The joys of working with a band..........not

[Daryll]

I was booked last night for a charity gig local to me , due to play from 7:00 pm till 8:30 - band from 8:30 till 9:30 , and disco from 9:30 till 11:30 , all seems great......
I turned up at 5:00pm , I always give my self plenty of time . introduced myself to the caretakers , produced a copy of PAT and PLI , asked where the nearest parking place was for ease of getting things in and out.

Well when I went into the hall , I was confronted by a mass of cabling`s everywhere , enough speakers and amps to fill the Albert hall :D , I introduced my self , to be told " yea your in the corner , hope you got a long extension lead" , well after moving what seemed like hundreds of chairs , I eventually set up , and yes the nearest power point was 40m away :Censored: .
meanwhile on stage the drum kit was fully wire up with mic`s , a massive cable snake was laid from the stage to a mixing desk , time for their sound check ( only the drummer was there) , well I had to put my headphones on the even think , it was way to loud , still I got the disco started , slow start but a few were dancing , then in came the rest of the band , another sound check during my disco , and the singer sang along to whatever I played , by this time I , like many other's were narked to say the least.
It`s 8:30 and the turn of the band , heavy rock covers , all I could hear was the drums and a distorted mess in the background , it was dreadful , to the point that 60% of the guests left , there was complaints from from the wedding party upstairs , I went to get a soft drink , only to find the bands so called manager going through my lead bag looking for a mic extension lead , I nearly lost it then :Censored: , and you guessed it , after they had finished , they packed everything away with out a thought for any one else , dragging all their stuff across the floor , I ended up playing to 14 people , and was asked to end at 11:00.
TBH this is the second time I have had a bad experience with bands , I will say no to playing with a band again.

rant over

Daryll

[Excalibur]

TBH this is the second time I have had a bad experience with bands , I will say no to playing with a band again.

rant over

Daryll
Oh I dunno, it's always interesting. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D :D

[ppentertainments]

Oh I dunno, it's always interesting. ;) ;) :D :D :D :D :D
Exactly, work it right, keep professional, and you can turn it to your advantage ;)

One thing I do now when working with a band is inform the B&G beforehand that sound level wise, I will never be able to keep up with most bands. Personally, when playing with a band I always think my system sounds really quiet.

[Excalibur]

Exactly, work it right, keep professional, and you can turn it to your advantage ;)

One thing I do now when working with a band is inform the B&G beforehand that sound level wise, I will never be able to keep up with most bands. Personally, when playing with a band I always think my system sounds really quiet.

Oh I don't know. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) Trouble is, with forty seven cabs onstage, it could get a tad crowded. :D :D :D :D :D :D


Chris, I agree with what you say totally, and I always try to work with a band, not against them. I've had the priveledge of working with some bands who have been an absolute pleasure to work alongside.

And I've worked at gigs with some who've been a total PITA. ;) ;) :( :(

[NKR]

I've always been okay with bands, but they sound like complete arses.

Nothing you can do!

[Digitalsounds]

Don't be put off by this its just unfortunate that this type of band seems to love themselves and think they should take up the whole room and turn out to be pants it seems the gear makes up for an inability to actually entertain,

We've had similar situations in the past thats why i make sure what type of band we are working with as much as can and even speak with them prior to event to make sure they know we need space and power and would not accept a power run of 40 mtrs.

We have also had some awesome nights with good cover bands and next week will be with a beatles tribute band and i have to say looking forward to it.

[Daryll]

I do agree with all your comments , I have calmed down a bit :D , the thing was , I did try to work with them , I ask for a playlist so we would not clash , however hearing their songs , I doubt if I would ever play them :D , guess I have been unlucky , I think if the opportunity to work with a band again comes in , I`ll sit down with the band and go through all the details.

Cheers

Daryll

[yourdj]

Band are a bit like club dj's in my opinion.

Most of them are OK but nowhere near as good as they think they are.

But occasionally you get a very good one, who is down to earth, professional and does not have a head the size of King kong.
Those are the ones i want to work with.

I generally ignore them otherwise and get on with the job i was paid to do.

[ppentertainments]

I've had the priveledge of working with some bands who have been an absolute pleasure to work alongside.

And I've worked at gigs with some who've been a total PITA. ;) ;) :( :(

And I bet bands make the same comment about DJ's :)

[yourdj]

And I bet bands make the same comment about DJ's :)

yep, There are allot of rubbish DJ's out there.

stoppy idot turned up was arsy as there was not enough room.
Had way too much gear
played all the songs we play
Played way too loud

etc. :)

http://drownedinsound.com/community/boards/music/4262519

[NKR]

Band are a bit like club dj's in my opinion.

Most of them are OK but nowhere near as good as they think they are.

But occasionally you get a very good one, who is down to earth, professional and does not have a head the size of King kong.
Those are the ones i want to work with.

I generally ignore them otherwise and get on with the job i was paid to do.

I have worked with some really great covers bands who are professional, easy to get on with and top blokes. They are pro wedding bands, use high end PA, but don't rip peoples faces off with it and do a cracking job.

I stay in touch with some of them on facebook as we had such great nights with them.

If you book a band from a pub you get what you get. Book a pro wedding/function band you get what you want.

Similar to a DJ really - hey :D :D

[rob1963]

Bands are a bit like club dj's in my opinion.

Most of them are OK but nowhere near as good as they think they are.


The same could also be said of a lot of MOBILE DJs!

:eek:

[yourdj]

The same could also be said of a lot of MOBILE DJs!

:eek:

allot of live performers i think - actors, comedians etc? A slightly cocky attitude comes with the business possibly? :)

Thats why they have the balls to do what they do and normal people dont :p

i hav definitely developed a slight attitude. im really nice when things are run well but make sure something is sorted if it does not (ie. the venue manager fiddles with the lights all night).

Always in a calm and non stroppy manner though.

Club DJ's make me laugh though. They practice the same set in thier bedrooms for months on end and then think they are amazing when they do it live. Honestly i would like to see them take requests, mix multiple genres and deal with the punters.


They are pro wedding bands

Thats the difference. No problems with bands like that. ever.
Its the bands who the bride and groom see down the pub that are the problem.

There is an etiquette to weddings that you can only learn from experience.
depends where the wedding is though. if its down the pub then fair do's LOL.

[Excalibur]

And I bet bands make the same comment about DJ's :)

Surely not!! :whistle: :innocent:

[CRAZY K]

I was booked last night for a charity gig local to me , due to play from 7:00 pm till 8:30 - band from 8:30 till 9:30 , and disco from 9:30 till 11:30 , all seems great......
I turned up at 5:00pm , I always give my self plenty of time . introduced myself to the caretakers , produced a copy of PAT and PLI , asked where the nearest parking place was for ease of getting things in and out.

Well when I went into the hall , I was confronted by a mass of cabling`s everywhere , enough speakers and amps to fill the Albert hall :D , I introduced my self , to be told " yea your in the corner , hope you got a long extension lead" , well after moving what seemed like hundreds of chairs , I eventually set up , and yes the nearest power point was 40m away :Censored: .
meanwhile on stage the drum kit was fully wire up with mic`s , a massive cable snake was laid from the stage to a mixing desk , time for their sound check ( only the drummer was there) , well I had to put my headphones on the even think , it was way to loud , still I got the disco started , slow start but a few were dancing , then in came the rest of the band , another sound check during my disco , and the singer sang along to whatever I played , by this time I , like many other's were narked to say the least.
It`s 8:30 and the turn of the band , heavy rock covers , all I could hear was the drums and a distorted mess in the background , it was dreadful , to the point that 60% of the guests left , there was complaints from from the wedding party upstairs , I went to get a soft drink , only to find the bands so called manager going through my lead bag looking for a mic extension lead , I nearly lost it then :Censored: , and you guessed it , after they had finished , they packed everything away with out a thought for any one else , dragging all their stuff across the floor , I ended up playing to 14 people , and was asked to end at 11:00.
TBH this is the second time I have had a bad experience with bands , I will say no to playing with a band again.

rant over

Daryll

SORRY TO HEAR THIS--I got caught up with a Rat pack singer last week who was booked from 9 to 11pm :eek:

I did the early 45 minutes with lots of fun dancing---after that what a bore:eek:

Had to listen to so many worn out songs we have all heard a million times and sent the audience into a coma --did the last 30 minutes which went extremely well but I felt the balance was bad--so did the lady who booked me--her Brother booked the singer:bang:

Needless to say I had to loan the Singer a long extension lead for his powered Mackies as the lay out meant speakers were a long way down the Hall---another plus point for passive--I had no such problems with my long speaker cable:D

Im working with a band in 2 weeks and made it clear I dont want the:Censored: :Censored: Band setting up and trying drum rolls and tuning guitars while im doing a bit of Disco and Barn Dance.

As im on first and then going home they apparently will set up after I have finished my set:confused:

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me.:eek:

[TONYTIGER]

If i have a band that is giving me a hard time,i just have a peek at there song list they always have it lying around then play all there good songs before they come on ;) seems to grab there attention.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Its just the nature of working with bands sometimes but.....if I found someone going through my stuff I'd of had serious words with him.

I try and have a friendly conversation with the band before anything gets played but by the "your in the corner" comment sometimes your just fighting a losing battle.

[rob1963]

I think you've just been unlucky, Daryll.

I've worked with a lot of bands over the years, and have never had any real problems.

The most annoying thing for me is that when the band have set up, they do a sound check & make any adjustments, so everything should be okay...so why do they always do some strumming, drumming & singing/talking on the mic right in the middle of the last song you play before handing over to them?

:bang:

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I was working with a 3 piece ceilidh band last night.

9 months ago when i first met the B&G, they were saying that the band has said how difficult DJs were to work with. Always wanting the stage, etc etc etc.

Anyhow, got there to set up and the B&G had actually told me that they wanted me on the stage as i was the main entertainment for the night, and the band could set up on the carpet.

The band turns up, and i overhear one of them saying to the Groom...."told you the dj will always set up on the stage, where do you want us now then" (well along those lines). The guy soon got put back in his box by the Groom :D

I have heard myself, and other DJ, be referred to "in-not-so-nice" terms, because were not musicials and anyone can be a DJ. With me he soon shut up he found oit i can play guitar and drums too :D

Incidentally, last nights 3 piece had a singing drainpipe, and that was it. Its nice to to be drowned out :D

[StarZSoundS]

One thing I do now when working with a band is inform the B&G beforehand that sound level wise, I will never be able to keep up with most bands. Personally, when playing with a band I always think my system sounds really quiet.

It is obvious to us that we are not going to have as much power as a Five or Six piece band ....Because we are working with sound all the time.!Its not always obvious to the layman...so I tend to do what Chris does.We sometimes credit our customers with too much common-sense.


By the same token...more often than not we are the support for the Band...and I behave accordingly.I think the band have more responsibilty than us to the evening also as we are normally a fraction of the price!!!

Not in all cases tho....before I get corrected!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[NKR]

By the same token...more often than not we are the support for the Band...and I behave accordingly.I think the band have more responsibilty than us to the evening also as we are normally a fraction of the price!!!

Not in all cases tho....before I get corrected!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Yep. When there is a band on we as DJ are there to fill the gaps the band leave in the proceedings and work as a support act.
I have never had a problem as I know my place in the food chain. They never really have a problem with us as Kev can sing (usually better than their front man) and I usually just make lots of ooooo and aaaah noises about the big PA system they have with them.

Saying that I am bound to meet some D Wad at some point, but so far so good.

[ppentertainments]

Yep. When there is a band on we as DJ are there to fill the gaps the band leave in the proceedings and work as a support act.
I have never had a problem as I know my place in the food chain.
So on a 5 hour wedding reception the band will play for say 90 minutes on average leaving us with 210 minutes, yet WE are filling the gap for THEM :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

We also start proceedings and end proceedings usually.

[StarZSoundS]

Yep. When there is a band on we as DJ are there to fill the gaps the band leave in the proceedings and work as a support act.
I have never had a problem as I know my place in the food chain. They never really have a problem with us as Kev can sing (usually better than their front man) and I usually just make lots of ooooo and aaaah noises about the big PA system they have with them.

Saying that I am bound to meet some D Wad at some point, but so far so good.

I agree ....

To me its still work....and if somebodys going to take some of the pressure off me in any situation then they deserve respect.I don't charge any less for backing a band.This will probably bring the whole Forum crashing down but I think they are a little more talented than us :whistle: I would rather play an instrument or sing to entertain than playing what someone else has engineered....but I can't so I do the next best thing!!!


So I shall remain humble.....its only when we don't that the problems start in my opinion.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[NKR]

So on a 5 hour wedding reception the band will play for say 90 minutes on average leaving us with 210 minutes, yet WE are filling the gap for THEM :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

We also start proceedings and end proceedings usually.

Yes - we play background music to start. Fill the buffet gap with - errr background music and then finish off. Band is the central attraction at a wedding or they would have just booked a DJ!

If we don't like it we should learn to play a guitar. Money for nothing and the chicks for free.


I agree ....

To me its still work....and if somebodys going to take some of the pressure off me in any situation then they deserve respect.I don't charge any less for backing a band.This will probably bring the whole Forum crashing down but I think they are a little more talented than us :whistle: I would rather play an instrument or sing to entertain than playing what someone else has engineered....but I can't so I do the next best thing!!!


So I shall remain humble.....its only when we don't that the problems start in my opinion.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm your wing man on this one buddy. We share the same opinion 100%.

[StarZSoundS]

Yes - we play background music to start. Fill the buffet gap with - errr background music and then finish off. Band is the central attraction at a wedding or they would have just booked a DJ!

If we don't like it we should learn to play a guitar. Money for nothing and the chicks for free.



I'm your wing man on this one buddy. We share the same opinion 100%.

Off to work now....

No band to help or compete with.....

Just my personality and music knowledge to take with me......Oh and 25 quiz questions too.....


I've found a way to somehow level the playing field a bit on mobile phone cheating in the Quiz....first trial tonight!!

If anyones interested i'll post a solution that will help .....if only a bit....;) ;) ;) ;)

[Excalibur]

By the same token...more often than not we are the support for the Band...and I behave accordingly.I think the band have more responsibilty than us to the evening also as we are normally a fraction of the price!!!

Not in all cases tho....before I get corrected!!:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
Brace yourself, corrections imminent I feel. ;) :D :D
Cost is totally, utterly, and wholly irrelevant. we do the work, bands take the cream. Lazy :Censored:s. :D :D :D



( Yeah I know, not all of them. ) ;)


Yep. When there is a band on we as DJ are there to fill the gaps the band leave in the proceedings and work as a support act.
I have never had a problem as I know my place in the food chain. They never really have a problem with us as Kev can sing (usually better than their front man) and I usually just make lots of ooooo and aaaah noises about the big PA system they have with them.

Saying that I am bound to meet some D Wad at some point, but so far so good.
Yeah, exactly the same place as the Band. ;)


So on a 5 hour wedding reception the band will play for say 90 minutes on average leaving us with 210 minutes, yet WE are filling the gap for THEM :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

We also start proceedings and end proceedings usually.
The voice of reason. Better late than never. :D :D


I agree ....

To me its still work....and if somebodys going to take some of the pressure off me in any situation then they deserve respect.I don't charge any less for backing a band.This will probably bring the whole Forum crashing down but I think they are a little more talented than us :whistle: I would rather play an instrument or sing to entertain than playing what someone else has engineered....but I can't so I do the next best thing!!!


So I shall remain humble.....its only when we don't that the problems start in my opinion.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Absolutely, Uriah. What cobblers.



Off to work now....

No band to help or compete with.....

Just my personality and music knowledge to take with me......Oh and 25 quiz questions too.....


I've found a way to somehow level the playing field a bit on mobile phone cheating in the Quiz....first trial tonight!!

If anyones interested i'll post a solution that will help .....if only a bit....;) ;) ;) ;)
One of those jammers? :D :D :D

[simon1969]

Hiya !!!
Some bands are o.k. to work with but I wouldn't agree they are better or more talented in every case!!
If you think about your decks equipment are your instruments if not more talent is needed to be a dj (if you think about all the skills neede to be a dj.
Co-operation is always good just so the night goes smoother,for both parties ive worked with some great bands. and some :muppet: :muppet: pig - headed, egotistical ,un co-operative selfish bands also.
I just treat people how I expected to be treated and you can't go far wrong :)

[NKR]

I just treat people how I expected to be treated and you can't go far wrong :)

Now there is the true voice of reason!

Anyway back to the OP. I have no doubt he came across Mosters Of Death the pub band who want to blow peoples faces off with a poor stack of rubbish speakers.

Good bands can be a joy to work with and you can complement each other and make it a great overall show. I have only been involved in the later, but that has always been weddings with pro wedding bands. Not seen so many this year due to the wedding cut backs on cost and because we have been busy on the dual provision of DJ and vocal artist, which means no need for the band as Kev is top of the bill. Again I know my place in the food chain:eek:

[TONYTIGER]

I have just taken a booking for 31st Aug this year i must be mad i have to fill in and provide the lighting for 6 Bands :eek: i have taken notes on all your advice wish me luck i think i will need it.

[Charlie Brown]

But occasionally you get a very good one, who is down to earth, professional and does not have a head the size of King kong.
Those are the ones i want to work with.


I agree with Toby. I've never had any problems with bands. It seems like you have been very unlucky!

[cablepowerdiscos]

I had a bloke the other week at my local residence come up to me who was in a "band" said too me my mic sounded pants and i was playing the wrong stuff even thou i had a boomin dance floor so i quieten down the music annouced the "rock star" was gonna take over because he knew best and handed him my head phones and mic and went and stood in the crowd he stood there like a lemon and everyone was howling at him :Censored: head

[StarZSoundS]

So on a 5 hour wedding reception the band will play for say 90 minutes on average leaving us with 210 minutes, yet WE are filling the gap for THEM :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

We also start proceedings and end proceedings usually.

SADLY...Neil..we are not convincing everyone where we are in the food chain ...there will be less rows when we do.

Love is blind...particularly when you're making love with yourself!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I had a bloke the other week at my local residence come up 2 me who was in a "band" said too me my mic sounded pants and i was playing the wrong stuff even thou i had a boomin dance floor so i quieten down the music annouced the "rock star" was gonna take over because he knew best and handed him my head phones and mic and went and stood in the crowd he stood there like a lemon and everyone was howling at him :Censored: head

There are better ways of handling situations like that however