Do you introduce songs 'this is' or 'that was'?

[Javlingames]

Reason I ask is, another DJ said to me that if you are playing a song from say 30 years ago, eg billy ocean love really hurts, theres no point in announcing it, its been around for 30 years and everyone knows its billy ocean so why tell them again.

do you agree with this?

[CRAZY K]

Reason I ask is, another DJ said to me that if you are playing a song from say 30 years ago, eg billy ocean love really hurts, theres no point in announcing it, its been around for 30 years and everyone knows its billy ocean so why tell them again.

do you agree with this?

Generally no--although it may not be always a good idea to talk beteeen EVERY track--like we used to years ago;)

Otherwise the I pod hire discos will take over--no DJ necessary thanks:eek:

Is this someone who has microphone fright ?

:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[Javlingames]

I have never seen him DJ, he is in charge of booking the DJ's for a chain of Chicago Rock venues, he pulled me up on it when I did an audition.

In a way I do agree with him but if you are playing something slightly obscure it would be worth mentioning it because sometimes amongst the audience there may be a few people playing guess the record.

[JAMdisco]

I generally don't introduce songs unless it has some kind of relevence to the audience or individual. Obscure songs sometimes get a mention and occasionally new songs.

I have had people come up to me and ask, who was that last song by?

[flatliners]

every dj is diffrent i am a that was this is or 1976 was the year for this next one.
or i have some songs that i play where at a certian part of the intro of the song i say the artists name then straight after the artist comes in with the song title eg melba moore this is it

[rob1963]

I think pre announcing or back announcing songs is pretty much a waste of time at mobile discos for private parties.

As already mentioned, most of the songs we play at mobiles (especially weddings) will be stuff that the vast majority of people know anyway, so I think telling them what they already know is completely pointless.

If we play something a bit obscure which someone DOES want to know about, they'll just come up to ask about it...and I'm sure we've all experienced this.

The only time I really announce a song is when I have something ELSE to say as well...such as announcing the buffet is ready.

[Vectis]

Depends on the "Cheese Factor" selected by the host. I ask people what they want from the DJ on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is virtually no interaction and 10 is Peter Kay.

Most go for a '4 or 5' but some (usually younger) ask for '2 or 3' and others (usually older) ask for '6 or 7'. When folks ask for examples, I tell them that a '5' DJ will make necessary announcements and lead the party generally whilst introducing most tracks and injecting the odd bit of encouragement if needed to get folks moving.

Some might call it a gimmick but a lot of customers have expressed relief that I'm willing to alter the general behaviour to suit their requirements, citing bad experiences at other parties where they'd obviously inadvertently hired a '1' or a '10' :D

[Larry B Entertainment]

I very rarely introduce songs unless someone has asked for a shout out. I let the music do the talking :D :beer1:

[rob1963]

I very rarely introduce songs unless someone has asked for a shout out. I let the music do the talking :D :beer1:

Someone cover Darren's eyes quick!

[Larry B Entertainment]

Someone cover Darren's eyes quick!

I was kinda joking because i have seen Darren pull people up on that in the past :D

[kilmeedyman]

If its appropriate to the gig and the booker's instructions, I might at a wedding say something like "...... especially for Ellie, the chief bridesmaid, here's Gwen Stefani.."

However that's about as much track information as I will genrally give out as any more than that is for radio not mobile DJs. IMHO

[rob1963]

I was kinda joking because i have seen Darren pull people up on that in the past :D

:Laugh:

[CRAZY K]

I very rarely introduce songs unless someone has asked for a shout out. I let the music do the talking :D :beer1:

Hire an I pod its cheaper:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[One Vision]

I have never seen him DJ, he is in charge of booking the DJ's for a chain of Chicago Rock venues, he pulled me up on it when I did an audition.

In a way I do agree with him but if you are playing something slightly obscure it would be worth mentioning it because sometimes amongst the audience there may be a few people playing guess the record.

Hya mate was the audition for a Chicago Rock job?
If so they don't tend to like too much talking in regards to the track names etc. unless its advertising for them i.e. announcing £1 for shots all night on Monday nights etc.

[Excalibur]

Looks like there's no point in me auditioning for that company then. :( :( Thanks for the heads up. ;)

Rob, it must frighten the living daylights out of the punters when you suddenly unleash your stentorian tones on the audience for the second time in one night! Must be like the Chinese Water Torture, wondering when it's going to happen again, if at all. :eek:

Whilst I abhor the DJ with "Verbal Diarrhoea" as I have seen it put, at least if you speak betwen most records, the audience know you're playing the tunes yourself, and not just watching the equipment do all the work. There is of course the rider that what one says must be relevant, sensible, and if possible informative.

I don't care if you call me a Dinosaur, my punters like it and that's what counts.

[rob1963]

Rob, it must frighten the living daylights out of the punters when you suddenly unleash your stentorian tones on the audience for the second time in one night!

Excalibur,

I like to tease them by keeping them guessing as to when it will happen!

However, when it DOES happen, they always say it was worth waiting for!

:D

[kilmeedyman]

I don't care if you call me a Dinosaur, my punters like it and that's what counts.

History shows that dinosaurs die out :omg:

[Excalibur]

Excalibur,

I like to tease them by keeping them guessing as to when it will happen!

I think torture was more accurate. ;)



However, when it DOES happen, they always say it was worth waiting for!

:D

I've seen t-shirts bearing the legend- " I have heard Rob James speak at a Disco" ( There aren't many about though. ;) ;) )


History shows that dinosaurs die out :omg:

There's only two certainties in life. Death and Taxes. ;)

So far, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

[rob1963]

There's only two certainties in life. Death and Taxes. ;)

Really?

Well I don't plan to ever die.

So far, so good!

:D

[DazzyD]

I only announce tracks for shout-outs, requests (where I've been given a name) and dedications.

Otherwise, if folks want to know the song or artist, they just have to come up and ask! ;)

[CRAZY K]

I have never seen him DJ, he is in charge of booking the DJ's for a chain of Chicago Rock venues, he pulled me up on it when I did an audition.

In a way I do agree with him but if you are playing something slightly obscure it would be worth mentioning it because sometimes amongst the audience there may be a few people playing guess the record.

To be fair Mobile work tends to be a lot different to night club type venues and you need to be more entertaining and personable at Weddings and Parties because its the customers special day--not just another boring thudding disco which might just as well have been on I pod.

Which sadly was what happened last Saturday night at a Wedding I was Calling at.

Just to confirm ---I wasnt in charge of the disco music:thumbs_up:

CRAZY K

[DJ INDIE]

I only announce tracks for shout-outs, requests (where I've been given a name) and dedications.

Otherwise, if folks want to know the song or artist, they just have to come up and ask! ;)

same for me - i dont think people want to hear who sung what or when, just buffet, beer (last orders) and bed (last few songs) - and a speech if its anyones birthday etc.

as always, its horses for courses, but i dont announce anything but what people will be interested in. thats just my style.

[nigelwright7557]

Reason I ask is, another DJ said to me that if you are playing a song from say 30 years ago, eg billy ocean love really hurts, theres no point in announcing it, its been around for 30 years and everyone knows its billy ocean so why tell them again.

do you agree with this?

It doesnt matter what you say if they like it they will dance, if they dont like it they wont dance.

If you have to introduce then people dont know it and are unlikely to dance anyway.

I tend to be a minimal chat DJ. They cant dance to me chatting !

I find if I do chat they tend to go and sit down so its best to keep the music going.

I have had comments when people have booked me like "I hope your not gonna chat all night?"

Clearly I introduce myself at the beginning of the night, announce buffet time, bar closing, and at the end of the night thank everyone for being a great audience.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

And so, there is no communication with the audience and no entertainment value.

No skills at all really. You don't have to talk all over the music, be cheesy and talk rubbish whilst using the mic.

There are some of us who can entertain, inform, communicate without being cheesy, annoying and Peter Kay-esq...

[kilmeedyman]

I agree, Daz, although I commented on the basis that this thread was about announcing track names and artist names.

[Excalibur]

And so, there is no communication with the audience and no entertainment value.

No skills at all really. You don't have to talk all over the music, be cheesy and talk rubbish whilst using the mic.

There are some of us who can entertain, inform, communicate without being cheesy, annoying and Peter Kay-esq...

Absolutely totally and utterly agree. Aparently this now qualifies us as an endangered species! :( :( :(

[theoloyla]

In answer to the original question I do quite a lot for several reasons. Firstly it feels right and helps with the chop mixes from one song to another and whilst we may know all the tunes there are vast swathes of the audience who have little or no knowledge of music (even though that amazes us). My vocal pronoucements tend to be quite short and I talk over the music not give some long spiel which kills the dancefloor. I find I tend to talk more at the beginning of the evening or when it is a non dancing crowd. In those circumstances lots of people do play "guess the tune"; so I tend to back announce more than introduce. Introductions are for requests or complete changes in genre. I also know when to shut up and can and will do long segues without saying a word. It is a matter of judging the crowd knowing what will please and inspire them or what will turn them off.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I find I tend to talk more at the beginning of the evening or when it is a non dancing crowd.

Absolutely. Me too.

[kilmeedyman]

Absolutely. Me too.

Yes, but 'get up you lazy sods, this is good music' doesn't always work you know!

[DJ INDIE]

. I also know when to shut up and can and will do long segues without saying a word. It is a matter of judging the crowd knowing what will please and inspire them or what will turn them off.

spot on.

its a good asset to have the rapport and speil in your armour for when its needed, but just as important to know when to use it.

[Corabar Steve]

Yes, but 'get up you lazy sods, this is good music' doesn't always work you know!

Is that the clean version? :sj:

[Excalibur]

Yes, but 'get up you lazy sods, this is good music' doesn't always work you know!


Is that the clean version? :sj:

It's cleaner than some of the ones I've heard and used. ;) :D