Pre-recorded wedding mix

[Casual77]

Obviously this is not something we would normally advocate in favour of engaging a live DJ but I received this email recently.

Hi,

I got your contact information from friend who used your services for their wedding. The wedding was for CM and ND. I am getting married on May 21st 2017 and want a DJ set prepared for the wedding. We will not be having a DJ performing, but rather playing the set on speakers.

Is this something you would be able to do?

Best
Natalie

I got back to Natalie asking if she wouldn't rather just pay me to DJ the wedding in person but then realised that this would be impractical given that she lives in Florida (although I would happily fly out there at her expense).

I haven't given her with a firm answer yet but I was wondering if anyone on here has been asked to do anything similar and how you would go about pricing for a service like this. I'm also wondering what the legal and logistical issues might be? If I have the music she wants presumably I would be breaching piracy laws if I sent her a mix using my music, but what if she sent me all the music and I then mixed it and returned it to her. I don't know how long this mixed set is going to be but assuming it is as 4 hours long could that feasibly be sent as an email attachment or would it need physically sending in the post on a memory stick?

My instinct is to help out with this if I can but is this something I would be better steering well clear of?

[Nakatomi]

There is actually a way you can do such a pre-recorded mix legally (in this country at least - I dunno how it would apply to sending stuff to the USA) - see this linky (http://www.prsformusic.com/users/recordedmedia/cdsandvinyl/pages/limited-manufacturelicence.aspx)

How much would you need to be paid depends very much on how long it's going to take you to make it. I've done 1st dance & other mashup style stuff for customers & it can take well in excess of the length of the final track to prepare. By my reckoning, it would take me at least 8 hours to make a 4 hour mix of prerecorded music - so figure out what a decent hourly rate for this would be & do some sums.

If you're concerned about the ethics or whatever of doing this for a customer & potentially putting a real DJ out of a gig for that event - I wouldn't bother myself too much. It seems to me they think this is a cheap way to get a good night - when IMHO really at best they're going to be lucky if it works for even half their event.

[rth_discos]

I think it could be argued that this would fit in to the PRS/MCPS and PPL "Limited Manufacture (LM) Licence"

http://www.prsformusic.com/USERS/RECORDEDMEDIA/DVDSANDDIGITALMEDIA/Pages/limited-manufacture-licence.aspx

For a one off-recording, over 25 minutes long, for joint PRS and PPL royalties, it's £24.51

But I'd make sure the charge was suitable to ensure that they aren't using this as a cheap way of avoiding getting a DJ - after all, it's still going to be a considerable amount of work. Everything minus the driving and setting up of equipment!

The hardest bit is how do you "end" it - will they definitely press "play" at the right time, and how will things like the first dance work?

[yourdj]

Is this an American wedding then, I guess its going to be mixed? Thew music and structure is a lot different, so not sure why she has not contacted any wedding DJ's? I don't know how you would do a continuous mix, given that you don't know what will happen? I would probably prepare a series of set lists for different points and they can mix and match to suit the mood. First dance for example - press play at the right point and you get the announcement, nothing to too over the top. As mentioned the end of the night would be tough, but I would do a ten min playlist with an announcement at the end, again nothing too complicated, keep it to a minimum. Other playlists I guess would be buffet, party 1 & party 2, in between the food, assuming they do that out there? I think I would ask them to supply all the tracks though. Don't know anything about the legal side. :)

For the amount of time it would take I would want something close to my normal fee. Even so there are millions of DJ's in America, especially Florida, so why is she not booking one of them? If she has a lot of American guests they can much better judge the music and formalities. It looks like the iPod disco DJ phobe. Sounds great on paper, but on the night its a train wreck. Have you thought about doing it on Skype LOL. Get a massive TV and a high def camera, so at least you can see whats going on. That would be cool!!

[rth_discos]

Once you consider the logistics like Toby has mentioned, at the very least, she is going to need someone to operate the various "sections" of the day.

And supply the equipment.

My first step would be to arrange a Skype with this person to chat through the logistics and what she is expecting.

[funkymook]

I’d politely decline and advise them iTunes will mix music from a playlist for them.

Chances are you’ll end up putting more time into it than it pays, sending versions for their approval, making amendments, mixing out slow intro’s/outro’s, adding/deleting songs etc.

It’s just not worth the hassle.

[yourdj]

Once you consider the logistics like Toby has mentioned, at the very least, she is going to need someone to operate the various "sections" of the day.

And supply the equipment.

My first step would be to arrange a Skype with this person to chat through the logistics and what she is expecting.

I think they think they can get a DJ to do a set- send it to them and job done. Plug it in on the night and away they go. I think they probably don't want the DJ element, or are running to a very tight budget? Personally if that was the case i would tell them to get stuffed. Once you run into long Skype chats, sorting out all the music, organising the recording equipment for announcements, doing the programming/recording, sending it. and then the actually work of putting it together, your probably looking at more time than the actual event, to which i would want to get paid for. He has come recommended, so thats always good. I think I would want them to sign a waver saying that you have no responsibility to how good the party is as you are only supplying the music. :)

If it was a UK wedding I would probably do one as it would act as a very nice backup should the worst happen (put in generic announcements etc.) but you will probably have very different music for a US one, especially in Florida. For all you know it may be 50% hispanic or all they want is hiphop & R&B, (not the dated stuff we listen to), will be interesting too see this unfold. :)

[rth_discos]

I think they think they can get a DJ to do a set- send it to them and job done. Plug it in on the night and away they go. I think they probably don't want the DJ element, or are running to a very tight budget?


That's why I'd recommend a quick Sjype chat - it shows some interest from their request, and saves time asking the questions via email and long replies.

You can quickly get to the crux of this far quicker than via email.

It may be they loved what he did so much that they don't care what the cost is - they want one of his sets.

Equally, if it's a price driven decision, this will become apparent very quickly via Skype.

[Excalibur]

I’d politely decline and advise them iTunes will mix music from a playlist for them.

Chances are you’ll end up putting more time into it than it pays, sending versions for their approval, making amendments, mixing out slow intro’s/outro’s, adding/deleting songs etc.

It’s just not worth the hassle.

The voice of reason. :agree:

[Benny Smyth]

I’d politely decline and advise them iTunes will mix music from a playlist for them.

Chances are you’ll end up putting more time into it than it pays, sending versions for their approval, making amendments, mixing out slow intro’s/outro’s, adding/deleting songs etc.

It’s just not worth the hassle.

Boom. 'nuff said.

[Casual77]

I've had two playlists sent over to me today, with around 30 songs on each. The second one is pretty run-of-the-mill with lots of recent pop and dance music but the first one, which is presumably for earlier in the day/night, is full of artists I've never even heard of such as Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes and Irma Thomas. I don't see that in itself being a major problem because I can still mix songs I don't know, but I would need to buy about 35 of the 60 songs on the two playlists and pass that cost on to her, along with the cost of the licence, the memory stick and the overseas postage meaning this wouldn't be a cheap option for her.

I've just emailed her back saying that I don't think the benefit of me doing it would justify the cost of what I would need to charge her, but that if she is adamant she wants me to do it I will take it on to the best of my ability. I have also pointed out that it would have to be on a music only basis because I'm really not up for making pre-recorded announcements and I'm not sure my fairly broad Barnsley accent would be all that well received at a Floridian wedding.

I've said that if she wants to minimise her cost I will email her a shopping list and give her some instructions to enable her to have a go at preparing the mixes herself without any charge. It will be interesting to find out which way she wants to go.

[DazzyD]

...

For the amount of time it would take I would want something close to my normal fee. Even so there are millions of DJ's in America, especially Florida, so why is she not booking one of them? ...

I'd guess the answer to your question is cost. On a certain Facebook page, which seems predominately DJs of Stateside origin, it's clear that they're not shy in asking for fees that make them a decent living. $1.5k upwards appears to be the going rate for wedding DJs over there!


I’d politely decline and advise them iTunes will mix music from a playlist for them.

Chances are you’ll end up putting more time into it than it pays, sending versions for their approval, making amendments, mixing out slow intro’s/outro’s, adding/deleting songs etc.

It’s just not worth the hassle.

Couldn't agree more.

[Imagine]

I'd guess the answer to your question is cost. On a certain Facebook page, which seems predominately DJs of Stateside origin

Yup - I'm a member of that one too.


...it's clear that they're not shy in asking for fees that make them a decent living. $1.5k upwards appears to be the going rate for wedding DJs over there!

You'll never get that round here :sofa:

In answer to the OP though - I'd be inclined to decline that one in all honesty. It sounds like a LOT of work for potentially very little money. I'd say she's trying to cut corners, and as already mentioned, U.S weddings are a completely different kettle of fish to those over on this side of the pond...not least of all on cost.

The DJ pretty much runs the show on the day from ceremony to reception (and I really do mean [b]runs[b] the show...not just the occasional announcement, and the day is generally shorter as well (I'm told the average U.S wedding is around 4-5 hours including the ceremony and sit down meal and that those guys can do a couple of weddings in a day. They're also expected to attend a full rehearsal before the big day for most weddings (which is all built into those costs).

They also don't tend to use much in the way of lighting believe it or not. In fact, they've only just got into having a facade (think Equinox screen) and an Equinox GigBar as the light-show (I kid you not....they LOVE Gigbars!). That said, most of them have invested in their own generators/battery packs for the outside parts of the wedding (normally the ceremony).

As to their fees - there's a different post in the members area which covers that one so won't go into that here ;)

[sweetie]

I've been to a few US wedidngs and even djed one (albeit premixes from my laptop as I was a guest) It was in New York and the music was played between the courses! People were dancing to elvis, beatles, stones etc before their main course. It was great fun but over all too early. The groom was Irish so we went to a private area in a club after the wedding itself but most of the atmosphere was lost during the change of venue.

More recently, on holidays in Disneyland last summer, there was a wedding in the hotel and the dj was playing music around 3pm - 5pm, no lights at all and in fairness the yanks are great for getting up for a boogie. I passed around 6 and everything was finished!

[yourdj]

More recently, on holidays in Disneyland last summer, there was a wedding in the hotel and the dj was playing music around 3pm - 5pm, no lights at all and in fairness the yanks are great for getting up for a boogie. I passed around 6 and everything was finished!

A lot of good stuff has come from our shiny teethed friends over the last 10 years (amongst all the crap that has brainwashed some folk!), but they keep that idea quiet!! What a revolution, venues would love that wouldn't they! They would be all shut up by 6 & I could be at home tucked up in bed by 7pm!! :p :p

US DJ's do charge a premium as they seem to be doing the whole lot, (even MCing & management), so with a greater set of jobs and longer prep, they will be charging more than the 4-5 hour evening DJ 'just playing some tunes'. I had dreams about my all-day on Sat, this morning, says a lot about the responsibility / subconscious stress. I do it a lot, play button wont work, or someone has nicked my kit!!! :p

[rth_discos]

I'm working with some US DJs currently to help them improve their web presence.

They cannot get over the length of a UK wedding - nor the idea of separate evening guests.

They tend to have a 3pm/4pm ceremony, followed by drinks reception, and then sit down at 6pm for food with everything concluded by 11pm.

Far better, and keeps the pace going - UK weddings are very slow affairs, with lots of gaps with nothing happening.

[rth_discos]

On the note of the original thread though, I'm surprised at how many people have said "don't bother" and "knock it on the head".

Why the assumption that the client is purely looking for the cheapest option?

You'll lose a lot of business that way, and annoy clients who have got big money to spend.

Sometimes you'll be surprised what motivates people, and it's not always "the cheapest".

Like I said, a 5 minute Skype session would help clarify this either way - and I'm glad the OP has been in touch, and brought up the price issue quickly. Yes, the thinking from the bride might be how to do it cheaper, but equally, they may have been so impressed at a UK DJ and how different our set was, and are looking for something unique for their wedding, and could see this as the only practical alternative, but "low price" isn't a driver.

It harks back to my thread about pricing - why do so many DJs think everyone just wants the cheapest? :mad:

[yourdj]

They cannot get over the length of a UK wedding


Try getting married in Poland. My wedding lasted 3 days!! And I still wanted more. :)



You'll lose a lot of business that way, and annoy clients who have got big money to spend.


I tend to turn quite a bit of normal work down as its either too far away, don't like the venue, or the client is not really right for us (or vice verser), Regardless of how much money they have to spend. It's certainly worth looking at but this is hardly a normal situation. :)

I am interested to see how it pans out. I bet its a mix of money, she has been recommended you, & that she has seen a few bad US DJ's and was horrified. It may just be a small English person wedding (30 persons), with no first dance & a bit of dancing at the end? :)

[funkymook]

On the note of the original thread though, I'm surprised at how many people have said "don't bother" and "knock it on the head".

Why the assumption that the client is purely looking for the cheapest option?

It harks back to my thread about pricing - why do so many DJs think everyone just wants the cheapest? :mad:

I think you were the first person to raise that they may want a cheap option.

Pretty much every other comment hasn’t gone on about it being a budget option but how much hassle it could end up being. Once you commit to a project like this you can end up being at the beck and call of the client for the smallest of changes, which to them sounds reasonable but to the person doing the work can mean redoing the whole mix, I know this from experience and no amount of money makes it worth it.

I think you’re beating up the wrong crowd here.

[Casual77]

The plot thickens..... I've just had another email from the bride and it turns out the wedding is next month and to be held somewhere in Spain with only around 30 guests. I must admit that I had assumed it was a cost-cutting measure but now I'm not sure that that is the case.

Anyway, I've given her some advice on how she could do it on a DIY basis using an iPad and DJay Pro software which may well be her best option. Alternatively, I've told her I will take it on if she is prepared to pay me to do it on a 'one-take, less than perfect' basis with no announcements. It sounds like they only need around 3 hours of music so I'd be quite happy to give it a go on that basis provided she covers the cost of any music I need to buy and pays me a reasonable hourly-rate.

[Excalibur]

It harks back to my thread about pricing - why do so many DJs think everyone just wants the cheapest? :mad:

But this isn't going to be the cheapest option. Surely you know the answer to the question " how do you hire a cheap PA and lights " ?

" Book a DJ ".

What Allan is going to have to charge to stand a chance of breaking even is quite a lot. He'll have a lot of hours to charge for, possibly some songs to buy, and a lot of hassle. Client will have to hire the kit as well, so I don't see it being a cheap option.

I know plenty of people who hire kit out at a higher rate than a decent disco could be sourced for.

[yourdj]

It may just be a small English person wedding (30 persons)


to be held somewhere in Spain with only around 30 guests

:beer1::beer1::beer1: :muppet:

Guess they just want a good mix of music to have a boogie too after the ceremony and meal?
I assume its English area of Spain, which is not a lot different to some of the seaside towns in the UK. :)

A one take mix is a good bet. Charge accordingly for any changes after that and job done. :)

[Casual77]

:beer1::beer1::beer1: :muppet:

Guess they just want a good mix of music to have a boogie too after the ceremony and meal?
I assume its English area of Spain, which is not a lot different to some of the seaside towns in the UK. :)

A one take mix is a good bet. Charge accordingly for any changes after that and job done. :)

Yeah that's pretty much it and, after deciding I would probably not bother, I'm now swaying in favour of doing it for them because I think they need help on this and I'm not sure anyone else would be daft enough to take it on!

My only real concern is that there are two playlists that I've been sent and they are very different to each other. The second is full of recent chart dance and R'n'B which I'm pretty comfortable with but the first one is much lower tempo and full of songs and artists I've never heard of. I've been told I can add and remove songs as I see fit but I have to assume that if they have included them then they will probably want them in the set so I can't just chop out the songs I'm not familiar with. I can see it being quite difficult to arrange the songs into any kind of logical running order so I will probably just start off with the lowest tempo songs and build up to the bigger dance songs towards the end before slowing things down again for the last few songs.

Are there any particular conventions to an American wedding playlist that I should be aware of? I often end an English wedding with a big well known sing along song at the end of the night. Does anyone know if that would be an acceptable way to conclude an American wedding party?

[Excalibur]

. Does anyone know if that would be an acceptable way to conclude an American wedding party?

Might depend entirely on which part of the USA the function was being held in. :whistle::D:D

[DazzyD]

Might depend entirely on which part of the USA the function was being held in. :whistle::D:D

Erm, the "Spain" part??? :eek:

[Casual77]

Might depend entirely on which part of the USA the function was being held in. :whistle::D:D

Touché!

Ok.... would it be appropriate for a Spanish wedding then?

[Excalibur]

Touché!

Ok.... would it be appropriate for a Spanish wedding then?
You're asking the wrong fella. Toby appears to be the oracle on all International weddings.

Me, I'd be contemplating ending with:
Little White Bull
Y viva Espana
Una Paloma Blanca
Spanish Harlem
Spanish Hustle
Spanish Eyes.............................................. ..........:coat:

[yourdj]

You're asking the wrong fella. Toby appears to be the oracle on all International weddings.


Not these days, i have not got a clue whats in the recent and past charts for Spanish weddings now, I would only do a Spanish weddings in the UK with a decent playlist. I would not do very well in a proper Spanish wedding especially in Spain!

I bet this is just a load of English people in a Spanglish area of Spain, which lets face it is not mush different to the UK. My dad lives in a village on a mountain in the middle of nowhere (Hondon Delos Frailes) and you guessed it, its full of English retirees whom have lived there for decades and never bothered to learn the language or mix with the locals. Whats really funny is they are all really patriotic and can't stand the immigrants in the UK. :):)

[Nakatomi]

I recently did a gig where the customer asked me to help with the music for their afterparty. DJs apparently aren't allowed to use the cellar bar, so armed with a list of tunes I set about making a 2 hour pre-recorded mix & charged a handsome fee for it.

Initially I recorded it as 'live' which amounted to over 3.5 hours of music that I then edited down to 2 hours (club mixes have a lot of extended sections not really relevant) but I wasn't happy with the end result so re-did the whole thing in Ableton Live which took just over 3 hours.

Was it worth it? Yup. The customer loved the mix from the first sneaky listen - so much he listened to the whole thing. Did it 'work' ? I'm not sure, but it certainly sounded good - a lot better than the marquee above.

Oh & the licence? https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/releasing-music-products/limited-manufacture