How many songs would you download for a client?

[scoopd]

I have a client who has given me a list of songs that are 90% left field of your average disco and so I need to buy them. Just wondering how many songs you would buy on a client's behalf for a gig? 10/20 the lot?

[Shaun]

I advise the client that they can provide a list of around 20 "must plays". Those are ones that I'll guarantee to play [dependant on being able to source them legally]. So I know that I'll only ever have to purchase 20 songs at most per event. I do accept bigger lists, but only guarantee the first 20, the rest are just a guideline. If there's anything else in the extended list that I think might work I'll cherry pick the best and include them if I think they'll slot in nicely throughout the evening.

[MikeW]

I am pretty much the same as Shaun. I have just downloaded approx 15 for this weekends wedding. That is the most I have had to download for a while. I am ok with it as most of the tracks may be asked for/used in the future. It helps to build my collection.

[funkymook]

I have a client who has given me a list of songs that are 90% left field of your average disco and so I need to buy them. Just wondering how many songs you would buy on a client's behalf for a gig? 10/20 the lot?

Depends on what they booked you for, what the songs are, what their guests tastes are.

Ideally this conversation would be had before you committed to the booking, finding out what the client expects you to play is vital in my opinion. It's not enough to assume an 'average' disco playlist is wanted for every party.

Out of interest what have they requested? Even buying all their selections might not be enough if it's more of a specialist night (as in all their guests are also into the same music).

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I tend not to spend more than £10-£15.

[DazzyD]

I budget for 20 downloads in each gig. However, in reality, most gigs tend to not need any extra tracks bought other than the usual new releases. So, most gigs I'm in to pocket on this which is why I wouldn't be against downloading more tracks if the booking needs it.

[lazersounds]

I agree with comments so far of 10-15 max. If there is a lot of songs that I don't have i'll tend to ask them to provide on cd if possible.

[scoopd]

Thanks guys.very ueseful

[Ryu]

Its rare to download more than 10 or so for a gig, but, in principle, I'd happily download more than that. Whilst there will inevitably be 1 or 2 tracks I'd never play again, I see it as a business investment to expand my library where possible.

[yourdj]

i'll tend to ask them to provide on cd if possible.

Isn't that illegal :p

I personally would not do that as I don't have CD decks, but you cant guarantee the quality or if they will remember.
Drop box would be better before the day IMO but thats also illegal. I would not sleep well at night without knowing
that I have all the correct music in my laptop for tomorrows wedding.

Maybe just me?? I suppose for people who charge £100-200 for a night - 20-50 tracks is a large chunk of that assuming they have been bought legally.
I had a client yesterday who wants me to buy all of her background music - none of which I have.

I have not been booked as the host so I am just providing PA/uplighting so have asked her to provide it or I will buy it for an extra fee.

Normally i recommend 30 tracks plus 5-10 of the bride and then the grooms favs so i can distinguish who wants what.
its usually the normal requests that I already have so if I get a list thats leftfield then I see it as broadening my musical horizons.

[Excalibur]

Its rare to download more than 10 or so for a gig, but, in principle, I'd happily download more than that. Whilst there will inevitably be 1 or 2 tracks I'd never play again, I see it as a business investment to expand my library where possible.

Well done that man. Amen. At last, someone who understands that we're a service industry.:approve: I have on occasion downloaded two or three albums plus a lot of single tracks. I'm crying as I click the "buy now " button, of course. :cry:


Isn't that illegal :p


Not if they are original CDs Toby.

[BeerFunk]

I advise the client that they can provide a list of around 20 "must plays". Those are ones that I'll guarantee to play [dependant on being able to source them legally]. So I know that I'll only ever have to purchase 20 songs at most per event. I do accept bigger lists, but only guarantee the first 20, the rest are just a guideline. If there's anything else in the extended list that I think might work I'll cherry pick the best and include them if I think they'll slot in nicely throughout the evening.I completely agree with this approach.

See, there are two implications of a large playlist from the client. The first is the obvious dent into your profit margin. OK, it might not be a huge amount, but look at it another way - are you discounting clients who don't make any advance requests?

The second implication is that these advance requests are very likely to be personal favourites of the clients, and will most likely receive a lukewarm reception from the rest of the guests. OK, yes the client is the paying customer, it's a service industry and so on... but the bottom line is that most people at there will just think that you're a rubbish DJ.

[Ryu]

I completely agree with this approach.

See, there are two implications of a large playlist from the client. The first is the obvious dent into your profit margin. OK, it might not be a huge amount, but look at it another way - are you discounting clients who don't make any advance requests?

The second implication is that these advance requests are very likely to be personal favourites of the clients, and will most likely receive a lukewarm reception from the rest of the guests. OK, yes the client is the paying customer, it's a service industry and so on... but the bottom line is that most people at there will just think that you're a rubbish DJ.

I don't think the second implication in this case is relevant. Ensuring you have all the tracks requested and deciding to play them on the night are two different things.

[yourdj]

Not if they are original CDs Toby.

Ah did not know that. I would imagine that most clients would use a pen drive these days?
I suppose if your still on CD's then they may burn one which wold not be the original.
It would not be very easy having 20-30 CD's and having to play a track from each.

As we are talking left field music so the possibilities that the main party tracks are all on one original CD is remote. ;)

I suppose thats very useful if its not available for the odd track (especially for ceremony music etc).

[sandysounds]

Wedding last Wednesday....long list of mostly Spanish/Latin American music..... all bought without a second thought. The crowd were half from Equador and half NI.... but everyone was dancing to the Spanish music.

The way I see it, if the client pays top dollar for a service, that's the service they get..... no ifs buts or maybes.... what they want they get.