Pressure Gigs

[Ryu]

Just found out I am going to be DJing at my companies (Utility Company, like Blue Flames) Christmas party this year.

Its a big deal for me as, obviously, I know alot of the people going, there is 2 people attending who I am doing weddings for next year and, given the average age of the office is about 25, there is a lot of potential for future weddings, birthdays etc coming my way if I get the night right. Equally, if the night bombs, there's a chance of losing custom!

Its a 70's 80's theme night, but having spoken to the organiser today, she has asked for "The usual Cheesy Party Stuff" and then again most of the folks around the office are trendy music fans....so I'm not so sure.

Anyways, the point of the thread is...Have you had any big nights like this? a "Make or Break" night if you will? If so...how did you cope with it all?

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I don't think you have anything to worry about mate. If they have stated that there is a 70's and 80's theme then people know well in advance what kind of music to expect and they will get into the vibe of it.
If the organiser has also stated that they would like some 'cheesy tunes' then so be it, just chuck some in.

I would'nt worry about what the people think who have booked you for their weddings either as they will also know well in advance what to expect. Just go and enjoy it. I think you'll find that even the 'trendies' will get into the spirit.

[Ryu]

I don't think you have anything to worry about mate. If they have stated that there is a 70's and 80's theme then people know well in advance what kind of music to expect and they will get into the vibe of it.
If the organiser has also stated that they would like some 'cheesy tunes' then so be it, just chuck some in.

I would'nt worry about what the people think who have booked you for their weddings either as they will also know well in advance what to expect. Just go and enjoy it. I think you'll find that even the 'trendies' will get into the spirit.

Cheers Shakermaker. Its a good day for it too, Friday 18th December, so people are going to be in the best possible mood for party standards. I guess I just get a bit worked up when its my workmates...would LIKE for it to lead to more work ideally, what better referral than having already given someone a good night out!

[mike8863]

seriously, if you enjoy it, that will come across, if you are rigid with fear that will too. don't think too deeply re future gigs, if they come, then they come..ENJOY IT

[Ryu]

seriously, if you enjoy it, that will come across, if you are rigid with fear that will too. don't think too deeply re future gigs, if they come, then they come..ENJOY IT

Cheers Mike, appreciate the support, you speak the truth and I'll do my best.

[Reminisce disco]

Hi Ryu,

I did my works xmas party last year and i had exactly the same feelings as you. I went with the attitude of that i would enjoy it even though i had more butterflies than usual, knowing that the majority of people there would be friends and colleagues.
The night was a great success and I had many friends coming up to me saying they didnt expect me to be "that good!" . I took quite a lot of flack and banter on the run up to the party but i tended to keep quiet and i knew i had the confidence in my equipment and music knowledge to put on a good show.
My advice is be yourself, enjoy it and it will all flow naturally and hopefully some repeat bookings will come your way. Let us know how it went!.

[Ryu]

Hi Ryu,

I did my works xmas party last year and i had exactly the same feelings as you. I went with the attitude of that i would enjoy it even though i had more butterflies than usual, knowing that the majority of people there would be friends and colleagues.
The night was a great success and I had many friends coming up to me saying they didnt expect me to be "that good!" . I took quite a lot of flack and banter on the run up to the party but i tended to keep quiet and i knew i had the confidence in my equipment and music knowledge to put on a good show.
My advice is be yourself, enjoy it and it will all flow naturally and hopefully some repeat bookings will come your way. Let us know how it went!.

Cheers Andy, its good to read of someone in the same boat, and yes, the banter has already started. I've been invited to attend the party as a guest but was adamant that I'd set my stall out from the start and maintain the professionalism throughout. Seems the best advice is to relax and just do what I normally do!

[Excalibur]

Cheers Andy, its good to read of someone in the same boat, and yes, the banter has already started. I've been invited to attend the party as a guest but was adamant that I'd set my stall out from the start and maintain the professionalism throughout. Seems the best advice is to relax and just do what I normally do!

That would indeed be the best advice. I'd also recommend not trying to do the gig in your head first, as I've usually found that if you do this, it usually heads off in a completely different direction. :D

[Ryu]

That would indeed be the best advice. I'd also recommend not trying to do the gig in your head first, as I've usually found that if you do this, it usually heads off in a completely different direction. :D

That is so true. I am really bad for doing that, so much so that I'm already thinking of combo's, opening mini-sets and possible good mixes for the night and its over a month away, I've got at least 8 gigs between now and then!!...I need to take up yoga or something :D

[StarZSoundS]

so much so that I'm already thinking of combo's, opening mini-sets and possible good mixes for the night and its over a month away,

Nearly all of us have been in the same situation.You wouldn't be any good if you weren't worrying about it now!!;)

Well done for getting the business and i'm sure everything will be fine:)

[DazzyD]

I think us DJs thrive of a bit of pressure - I know I certainly do! It gets the adrenaline going and keeps you alert.

If all gigs were totally comfortable then I'd probably hang up the 'phones so to speak!

I've done private gigs for colleagues and the feedback has always been good. I went to the gigs with the same attitude as I approach every gig and that's the advice I'd give anyone!

[Creature]

a lot of my bookings i personally know 70% plus, also a lot of peopel would be there who have booked me for future dates, this happens with normal, themed rock discos

as has been mentioned people know in event that your booking is themed 70s,80's & cheese and they will almost certainly join in. Just relax and enjoy yourself ! (and thats from someone whos phisically sick before starting every time ) :):)

[Shaun]

If all gigs were totally comfortable then I'd probably hang up the 'phones so to speak!


I've never understood those types of comments. Why hang up the headphones because you no longer feel nervous? I just don't get it?

I haven't felt pressure for years, I'm never nervous and feel comfortable with every event I do. I still feel alert, I'm never complacent, should I be quitting? :confused:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Everyone is different. If you are a completely confident sort of person, then fair enough... but I'd said the majority of people do get some butterflies with a lot of things they do in life and have learnt to use it to their advantage. Those types of people know that they are like that and know that if they don't feel like that about things, then they have probably stopped caring!

Not suggesting for a moment here that you don't care, Shaun, because I know for certain that you do - incredibly so - just that you obviously aren't the type of person I am referring to ;)

[Shakermaker Promotions]

A bit of nerves is always healthy I think but saying that, I haven't been nervous for years. I too, used to be physically sick back in the day before every gig.

[Shaun]

Everyone is different. If you are a completely confident sort of person, then fair enough...

In most situations I'm not confident. Whenever I meet new people I'm usually the quiet one to the side not saying very much and doing the listening. Behind the decks I'm totally in my comfort zone and the opposite of what I'm like in a one to one situation. Weird huh. :d


I do understand what your saying though.


A bit of nerves is always healthy I think but saying that, I haven't been nervous for years. I too, used to be physically sick back in the day before every gig.

I used love the nerves I got before a gig when I first started out. It was a buzz. I kinda miss that feeling.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

In most situations I'm not confident. Whenever I meet new people I'm usually the quiet one to the side not saying very much

The same as me then! :D

:bag:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Yes, because you're such a little wallflower when anyone meets you in person :rose:

:p

(..and yes, I know, you weren't always the person you are now :) )

[Shaun]

(..and yes, I know, you weren't always the person you are now :) )

That's what 25 years of buffets and too many Caffreys will do to ya though.


:sofa:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

That's what 25 years of buffets and too many Caffreys will do to ya though.


:sofa:

You're right apart from the buffets...:o

[Corabar Steve]

Has Caffreys been around for 25 years?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Has Caffreys been around for 25 years?

No idea.

I've been drinking it for about 12-15 years I think.

[Excalibur]

No idea.

I've been drinking it for about 12-15 years I think.

Trendsetter. Released in 1994. 15 years ago. :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Trendsetter. Released in 1994. 15 years ago. :D

I remember it came out about the same time as Carling Premier, which was kind of flat creamy lager.

[Excalibur]

I remember it came out about the same time as Carling Premier, which was kind of flat creamy lager.

:confused: And I thought it was something to do with football. :o :o

[Ryu]

Right, to get things back on topic (but, Like the Murphy's I'm not bitter)...

I've now been told we're catering for 400 folks and that the agent who has put us in there would usually use another guy with a bigger rig (2k and 12 "Motorised" lights...gotta love agent speak)

So when he mentioned this, I thought, well, now is as good a time as any to take things up a notch in terms of my own set up (see Technical Help forum, I started a thread)

We've bulked our lighting our some more with the addition of a Starcluster and 2 HID Imove 5's and a 4m Goalpost to pin that and my existing lights on.

I was also going to invest in a bigger sound rig (we carry 2 OHM RW5 Tops and 2 OHM Subs with 2 amps, an 800 and a 1k) but figured for the short term, I'd look to hire...so my new question is....What am I going to need to Hire?

Thanks
R

[DiscoTed]

Right, to get things back on topic (but, Like the Murphy's I'm not bitter)...

I've now been told we're catering for 400 folks and that the agent who has put us in there would usually use another guy with a bigger rig (2k and 12 "Motorised" lights...gotta love agent speak)

So when he mentioned this, I thought, well, now is as good a time as any to take things up a notch in terms of my own set up (see Technical Help forum, I started a thread)

We've bulked our lighting our some more with the addition of a Starcluster and 2 HID Imove 5's and a 4m Goalpost to pin that and my existing lights on.

I was also going to invest in a bigger sound rig (we carry 2 OHM RW5 Tops and 2 OHM Subs with 2 amps, an 800 and a 1k) but figured for the short term, I'd look to hire...so my new question is....What am I going to need to Hire?

Thanks
R

Hi, I have replied to this in the other part the forum, but am also going to reply to it here.

I would go for the speaker wall system for this gig , 2 x 18inch subs, 2 x 15inch, 2 x 12inch , then that gives 2 nice equal looking stacks either side of your rig, that will look the part.

OR

2 x 15inch subs with 2 x 12inch tops, (subs with poles in with tops ontop)
then fly some smaller 8inch or 10inch cabs from your lighting stand or trussing if you have that.

ted

[Ryu]

Hi, I have replied to this in the other part the forum, but am also going to reply to it here.

I would go for the speaker wall system for this gig , 2 x 18inch subs, 2 x 15inch, 2 x 12inch , then that gives 2 nice equal looking stacks either side of your rig, that will look the part.

OR

2 x 15inch subs with 2 x 12inch tops, (subs with poles in with tops ontop)
then fly some smaller 8inch or 10inch cabs from your lighting stand or trussing if you have that.

ted

Thanks for the response DiscoTed, is this in addition to my existing 15" Tops and Subs?

[Excalibur]

Thanks for the response DiscoTed, is this in addition to my existing 15" Tops and Subs?

I'm guessing not. ;) Since you have a fully functional rig, I'd suggest bulking it up with some twin 15" full range cabs, of whatever brand is available/takes your fancy.

[DiscoTed]

Thanks for the response DiscoTed, is this in addition to my existing 15" Tops and Subs?

nope, Just a stack like this is suitable for most larger things like marqees and weddings.

12inch top---rig---12inch top
15inch top---lighting---15inch top
18inch sub-------------18inch sub

If you ever do it this way make sure you use a crossover on the subs :), Does this make the picture more clear.

or you could down the twin 15inch cab route and stand them ontop of 18inch subs, whatever takes your fancy to be honest mate, ted

[Excalibur]

nope, Just a stack like this is suitable for most larger things like marqees and weddings.

12inch toprig 12inch top
15inch top lighting 15inch top
18inch sub 18inch top

If you ever do it this way make sure you use a crossover on the subs :)

Two points.
1) Where did lighting rigs come in to this? :confused:
2) Many folk would regard rigs this size as overkill for Marquees and Weddings.

[DiscoTed]

Two points.
1) Where did lighting rigs come in to this? :confused:
2) Many folk would regard rigs this size as overkill for Marquees and Weddings.

just an example of where to place the speakers :)
who said you need to turn it up :D

[Excalibur]

just an example of where to place the speakers :)

I've usually found the floor to be a perfectly acceptable solution to this quandary. ;)


who said you need to turn it up :D
According to most folk on here, you'll have to turn it even further down, as apparently when punters see a PA of that imposing physical size, it'll be too loud even before you switch the amps on. ;)

[DiscoTed]

I've usually found the floor to be a perfectly acceptable solution to this quandary. ;)

According to most folk on here, you'll have to turn it even further down, as apparently when punters see a PA of that imposing physical size, it'll be too loud even before you switch the amps on. ;)

what about this for a wedding hall :D http://image22.webshots.com/22/0/15/69/211501569KCdHCk_fs.jpg :eek: :eek:

[Excalibur]

what about this for a wedding hall :D http://image22.webshots.com/22/0/15/69/211501569KCdHCk_fs.jpg :eek: :eek:

HTTP403
"The website declined to show this webpage" :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Mark Wild]

Wedding 5th December in Cornwall (all expenses paid) for a mate, house music from 11 p.m till 2.a.m cheese before that for the eldies, loads a pressure, i love feeling nervous, makes me better, i'll let you know how it goes. This mate is an awesome club DJ (alot better than me lol)

[Ryu]

O.k so I'm kind of getting the picture. The Room is almost perfectly square shaped with the large dancefloor in the center, I'll be performing at Floor height (I would imagine)...would the wall approach have enough reach?

Oh and sorry Bellshill and thanks for keeping it properly on topic. My Pressure gig thread is essentially turning into a "How do I survive the biggest (literally) gig I've ever done" thread.

[Excalibur]

Wedding 5th December in Cornwall (all expenses paid) for a mate, house music from 11 p.m till 2.a.m cheese before that for the eldies, loads a pressure, i love feeling nervous, makes me better, i'll let you know how it goes. This mate is an awesome club DJ (alot better than me lol)

Err, don't know if you've spotted this mate, but Cornwall is South of you. A long way South of you. A long long way South of you. I'd set off early if I were you. Or pass the gig to Kernow. ;) :D :D :D

[Mark Wild]

Oh and sorry Bellshill and thanks for keeping it properly on topic. My Pressure gig thread is essentially turning into a "How do I survive the biggest (literally) gig I've ever done" thread.

dude you'll be as good as you are, chill and do what you do best :D

[DiscoTed]

O.k so I'm kind of getting the picture. The Room is almost perfectly square shaped with the large dancefloor in the center, I'll be performing at Floor height (I would imagine)...would the wall approach have enough reach?

Oh and sorry Bellshill and thanks for keeping it properly on topic. My Pressure gig thread is essentially turning into a "How do I survive the biggest (literally) gig I've ever done" thread.

sorry about knackering your thread, but yes i do think the wall approach will be your best bet for 400 people ;) also use the venue walls to help bounce some soundwaves off, this can help fill up the room.

i didnt know you already had 15s, subs and tops, just top another pair of 15inch tops to your system, that should make a nice wall look

[Mark Wild]

Err, don't know if you've spotted this mate, but Cornwall is South of you. A long way South of you. A long long way South of you. I'd set off early if I were you. Or pass the gig to Kernow. ;) :D :D :D

lol all expenses paid Peter ! and i'll be 2 days early :)

[Excalibur]

lol all expenses paid Peter ! and i'll be 2 days early :)

Fair enough. Just watch out for Kernow and the :beer1: Spingo. :eek: :eek:

[Ryu]

sorry about knackering your thread, but yes i do think the wall approach will be your best bet for 400 people ;) also use the venue walls to help bounce some soundwaves off, this can help fill up the room.

i didnt know you already had 15s, subs and tops, just top another pair of 15inch tops to your system, that should make a nice wall look

Don't worry DiscoTed, it was me that took the thread on a tangent, thanks for your advice, I was hoping just another paid of 15's would be enough (on Stands, spread wide) so good to hear you agree.

Oh and thanks Bellshill :)

[DiscoTed]

Don't worry DiscoTed, it was me that took the thread on a tangent, thanks for your advice, I was hoping just another paid of 15's would be enough (on Stands, spread wide) so good to hear you agree.

Oh and thanks Bellshill :)

no worrys, also if you use the wall approach just angle the speakers in slightly so theirs no duff parts in the room :D , Other than that tell us what route you take.

[Ryu]

Unbelievable. I am no longer doing this gig. My directors got word that an employee was DJing the Xmas Party and requested my agent to replace me, fearing I would hold too much power over them, on the night.

Gutted.

[Excalibur]

Unbelievable. I am no longer doing this gig. My directors got word that an employee was DJing the Xmas Party and requested my agent to replace me, fearing I would hold too much power over them, on the night.

Gutted.

Hmmmmm. There are many reasons why that's very bad. :( :( :(

[Ryu]

Hmmmmm. There are many reasons why that's very bad. :( :( :(

How do you mean? Fortunately my agent has me in another venue.

I did wonder if there was some kind of weird employment law thing, if the Party is considered "Work time" or something like that...
I haven't had any indication from the day job of anything other than "I'm sorry to hear you are not doing it"...the impression I got from my agent was more a case of my superiors not feeling like they could let their hair down if a sober employee was DJing.

[Excalibur]

How do you mean? Fortunately my agent has me in another venue.

I did wonder if there was some kind of weird employment law thing, if the Party is considered "Work time" or something like that...
I haven't had any indication from the day job of anything other than "I'm sorry to hear you are not doing it"...the impression I got from my agent was more a case of my superiors not feeling like they could let their hair down if a sober employee was DJing.

I mean as in they are suggesting that you would be unprofessional, and maybe use the mic to belittle, harass, or embarrass other members of staff. Also possibly get :beer1: :beer1:'ed , as it's your party as well, since you work there.

That's my view on it, I could of course be way off. Glad to hear you've got another gig to replace it. .

[Ryu]

I mean as in they are suggesting that you would be unprofessional, and maybe use the mic to belittle, harass, or embarrass other members of staff. Also possibly get :beer1: :beer1:'ed , as it's your party as well, since you work there.

That's my view on it, I could of course be way off. Glad to hear you've got another gig to replace it. .

I would seriously hope not! In pitching it to the organiser lady, I made it clear I would be there in a professional capacity, I don't think I have the kind of reputation at the company which would suggest I'd behave like that.

Ah well, like I say, I may have dodged a number of potential issues, and now have a weekend in one venue meaning I can leave the gear overnight! Good times! I have also received my new gear delivery today...we are now owners of a laser, a hazer, 2 moving heads, a box of gaffa, cable ties, a goalpost stand and a nice par can bag! :beer1:

[Excalibur]

I would seriously hope not! In pitching it to the organiser lady, I made it clear I would be there in a professional capacity, I don't think I have the kind of reputation at the company which would suggest I'd behave like that.

Ah well, like I say, I may have dodged a number of potential issues, and now have a weekend in one venue meaning I can leave the gear overnight! Good times! I have also received my new gear delivery today...we are now owners of a laser, a hazer, 2 moving heads, a box of gaffa, cable ties, a goalpost stand and a nice par can bag! :beer1:

You know that, and I know that. Others may not. ;)