What do you think about this?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

This quote comes from someone planning their wedding for next year. They have asked if I can hire the gear as they have many friends who are DJs.

I asked a few questions to see if we could help with the wedding and got a reply. One of the things she said was this:

"I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff."


Comments?

[DJ Jules]

She's right, it is easy to go for Cheesy crowd pleasers. Mainly because they please the crowd.

It's interesting to hear that Dance music is now considered a "Specialist" subject?

Julian

[Booche]

Do you consider yourslelve a "non-specialist DJ" and if not then i feel that will be some sort of standing point, stating that all your experiance will not make the dance music "cheesy"

Or am i reading this kinda wrong ?


Sorry if i am

Cheers Dave :)

[rob1963]

I never understand why so many people knock the cheesy stuff, when that's what gets most people dancing.

:shrug:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I never understand why so many peope knock the cheesy stuff, when that's what gets most people dancing.

:shrug:

That isn't really the issue. They are really into dance music, that is already established. This isn't a thread about why people knock cheesy music.

[Babybob]

I recently did a wedding evening reception for a Club DJ who specialises in the Dance genre, he told me he had loads of mates who were Dj's but none of them were prepared to take on a wedding.
I think if you have some Clubland music in your collection then you can get away with an hour or so if they want it, that's if your not experienced or into that type of stuff.

[rob1963]

"I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff."

Comments?

My comment is that I'm not really sure what they mean by non-specialist DJs. :shrug:

Apart from that, why is dance music difficult for ANYONE? All we have to do is ask what the client wants (which could be all dance music & no cheesy mainstream stuff), make sure we have it, get it if we dont, then play it.

[NKR]

"I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff."


Comments?

Dance Music - what type of dance music - Funky House, Trance, Electro, Hard House, etc. Its not that simple just to say dance music if they want to avoid the mainstream stuff.

Anyway sounds like they and a few of their mates go clubbing and everyone is going to be forced to sit through it and then go home early leaving a few people to have their atmosphereless dance night at their wedding.

Bizarre!

[Excalibur]

That isn't really the issue. They are really into dance music, that is already established. This isn't a thread about why people knock cheesy music.

Define "Dance Music". Is it that norrible noisy stuff with loads of thudding that empties the dancefloor? Or is it the cheesy ones which then refill it, and actually get people dancing? :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Corabar Entertainment]

I think that the same can be said about any genre, really. If it's not something you're heavily into, you will probably play the more commercial tracks from the genre (which, if you are highly into a particular genre, are almost always considered the cheesier end of the market)

A specialist in the field would almost definitely play a very different set

[gaza]

This quote comes from someone planning their wedding for next year. They have asked if I can hire the gear as they have many friends who are DJs.

I asked a few questions to see if we could help with the wedding and got a reply. One of the things she said was this:

"I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff."


Comments?


It makes me laugh when some clients think that, because we are " mobile djs" we cant play a specialized set.

I am sure that some of the 18th parties that i have done, some of the young crowd are thinking " blimey the dj lookes a bit old ", but when you play the big tunes they start giving you a high five and say " top toon man" :)

[Excalibur]

I think that the same can be said about any genre, really. If it's not something you're heavily into, you will probably play the more commercial tracks from the genre (which, if you are highly into a particular genre, are almost always considered the cheesier end of the market)

A specialist in the field would almost definitely play a very different set

Undoubtedly. But would he get Auntie Flo dancing? That's the trick. ;)

[StarZSoundS]

This quote comes from someone planning their wedding for next year. They have asked if I can hire the gear as they have many friends who are DJs.

I asked a few questions to see if we could help with the wedding and got a reply. One of the things she said was this:

"I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff."


Comments?

Marc Emailed me daily for about three months with his playlist....Heavy on Indie :Censored: Goo Goo Dolls...Same Jeans....Big Juicy....

Begged me not too veer from it.After the buffet 150 guests looking at an empty dance floor....great music i'm sure but dead wedding.

Pulled Marc and Bride to one side and asked if I could try Cha Cha Slide.RESULT.Packed dance floor.DJ regains control of the evening Groom eternally grateful to me for rescuing his special day
b

[Corabar Entertainment]

Undoubtedly. But would he get Auntie Flo dancing? That's the trick. ;)Completely agree - but isn't this a case of a gig where Auty Flo won't be in attendance, or, if she is, that the people holding the event don't care if she dances or not?

Horses for courses....... :)

[simonp]

asked if I could try Cha Cha Slide.

you went from 'heavy' indie, and banged straight in with the Cha Cha slide, you have certainly got grande gojones :beer1:

[gaza]

Completely agree - but isn't this a case of a gig where Auty Flo won't be in attendance, or, if she is, that the people holding the event don't care if she dances or not?

Horses for courses....... :)


Good point.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

OK, I'll stick the whole email up, as we've had quite a few questions that would have been answered if I had have put it all up.

" We are into dance music primarily (electro/house/techno) but were planning on 7-10ish being indie (everything from the beatles to the arctic monkeys), then dance music from 10.30 when the older people will probably be finished with dancing anyway. We are serious about music and would be devastated if we ended up with some of the DJ's our friends have had at their weddings! I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff.

We wanted record decks, CD-J's and a laptop hookup, dance lighting and obviously speakers. Is there any way you could provide a DJ but let our friends have the 10-12 slot?

We were also wanting to hire some uplighters for the rest of the room."

[Danno13]

I recently did a wedding evening reception for a Club DJ who specialises in the Dance genre, he told me he had loads of mates who were Dj's but none of them were prepared to take on a wedding.
I think if you have some Clubland music in your collection then you can get away with an hour or so if they want it, that's if your not experienced or into that type of stuff.

I think Clubland is definitley to be avoided if they don't want the cheesy mainstream stuff!!

Personally I'd need to know more about their idea of "dance music" if I were to feel confident enough to take this on, so would ask for some suggestions to make sure we're on the same wavelength.

[Adam_F]

I think if you have some Clubland music in your collection then you can get away with an hour or so if they want it, that's if your not experienced or into that type of stuff.


:eek:

Thats propably the reaction they were expecting when they asked Darren.

I thought only 12-15 year olds bought the "clubland" series. You couldn't seriously play that stuff if you were asked for dance, unless they asked for cheesy commercial euro dance.

I've got 2 weddings in for next year for colleagues who want specialised genres and want friends to do sets, as it's genres I don't specialise in, and I wouldn't dream of buying a "Now thats what I call Minimal Tech for the DJ who don't know the genre but is going to try anyway' Music" Volume 2.

[StarZSoundS]

you went from 'heavy' indie, and banged straight in with the Cha Cha slide, you have certainly got grande gojones :beer1:

Had to Mate....Saved the day.

Gojones???They had them on the Buffet;)

[simonp]

Gojones???They had them on the Buffet;)

Salty :eek:

[BeerFunk]

The very first thing that entered my thoughts when I read the initial quote, was that these people not only require a DJ with specific in-depth knowledge of dance music, but they also need a DJ who has the technical skills to keep the momentum going - ie. at the very least - basic beat matching skills.


Apart from that, why is dance music difficult for ANYONE? All we have to do is ask what the client wants (which could be all dance music & no cheesy mainstream stuff), make sure we have it, get it if we dont, then play it.It's not going to be that simple. I am a fan of dance music, most specifically house and garage. A huge amount of my favourite tracks are only available in full 12" versions, and I'm sorry, but cross fading from one to the other wouldn't be acceptable.


I think Clubland is definitley to be avoided if they don't want the cheesy mainstream stuff!!

I thought only 12-15 year olds bought the "clubland" series. You couldn't seriously play that stuff if you were asked for dance, unless they asked for cheesy commercial euro dance.I agree, Clubland is definitely a no go, IMO :)

[NKR]

Thats sounds a bit more sensible now. However, they clearly want their DJ friends (Bedroom or otherwise) to do that slot, so unless you are Tiesto or he's your mate then they aren't going to believe you anyway.

I can do dance music by the way - Especially if someone requested Trance and Hard House from 1997 to 2003 then I would be particularly good - In fact monster good. My biggest problem when people ask for dance at do's is I vanish off too deep and end up being ask for Basshunter and Cascada, which isn't dance music, but is musical toilet roll.

Anyway I appear to be rather waffly tonight so I am going to bed.

[NKR]

It's not going to be that simple. I am a fan of dance music, most specifically house and garage. A huge amount of my favourite tracks are only available in full 12" versions, and I'm sorry, but cross fading from one to the other wouldn't be acceptable.


Agreed if you are a bit rusty you better get the phones out and get that ear back in. Nothing worse than one thats taking a couple of bpm walk half way through the mix or worse still galloping horses.

[Excalibur]

Completely agree - but isn't this a case of a gig where Auty Flo won't be in attendance, or, if she is, that the people holding the event don't care if she dances or not?

Horses for courses....... :)
I think that's a despicable attitude. :( After all Auntie Flo has done for them over the years. I tell you something, she'd have danced if I'd been the DJ by God! ;)


OK, I'll stick the whole email up, as we've had quite a few questions that would have been answered if I had have put it all up.

" We are into dance music primarily (electro/house/techno) but were planning on 7-10ish being indie (everything from the beatles to the arctic monkeys), then dance music from 10.30 when the older people will probably be finished with dancing anyway. We are serious about music and would be devastated if we ended up with some of the DJ's our friends have had at their weddings! I think dance music is particularly difficult for non-specialist DJ's as its too easy to go for the cheesy, mainstream stuff.

We wanted record decks, CD-J's and a laptop hookup, dance lighting and obviously speakers. Is there any way you could provide a DJ but let our friends have the 10-12 slot?

We were also wanting to hire some uplighters for the rest of the room."
Ah, now we get the full SP. ;) No wonder the oldies will be finished dancing by 10pm, if they've had three hours of indie. :eek: I'd expect them to be done by about 7.30. ;)

[simonp]

I think Clubland is definitley to be avoided if they don't want the cheesy mainstream stuff!! would ask for some suggestions to make sure we're on the same wavelength.


:eek:
I thought only 12-15 year olds bought the "clubland" series. You couldn't seriously play that stuff if you were asked for dance, unless they asked for cheesy commercial euro dance.
.

Totally Fellas


The very first thing that entered my thoughts when I read the initial quote, was that these people not only require a DJ with specific in-depth knowledge of dance music, but they also need a DJ who has the technical skills to keep the momentum going - ie. at the very least - basic beat matching skills.

It's not just about beaing able to beat match (most DJ's can basicallly beatmatch nowadays) - there's the set construction, throwing in samples, loops, remixing on the fly - the club experience with non hugely commercial house tracks - right up my street, but I feel it'll fall flat on its face at a wedding reception, no matter how much they and their 'DJ mates' (LOL say ir as though its on inbetweeners and I dare you not to smile "DJ fweeends") love the genre/music etc

[NKR]

, but I feel it'll fall flat on its face at a wedding reception, no matter how much they and their 'DJ mates' (LOL say ir as though its on inbetweeners and I dare you not to smile "DJ fweeends") love the genre/music etc

I said that earlier. However, I had a really freaky one a few months ago where I was doing the wedding thing and nothing was working at all - I mean sod all.

Some American cousin came up and asked if I had any rave music. I said I will see what I can do but its a wedding, so maybe later. Then groom came up and asked for something dancy. I had a chat with him for a while and realised he wanted stuff I liked and used to do in the clubs.

I carry a couple of lines of my old club stuff in one of the CD boxes and just went for it. Place went mad including auntie flo. It was bizarre. I remember turning to Kev having just drop a dirty Prodigy remix and shrugging.

Weird, weird, weird. Was like that for nearly 2 hours. I enjoyed myself and so did they. They hadn't asked the agency for a dance DJ, so they were lucky really.

[rob1963]

Apart from that, why is dance music difficult for ANYONE? All we have to do is ask what the client wants (which could be all dance music & no cheesy mainstream stuff), make sure we have it, get it if we dont, then play it.


It's not going to be that simple. I am a fan of dance music, most specifically house and garage. A huge amount of my favourite tracks are only available in full 12" versions, and I'm sorry, but cross fading from one to the other wouldn't be acceptable.

Are you saying cross fading from one track to another is only acceptable with certain genres? If so, which ones & why?

:shrug:

I did a 21st last Friday where I played quite a lot of house & garage & cross faded from one to the other with no problems.

[Adam_F]

We wanted record decks, CD-J's and a laptop hookup, dance lighting and obviously speakers.


If you need to hire a pair of CDJ 2000s for the night, give me a shout ;)

[BeerFunk]

Are you saying cross fading from one track to another is only acceptable with certain genres? If so, which ones & why?

:shrug:

I did a 21st last Friday where I played quite a lot of house & garage & cross faded from one to the other with no problems.I was really talking about my own personal preference, Rob. You would get away with it at an 18th or 21st, but you tend to increase the energy on the dancefloor by mixing tracks together, or even just basic sequencing.

Out of interest, which garage tracks did you play?

[A1DL]

Are you saying cross fading from one track to another is only acceptable with certain genres? If so, which ones & why?


I guess it is acceptable for middle of the road, background music




I did a 21st last Friday where I played quite a lot of house & garage & cross faded from one to the other with no problems.

Rob, when you say you cross faded, did you beat match and tease the crowd with snippets of the incoming tracks for a few minutes before the breakdowns, and really work the crossfader? ... or did you just keep pushing the crossfader from left to right for every track? ... it's just I recall you said you don't use cans.

[rob1963]

I was really talking about my own personal preference, Rob. You would get away with it at an 18th or 21st, but you tend to increase the energy on the dancefloor by mixing tracks together, or even just basic sequencing.

Fair enough.


Out of interest, which garage tracks did you play?

To be honest, I can't remember most of it, as it's not my cup of tea & I've since thrown away the request list & deleted my playlist. The only ones I can remember are Heartbroken, What's it gonna be & Flowers.

[soundtracker]

Haha I've had a few of these where guest DJs are going to set the place on fire! Never quite happens somehow. Did one do last year where the floor was rammed from the start, asked the best man where the "start-turn" was, and when he was coming on, only to be told he had decided against it, as he was having too good a time on the dance floor!
Had another one where "superstar DJ" donned his shades, and headphones, and proceeded to bang out a speeded up version of "my heart will go on!" the dancers(his girlfriend & her sister) went wild! Everyone else went to the bar!!

[rob1963]

Rob, when you say you cross faded, did you beat match and tease the crowd with snippets of the incoming tracks for a few minutes before the breakdowns, and really work the crossfader? ... or did you just keep pushing the crossfader from left to right for every track? ... it's just I recall you said you don't use cans.

I don't use cans, and I didn't give snippets of the incoming tracks.

I simply faded from one track to the next, so maybe "crossfade" was the wrong term, even though using the crossfader does have the same effect as pushing one fader up & pulling another down.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I don't use cans, and I didn't give snippets of the incoming tracks.

I simply faded from one track to the next, so maybe "crossfade" was the wrong term, even though using the crossfader does have the same effect as pushing one fader up & pulling another down.

Which would be precisely what the people in my email didn't want.

[rob1963]

Which would be precisely what the people in my email didn't want.

Lucky they didn't email ME, then...or they'd have been out of luck!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Lucky they didn't email ME, then...or they'd have been out of luck!

Indeed! :D

[A1DL]

I don't use cans, and I didn't give snippets of the incoming tracks.

I simply faded from one track to the next, so maybe "crossfade" was the wrong term, even though using the crossfader does have the same effect as pushing one fader up & pulling another down.


But for people whom are seriously into their dance music, this form of presentation of the genre is lame. They want to hear it delivered in the same style as they would hear it in a club.

House 12"s have long intros and outros for a reason - for the DJ to work the track, and that means knowing the tracks intimately, where to start the cued up track, where the breakdown happens in the track playing - if you miss that critical point by half a second, that can be the difference between a great mix and a sloppy one.

Many dance tracks have big hooks and loops wich used as they're intended will catalyse the energy on the dancefloor.

But you do need cans for all that ;)

[DazzyD]

I've done a bit of specialist genre work in the past (including dance) but never at a wedding function. To get away with that you'd have to have a pretty narrow guest list which is the complete opposite of your average wedding.

From the original enquiry, though, it would seem to me that you wouldn't have to be the dance specialist, Daz, as the "guest" DJs would be taking care of that. Perhaps they'd be bringing their own media library? My interpretation of the enquiry is that you do three hours of general stuff and then hand over to the, ahem, "experts"!

Personally, I wouldn't take this booking on as I'm a primarily a "function" DJ and, the way I see it, if I had the dancefloor jumping for 3 hours and then had to hand over to some wannabe Ibiza DJ who may lose the dancefloor and the night takes a dive then I wouldn't be too happy. If the customer is adamant that this is what they want then maybe they should be having their party at MOS or God's Kitchen.

Just my opinion, mind!

[rob1963]

Indeed! :D

I'd have recommended a friend in Reading instead ;)

[rob1963]

But for people whom are seriously into their dance music, this form of presentation of the genre is lame. They want to hear it delivered in the same style as they would hear it in a club.

I guess I'm lucky that none of my wedding clients are seriously into their dance music then!

:D

[A1DL]

I guess I'm lucky that none of my wedding clients are seriously into their dance music then!

:D


But if you encountered a couple that were, would you be happy to hire a pair of CDJs so their DJ mates could play?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

But if you encountered a couple that were, would you be happy to hire a pair of CDJs so their DJ mates could play?

I'm just thinking about this actually...

Do you hire CDJs or vinyl turntables Tony?

[rob1963]

But if you encountered a couple that were, would you be happy to hire a pair of CDJs so their DJ mates could play?

No Tony, because I don't like people using my gear, and would like it even LESS if it was gear I'd hired in.

When asked to do something I'm not comfortable or happy with, or when I think there are other people who could provide a better service, I will refuse the booking...as I think it's the professional thing to do & in the customer's best interests.

[A1DL]

I'm just thinking about this actually...

Do you hire CDJs or vinyl turntables Tony?

We don't dry hire individual components Daz, we 'wet' hire (as part of a full PA system with technician/s) whatever system components the client requests (within reason!) - to be honest turntables don't get asked for much nowadays.

If you want dry hire, Mark Payne at Sound Foundation will look after you.

[A1DL]

When asked to do something I'm not comfortable or happy with, or when I think there are other people who could provide a better service, I will refuse the booking...as I think it's the professional thing to do & in the customer's best interests.

that's fair play Rob, can't argue with that:)

[DiscoPromotions]

I do regularly receive call asking for specialist genre types of music; majority of the calls are from people under age of 25 (I assuming here).

I love my dance, house and trance music. If I am out DJ'ing I usually start with some funky house remixed classics. Goes down really well with majority of crowds; I would not play it if I was doing 50+ Birthday and return to traditional background music.

I got ask to do a specialist night for one client for her 21st Birthday; apparently she got turned down by a majority of DJ's she tried them before calling me.

She wanted some dance and house music mixed and in beat. Which I did not see a problem with it. I did say to her I do not speed garage/4x4 or baseline genre (which is popular amongst these ages IMO). I wanted to set that expectation so she know what I can and cannot do.

I did say to her to provide a playlist of the songs she wanted to be played; then a week one turned up quite comprehensive with version she wanted playing.

Reviewing the list it was not specialist at in my opinon and I would assume majority of Mobile DJ's would carry it like:

- Delerium Ft Sara McLachlan - Silence
- William Orbit - Barber's Adagio For Strings
- Darude - Sandstorm
- Steve Angello - Show me love

All I did was spent the evening before setting up the playlists in Mixmeister and just mixed it on the night.

The night was fantastic and got feedback for it

http://discopromotions.com/images/stories/squinn.jpg

IMO I reckon any mobile DJ who understands beat mixing with a little preparation could have done the event with no problems.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I

All I did was spent the evening before setting up the playlists in Mixmeister and just mixed it on the night.


IMO I reckon any mobile DJ who understands beat mixing with a little preparation could have done the event with no problems.

I might be missing something here, but doesn't Mixmeister mix it for you if you put it in a playlist?

[DJMaxG]

I think that the same can be said about any genre, really. If it's not something you're heavily into, you will probably play the more commercial tracks from the genre (which, if you are highly into a particular genre, are almost always considered the cheesier end of the market)

Yes Angela - nail hit on head there :approve:


No Tony, because I don't like people using my gear, and would like it even LESS if it was gear I'd hired in.

I wouldn't allow others to use My main playout decks, music, headphones, or microphone, But I would wet hire, as Tony has mentioned below.


to be honest turntables don't get asked for much nowadays.

not even for Serato Stratch Live?


I might be missing something here, but doesn't Mixmeister mix it for you if you put it in a playlist?

Yes, but some would argue that, that is not 'proper' DJing.
It's hard to judge whether it is or isn't really :(

[kilmeedyman]

Yes it does beat-mix if you want it to but it's switchable on and off, track by track

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I wouldn't allow others to use My main playout decks, music, headphones, or microphone, But I would wet hire, as Tony has mentioned below.


So you wouldn't allow others to use your gear ? Or you would..?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

That isn't really the issue. They are really into dance music, that is already established. This isn't a thread about why people knock cheesy music.

dance music is a very board genre.......

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

dance music is a very board genre.......

Another person who didn't read the whole thread...;)

C'mon Neil.

....and 'board'? Broad perhaps....;)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Another person who didn't read the whole thread...;)

C'mon Neil.

....and 'board'? Broad perhaps....;)


sorry darren it is late (i really need to drag my sorry backside off to bed)

Personally I'd be happy to do such an event but my know is more of the mainstream stuff house from 80's to today 90's trance and a bit of dnb but other than that Im struggling.

Nice to do something different however as one day I might get bored of playing footloose (well maybe in twenty years or so ;)

[DiscoPromotions]

I might be missing something here, but doesn't Mixmeister mix it for you if you put it in a playlist?

Yes it does if you select the presets, but that would just be boring then.

The presets are good if you want lazy night, but they do mix very well on majority of songs. Also they do not work when you are mixing 3 or 4 tracks at the same time.

Before someone gets on the bandwagon and say that is not beat mixing. I will stop you right there.

This is a Yes and No.

No, I do not need to worry about being in and out of time. This works great when you got 3 to 4 tracks on the go at a time; then get asked for request at the same time.

Yes, as you still need to know how to mix from one track to another i.e EQ, effects and volume.

Before anyone asks, yes I can beat mix on CD and MP3, but not vinyl. I still regular practice when I can on a Behringer BCD3000 USB controller unit. I agree not CD J's but I am not going to invest money into something I will not use as never in one location long enough.

When on the train when between Birmingham & London I will load mixmeister and play around to find what I can mix together. Like everything else (over a few other posts) more is better :lol:

I love using mixmeister when DJ'ing as I can deliver some wicked mixes which are custom and majority on the fly. A bit of my 90's old skool mix http://discopromotions.com/images/audio/90sMMsample.mp3 (http://discopromotions.com/images/audio/90sMMsample.mp3)

Starts off with Livin' Joy - Dreamer, (Track 1) then goes into the NightCrawlers - Push the feeling on (Track 2)

Whist Dreamer still playing in the background. The drum loop behind NightCrawlers is from Baby D - Let me be your fantasy - 2 step garage version (Track 3).

Hope not lost you so far......

Before Strike - U sure do kicks Corona comes in at start with Baby Baby (Track 1) then Strike kicks in (Track 4)

So by now I got 3 tracks on the go Strike - U sure do playing with vocals from Baby D - Let me be your fantasy; with the intro kicking in from Corona's Baby Baby in the breaks

Then towards the of the sample it is down to 2 tracks with Strike U and Baby D then on to what I want to mix next.

I love it; as it is fun mixing 3 or 4 tracks at one time. If they built the controller with 6 tracks I might struggle, but it will be fun to try. :lol:

[soundmaster mobile disco]

Do you think that they have told all of there guests that from 10pm till 12 it will be a "nightclub" style.

Why is it that some people think that the older ones will be finished dancing and want to go home?

I have done weddings in the past where the bride and groom only wanted a certain style of music played,it may have been there favourites but it was not to everyone elses taste.They would not change there mind and told me to stick to there playlist.

I never hire out my equipment to anyone.

[DiscoPromotions]

Do you think that they have told all of there guests that from 10pm till 12 it will be a "nightclub" style.

Why is it that some people think that the older ones will be finished dancing and want to go home?

I have done weddings in the past where the bride and groom only wanted a certain style of music played,it may have been there favourites but it was not to everyone elses taste.They would not change there mind and told me to stick to there playlist.

I never hire out my equipment to anyone.

would it not be best for couples just to have an iPod and set up the playlist themselves.

[yourdj]

Great give them a set of decks two active speakers and charge them your normal fee minus a bit. easy night in by the sounds of it? It wont work if your there playing judge jools all night anyway.

[NKR]

would it not be best for couples just to have an iPod and set up the playlist themselves.

Isn't that like suggesting we put nails in our own coffins?

[andyw]

would it not be best for couples just to have an iPod and set up the playlist themselves.
oh dear:bang:

Great give them a set of decks two active speakers and charge them your normal fee minus a bit. easy night in by the sounds of it? It wont work if your there playing judge jools all night anyway.
charge your normal fee + a bit extra to hire in the extra equipment required, you will still have tobe there between 10 and 12( and more often then not will have to take back control of the party)
while i agree too many brides seem think they know best when it comes to the music selection for the event and instead of giving a list of a few tracks to throw in, want a specialist evening, my expirience tells me that when this happens it fails more often then it works, but i also believe in he who pays the piper calls the tune

[soundtracker]

So you wouldn't allow others to use your gear ? Or you would..?

He doesn't want people tramping mud through his bedroom!!!!:D

[Corabar Steve]

I'd have recommended a friend in Reading instead ;)
You've got a DJ friend in Reading? I wonder if Daz & Lee know him?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I know it's a business and all that and a booking is a booking but I would be tempted to tell them that I do not hire out my equipment. (a) Because I would hate it to get damaged when I rely on it to make my living and unfortunately, some people out there have no respect for other people's property (I did say SOME people), and (b) Their comments about the cheesiness etc were a bit rude as once again, people are assuming that all we do as Mobile DJ's is play cheesy party stuff.

I specialise in Indie/Alternative and 80's but that does not mean I can't beat mix when I want to (without computer programs too).

I have hired out lights before for bands etc but when it comes to the rest...well, I'm not sure if I would let it go out unmanned. If I did, there would have to be a big deposit put down incase of damages. In Darren's scenario (and with him being a multi op), I would be tempted to charge full price and maybe go along for the night aswell to observe levels etc. It may come to the point on the night where it's not working and it needs to be rescued? Also, lastly....if you are there you will be able to witness everything. (I know someone who hired out some kit to some DJ's once...not a wedding though and when he got his gear out at the end of the night he noticed that one of his CDJ's was covered in liquid. It was knackered. He found out...after a lot of investigation, that one of the DJ's had spilt a glass of JD and Coke over it). Now, it got sorted in the end and they ended up paying the repair bill BUT...it was the inconvenience at the end of the day because that someone then came to me and asked me if I could help him out as he was one CDJ down as it was being fixed. On that occasion I helped out as I had 2 sets and I knew it would be looked after.

[Adam_F]

to be honest turntables don't get asked for much nowadays.


It's been 12 months since mine were last out on a job.



not even for Serato Stratch Live?


A DJ isn't really likely to want to hire a USB audio interface, which they could easily fit into their laptop bag, and take their own.

[A1DL]

not even for Serato Stratch Live?


no - virtually always CDJs, Max

[simonp]

not even for Serato Stratch Live?

:(

Is this a new product I've not heard of - Is it a compliment to, or indeed better than Ranes Serato Scratch Live :sarc:

[Excalibur]

oh dear:bang:

charge your normal fee + a bit extra to hire in the extra equipment required, you will still have tobe there between 10 and 12( and more often then not will have to take back control of the party)
while i agree too many brides seem think they know best when it comes to the music selection for the event and instead of giving a list of a few tracks to throw in, want a specialist evening, my expirience tells me that when this happens it fails more often then it works, but i also believe in he who pays the piper calls the tune

Agreed totally.

[A1DL]

Also, when allowing guest DJs or BEs on your system, it is imperative to have brickwall protection in place between the mixer and the rack. When DJing or mixing yourself on your own system, you know the system constraints and you also have a vested interest not to rag the system & blow drivers.

Others playing on your system won't know or won't care less and will persist in redlining and trying to squeeze a few more dBs out of the FOH. When system teching, I usually use a dbx 1066 with "Peak Stop Plus" brickwall limiting @ 0db in line before the rack of d&b D12s The Formula Sound AVC2 is rather good too and can be configured to reduce the volume the harder it is pushed.... so if the DJ wants it louder, he has to turn the DJ mixer DOWN :)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

You obviously know your stuff and fair play BUT the easiest way round it (unless you are a hire company and do everything you have said), is not to hire out if you have any doubts whatsoever.

[MagicMusic]

I haven't read the whole thread but here is my opinion based on the original post.

I don't think it is possible to compete with a dj who is into a very specific genre. Sure you can check the Beatport top 10, buy the tracks then beatmix them but that's not the same as living and breathing a genre and understanding the subtle changes which can be made within that style based purely on sounds used or production techniques of a particular producer.

For example, do you know the difference between Showtek and Headhunterz? (both mince IMO) No, neither do I. A quick youtube search returns music which sounds virtually identical yet I witnessed two guys almost end up in a rammy about why one act were brilliant and the other were crap!??!

Much as you wouldn't expect a typical "dance music" (I really, really, hate that term!) dj to professionally organise a wedding / function etc disco it is wrong to assume that it can be done the other way round.

Would I lend out my rig? Yes if the price was right, they paid a big deposit and they were the right sort of clientele, a quick chat and a few probing questions should help make that decision.


EDIT:

I meant to add, people requesting this sort of night expect the disco to run like a club night. Non-stop continuous music carefully selected PLAYED IN THE RIGHT ORDER i.e keys not clashing, not playing a downtempo track immediately after a euphoric one etc. Something that most discos (and some club residents!) round these parts (Glasgow) seem incapable of.

[STEVE HANLEY]

There's Nothing I Would Love Better Than For Someone To Ask Me To Play A 5 Hour House/techno Set For Their Wedding. But Playing That Stuff Is Only For Practice Now. As I'll Never Get To Play It At A Mobile Disco Party

[Corabar Steve]

Please don't type like that, it makes it very hard to read.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

As an update to this...

I emailed her back, asking a few questions to make sure this is exactly what she wants and giving her a few ideas etc and also telling here that we can't supply CDJs or vinyl turntables and she came back to me and asked if we all use laptops, so I replied and tell her about laptops, midi controllers, media players etc and she replies again and says "Actually, my friends all use laptops and were being a bit ambitious with their requirements"

So, I have kept the communication going, which is important and we'll have to see if she comes back to me and books anything.