects all night. At the other end of the scale, there may be two adults there, and it's a night of Boom Boom Thud from start to finish. One of the best nights I ever did was just this, and so much of the fun comes from having to apply yourself, and work for your money, instead of running on autopilot all night.

There are limits. Totally specialist gigs. I helped Justin with a wedding which another DJ had taken the booking for, and on receiving the playlist had sent the deposit back, saying he couldn't do the gig. :eek: :eek: Metal of a flavour I was unfamiliar with, though Justin knew all about it. Best received track of the night? Abba-Dancing Queen. :D :D :D

I like to think I can bluff my way through most gigs, and given a few nudges by punters can usually come up with similar tracks. That's easier than " Play some funk/metal/disco/indie/whatever", as I find we all have different views of what categories tracks fit into.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

http://www.yourdj.co.uk/trackupload.php


Ah yes, how nice to see my lists again....

[yourdj]

The art Charlie, is learning what you can't do, without the customers spotting it. ;)

I personally find that paranoia can be the worst thing. i had a load of oldies sitting all night on Tuesday at a wedding. I tried everything and got really fed up. at the end of the night they all came and said what a brilliant choice of music and they like sitting and listening which cheered me up. :)

I was staying the night as it was miles away and we all got drunk after on lafroaig or however you spell it :confused:


Ah yes, how nice to see my lists again....

i was waiting for that ;)

I have worked out how to edit it now (done the current one recently) so will do the rest so with haste :) most of the track i have anyway but will put in the effort anyway.

[StarZSoundS]

I would say the main thing is your visual appearance as your slightly older but if you knock their socks off with all the latest chart a good sound system etc. that will really make a much bigger impact than someone like me as they will think you are very cool and respect you for it.






There was a chance I might be offended Toby.......If you weren't so right!!!;) ;) ;)

[DazzyD]

I still get nervous before every gig so I don't think I have a "comfort zone" but I thrive on this and this helps me give my performances a bit of an edge.

Saying that, there are still some gigs I would politely decline. For examply, I wouldn't do anything that it all rave, D&B, MCing, that kind of thing.

Actually, thinking about it, there are probably a fair fews gig I wouldn't take on. But I would stretch myself and learn about a genre to fulfil a booking. That's the kind of business mind I have.


The art Charlie, is learning what you can't do, without the customers spotting it. ;)

18TH's: Can be just like weddings. The whole family's there, from toddlers to Grannies, and it's all the usual suspects all night. At the other end of the scale, there may be two adults there, and it's a night of Boom Boom Thud from start to finish. One of the best nights I ever did was just this, and so much of the fun comes from having to apply yourself, and work for your money, instead of running on autopilot all night.

There are limits. Totally specialist gigs. I helped Justin with a wedding which another DJ had taken the booking for, and on receiving the playlist had sent the deposit back, saying he couldn't do the gig. :eek: :eek: Metal of a flavour I was unfamiliar with, though Justin knew all about it. Best received track of the night? Abba-Dancing Queen. :D :D :D

I like to think I can bluff my way through most gigs, and given a few nudges by punters can usually come up with similar tracks. That's easier than " Play some funk/metal/disco/indie/whatever", as I find we all have different views of what categories tracks fit into.

Have to agree with Peter. When someone asks for some (insert genre here) I always ask "such as? What songs (in that genre) do you like?". That way I can match similar tracks for the best effect.

[StarZSoundS]

For examply, I wouldn't do anything that it all rave, D&B, MCing, that kind of thing.

Actually, thinking about it, there are probably a fair fews gig



.


How much was that Scotch Dazzy.....£3.00.....can you get me a box!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

Its turning you into Professor Unwin....:D :D :D :D

[yourdj]

There was a chance I might be offended Toby.......If you weren't so right!!!;) ;) ;)

I thought i would take the gamble. :luck:

You should consider it something of a luxury as not many 50 year olds get to spend time in situ with the youth of today which can be really inspiring as its easy to get stuck in a rut and nice to go back and see what things used to be like when you were young and free (if that makes sense). :)

As long as you have the music a decent sound system and do not try too hard - you have nothing to loose. as people say they can differ (families, just teens, indie crowd, r&b crowd etc.).

[STEVE HANLEY]

[i do not have a TV ]

Ehh.........What's all your furniture pointed at???

[StarZSoundS]

I thought i would take the gamble. :luck:

You should consider it something of a luxury as not many 50 year olds get to spend time in situ with the youth of today which can be really inspiring as its easy to get stuck in a rut and nice to go back and see what things used to be like when you were young and free (if that makes sense). :)

As long as you have the music a decent sound system and do not try too hard - you have nothing to loose. as people say they can differ (families, just teens, indie crowd, r&b crowd etc.).


Can you imagine what its like for my Kids....to have a COOL DAD;) ;) ;)

Going back to OP though.....I'm JUST not cool enough to do what I thought the caller was after!!So I BLOBBED MYSELF out!!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

theres nothing that I wont do.

If its something really weird and far out that is unlikely to come up again then chances are I would explain this but chances are other dj's will be in the same boat.


The sign of a desperate man!

Not at all. Sign of someone who wants to move with the times more like


Especially after a few cocktails, eh Neil :sj:

Best to say if you can't do something, if you don't & it goes belly up, your reputation could suffer

If I think its way out of my depth then yes say so but there isnt much musical wise that I dont think I couldnt do a good job of.

Course I can supply the PA and put in a specialist if required ;)

[yourdj]

Ehh.........What's all your furniture pointed at???

The Fish tank - as i have just decorated and sold everything else (apart from the sofa which has yet to be picked up).

I lie however - I have a bang and olevson TV I got from my neighbor today as she was going to chuck it out :eek:. Its an old one but looks really good. The remote is as heavy as the TV :p

I can watch my sharpe box set, borat and some only fools and horses on it as I do not have a TV licence. i have not actually plugged it in so i assume it works :confused:


Can you imagine what its like for my Kids....to have a COOL DAD;) ;) ;)

Going back to OP though.....I'm JUST not cool enough to do what I thought the caller was after!!So I BLOBBED MYSELF out!!

Some events are just not viable. I had one on a sun in 2 weeks and quoted £600 as it was a tricky situation. they agreed and i backed out as it just did not all add up and just did not feel right.

[STEVE HANLEY]

[I lie however - I have a bang and olevson TV].

Bang & Olufsen! Thanks be to God for that:) :) :)

[DazzyD]

How much was that Scotch Dazzy.....£3.00.....can you get me a box!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

Its turning you into Professor Unwin....:D :D :D :D

It's not Scotch. It's a fortified wine blended with Scotch whiskey. It's only 15% abv but I enjoy the taste!


Ehh.........What's all your furniture pointed at???

I like that one! :rofl:


The Fish tank - as i have just decorated and sold everything else (apart from the sofa which has yet to be picked up).

I lie however - I have a bang and olevson TV I got from my neighbor today as she was going to chuck it out :eek:. Its an old one but looks really good. The remote is as heavy as the TV :p

I can watch my sharpe box set, borat and some only fools and horses on it as I do not have a TV licence. i have not actually plugged it in so i assume it works :confused:



Some events are just not viable. I had one on a sun in 2 weeks and quoted £600 as it was a tricky situation. they agreed and i backed out as it just did not all add up and just did not feel right.

Hope it's had the tuner unit removed otherwise it's still capable of receiving the BBC channels and therefore you need a licence. Likewise, if you have any radios in the house.

[rob1963]

theres nothing that I wont do.



The sign of a desperate man!


Not at all. Sign of someone who wants to move with the times more like

Sorry, but I don't understand your connection between someone who takes on absolutely everything & someone who moves with the times.

Are you saying DJs who DON'T take on absolutely everything are somehow stuck in the past?

:confused:

[Corabar Steve]

Only those that still use pinspots :sj:

[Vectis]

Hope it's had the tuner unit removed otherwise it's still capable of receiving the BBC channels and therefore you need a licence. Likewise, if you have any radios in the house.

The "rules" on licence holding were re-stated and simplified recently

a) to kill off some urban myths such as the above and
b) to bring other devices into the equation such as internet streamed services


"You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast. This includes the use of devices such as a computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/video recorder."


http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/

[rob1963]

Only those that still use pinspots :sj:

:lol:

Doesn't anyone use par cans these days then?

I could understand someone being accused of not moving with the times if they used ropelights, or if they only accepted payment by cash but not through online transfer, or if they refused to move from CDs to digital etc etc etc, but I can't work out the connection between moving with the times & the number of functions you turn down.

:confused:

[StarZSoundS]

I didn't actually turn the gig down.


I gave the potential customer an honest synopsis of how things were....and she made her decision!!!

It may have been a blessing in disguise????

[DazzyD]

The "rules" on licence holding were re-stated and simplified recently

a) to kill off some urban myths such as the above and
b) to bring other devices into the equation such as internet streamed services


"You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast. This includes the use of devices such as a computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/video recorder."


http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/

I didn't know that! Mind you, my comment was supposed to be tongue in cheek - maybe should have used a smilie! ;)

[paulg]

Martin,

I used to avoid 18th's but they can be as much fun as any other type of function. Infact, mixing most of the chart suff is a doddle so it makes life even easier.

As other people have said, 18th's are usually family affairs so a cross section of music fits the bill. Be honest but be informative. The best thing to say to the client is that they have to understand that there are so many modern genres, it is difficult to accommodate them all (which is true). It's very much here today gone tomorrow. Most adults would readily agree. Then suggest that the birthday boy / girl and friends send you a playlist. Explain you need this to get things absolutely right. Most will jump at the chance. They love being involved. Also, offer karaoke, most will take that up and then you are pinching a living - 30% of the nights output is out of your hands!

You do learn a lot from younger age groups though - much of what they like will also be liked by older brothers and sisters and young mum's and dads. How many times has Sydney Sampson's Riverside filled the floor with a wide range of ages? (I know, you're all going to say "never"). It's a great track but not something I'd ever have warmed to if I was continually playing Build me up Buttercup to old dears. Unfortunately, There are far too many so called DJ's who seem to be stuck in the 70's.

Finally, and without exception in my experience, some of the pop dances (macerena etc) will prove just as popular as any other track. After all, at 18, they are not far removed from their childhood! At a recent school prom (extended 6th form 17-18's) I took requests for YMCA, Macarena, Surfin' Bird Gimme Some and countless other cheesy songs. Every one filled the dance floor.

Give 'em a break!

[yourdj]

Bang & Olufsen! Thanks be to God for that:) :) :)

thats the one. :)


Hope it's had the tuner unit removed otherwise it's still capable of receiving the BBC channels and therefore you need a licence. .

Dont know? I will switch it on when i get back tonight and have a look? Always got my projector otherwise :)

I would not mind having satelite for the music channels and stuff :o

[Pazz]

I probably wouldn't have taken the booking myself as it sounds like they were wanting a lot of techno, drum n bass and hard dance music which I find happens in a lot of the 18th-21st birthday discos these days. I do still take 18th/21st bookings but I find out on the phone the type of music they are after and then I always get a playlist of songs sent to me beforehand with my booking form or by email. This way I always get a good list of songs and can see in which direction the night will go from the start. I would likely turn it down if there wasn't at least 50% chart/cheese as I know I will not have the songs in my playlist and I would call it more a specialist night which I am currently unable to cater for and where another dj could possibly do a better job.