Club Work...quick question.

[Charlie Brown]

Morning all....

I have just taken a booking to DJ at Gatecrasher in Nottingham. It's a mid week slot for 16-18 years.

How does this work? What equipment do I take? I'm clueless.

http://www.gatecrasher.co.uk/index.html

[ppentertainments]

The most common sense approach would be to ask the person booking you would it not ??? How did you take a booking without knowing these details ??

TBH most club gigs the most you need is your player (cd/mp3 etc) and music source.

[Charlie Brown]

The venue is being hired for a big private due. I took the booking knowing that the client will get back to me with details. It's just I have never worked in a club before so I just wanted some hints and tips, as well as the playout question...:)

[Pe7e]

The venue is being hired for a big private due. I took the booking knowing that the client will get back to me with details. It's just I have never worked in a club before so I just wanted some hints and tips, as well as the playout question...:)

If it's a private do, and they are hiring the club, you would be best contacting the club direct to find out what kit you need, they may include playout equipment as part of the hire. More likley you will need your own players and music to connect into their PA, if this is the case, don't forget to check what format leads you will need.

[DazzyD]

For club work I would recommend taking your headphones and a microphone you're used to using as well.

For a lot of club venues you just need these and your music but, as you've already been advised, you need to speak to the venue and/or client.

And good luck! Club work can be really good and you might even get more work from the venue if you do a good job.

[Starlight]

Don't you have to be a minimum of 18 years of age to work in clubs?

Neil M..........

[DazzyD]

Don't you have to be a minimum of 18 years of age to work in clubs?

Neil M..........

I was 17 when I started a rock disco at the local nightclub. It's not working with the drinks side of things and you can work without a child work permit at 16 so I don't see why not.

[djsteve10]

I have worked in Gatecrasher venues, You will just need your CD's, headphones & a mic as these venues have Pioneer CDJ1000's and usually either a Pioneer DJM800 mixer or a Allen & Heath. You will be best contacting the venue and asking for a number to contact the lighting jockey as these guys look after all the technical side of it too so they can tell you exactly what kit is in the venue.

[rob1963]

If it's a private do, and they are hiring the club, you would be best contacting the club direct to find out what kit you need

:agree:

[Paul The Party Dj]

See if you can arrange to visit before you play - it really helps to know what a place looks like as well as what you'll be working on.
Oh, and well done and good luck!

[Charlie Brown]

Thank you people....any more hints and tips would be great. :)

[Mark Wild]

What kind of music they asked you for Charlie? For some reason I don't associate Gatecrasher with cheesy tunes.

[Starlight]

For some reason I don't associate Gatecrasher with cheesy tunes.
:DJ: :lol: :DJ:

Neil M.

[daz226]

Charlie the last club i did all was required from me was my music so i just took loads of CD's and that was it the club play out system was used and went prety well and its quite refreshing to do a job where set up and tear down is like 5 mins.

Call the venue and enquire about the play out system then just take what you require to make the night work

[sted]

have to agree witht he others you really need to speak to both the club about the play out system and your client to find out on type of music etc

make sure you tak loads of pictures lol :) :) :)

[Mister Musicman]

I hope you can get up early for shcool the next day!

:DJ:

Rob (Mister Musicman)
www.mistermusicman.co.uk

[DJMaxG]

If it's a proper night club then

- Microphone
- Headphones
- Music Format (eg CDs/laptop)

[JDB Entertainment]

Definately check with the venue charlie as advised!!!

Proper Nightclub?? This is Gatecrasher we are talking about - its a proper nightclub Max.

Good Luck Charlie and have fun... its a different world.. talking from experience by the way!! ;)

[ppentertainments]

If it's a proper night club then

- Microphone
- Headphones
- Music Format (eg CDs/laptop)

:confused: :confused:
Based on what ? (Oh No Starting to sound like Darren :eek: :eek: ). I rarely do nightclub gigs now, but the few I do often require playout system as well. Maybe this is the minority but still something Charlie needs to check.

[Charlie Brown]

Yes yes thank you people! Thinking about it gets me all excited.

Nearer the time you lot will have to help me with the music. I have a rough idea but some advice would be great. :)

It's ever since that 90's rave in the field....I'm loving this "boom boom" music now ;) :sj:

[Mark Wild]

Best get polishing your "boom boom" music mixing skills there Charlie my son !

[Charlie Brown]

.....yeah yeah I know. I was acting daft. :)

[Mark Wild]

What kind of music they asked you for Charlie? For some reason I don't associate Gatecrasher with cheesy tunes.

So what kind of music is it Charlie?

[djsteve10]

If it's a proper night club then

- Microphone
- Headphones
- Music Format (eg CDs/laptop)

Laptop?? The only way you are allowed to use a laptop in Gatecrasher if you are booked through them is to be using Serato Scratch Live.

Charlie you should be fine using what ever playout you use but I'd say take some cds too as you will get to play on some Pioneer CDJ's :)

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

Well Done Charlie:beer1:

I've wanted to play in a club for ages now and the one time i get an offer...
I'm already booked:mad: :bang:

[Charlie Brown]

I don't have Secrato Scratch live!

[Mark Wild]

What kind of music they asked you for Charlie? For some reason I don't associate Gatecrasher with cheesy tunes.


So what kind of music is it Charlie?

So do you know what kind of music to play at your Gatecrasher Nottingham 16 - 18's event Charlie?

[Charlie Brown]

Well they asked for club, rave, some of the top 40 (remixes)?

Like I said, I'm going to have to do my research.

Maybe if I put a playlist together you could look through it? I'm probably one of the most gratefullest people when it comes to help. I love help and advice. We all learn from each other....

[Adam_F]

Well they asked for club, rave, some of the top 40 (remixes)?

Like I said, I'm going to have to do my research.

Maybe if I put a playlist together you could look through it? I'm probably one of the most gratefullest people when it comes to help. I love help and advice. We all learn from each other....

When is the event?

It'll help for us to give you an idea of what you need to be playing.

[DJ James Lake]

Charlie have a look at this link it will give you an idea of what other club djs are playing.

http://www.virtualdj.com/musicgroup/index.html

Especially the UK Bar & Club DJ's

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Charlie have a look at this link it will give you an idea of what other club djs are playing.

http://www.virtualdj.com/musicgroup/index.html

Especially the UK Bar & Club DJ's

The problem with that is that they could be people sat in their bedrooms pretending to be DJs...;)

[rob1963]

The problem with that is that they could be people sat in their bedrooms pretending to be DJs...;)

Darren...are you saying there are people who say they're DJs when really they're NOT?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :p :D

[Mark Wild]

There's some massively talented bedroom DJ's out there ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

There's some massively talented bedroom DJ's out there ;)

I'm sure there is, but that doesn't help in this respect does it?

[Mark Wild]

I'm sure there is, but that doesn't help in this respect does it?

May well do if Charlie takes a few pointers for his gig at Gatecrasher from the link James Lake posted, no?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

May well do if Charlie takes a few pointers for his gig at Gatecrasher from the link James Lake posted, no?

You're missing my point...

The link is all well and good if the lists are made by genuine DJs and not bedroom boys.

[sted]

May well do if Charlie takes a few pointers for his gig at Gatecrasher from the link James Lake posted, no?

i would think so.

just as a guildline maybe?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i would think so.

just as a guildline maybe?

Not if all the DJs subscribed are bedroom DJs. Does no one read threads properly?

[sted]

yes i do and what i meant is charlie said he wants to do wome research and looking at this is not going to harm as long as he is aware of the issues you have raised.

[Mark Wild]

You're missing my point...

The link is all well and good if the lists are made by genuine DJs and not bedroom boys.

No I'm not missing your point but argueing the fact doesn't help Charlie or the direction of this thread and yes I do read threads properly.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

No I'm not missing your point but argueing the fact doesn't help Charlie or the direction of this thread and yes I do read threads properly.

Then you should know that there is a good chance that the 'DJs' on the VDJ might not be DJs at all and might be posting their personal favourites which is not what is happening on the dance floors, but in their bedrooms.

There is no point in posting a link or giving duff information to someone like Charlie who has virtually no experience of this as it will steer him in the wrong direction.

I am a VDJ used and do use the forums and many of the people on there are not 'real' DJs.

And, I am not arguing. This is a forum where we discuss issues.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Are people really saying they should be taking the advice of bedroom djs instead of experienced ones?

[sted]

Are people really saying they should be taking the advice of bedroom djs instead of experienced ones?

no not at all.

[Mark Wild]

Are people really saying they should be taking the advice of bedroom djs instead of experienced ones?

What are you talking about? No-one has said anything like that. Try reading the thread properly ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I wish someone would....

[Charlie Brown]

Please please please STOP!

Just help me! Thats all I asked for....

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Please please please STOP!

Just help me! Thats all I asked for....

Whats the big drama about Charlie? Your playing a private function that just happeans to be in a nightclub?

Music policy, equipment etc.. is surely something you need to sort out with client otherwise how do you know what your quoting for?

[DJWilson]

Is it your average 16-18 event?

R&B
Dance
Trance/Techno from the latest Gatecrasher album.
Commericial remixes.

[sted]

There is no point in posting a link or giving duff information to someone like Charlie who has virtually no experience of this as it will steer him in the wrong direction.QUOTE]

[QUOTE=deckstardeluxe;367609]Whats the big drama about Charlie? Your playing a private function that just happeans to be in a nightclub?

Music policy, equipment etc.. is surely something you need to sort out with client otherwise how do you know what your quoting for?


and this answer helps him how?

[Mister Musicman]

Just a little tip Charlie. As you said will be using your computer, it may be a good idea to take along a copy of your Pro-Dub cert. Clubs like this are aware of the need for compliance.

:DJ:

Rob (Mister Musicman)
www.mistermusicman.co.uk

[DeckstarDeluxe]

[quote=Solitaire Entertainments Ltd;367583]There is no point in posting a link or giving duff information to someone like Charlie who has virtually no experience of this as it will steer him in the wrong direction.QUOTE]




and this answer helps him how?

The information that Charlie posts makes it kidda hard to pinpoint any advice without knowing more which in all fairness he said the client is getting back to him. We dont know if hes providing just the dj or a complete show, no music policy etc.. Does he need tips on mixing if hes going down the club music route?

Im not having a go at Charlie or anyone here just personally I would take alot more information before confirming the booking which Im guessing has been done?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Please please please STOP!

Just help me! Thats all I asked for....

Now look. This is a forum and somewhere where we discuss things.

If I think someone is giving you possibly wrong info, than I will say so.

If you don't want people to try and help then don't bother starting the thread to begin with.

[A1DL]

Whats the big drama about Charlie? Your playing a private function that just happeans to be in a nightclub?

Music policy, equipment etc.. is surely something you need to sort out with client otherwise how do you know what your quoting for?

That's a fair point Neil. If the party is for a client whom has hired the club for a private function, then treat it as any other private function.

If however it is an event being promoted by the club - a couple of points:

Firstly, you will need to adhere to any venue policy (such as disallowing auto-mixing software, as Steve has outlined) and make sure you are up to scratch (pardon the pun) with your style of presentation, mixing, etc. If this is a regular night, I suggest you get down to the next event to get a flavour of how the nights run.

Secondly, how did you get the gig, Charlie? If this is a night promoted by the club, I doubt they would risk unauditioned non-name DJs whom they've never heard/met.

[sted]

[quote=sted;367613]

The information that Charlie posts makes it kidda hard to pinpoint any advice without knowing more which in all fairness he said the client is getting back to him. We dont know if hes providing just the dj or a complete show, no music policy etc.. Does he need tips on mixing if hes going down the club music route?

Im not having a go at Charlie or anyone here just personally I would take alot more information before confirming the booking which Im guessing has been done?

ok sorry

[Charlie Brown]

Secondly, how did you get the gig, Charlie? If this is a night promoted by the club, I doubt they would risk unauditioned non-name DJs whom they've never heard/met.

It's not a regular contract. They have tracked me down from a party last year. I used to organize under 16 nights a lot as many of you know. I knew what music to play then.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpZTd25ZnoA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqpUyN3MDOI&feature=related



If you don't want people to try and help then don't bother starting the thread to begin with.

I think you took that the wrong way Darren. I just thought it was a tad pointless you two disputing whether the DJ's were bedroom or not. I just didn't see how it helped me....

The reason I started this thread was because I have no idea at all of what is entailed. You have told me to call the venue so that's what I will do ONCE the venue has opened in September.

[A1DL]

You have told me to call the venue so that's what I will do ONCE the venue has opened in September.

In the meantime Charlie, do take the opportunity to go along to some of the U18 nights at their other venues, it will give you a valuable insight.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Right Charlie if a nightclub has tracked you down then thats something to be rather proud of. Just carry on doing what you were doing to impress them!

[DJ James Lake]

The problem with that is that they could be people sat in their bedrooms pretending to be DJs...;)

Hence why the one particular group I would recommended is by a Luminar DJ in the UK playing commercial Rnb, Hip Hop, UK Funky, House, Old Skool, DnB and Garage

[ppentertainments]

The reason I started this thread was because I have no idea at all of what is entailed. You have told me to call the venue so that's what I will do ONCE the venue has opened in September.
I am suprised no-one has questioned this, but why have you taken a booking where you know nothing about what is required. You know nothing about the equipment or music requirements. I take it this was not a matter of quoting a fee rather than they offer you £xx to DJ.

Yes, I have taken similar gigs, but have been confident in being able to provide what is required.

I am sure you will be capable of this gig Charlie, once you find out the facts, but why take a booking you know nothing about :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think you took that the wrong way Darren. I just thought it was a tad pointless you two disputing whether the DJ's were bedroom or not. I just didn't see how it helped me....


Because if the DJs in the link were not working DJs, then the link would have been pointless as they wouldn't know what was actually being played in the real world. They'd be making it up.

How many more times....:bang:

[yourdj]

Chart and Dance would be a good bet. Lots of up to date R&B too such as beyonce, black eyed peas etc. mix it with some obscure classics every now and again such as bob Marley. works a treat as its half the speed and breaks up a good dance set.

Check if they have onsite music download facilities and get your mixing up to scratch. club DJing is much more daunting than a local community centre, especially gatecrasher.

The best bit though is you can arrive play, and leave without the hassle of packing stuff up etc.

Good luck

[Javlingames]

Dont worry too much about the technical aspect, as in mixing etc, nobody really notices charlie, honestly, ive worked in clubs for the last 10 years, as long as youre not banging and crashing your way through the songs people wont know a good mix from an average mix. Musically, It sounds like it will be a normal run of the mill U18's night which is what you are used to.

[DJ James Lake]

mix it with some obscure classics every now and again such as bob Marley. works a treat as its half the speed and breaks up a good dance set.

At an under 18s night at Gatecrasher??? I dont think so unless you want to empty a dancefloor and never be asked back again.


Check if they have onsite music download facilities
Thats going to look really professional dont you think???

[Charlie Brown]

Your DJ I think thats a great idea. Something like "Three little birds" would work a treat.... similar to what a professional DJ did last night.

Downloading too would be great...just in case there is the odd track I don't have.

I think I'm making a drama over nothing....just a standard 17th birthday with a bit more club and mic technique.

[Mark Wild]

I think I'm making a drama over nothing.....

Not really mate, you were probably shaken at the fact you were asked to DJ an under 18's event organised by and at Gatecrasher (exciting stuff). Now you know a bit more (the fact it's just a 17th and a private function) you can chill a bit as gigs like this you are more than capable of :) Awesome venue for a learning curve for you too, enjoy it and make sure you let us know what happens. As you can tell by the amount of responses to your thread, people are VERY quick to give you help and advice. Good luck little man :D

[DJ James Lake]

Your DJ I think thats a great idea. Something like "Three little birds" would work a treat.... similar to what a professional DJ did last night.

Downloading too would be great...just in case there is the odd track I don't have.

I think I'm making a drama over nothing....just a standard 17th birthday with a bit more club and mic technique.

Charlie please, please, please do not for your sake ask about downloading at the venue, it wont make you look professional.

[visualdjmax]

Charlie please, please, please do not for your sake ask about downloading at the venue, it wont make you look professional.

Why?

[DJ James Lake]

Why?

Because it could conjur up images of piracy for venue owners rightly or wrongly. And a Gatecrasher venue would be very hot on it.

It could show signs of an ill prepared DJ.

If Charlie is that worried about not having tracks then take a mobile broadband dongle and use it, but I certainly wouldnt approach the venue.

[DazzyD]

I think that YourDJ was referring to an in-house playout system which can pick tracks from a remote server. This is nothing to do with piracy or illegal downloading. We've mentioned before about certain venues having playout systems that are linked to a music database on a central/remote server. If the venue has this installed, and you're using the venues systems, then I don't think they'd be offended by you asking about it.

And, also, DJs can't have everything no matter how well-prepared they are!

Charlie, you now know it's a private function at a prestigious venue. My advice is to do what you do and enjoy it. Do a good job and get yourself on the venue's radar - it could well pay off for the future.

[visualdjmax]

I think that YourDJ was referring to an in-house playout system which can pick tracks from a remote server. This is nothing to do with piracy or illegal downloading. We've mentioned before about certain venues having playout systems that are linked to a music database on a central/remote server. If the venue has this installed, and you're using the venues systems, then I don't think they'd be offended by you asking about it.

And, also, DJs can't have everything no matter how well-prepared they are!

Charlie, you now know it's a private function at a prestigious venue. My advice is to do what you do and enjoy it. Do a good job and get yourself on the venue's radar - it could well pay off for the future.

Totally agree. I would even forget that you are playing at Gategrasher and just treat it as a normal gig otherwise you will get yourself all worked up! Make sure that you arrive early mate and practice and learn the gear onsite have a play around and get use to the sound etc. That way when the guests come in you will be quietly confident with the kit. Play to the crowd and don't worry about the Gategrasher brand and you will be fine!

[yourdj]

At an under 18s night at Gatecrasher??? I dont think so unless you want to empty a dancefloor and never be asked back again.


Thats going to look really professional dont you think???

Some classics do work. I have played the mentioned track at loads of 18ths after bonkers for example and it works really well.

Yes onsite downloads are great for more obscure tracks or tracks you do not posses, why would it be unprofessional? Its a tool of the trade.

i do a regular club night and i comes in handy at some points. Not all teens like chart.

[yourdj]

I think that YourDJ was referring to an in-house playout system which can pick tracks from a remote server.

Exactly. a club like gatecrasher will have everything at hand for top notch dj's.

You can also legally download tracks from ITUNES and the like. No club manager will question if you ask if there is a wireless internet link, which there is bound to be. :D

Find out who the promoters are if its not in house and have a chat with them as they will know exactly whos coming and the music tastes. I have promoted a few of these events in the past and you would be supprised on the night. hopefully not too chavvy lol

[yourdj]

sorry me again!

is this an A level party? If so i would stop the party and say something like who passed? and who did not pass and get the people who did pass to buy them a drink. Either way i would make a big deal out of it somehow?

Did the same thing in the opera house (similar club) a few years ago and i worked really well.

Just a thought but maybe not fitting in gate crasher?

[Charlie Brown]

Thank you so much for all your help guys...I'm really grateful.

I will contact the client tomorrow and get some more information. The old gatecrasher had a fire so it's currently being refurbished. It re opens in September so maybe they will have new DJ kit installed.

Music wise I will put together a playlist and let you guys rip it to shreds. :sj:

Thanks again....any more adivce would be nice. I think I will ask if I can latch onto their Wi Fi...remember my music collection is still building. :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Thank you so much for all your help guys...I'm really grateful.

I will contact the client tomorrow and get some more information. The old gatecrasher had a fire so it's currently being refurbished. It re opens in September so maybe they will have new DJ kit installed.

Music wise I will put together a playlist and let you guys rip it to shreds. :sj:

Thanks again....any more adivce would be nice. I think I will ask if I can latch onto their Wi Fi...remember my music collection is still building. :)

In all fairness Charlie if its a 17th you should know what they want right?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

In all fairness Charlie if its a 17th you should know what they want right?

If it was a 70th he might :sj:

[Charlie Brown]

:boxer2: :boxer: :boxer2: