What do you primarily see yourself as?

[rob1963]

Inspired by another thread, what do you primarily see yourself as...a DJ, an entertainer or something else? and why?

I see myself as a DJ, as I play music for people to dance to, which as far as I know is what a DJ does. I also see myself as a quiz host, as I host quiz nights as well.

I've never thought of myself as an entertainer, as that's a pretty meaningless word to me, because it's so general & covers loads of things. Calling myself an entertainer would be a bit like someone asking my occupation when I had the day job, and me saying "I'm an office worker"

You may wonder why my business name is Rob James Entertainment if I don't see myself as an entertainer, and the reason is simple. When I only did discos, I was Rob James Discotheques, and when I started quiz nights and had to change the name, I decided to use the word entertainment, as I like to keep things simple, and "Rob James Entertainment" is MUCH more simple than "Rob James Mobile Discotheques and Quiz Nights".

Over to you!

[DeckstarDeluxe]

What you have to remember is we are in the entertainment buisness like it or not!

I havent ever really given this much thought, when i started i wanted to be a funky house dj that ended up playing at pacha and living in ibiza but things changed! Even now I see what visualmax(or is it dj) sorry no offence does and I'd love to go into that bring in not just sound entertainment but visuals as well which then classes me more of a visual or media dj. I have no idea where Im talking Deckstar Deluxe in the long run. I wouldnt class myself as a entertainer but I have no proplem with people that do call me an entertainer!

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I suppose it depends on the services you provide (maybe?). I do Karaoke's, Quiz Nights, Race Nights etc etc so maybe I am an all rounder? I like to think of myself as a DJ predominantly but as a business...well, it's an entertainment business isn't it. It's the trade that we are in.

[BeerFunk]

I see myself as a DJ, competent in most styles and environments.

[Twinspin]

I see myself as a mobile dj thats it. Go to a booking with my equipment play tunes and do the necessary mic work that a DJ does.

If someone wants me to do master of ceremonies work then they have come to the wrong type of business. I can recommend a speaker/master of ceremonies if they want one.

[Excalibur]

I do see myself as an entertainer. I think that's cos I started when we all were. ;) :D

Rob, I wonder if you're selling yourself short? When you do quizzes, I bet you don't simply ask the question totally deadpan, and shut up till the next one. I'd guess you add little quips and merry banter, and generally make the quiz more enjoyable.

I reckon that some of us who call ourselves entertainers believe it's a style, not a title.

[Corabar Steve]

I am an individual & I cannot be classified :sj:

[rob1963]

When you do quizzes, I bet you don't simply ask the question totally deadpan, and shut up till the next one. I'd guess you add little quips and merry banter, and generally make the quiz more enjoyable.


That's EXACTLY what I do. Otherwise people wouldn't enjoy it as much, so they might not come back and I could ultimately get the sack.

In reality I've been doing one particular quiz for over 6 years, and I have several teams who have been coming virtually every week since I started, so whatever I do seems to work.

Despite this, I still see myself as a quiz host rather than an entertainer.


I am an individual & I cannot be classified :sj:

Ahhh...but an individual WHAT? :D

[spin mobile disco]

Simply as a mobile DJ I travel a lot do not play to often in the same venue's I use the mic and play music. My entire job being the playing of music announcments trying my best to make sure first dance is on time announcing buffet, dedications on the mic the occasional encouragment for more dancers or more requests.
In the eighties I thought of myself as an entertainer but i think end of the nineties what we do had changed in peoples eyes and they no longer wanted the banter and jokes we used to use in an evening. Shame really personality DJ's are out of favour but hey ho.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

A DJ is an entertainer (in most cases)

[PropellerHeadCase]

Yes, Darren, but Robbie Williams said something along the lines of, "I'm an OK singer, but really I'm an entertainer".

Whilst a DJ is a type of entertainer (lowercase 'e'), an Entertainer is someone who brings other elements into their performance - someone who brings comedy and dance into their performance... they're more of a performer than someone who plays great music and makes the occasional announcement.

[rob1963]

Whilst a DJ is a type of entertainer (lowercase 'e'), an Entertainer is someone who brings other elements into their performance - someone who brings comedy and dance into their performance... they're more of a performer than someone who plays great music and makes the occasional announcement.

Well said, Al.

I don't understand this idea some people seem to have that someone who just plays music and makes announcements is a DJ, but if they also make a few amusing comments on the microphone, that suddenly turns them into an entertainer.

:shrug:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Well said, Al.

I don't understand this idea some people seem to have that someone who just plays music and makes announcements is a DJ, but if they also make a few amusing comments on the microphone, that suddenly turns them into an entertainer.

:shrug:

Using your own skills to entertain a crowd isnt classed as being an entertainer?

[Excalibur]

Yes, Darren, but Robbie Williams said something along the lines of, "I'm an OK singer, but really I'm an entertainer".

Whilst a DJ is a type of entertainer (lowercase 'e'), an Entertainer is someone who brings other elements into their performance - someone who brings comedy and dance into their performance... they're more of a performer than someone who plays great music and makes the occasional announcement.


Well said, Al.

I don't understand this idea some people seem to have that someone who just plays music and makes announcements is a DJ, but if they also make a few amusing comments on the microphone, that suddenly turns them into an entertainer.

:shrug:
I reckon we'll all line up on opposite sides then lads. ;) :D So be it. :D

[rob1963]

Using your own skills to entertain a crowd isnt classed as being an entertainer?

What skills?

In my opinion, if you do a bit of juggling, some magic tricks and some singing & dancing then you're classed as being an entertainer.

Hoever, if you play music (regardless of how much you use the mic) then you're classed as a DJ.


I reckon we'll all line up on opposite sides then lads. ;) :D So be it. :D

:cry:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Rob you really think that the art of playing the right music at the right time to the right people is childs play? Your putting on a show to provide the "evenings entertainment".

If your just wacking a few cds on for background music at your local pub then I wouldnt class that as entertainment but getting people off their backsides onto the dancefloor and dancing isnt easy. Some people will only dance to a few select records and most of the time you have to "second guess" or read peoples minds (Ok alot of this comes down to stereotyping). Thats the way I see it and while before these threads came up I only thought of myself as a mobile dj, now I do consider myself an mobile dj who can be classed as an entertainer.

Rob you been doing this long enough to know what music works when. Ive seen countless amounts of wet behind the ear djs who have no idea about providing a good mobile disco. After all a few years ago I was one.!

At the end of the day I can only speak for myself but Im always looking at what my audience is doing even early doors. I throw a few genre tracks and look for reactions even if its something simple as tapping their feet or doing abit of a jig. If something works well I'll happily play a similar more well known track later on and so on....

[rob1963]

We'll agree to differ, then, deckstar...because all the things you described are things done by a DJ rather than an actual entertainer.

Calling a DJ an entertainer would be like me being asked what I did for a living in the days when I was a bank clerk, and me replying "I'm an office worker"

[Excalibur]

I reckon we'll all line up on opposite sides then lads. ;) :D So be it. :D


:cry:

Fear not young Rob. Violence shouldn't be involved, and this will have no adverse effect on the provision of your free pint. :beer1:

[rob1963]

this will have no adverse effect on the provision of your free pint. :beer1:

:D :D :D

[Vectis]

I see myself as a service provider with a wide range of abilities and capabilities which happen to include a very good working knowledge of popular music of most genres/eras and to be able to string a selection of such songs together in a way that is conducive to creating a great party atmosphere when interjected with the odd bit of chat and occasionally banter.

For the majority of my corporate working life I've been a 'completer-finisher' sitting in a project or programme management role. I have a natural ability to 'see the big picture' and to accurately and quickly identify the specific nuances of a given situation and think through the implications of change. I'm extremely calm in pressure situations and although I dislike making assumptions, when forced to I'm rather good at doing the right thing. Strangely, whilst this makes me a good DJ (or so I'm told :p ), I'm not very good at chess :o

That's why, with the majority of my events, I am far more deeply involved in the planning and preparation than any other DJ I've ever met! It works, though, as my reputation and feedback are rather good, and whilst I'm quite expensive for my "patch" I'm out working at the desired frequency.

[Excalibur]

Excellent answer Vectis. Sadly, I have little idea which side of the fence you're coming own on, or if you even use a fence. :confused: :confused:

Too much Reggie Perrin in you lad.

[Vectis]

Excellent answer Vectis. Sadly, I have little idea which side of the fence you're coming own on, or if you even use a fence. :confused: :confused:

Didn't realise there WAS a fence :o

But I suspect you're playing into the "DJ" or "Entertainer" space, in which case I'm whatever my customer is paying me to be. I can do both. Some customers want an entertainer, I can do that. Others want a DJ. I can do that too.

I generally find though that ALL customers with very few exceptions want the reassurance of meeting a capable and experienced professional ahead of their big day who can be entrusted with running the entertainment part of their event. Once they come to the natural realisation that they've found the right person, the purse-strings loosen and you can usually start to enhance your offering somewhat ;)

[Excalibur]

Gis a job. I can do that. :D

[rob1963]

I see myself as a service provider with a wide range of abilities and capabilities which happen to include a very good working knowledge of popular music of most genres/eras and to be able to string a selection of such songs together in a way that is conducive to creating a great party atmosphere when interjected with the odd bit of chat and occasionally banter.

For the majority of my corporate working life I've been a 'completer-finisher' sitting in a project or programme management role. I have a natural ability to 'see the big picture' and to accurately and quickly identify the specific nuances of a given situation and think through the implications of change. I'm extremely calm in pressure situations and although I dislike making assumptions, when forced to I'm rather good at doing the right thing. Strangely, whilst this makes me a good DJ (or so I'm told :p ), I'm not very good at chess :o

That's why, with the majority of my events, I am far more deeply involved in the planning and preparation than any other DJ I've ever met! It works, though, as my reputation and feedback are rather good, and whilst I'm quite expensive for my "patch" I'm out working at the desired frequency.

In other words, you're a DJ!

:D :D :D

[Excalibur]

In other words, you're a DJ!

:D :D :D

I'd say he was verbose and intentionally mischievous and flippant.



Or was that me? :confused: :D :D

[Vectis]

I'd say he was verbose and intentionally mischievous and flippant.

Moi? :party1:

[Excalibur]

Moi? :party1:

Nous. :o :o

[CRAZY K]

In other words, you're a DJ!

:D :D :D

Offering services that distance his business from the competition irrespective of cost.;)

Thats what some of us do---:D

CRAZY K

[Tony Scott]

......what do you primarily see yourself as...a DJ, an entertainer or something else? and why?

......a cash cow for my wife! :D :D

to be fair she earns more than I do so I'm being a bit unfair....:)

[rob1963]

......a cash cow for my wife! :D :D


I didn't think to add that option Tony!

:D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

A DJ should be an entertainer.

If you aren't, then you are doing something seriously wrong IMO.

[Excalibur]

A DJ should be an entertainer.

If you aren't, then you are doing something seriously wrong IMO.

Welcome to Dinosaur World, apparently. :D :D

[rob1963]

I don't know about anyone else, but what matters to me at the end of the day is my clients unsolicited feedback.

Examples of this appear on my home page. It is VERY complimentary, but none of it includes the word "entertainer"

Maybe that's because like me, my clients ALSO see me as a DJ.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Examples of this appear on my home page. It is VERY complimentary, but none of it includes the word "entertainer"


And that has what to do with this thread?

I wasn't asking what your clients thought and anyway, what would they know? They couldn't tell the difference between an mp3 ripped at 128 or 320kbps and certainly couldn't tell whether an announcement was made by the DJ or it was a jingle CD being played and yet it is very important that they know the difference between calling someone a DJ or entertainer.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

In all fairness Rob you can class a few other jobs as "entertainers".

Singers, Stand up comedians, quiz hosts, karaoke hosts, can be pooled into the entertainment category. For example I know the AA and my insurance broker consider myself an entertainer.

[rob1963]

And that has what to do with this thread?

If my clients feedback often included the word entertainer, that could make the way I see myself change, so I'd say their opinions & feedback are VERY relevant to the thread.

[CRAZY K]

A DJ should be an entertainer.

If you aren't, then you are doing something seriously wrong IMO.

Agree completely but whats being an entertainer in a recorded music business using technology easily bought and capable of being operated by most of the public.

Choice of music that the audience respond to or the additional skill of banter, and general chat over the mike that makes it appear the music is part of the Djs show for the evening rather than the DJ just pushes buttons and sets up the equipment and is an overpaid equipment setter upper and button pusher.

I think modern technology I pod, lap tops etc now mean that anyone can "play music" so the publics value of our services has reduced in some peoples opinion, mainly those who are looking to save money I might add, rather than have a quality evening.:bang: :bang: :bang:

I may have shot myself in the foot as I agreed to allow a potential Wedding client to play an ipod through a Callers PA but pointed out it wont sound like a proper disco would.

Strangely that enquiry seems to have gone dead:D :D :D :D

Last night before I set up the client shoved an i pod through a small PA system to give some background music--its so easy now.

I have an email today from next Saturdays Wedding client enclosing an MP3
of a karaoke track for the brides sister and a sudden request for a different first song, MP3 again sent to me.

The following week we have a Private party client who has stated the order that his choice of tracks should be played in.

Improved music play out technology and the apparent wish of clients to be involved more with their choice of music is lessening the DJs need to be an entertainer in the Wedding and Private Party music market I work in--thats how I find it. Getting the music totally right appears to be a major priority.

Doesnt stop me putting my own chat, personality and remarks in there with the music though;)

Possibly less focussed Public Disco events like Pubs and Football Clubs etc are different--I dont know as I dont work at those kind of events.

CRAZY K

[PropellerHeadCase]

And that has what to do with this thread?

I wasn't asking what your clients thought and anyway, what would they know? They couldn't tell the difference between an mp3 ripped at 128 or 320kbps and certainly couldn't tell whether an announcement was made by the DJ or it was a jingle CD being played and yet it is very important that they know the difference between calling someone a DJ or entertainer.

If they can't tell, then it has no impact on them, so it doesn't actually matter. Either you need to hold your clients' abilities to discern in higher esteem, or... and I dread saying this... Rob's right :sofa:

[rob1963]

If they can't tell, then it has no impact on them, so it doesn't actually matter. Either you need to hold your clients' abilities to discern in higher esteem, or... and I dread saying this... Rob's right :sofa:

Al...remind me to buy you a drink when we meet!

:D :D :D

[rob1963]

but whats being an entertainer in a recorded music business using technology easily bought and capable of being operated by most of the public.

Exactly.

If you play music you're a DJ, but according to some people if you also make a few amusing comments on the mic, you magically turn into an entertainer.

I don't see it myself.

:shrug:

[BeerFunk]

This is largely a matter of opinion, and I can see arguments on both sides.

However, I do think using the term 'entertainer' for a mobile DJ is stretching the imagination a bit. A radio DJ on the other hand, I would comfortably class as an entertainer.

As a comparison, would someone directing and controlling DMX lighting (in a live situation with a lighting desk) on a dancefloor be classed as an entertainer? What about a bingo caller? Again, I suppose it's a matter of opinion, and perception.

[Tony Scott]

A radio DJ on the other hand, I would comfortably class as an entertainer.


Wrong, that would be a 'Presenter'.......just thought I'd throw that in to the mix! :D :D

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Ok out of interest can someone give me examples of people who are just an "entertainer" because Im struggling using the logic of some people on here to think of any that would be?

[Tony Scott]

Been thinking about this and I believe the difference comes down to how much interaction the dj has with the crowd.

I've seen a dj at a 'Dinner Dance' that went around to each table talking to people during the meal......he remembered names, found out what company the table worked for, took requests and then worked this into his patter when he started djing. I was very impressed with him, his performance was effortless, witty and he used the mic very well. I would say he was an 'entertainer'.

I like to chat and make the odd observation if it's appropriate but I don't think I could do what this DJ did. My music selection, crowd reading and technical abilities are definately my strongest skills but I can also use the mic to good effect.....not sure I'd call myself an 'entertainer' though. :)

[rob1963]

Wrong, that would be a 'Presenter'.......just thought I'd throw that in to the mix! :D :D

Which begs the question "What's the difference between a radio DJ & a radio presenter"?


My music selection, crowd reading and technical abilities are definately my strongest skills

These are skills you'd expect any good DJ to have.


not sure I'd call myself an 'entertainer' though. :)

Someone else who has seen the light!

Respect, Tony!

Bruce Forsyth is an entertainer.

Regardless of our skills or mic use, we are DJs.

:D :D :D

[Corabar Steve]

I'm not saying it's right or wrong, (& frankly I don't care either way), but when you go to do a gig, are you, or are you not there to keep the audience entertained?

[rob1963]

I'm not saying it's right or wrong, (& frankly I don't care either way), but when you go to do a gig, are you, or are you not there to keep the audience entertained?

Me personally, no.....but the music I play, yes.

For those who do this full time, if you meet someone socially & they ask what you do for a living, how many of you reply "I'm am entertainer"?

Even if you DID say that, they wouldn't know what you meant, so they'd then have to ask the second question "So what do you do exactly"?

[Corabar Steve]

Now you're being silly. The music isn't going to select & play itself.

Are we not in the entertainment industry?

[OllieJames]

It's a tricky one.

We are in the entertainment industry so strictly speaking we are entertainers, but i'm inclined to think that when you operate a mobile disco you are a DJ, unless of course you do all the childrens games. However, having said that a DJ is entertainer, as the client has hired them for entertainment...

Gah, i'm confusing myself! Anyway, when people ask me what i do, i tell them i'm a DJ.

[rob1963]

Now you're being silly. The music isn't going to select & play itself.

No, in my case most of it is selected in advance by clients, with some of it being selected on the night by punters, and sometimes a small number of tracks are even selected by me.

You're right, though, it's me who selects the order of the music & presses the play button the D2 (having made up a playlist in advance).

Are you saying that makes me an entertainer?


Are we not in the entertainment industry?

Yes...we are DJs in the entertainment industry.

:D :D :D

[OllieJames]

It's a tricky one.

We are in the entertainment industry so strictly speaking we are entertainers, but i'm inclined to think that when you operate a mobile disco you are a DJ, unless of course you do all the childrens games. However, having said that a DJ is entertainer, as the client has hired them for entertainment...

Gah, i'm confusing myself! Anyway, when people ask me what i do, i tell them i'm a DJ.

I meant to write;

However, DJs are a form of entertainment, as the client hires us to entertain them & their guests.

[rob1963]

DJs are a form of entertainment, as the client hires us to entertain them & their guests.

Mine just hire me to play music!

:D

[OllieJames]

Mine just hire me to play music!

:D

So when you play them music, they just sit there talking to each other? The events that i DJ for don't :D

[rob1963]

So when you play them music, they just sit there talking to each other?

No...they get up & dance to the music.

:)

[OllieJames]

No...they get up & dance to the music.

:)

Well you're entertaining them aren't you? :D

[rob1963]

Well you're entertaining them aren't you? :D

No...the MUSIC I play is entertaining them!

:D :D :D :D :D

[OllieJames]

No...the MUSIC I play is entertaining them!

:D :D :D :D :D

Yes, but the sole intention of a mobile disco/DJ being hired by a client is to entertain the guests, right? Now, no-one pick up on what i'm just about to say, but if it's JUST the music entertaining the guests, why do clients hire DJs? If it was JUST music that entertains the guests what is the point in a DJ?

In my opinion, and i believe a few people would agree with me, the job of the DJ is not just to play music but to interact with the guests? Well, that's what i believe anyway :)

[PropellerHeadCase]

Me personally, no.....but the music I play, yes.

For those who do this full time, if you meet someone socially & they ask what you do for a living, how many of you reply "I'm am entertainer"?

Even if you DID say that, they wouldn't know what you meant, so they'd then have to ask the second question "So what do you do exactly"?


Now you're being silly. The music isn't going to select & play itself.

Are we not in the entertainment industry?


No...the MUSIC I play is entertaining them!

:D :D :D :D :D

Sorry, Rob, my support of you is over, you're now just splitting hairs. You are a DJ, a DJ entertains the crowd, ipso facto you are an entertainer whose principle medium of entertainment is DJing/music, as such, you'd refer to yourself as a DJ for clarity's sake. If you also made balloon animals and/or did close up magic and/or did a bit of patter/comic routine and/or sang the first dance you'd be an entertainer who happens to use DJing as a staple within the performance and you're more likely to say you're an entertainer.

[rob1963]

you'd refer to yourself as a DJ for clarity's sake.

Exactly, and that's the point I've been trying to make all along.

You say your support for me is over, yet YOU even have DJ in your website address!

:shrug:

[CRAZY K]

Sorry, Rob, my support of you is over, you're now just splitting hairs. You are a DJ, a DJ entertains the crowd, ipso facto you are an entertainer whose principle medium of entertainment is DJing/music, as such, you'd refer to yourself as a DJ for clarity's sake. If you also made balloon animals and/or did close up magic and/or did a bit of patter/comic routine and/or sang the first dance you'd be an entertainer who happens to use DJing as a staple within the performance and you're more likely to say you're an entertainer.

HMMMM GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE MUSIC DOES THE TALKING.

Wheres Darren when you need him--oh in bed:cool:

I do agree with Darren ( although you dont have to be Emperoro Rosko ) that unless you are going to put something extra into the night other than playing the music--your days may be numbered due to I pods and technology.

Who knows--think the unthinkable---Wedding venues ( if they were smart) would be arranging to set up playlists of music for clients and get a flunkey ( Hotel Manager) to play the First dance and then a programmed ipod afterwards for a fee less than a DJ.

Wont happen?

Only if you let your entertainment offering be replaced by technology :eek:

Recorded music wiped out a load of live bands from the the 60s onwards--same could happen to Djs.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

Recorded music wiped out a load of live bands from the the 60s onwards--same could happen to Djs.

As long as it doesn't happen for a few more years, then that's fine with me!

:D :D :D

[PropellerHeadCase]

Exactly, and that's the point I've been trying to make all along.

You say your support for me is over, yet YOU even have DJ in your website address!

But I've never said that I'm not an entertainer, I've just said that I am a DJ ;)

...And my website address says DJ for clarity's sake, as per my post that you have partially quoted.




HMMMM GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE MUSIC DOES THE TALKING.

Wheres Darren when you need him--oh in bed:cool:

I do agree with Darren ( although you dont have to be Emperoro Rosko ) that unless you are going to put something extra into the night other than playing the music--your days may be numbered due to I pods and technology.

Who knows--think the unthinkable---Wedding venues ( if they were smart) would be arranging to set up playlists of music for clients and get a flunkey ( Hotel Manager) to play the First dance and then a programmed ipod afterwards for a fee less than a DJ.

Wont happen?

Only if you let your entertainment offering be replaced by technology :eek:

Recorded music wiped out a load of live bands from the the 60s onwards--same could happen to Djs.

CRAZY K

Alan, it'll only happen if those DJs who only play music do so with no thought for musical dynamics - I would've said that the key selling point for a DJ is responsiveness to the crowd, everything else is extra.

[rob1963]

But I've never said that I'm not an entertainer, I've just said that I am a DJ ;)

Now who's splitting hairs?

:D

[PropellerHeadCase]

Not me, I'm trying to attract people to my website who are looking for DJs as their entertainment for the evening ;)

[rob1963]

:whiteflag: