Playing to your audience and their musical tastes.

[Excalibur]

OK, this is going to be an all-encompassing topic. Inspired by Kernow's assertion that only the over forties have any musical taste ( well that may be paraphrasing him slightly :whistle: ) what are your experiences?

Are you disappointed if your audience doesn't want to hear what you expected them to ask for?

How do you deal with the nightmare audience, equal split wanting 60s/70s/Usual suspects on one side, and all the latest "bangin' choons" on the other?

Blimey, if there were A Levels for DJs, this would be a storming question. Discuss. :D With the use of diagrams. Please write on only one side of the paper.

[Kernow]

OK, this is going to be an all-encompassing topic. Inspired by Kernow's assertion that only the over forties have any musical taste ( well that may be paraphrasing him slightly :whistle: ) what are your experiences?

I hope your 'poetic' licence contains permissions for format-shifting as I feel that I have been paraphiled rather than paraphrased. :eek: (:D). That was not what was stated or implied at all, the term I used was 'musical appreciation' in that they will tolerate and enjoy modern stuff, but not to the total exclusion of decent unaltered classics.
This will now provoke protestations from 'younger' members of the forum, although I would urge the more mature to sympathetically ignore their juvenile rantings, on the grounds that these emanate from over-exposure to what often sounds like a heavy industrial workshop, but is passed off as 'modern music'. :D

To return to your theses, I reckon a couple of A* graders have already been identified. ?


Me, personally, NO. I am there to entertain the paying masses. I don't predominantly DJ to hear the music I like, I DJ to bring enjoyment to as many people as I can, while getting paid for it too. Every Christmas I play to a group of retired B.A. workers and most of the music I play was around when God was a boy.
Is it my type of music? Nah.
Do I get annoyed playing ANY type of music? Certainly not.


You're spot on, I hadn't even seen that from UK's post.

I dunno if you ever go to live gigs but there's nothing more soul crushing than getting G'd up to see a band you really like and then they come out and say "we're going to play some folk interpretations of our 4th albums B-sides" an exaggeration but you get my drift.

Getting to play stuff you love is an added bonus if you get the opportunity but a DJ who performs publicly has one simple job above all others and that is to entertain the masses. As much as I'd love to spin some Sigur Ros or Floyd album cuts, that's not what I'm there for and I can do that on my own time.

Most of the time that means that I'm playing stuff I wouldn't necesarilly listen to but with the exception of a small number of tracks I'm sick to death of because I have to play them at every gig (because they're popular) then I can't say it ever bothers me playing those songs. Unless there's a bunch of folk here who are heavilly into their Dolly Parton and Village People then we're all in the same boat.
:thumbs_up:

I eagerly await the arrival of the brothers Gruff ? ;)

:beer1:

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

What they ask for?

I just put Radio 1 on my phone and run a line into a mixer :daft:

I distinctly remember my very first gig was in a bar on Strathclyde Uni's campus and I thought I was Johnny Big Balls playing a lot of obscure indie bands and Radiohead album cuts.

I got about an hour into the gig before someone came up and asked me for some Oasis. Lesson learned very quickly.

Strangely enough one memorable bad gig I did was one in a pub where the guys were asking for stuff I love all night: Bowie, Floyd, Thin Lizzy, Mott The Hoople, Kinks etc... the tunes were great but no one was dancing and there was no atmosphere. Felt like the longest gig I've ever done. I might as well have invited all of the guys round to my house with a carry out.

[DazzyD]

...

Are you disappointed if your audience doesn't want to hear what you expected them to ask for?

...

No. I like a challenge. I feel that if things are not going to "plan" and people request different tracks then I'm able to use my musical knowledge to pick out further tracks that I hope would work well also.


...

How do you deal with the nightmare audience, equal split wanting 60s/70s/Usual suspects on one side, and all the latest "bangin' choons" on the other?
...

As I've said many times before, I like to give my audience what they want - not what I think they want. The only way I can do this is by asking them what they want to hear. I would never assume to know everything (we all know what to assume is!). It's on this very basis that I've build a reputation - playing what people want to hear. It's a simple theory but it works for me!! ;) Besides, over the years I've become very adept at "car-crash" mixing and jumping from one genre to another. It keeps people on their toes (including me!) and provides for a healthy guest rotation on the dancefloor!

[Excalibur]

Kernow, I may have "slightly" altered the words used by you, but only in the interests of promoting "healthy debate". ( And if anyone believes any of that, then I can knit fog. )


As I've said many times before, I like to give my audience what they want - not what I think they want. The only way I can do this is by asking them what they want to hear.
Oi!! You've swerved the question. :Naughty: You've answered one I didn't ask. A bright future as a politician obviously beckons for you.

I asked how you cope with the split audience, knowing full well that as soon as you play a request from one side, the other will mutiny? May I advise not using the technique I tried years ago, which was to stop the music, and give them a rollocking. It didn't really work well. :o:o:o:o

Jim ( and Dazzy ) , I fondly remember doing an 18th last year. I was playing everything they asked for, downloaded a couple of tracks on the fly, and yet the party was dying on its feet. ( Well it would, wouldn't it, cos all modern music is crap. If that doesn't elicit a reply from the under 21s, I don't know what will. :confused: )
One brave punter came up and asked for something very cheesy, so since I had nothing to lose, I played it. The floor filled, and emboldened by this, requests flooded in for more of the same. Result? A gig of two halves. First one mind numbingly awful, second one lively and successful.

And also covered in the quote above from Dazzy, never predict the musical tastes of your audience too rigidly. I remember many years ago, at a Golf Club, where I did regular work, the audiences would normally be of mature years predominantly. Suited me down to the ground. A chap who was obviously not in the first flush of youth came up to request a song. I was expecting him to ask for something melodic and relaxed. Oh no. Hotlegs-Rod Stewart. :eek:


And to return with some seriousness to the main point of Kernow's assertion: In the main, I believe he's right to say that older audiences tend to be more receptive to varying musical eras and styles, although much preferring the ones of their youth. I remember one storming gig for Penfold's Legslappers, where the audience was perhaps the oldest we'd ever had. What fun I had playing Free, Stones, Bowie, T Rex and the like. The thing to remember is to avoid generalisation. Each audience is to an extent unique. What worked last night/week may not work this time. That's the two edged sword we carry. One night, same old same old. Next time, all varied, all exciting and great fun. Long live diversity. ( No you :muppet:s, not the dance troupe, the concept )

[DazzyD]

...

Oi!! You've swerved the question. :Naughty: You've answered one I didn't ask. A bright future as a politician obviously beckons for you.

I asked how you cope with the split audience, knowing full well that as soon as you play a request from one side, the other will mutiny? May I advise not using the technique I tried years ago, which was to stop the music, and give them a rollocking. It didn't really work well. :o:o:o:o

Erm, nope. I definitely answered the question. I said I play everything to keep everyone happy! ;) (or at least that's what I was getting to!).


...

As I've said many times before, I like to give my audience what they want - not what I think they want. The only way I can do this is by asking them what they want to hear. I would never assume to know everything (we all know what to assume is!). It's on this very basis that I've build a reputation - playing what people want to hear. It's a simple theory but it works for me!! ;) Besides, over the years I've become very adept at "car-crash" mixing and jumping from one genre to another. It keeps people on their toes (including me!) and provides for a healthy guest rotation on the dancefloor!

[Excalibur]

Erm, nope. I definitely answered the question.
Well an answer like that, failing to elaborate on the barest of details only merits an F. ( And that's being generous, I was considering U-Unclassified*. )









* For the benefit of our younger readers, in times past, other grades were available as well as A, A+, and A*.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I also like a challenge.
The thing is (and maybe I am treating the majority of the party going public with a bit too much respect here?), you would like to THINK that when you are doing a Disco for a varied age group that they would have the respect and common sense to understand that there will be music played that would hopefully cater for all tastes?
Some of the older ones may not like hearing something like 'Sexy & I Know It' and likewise, some of the younger ones may not like hearing something like 'Young Hearts (Run Free)'.
As they say, you can't please all of the people all the time but you can TRY.

On Saturday, the 50th Birthday party I did for a lady. She wanted predominantly current stuff. She had a split down the middle bunch of guests with reference to age too and I played to her tastes. Both sets of groups were dancing to everything. It's a bit like the Christmas Parties in that (although most of it isn't my cup of tea), there is a lot of stuff around at the moment and over the past couple of years that is classed as current that appeals to the older crowd too.
I had one lady come over and ask for some Motown & Disco during the evening and that was all. She had been dancing to everything else all night. I put a few tracks of those genres on at the right time and everyone kept dancing.

[chrisj]

Wow, I won't get into this apart from saying here is my request list for tonight's wedding. Oh, and I have 1 hour children's entertainment including a magic show to start the night. 1st dance is a girl singer and they haven't told me if she has the backing track on cd. I did ask.

Wedding songs list

We would like predominantly indie/rock played at our wedding. Below is a guide to the sort of things we like and a list of things that we definitely do NOT want played. This includes most of the songs typically played at weddings.

Definitely
Oasis
The vaccines
Interpol
Snow patrol
Embrace
Manic Street Preachers
Radiohead
Bloc Party
Greenday
Florence and the Machine
Paloma Faith
Kings of Leon (older albums)
Queen
Editors
Kaiser Chiefs
Kasabian
Noel Gallaghers high flying birds
Savage Garden

Can give or take,guests like too

Fall out boy
All American rejects
Muse
Foo Fighters
Linkin park
Metallica
Kings of Leon (recent albums)
Depeche Mode
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Deep Purple
No doubt
Paramore
Rolling Stones

DO NOT PLAY Anything typically played at weddings e.g.

Footloose
Wind beneath my wings
Amazed (Tim mcgraw OR lonestar!)
Celebration
We are Family
Thats what friends are for
Party like its 1999
Footloose
Walking on Sunshine
Groove is in the Heart
Bust a Move
Love Shack
Super Freak
Sweet Caroline
Cotton Eye Joe
Its Raining Men
Footloose
Hot, Hot, Hot
I will Survive
Hokey Pokey
Chicken Dance
Electric Slide
Stayin Alive
Footloose
Macarena
YMCA
Come on Eileen
Closing Time
Dude looks like a lady
And anything else you can think of 


We would like our first dance song to be … , followed by Noel Gallaghers high flying birds – If I had a gun. hich we would like played at 7:45pm after we cut the cake.

[yourdj]

Bridge tracks are always useful - such as Celo, candy, Olly Murrs, moves like Jagger, call me maybe etc. which are not bad for the oldies so they stay there but also bring up the youngsters. If that works I would then experiment a bit to see how far I could push the boundary and then divert back to a well known classic.



Wow, I won't get into this apart from saying here is my request list for tonight's wedding. Oh, and I have 1 hour children's entertainment including a magic show to start the night. 1st dance is a girl singer and they haven't told me if she has the backing track on cd. I did ask.

Wedding songs list

We would like predominantly indie/rock played at our wedding. Below is a guide to the sort of things we like and a list of things that we definitely do NOT want played. This includes most of the songs typically played at weddings.


What! - a monday Wedding straight after New Year with an only rock playlist - good luck is all I can say :p
Assuming the guests are mixed that is and not all metal/rock heads. With the right crowd and venue it should go well,
but judging from my empty dancefloor last Thursday the time of year does not help one bit on a midweek wedding!

I thought I was going to be tough tomorrow and the day after but at least they are
open with the music and they are all day so i will get to know the p. :)

15231

[Ryu]

I do think that there are certain crowds where the balance just isn't right. I often wonder if guests consider this when inviting their guests...a room split by age difference and stubborn musical taste is nigh on impossible to work with. The best you can do is cover as many bases as you can, and be prompt with any requests you get. I've had gigs where I've played music from 5 different decades, touching on a wide range of genre's and still had people come up and say "Can't you play something else"...

It puts me in mind of a conversation my grandparents had...

Grandad - "I've booked a suprise holiday for us this year...Its a round the world cruise!!
Grandma - "Can't we go somewhere else"? :daft:

[chrisj]

Just reading what the couple have asked for again and the first hour of children's entertainment would be ok but I start at 7 and notice cutting the cake is 7.45 with the first dance or is it the second after cutting the cake. I don't think they have it very well arranged but I will sort it when I get there.

Reporting tomorrow and hoping they will finish early rather than midnight as they got married at 11 this morning at he hotel and have started wedding breakfast at 2pm.

[djdj]

I know of DJ's who religously stick to their own set list and will not deviate for anyone no matter what type of party!

I still find it strange when 4 girls all aproach you and ask for the latest tune and then promptly dissapear when you play it!
I played Gangham Style on Friday night and it cleared the floor, but Napoleons 'Coming to take me away' had them jumping around like idiots. :eek:

I like a wide range of peeps, I have a very eclatic tastes in music so flowing through a bit of everything to please everybody (well 99%) is a good night.

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

You can never tell what an audience is going to be like, Had a 16th on Saturday, older members of the family there as well as lots of youngsters, lots of chart music and Cha Cha slide, Gangnam style etc.

Biggest surprise request that filled the dancefloor?????????


The Tweets - The Birdie song

:Censored: me you could have knocked me down with a birdie feather :beer1:

[deltic]

I do think that there are certain crowds where the balance just isn't right. I often wonder if guests consider this when inviting their guests...a room split by age difference and stubborn musical taste is nigh on impossible to work with. The best you can do is cover as many bases as you can, and be prompt with any requests you get. I've had gigs where I've played music from 5 different decades, touching on a wide range of genre's and still had people come up and say "Can't you play something else"...

It puts me in mind of a conversation my grandparents had...

Grandad - "I've booked a suprise holiday for us this year...Its a round the world cruise!!
Grandma - "Can't we go somewhere else"? :daft:

you can't choose your family:):)

[Ryu]

you can't choose your family:):)

This much is true :)

I think it comes down to ratios...a 16th/18th with a small number of youngsters and lots of older family could be hard work to manage for example

[chrisj]

Just off to the gig and I must remember not to play Cha Cha Slide otherwise I might not get out alive Ha Ha. We'll see.

[ukpartydj]

If the guests are having a meal then it's easy peasy!

Bring pen and paper, towards the end of desert let everyone know you'll be popping around to take requests!
Hey Presto! Lots of requests and a little chat with everyone whilst a playlist is playing in the background gives you a great insight and the older people especially seem to really appreciated that you've bothered to ask.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Wow, I won't get into this apart from saying here is my request list for tonight's wedding. Oh, and I have 1 hour children's entertainment including a magic show to start the night. 1st dance is a girl singer and they haven't told me if she has the backing track on cd. I did ask.

Wedding songs list

We would like predominantly indie/rock played at our wedding. Below is a guide to the sort of things we like and a list of things that we definitely do NOT want played. This includes most of the songs typically played at weddings.

Definitely
Oasis
The vaccines
Interpol
Snow patrol
Embrace
Manic Street Preachers
Radiohead
Bloc Party
Greenday
Florence and the Machine
Paloma Faith
Kings of Leon (older albums)
Queen
Editors
Kaiser Chiefs
Kasabian
Noel Gallaghers high flying birds
Savage Garden

Can give or take,guests like too

Fall out boy
All American rejects
Muse
Foo Fighters
Linkin park
Metallica
Kings of Leon (recent albums)
Depeche Mode
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Deep Purple
No doubt
Paramore
Rolling Stones

DO NOT PLAY Anything typically played at weddings e.g.

Footloose
Wind beneath my wings
Amazed (Tim mcgraw OR lonestar!)
Celebration
We are Family
Thats what friends are for
Party like its 1999
Footloose
Walking on Sunshine
Groove is in the Heart
Bust a Move
Love Shack
Super Freak
Sweet Caroline
Cotton Eye Joe
Its Raining Men
Footloose
Hot, Hot, Hot
I will Survive
Hokey Pokey
Chicken Dance
Electric Slide
Stayin Alive
Footloose
Macarena
YMCA
Come on Eileen
Closing Time
Dude looks like a lady
And anything else you can think of 


We would like our first dance song to be … , followed by Noel Gallaghers high flying birds – If I had a gun. hich we would like played at 7:45pm after we cut the cake.

Ooft I'd be interested to know how that goes.

Although the list they've given you is right up my street music wise, if it was my wedding I'd be conscious enough of my guests to know that blackballing any typical WEDDING songs at a wedding is begging for a dead dancefloor.

I've got something stipulated in my contract about how I can use my own professional judgement with music on the night if I don't think their requests are suitable which safeguards me against situations like this. If I'm playing their left field play list and all is good with the crowd then it's no problem but I'm operating a business and I don't want people going away saying to their friends "that DJ was terrible" on account of a clients playlist.

[Shaun]

Although the list they've given you is right up my street music wise, if it was my wedding I'd be conscious enough of my guests to know that blackballing any typical WEDDING songs at a wedding is begging for a dead dancefloor.



I did a wedding close to Christmas. The bride stated no 60s, 70s, 80s or 90's music. I discussed the pitfalls (especially as she expected a broad range of ages in attendance), but both her and her partner were adamant that they want a modern playlist all night, and not to veer from it. They said if any guests complained I was to send them over to her. I supplied the service exactly as she wanted, and all the pitfalls that were discussed came to fruition. Guests complained to her on the night, the guests complained to me, and ultimately most of them left early. Despite the Bride being on the floor all night I still left at the end of the night feeling deflated.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Jim, I agree with what you're saying and I thought the same way too at times.
Martin (Funkymook) is a classic example that I can use but I've also done the same thing and that's market myself and promote myself as catering for specialised stuff for those that want stuff like the music in the list posted.
I think I am right in saying that the majority of his work is down that avenue. I'd like to be in the same position myself but it's a minority for me at the moment.
I have created a separate site for my specialised stuff and it has gained me a number of jobs although I will still make it clear that although the majority of the music on the night will be what the customer has booked me for, it may be that other stuff is needed too to try and please everybody. Sometimes it isn't required and at the majority of specialised bookings I have done, that has been the case.
I have 4 weddings this year that are specialised and the music requested is predominantly favouring the alternative side of things.
All of the 4 customers that have booked me for these weddings have booked me because the specialist thing has interested them.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I did a wedding close to Christmas. The bride stated no 60s, 70s, 80s or 90's music. I discussed the pitfalls (especially as she expected a broad range of ages in attendance), but both her and her partner were adamant that they want a modern playlist all night, and not to veer from it. They said if any guests complained I was to send them over to her. I supplied the service exactly as she wanted, and all the pitfalls that were discussed came to fruition. Guests complained to her on the night, the guests complained to me, and ultimately most of them left early. Despite the Bride being on the floor all night I still left at the end of the night feeling deflated.

That's the thing isn't it.
It's been said countless times on the forum but all we can do is advise and use our experience.
It does make me chuckle at times when in one breath the customers will say "You're the expert" but then in another way they come across as thinking they know better.
Obviously I see it from the DJ side of things but surely it's common sense and you have to be a bit more laid back about the whole thing?
Yes, it's a special day and you should get what you want but come on! 9 times out of 10 the customer has spent a lot of money on all the other bits and bobs and surely they want their guests to have a good time too?
I know it's easier said than done and I have experience etc but if I were the customer I would want people at my reception to have a bloody good time. I know there would be people who would probably say "Ooh, he does like some strange music" and they'd expect to hear some stuff that they normally wouldn't but I wouldn't expect it all night because I'd want people to enjoy the night and not look bored.

It wouldn't hurt me to hear stuff that I didn't personally like because although the day would be all about me and my bride, the evening would be about having a good old party and I'd be aware that not everyone would like my tastes in music.

I've had customers on both sides of the fence in the past.
Some have said "I don't want to hear any of that stuff but if someone asks for it then just play it. Keep everyone happy if you can. It won't hurt"
Others have said something like "Please do not play any of that stuff. If someone asks for it then send them our way and we'll tell them"
Surely that last comment is just giving yourself some unwanted stress on your special day?
I tell customers that they should enjoy their evening as it goes far too quickly and I say that I won't bother them at all if possible. If a guest comes over and asks for song that they have said they don't want to hear I will tell them. If they should say "I'll go and speak to the bride and groom" and I don't think it's right then I will advise them not to. I will tell them that they have said they don't want to hear the song for a reason so why bother them on the big day. If they are adamant and go off to find them then there's not a lot I can do.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

That's the thing isn't it.
It's been said countless times on the forum but all we can do is advise and use our experience.
It does make me chuckle at times when in one breath the customers will say "You're the expert" but then in another way they come across as thinking they know better.
Obviously I see it from the DJ side of things but surely it's common sense and you have to be a bit more laid back about the whole thing?
Yes, it's a special day and you should get what you want but come on! 9 times out of 10 the customer has spent a lot of money on all the other bits and bobs and surely they want their guests to have a good time too?
I know it's easier said than done and I have experience etc but if I were the customer I would want people at my reception to have a bloody good time. I know there would be people who would probably say "Ooh, he does like some strange music" and they'd expect to hear some stuff that they normally wouldn't but I wouldn't expect it all night because I'd want people to enjoy the night and not look bored.

It wouldn't hurt me to hear stuff that I didn't personally like because although the day would be all about me and my bride, the evening would be about having a good old party and I'd be aware that not everyone would like my tastes in music.

I've had customers on both sides of the fence in the past.
Some have said "I don't want to hear any of that stuff but if someone asks for it then just play it. Keep everyone happy if you can. It won't hurt"
Others have said something like "Please do not play any of that stuff. If someone asks for it then send them our way and we'll tell them"
Surely that last comment is just giving yourself some unwanted stress on your special day?
I tell customers that they should enjoy their evening as it goes far too quickly and I say that I won't bother them at all if possible. If a guest comes over and asks for song that they have said they don't want to hear I will tell them. If they should say "I'll go and speak to the bride and groom" and I don't think it's right then I will advise them not to. I will tell them that they have said they don't want to hear the song for a reason so why bother them on the big day. If they are adamant and go off to find them then there's not a lot I can do.

That's an excellent way of putting it, they're going to be stressed enough, they don't need people hassling them about the tunes. I'll need to try that.

I usually just point out that even though it's their big day, the entertainment is the one thing EVERYONE (day and evening guests) will see and talk about (how many guys do you know that rant on about how great a dress looked?...) so they should make sure that it caters to as many people as possible with their own personal spin on it of course. A list of 12-20 of their favourite songs should be more than enough, a huge playlist is just asking for trouble as is a huge do not playlist.

[Excalibur]

Wow, I won't get into this apart from saying here is my request list for tonight's wedding. We would like our first dance song to be … , followed by Noel Gallaghers high flying birds – If I had a gun, which we would like played at 7:45pm after we cut the cake.Good luck with that one Chris.
I've got the feeling you might feel the need for that gun. :D:D I'm looking forward to the review of it. Eagerly.


Bridge tracks are always useful - such as Celo, candy, Olly Murrs, moves like Jagger, call me maybe etc. which are not bad for the oldies so they stay there but also bring up the youngsters. If that works I would then experiment a bit to see how far I could push the boundary and then divert back to a well known classic.

Good point Toby, quite right.


I do think that there are certain crowds where the balance just isn't right. I often wonder if guests consider this when inviting their guests...a room split by age difference and stubborn musical taste is nigh on impossible to work with. The best you can do is cover as many bases as you can, and be prompt with any requests you get. I've had gigs where I've played music from 5 different decades, touching on a wide range of genre's and still had people come up and say "Can't you play something else"...

Hallelujah, we have someone who understood the question. ( He didn't give a guaranteed solution but I think that's because there isn't actually one. )

I know of DJ's who religously stick to their own set list and will not deviate for anyone no matter what type of party!

Well that's one way round the problem! :D:D


you can't choose your family:):)
I've been at weddings where I bet they wished they could have. ;):D


If the guests are having a meal then it's easy peasy!

Bring pen and paper, towards the end of desert let everyone know you'll be popping around to take requests!
Hey Presto! Lots of requests and a little chat with everyone whilst a playlist is playing in the background gives you a great insight and the older people especially seem to really appreciated that you've bothered to ask.
Interesting proposition. Well worth doing, but I'm still not convinced it solves the problem.



I've got something stipulated in my contract about how I can use my own professional judgement with music on the night if I don't think their requests are suitable .
Ah yes, the good old " Quality Control " clause. ;)

" If your requests and playlist are crap, then I'm going to play my choices, which are bound to be much better than yours. " :D:D:D

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Ah yes, the good old " Quality Control " clause. ;)

" If your requests and playlist are crap, then I'm going to play my choices, which are bound to be much better than yours. " :D:D:D

I've actually just had a look over it and I might have to reword it a little.

One clause specifically says I won't play anything the client requests not to be played.

The other term says "Audience requests will be played by THE DJ at his discretion..... *blah blah disclaimer about not playing unsuitable or inappropriate songs*"

On one hand I could argue that the 2nd clause gives me the option of playing or refusing ANY song requested by the audience (whether it's on the no play list or not) but that first clause kind of cancels it out.

Hmmm.

[chrisj]

''Good luck with that one Chris.
I've got the feeling you might feel the need for that gun. I'm looking forward to the review of it. Eagerly.''

Thanks Pete. Now for the review of last night.
Arrived 5.30pm giving me 90 minutes to set up. Got a dodgy foot at the mo as I usually do it within 1 hour. The children, ages between 18 months and 8 yrs, were looking at the gear as I tool it in whist they played on the dancefloor area and behind curtains.

First 45 minutes for children's action songs + games including limbo plus a Magic Show. 7.45 the brides cousin sang for the first dance, backing track on cd. 2nd dance that the groom had asked me for and the bride knew nothing about was 'If I had a gun'. Noel Gallaghers high flying birds.
Followed with 'If you wanna come back-Vaccines' as requested by B&G and there were 6 on the floor.Not what I would have played but it was B&G request. Bride asked for 'Sex on fire' after and the groom went to the bar one of the girls walked away leaving 4 on the floor.
I played a bit of 90's that had a floor of around 8 -10 before announcing the buffet in the marquee next door. Background as no-one in the function room for near 45 minutes.
Started with Queen as they came in with, I cannot remember the order as I use cd's, Florence and the Machine plus Kaiser Cheifs and other artists off the Definite play list. Brides family are Scottish and there were several with kilts so I had to play 500 miles and was asked for some Rod Stewart. I couldn't hold the same dancers for any length of time and many older guests were leaving. One of the bridal party came to me and said 'The bride says play more of the usual wedding party tracks for the older ones and you can include some off the Do not play list.
Now we started but there were only around 20 left and I was soon asked for Back in the USSR plus Kinks and more Rolling Stones. Good last 40 minutes finishing with Hey Jude (grooms request) and finally Don't look back in anger ( asked for earlier).

The bride was drunk by 9.30 but said thanks to me at the end. The groom commented on how well the children's entertainment went and said he was really pleased with the night. I started to de-rig and a couple of Scottish guys asked if they could help me with carry out but I mentioned I had to sort the cables as we do and suggested they joined the group they had been with earlier.

Final point, the groom said his mate who had given me the money is opening one of the clubs that was closed several years ago, I believe, in Norwich and was thinking of a 60's/70's night so I will be recommended.

Not a bad night.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

Scottish people asking to help = that shiny thing looks nice, can I nick it from you please? :D

At least the bride had the sense to let you do your own thing in the end but if as you say, a lot of people had left, it gives them the wrong idea of you as a DJ.

Ive got a 50th on Saturday night and apart from the woman wanting the classics for my singing set, she's told me to play whatever I think will work. That i like.

[Kernow]

One of the bridal party came to me and said 'The bride says play more of the usual wedding party tracks for the older ones and you can include some off the Do not play list.
.
With the possible exception of ????????




DO NOT PLAY
Footloose
Wind beneath my wings
Amazed (Tim mcgraw OR lonestar!)
Celebration
We are Family
Thats what friends are for
Party like its 1999
Footloose
Walking on Sunshine
Groove is in the Heart
Bust a Move
Love Shack
Super Freak
Sweet Caroline
Cotton Eye Joe
Its Raining Men
Footloose
Hot, Hot, Hot
I will Survive
Hokey Pokey
Chicken Dance
Electric Slide
Stayin Alive
Footloose
Macarena
YMCA
Come on Eileen
Closing Time
Dude looks like a lady

:D

[chrisj]

That's right NO FOOTLOOSE.

They were great Scots and I had good comments form them as I chatted with several through the night.

I didn't play this one though http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SguYlpm3ffQ