Asian Wedding

[Ricesnaps]

Have just recieved the paperwork for my first Asian wedding at the end of the month.

Have never done one before and as such was wondering if I could have some advice - what to play, format etc...

I'm not quite as daft as I sound. I have of course made it quite clear to the client that I am treating this as a bespoke booking and as such will require considerable input from them to make sure we get it completely right. The groom has already asked if he can supply me with a half hour pre-mixed CD of Asian music a friend will put together for him.

Just wanted make sure I at least have an idea before I meet with them

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If you haven't found out from the client what they want, how on earth do you expect anyone here to know?!!!!

Just because they are Asian, it doesn't mean they are going to want Asian music - I have done several where they just wanted western music.

I would have thought that this was the first question you asked when you took the booking? I had a an enquiry for another one in December and he asked me if we could play Bhangra and I said we would need the music supplied and told what to play as we aren't experts and he was very happy with that. His fiance is going to discuss this with me pre-wedding, but this was all discussed before I took the booking.

I'd never take a booking and then find out that we couldn't provide what they wanted.

[PropellerHeadCase]

OK, now I knew that you guys call Asian what we call Indian, and that we call Asian what you call Chinese... have I got that right?

The last big Hindi wedding that I did I got given a whole pile of Hindi-Pop on CD. I raced through it on the 'phones and figured out which Western pop song had been plundered for the beats and then I paired them up with each other, played the Western song first, then the Hindi, kept both sides of the equation happy :D

[Ricesnaps]

I would have thought that this was the first question you asked when you took the booking? I had a an enquiry for another one in December and he asked me if we could play Bhangra and I said we would need the music supplied and told what to play as we aren't experts and he was very happy with that. His fiance is going to discuss this with me pre-wedding, but this was all discussed before I took the booking.

I'd never take a booking and then find out that we couldn't provide what they wanted.

I obviously don't make myself very clear these days do I?

Of course I have talked this through with the client BEFORE I took the booking. of COURSE I have explained that I will need considerable input from them and that they may need to provide some of the music if it is that specific. Why do you think I actually got the booking? Because I claimed I new all there was to know about Asian music and Asian weddings? Not at all, I got the booking because I DIDN'T claim to know it all BUT was very happy to work with the client. Oh and yes, they do also want me to play "western" music.

All I wanted was to do some homework before I met the client. I'm sure some of the other on here have played at this type of event before and would be more than happy to share there experiences.

Now let me ge write my lines:

I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum
I must learn to explain myself more clearly on a public forum

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

So what exactly are you wanting to know then Rice?

You said yourself you provide a bespoke service and have spoken to the client about music.

And you're right, you must......

[Ricesnaps]

So what exactly are you wanting to know then Rice?

You said yourself you provide a bespoke service and have spoken to the client about music.

And you're right, you must......

Basically, this will be the first wedding of this type I have done. Really I guess I am interested to hear from anyone who has provided a disco for this type of wedding. Would love any advice, commetns or suggestions. I am of course going to discuss all the music with my client (which is why they booked me), but I currently know very little about indian music and am therefore keen to do some homework before I talk further with the client.

Hope that is a little clearer?

[CRAZY K]

Basically, this will be the first wedding of this type I have done. Really I guess I am interested to hear from anyone who has provided a disco for this type of wedding. Would love any advice, commetns or suggestions. I am of course going to discuss all the music with my client (which is why they booked me), but I currently know very little about indian music and am therefore keen to do some homework before I talk further with the client.

Hope that is a little clearer?

Matt, all you do is treat this like the Your Choice Discos we have talked about---or even Ipod Weddings:eek:

Have your usual stuff ready to play---take on board carefully their requested CDs they supply and the order etc, in particular WHEN to play them and if fast or slow.

After that be guided by the client during the gig and interact with them as the evening goes on. I fInd it works fine---can we have another Barn Dance--stick on Scissors---some Louis Armstrong would be good--go with the flow like any other gig.

The only thing you really need to know is no nos musically in case it upsets people and if there are any particular customs to follow for this particular group of people--like First dance, Auld Lang Syne, Wedding Arch--ill bet different Asian people will have different requirements so I doubt if theres a "standard " approach.

I do this every week at Weddings--whether its Barn Dance or Indian Music makes no difference--you go with the flow--they will soon tell you if its wrong------

I havent done an Asian Wedding but ive played Asian Music at a Xmas party---WILD!!!!!!!!!!

If you got a USB reader you could put all their stuff on it and have it ready at your fingertips---no flaffing around with CDS!!!!!!

regards

CRAZY K

[flatliners]

liked the way you slipped in the word wedding arch was that a referance to wembley or some other arch arrh we still dont get tired of the whole arch thing

[Thames Valley Discos]

As Steve would say, don't do a booking you can't give 100%.
Good luck, even i'd pass on this one.
Ok i'll stop bhangraing on

[PropellerHeadCase]

You never can tell - they might love Punjabi MC "Mundian To Bach Ke", or they could hate it because the decision to play it was purely a racial one.

I find that younger Asian kids generally love Hip-Hop and 2-Step and some techno/electro, the older they are the more Western cheese they want. Also see my previous comment about 'Hindi-Pop'.

[BeerFunk]

The danger here is stereotyping... I think Darren was right in the first reply - there's nothing we can do here!

[Ricesnaps]

The danger here is stereotyping... I think Darren was right in the first reply - there's nothing we can do here!

How so?

Possibly quite correct if you have never played one of these gigs, but I was kinda hoping one you had?

[CRAZY K]

How so?

Possibly quite correct if you have never played one of these gigs, but I was kinda hoping one you had?

I cant see thats going to help Matt--bit like saying have you ever played at an English Disco===what did they like??????????

The client will tell you all you need to know about his friends, family, customs and culture, music preferences and NOT what to play ---its easy providing you ask!

As I have said many times before---never second guess---its a fatal mistake,

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

How so?

Possibly quite correct if you have never played one of these gigs, but I was kinda hoping one you had?

I have played one and they didn't actually ask me for anything Asian until the night, when the bride said "Oh, by the way, if you have any bhangra, you can put a few on...." I do have a couple of bhangra CDs and I had one of the guests telling me what to play. In her words " Anything wth a heavy beat, would be good" Right....

I also have a mixed race wedding in December and the bride wants modern Indian pop/bhangra and is going to give us CDs to use and a list of what to intergrate into the evening. I told the groom that we would need help with the Indian music side of things and he was absolutely fine with that.

I think as long as you are honest with people and confident enough, you should be fine.

[Ricesnaps]

I have played one and they didn't actually ask me for anything Asian until the night, when the bride said "Oh, by the way, if you have any bhangra, you can put a few on...." I do have a couple of bhangra CDs and I had one of the guests telling me what to play. In her words " Anything wth a heavy beat, would be good" Right....

I also have a mixed race wedding in December and the bride wants modern Indian pop/bhangra and is going to give us CDs to use and a list of what to intergrate into the evening. I told the groom that we would need help with the Indian music side of things and he was absolutely fine with that.

I think as long as you are honest with people and confident enough, you should be fine.

Thanks for that.

I'm not worried at all, but it would be silly to talk it all through, plan to play western music as instructed only to turn up only prepared for that and find lots of requests for music I haven't considered.

It seems maybe sensible to at least prepare some Indian pop / bhangra CD's even if I actually don't use them. Always think it's good to be able to pull thing out of the bag that maybe weren't expected, but actually demonstrate being prepared

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

It seems maybe sensible to at least prepare some Indian pop / bhangra CD's even if I actually don't use them. Always think it's good to be able to pull thing out of the bag that maybe weren't expected, but actually demonstrate being prepared

Good idea and something I always do. The wedding I was talking about in the above post was a prime example of that, as they didn't ask for any bhangra, but as I didn't have very much I went out and bought a few CDs 'just in case'. I get the feeling that if you are not a specialist DJ, then people are pleasantly surprised when you have something for their taste.

[CRAZY K]

Thanks for that.

I'm not worried at all, but it would be silly to talk it all through, plan to play western music as instructed only to turn up only prepared for that and find lots of requests for music I haven't considered.

It seems maybe sensible to at least prepare some Indian pop / bhangra CD's even if I actually don't use them. Always think it's good to be able to pull thing out of the bag that maybe weren't expected, but actually demonstrate being prepared

I dont get this--surely the music you hadnt considered is THEIR PLAYLIST

Dont you say to the organiser--give me a playlist of music including Indian /Bhangra etc OR bring all the relevant tracks with you on CD.

Remember the old sales saying KISS

Keep it simple stupid--thats no reflection on you Matt :D

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

Absolutely right with the K.I.S.S. thought as them for a list of say no longer than 25 songs including there slowy that they wish to here through the night the rest will work itself out KEEP IT SIMPLE SOUNDS stuff everyone is liable to know or go and hire a few english / indian movies ie bend it like beckham, my beautiful laundrette you'll soon notice a style, but beware asian could mean anything east of Iraq/Iran????? as for the couple for any special requirements etc etc

[PropellerHeadCase]

I dont get this--surely the music you hadnt considered is THEIR PLAYLIST

Dont you say to the organiser--give me a playlist of music including Indian /Bhangra etc OR bring all the relevant tracks with you on CD.

...And what if the bhangra they've requested goes down bhang-ghusters? Having a few additional tracks, as supplied by experience from MDD posters, to keep it going beyond what the client is expecting is keeping it simple AND going above and beyond all in one hit.

If not requested, Rice, have 'Mundian to Bach Ke' (also known as 'Where are the Boys') by Punjabi MC and 'Husan' by Bhangra Knights available ;)

[BeerFunk]

If not requested, Rice, have 'Mundian to Bach Ke' (also known as 'Where are the Boys') by Punjabi MC and 'Husan' by Bhangra Knights available ;)
I suspect that this sort of thing might be offensive, so I would be hesitant to play them. Kind of like, if you had a restaurant and were expecting a party of Chinese guests, and you supplied them all with chopsticks :eek:

[CRAZY K]

...And what if the bhangra they've requested goes down bhang-ghusters? Having a few additional tracks, as supplied by experience from MDD posters, to keep it going beyond what the client is expecting is keeping it simple AND going above and beyond all in one hit.

If not requested, Rice, have 'Mundian to Bach Ke' (also known as 'Where are the Boys') by Punjabi MC and 'Husan' by Bhangra Knights available ;)

Your playing with fire if you try to second guess.

If we had an Asian DJ on here who regularly covers work then might be different.

Just take the advice of the client, work to his list and KISS--if you put in a wrong track of your own you look very unprofessional--- if its one of the clients then thats his problem.

Theres no embarrasment in asking the client for his choice when its clearly a specialist market.

CRAZY K

[Have a disco]

Whats the worst you can do but meet them and ask them what exactly you are needed to do Ricey??? we are becoming a very multi cultural nation this sort of thing is becoming very common place today

I had a Thai / Brit wedding last year was much the same as most it is as ever just about asking before you turn up mate. Better prepared than not???

[soundtracker]

I suspect that this sort of thing might be offensive, so I would be hesitant to play them. Kind of like, if you had a restaurant and were expecting a party of Chinese guests, and you supplied them all with chopsticks :eek:

You may have a point there BF! I did a wedding recently where there were a good few Asians guests - they asked for Mundian, which went down fine,so I thought I'd be clever and follow it with Husan - totally wiped out the dancefloor, and I got quite a few confused expressions! It could be like playing Fields of Athenry to Catholics(or is it protestants!)

[Have a disco]

Yep I has to agree soundtracker still best to check first

[CRAZY K]

You may have a point there BF! I did a wedding recently where there were a good few Asians guests - they asked for Mundian, which went down fine,so I thought I'd be clever and follow it with Husan - totally wiped out the dancefloor, and I got quite a few confused expressions! It could be like playing Fields of Athenry to Catholics(or is it protestants!)

Well done Soundtracker thats the example I couldnt think of :D :D :D

Are you getting this Rice?

CRAZY K

[PropellerHeadCase]

I suspect that this sort of thing might be offensive, so I would be hesitant to play them. Kind of like, if you had a restaurant and were expecting a party of Chinese guests, and you supplied them all with chopsticks :eek:

I've had both go down well, certainly 'Mundian to Bach Ke' moreso than 'Husan'.

[Ricesnaps]

Good idea and something I always do. The wedding I was talking about in the above post was a prime example of that, as they didn't ask for any bhangra, but as I didn't have very much I went out and bought a few CDs 'just in case'. I get the feeling that if you are not a specialist DJ, then people are pleasantly surprised when you have something for their taste.

Right then....

Solitare, I think you have hiy my nail on the head. I'm really not at all worried about offending people or playing the wrong music on the night because by that point I will have discussed at length with my client. However, I want to do some homework and be prepared for things that might not have been considered.


You may have a point there BF! I did a wedding recently where there were a good few Asians guests - they asked for Mundian, which went down fine,so I thought I'd be clever and follow it with Husan - totally wiped out the dancefloor, and I got quite a few confused expressions! It could be like playing Fields of Athenry to Catholics(or is it protestants!)

This is a great example. I could just turn up with everything the client has asked for, get a request for a popular asian track and just not have it. I think the key here is that I want to be prepared, but not get out of my box. It would I guess be completely wrong to assume a musical style and play a track because I think I know best when I quite clearly don't. It's quite another to have a selection of possibilities ready should someone ask. As Solitaire said, people can be pleasently supprised when they ask a non-specialist and they have some specialist music!


Whats the worst you can do but meet them and ask them what exactly you are needed to do Ricey??? we are becoming a very multi cultural nation this sort of thing is becoming very common place today

I don't think I actually ever suggested I WASN'T going to meet the client and ask them what they want.


Well done Soundtracker thats the example I couldnt think of

Are you getting this Rice?

CRAZY K

I am getting it, but it's about being prepared, not being suicidal!

[Corabar Steve]

It could be like playing Fields of Athenry to Catholics(or is it protestants!)

You can play it to either, the only difference is what they sing back with it :P

[Vectis]

Ignoramuses (or is that Ignorami?)

Check me out (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6942684.stm)

[PropellerHeadCase]

Well 'Ignoramus' is Latin for 'We Are Ignorant', so take your pick :eek:


And with regard to the article... he's a lucky boy Aishwarya is delicious.

[robbiedj]

We play Bhangra and Turkish music when working for the local council on fundays in the park.

If you sit down and listen to the music they supply you will find it actually mixes quite well with R'n'B tracks in general. This will give you a nice transition between the Asian and western.

Your main problem is not knowing what they are singing about. This is more likely to cause offence. Do you know any performing arts students in the area? If you can find one who speaks the right language and is willing to roadie, grab them and get them to advise you on content. They will also know the precedents for traditional weddings.

And Bollywood is also popular, and much less contentious in content.

Good luck, mate.

[colinm345]

Basically, this will be the first wedding of this type I have done. Really I guess I am interested to hear from anyone who has provided a disco for this type of wedding. Would love any advice, commetns or suggestions. I am of course going to discuss all the music with my client (which is why they booked me), but I currently know very little about indian music and am therefore keen to do some homework before I talk further with the client.

Hope that is a little clearer?

We have done an Asian Engagement (to our suprise as we were booked though an agent,and did not know until we got there ) and after asking the agent he did not know either!!

However it went down well and they requested Western Type music firstly and Bhangra later ,if thats any help:)

[messiahwannabe]

OK, now I knew that you guys call Asian what we call Indian, and that we call Asian what you call Chinese... have I got that right?

The last big Hindi wedding that I did I got given a whole pile of Hindi-Pop on CD. I raced through it on the 'phones and figured out which Western pop song had been plundered for the beats and then I paired them up with each other, played the Western song first, then the Hindi, kept both sides of the equation happy :D

any chance you could remember these? sounds like an interesting setlist in the works!