Here we go...

[funkymike]

I can see a argument coming on, I been booked for a wedding in Feb 07 and the hall is very big and a high roof, infact its a theater with a full on stage. there are going to be 250 quests at the reception and the B&G want it loud, thats not the problem.

Iam booked from 7.30 till 12.00 and I found out yesturday that there is also a solo singer for a hour from 9.30. He wants the stage, got his own pa gear, but Iam on the stage too with a big rig for the night ( 8 speakers, truss and a load of lights) but he wants the stage!!!

Any ideas? before I ring him to discuss, or will it be a clash ofthe egos

cheers

Mike

[Ricesnaps]

Hi Mike,

I think there could be a really sensible answer to this. Obviously the bride and groom are really keen to have both a singer and a disco, so the key here is not to **** them off and make sure they get what they want.

I would aproach this with a positive attitude where you try to solve the problem with the band, not argue the toss! I have no idea how you'll do it, but maybe you can agree to set up at the same time on the day and make it look like one set up? Your speakers slap bang next to his? I take it he has no lighting, so I would guess you will actually be the bigger hero as you'll be lighting the singer as well!

I'd just arrange to meet the singer and take it calmly

[spin mobile disco]

Would recomend arguing, if its a solo singer are they using backing band or backing tape? if band then it could get nasty but if its just a solo then it shouldnt be a problem. He with most gear wins lol

[funkymike]

I do like to upset the solo singers with backing tapes, as its only karaoke without the tv infront of them. LOL

[A1DL]

why not use just one sound and lighting system?
much tidier and better from the customer point of view

[ian8limelight]

why not use just one sound and lighting system?
much tidier and better from the customer point of view

Thoroughly agree here.

The other question to ask is, if the singer is using his PA, when is he/she going to de-rig. I have worked with some solo acts that will de-rig straight away and then proceed to carry it across the dance floor whilst you're playing.

I would contact the singer direct, on the basis that you are going to discuss the music that he/she is going to sing (therefore stoppping you duplicating it) and then sensibly and professionally discuss the evening.

[Candybeatdiscos]

punch him......


nah just joking - i actually like ians idea

[Creature]

comunication is the key - had similar a few weeks ago - after talking to the band it was all over 12" - i moved my rig the required distance - prob solved

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

Had a similar thing at a christmas party last year - although wasn't till i turned up i found there was a band on too. They had already set up on the stage, no room for me so i happily took a corner at the side of the stage. Didn't see the point in setting up 2 pa's either so ran the output from my mixer into theirs and out their PA. Helped that they were packing up the next day so could do it to allow me to play after they finished their set.

[BeerFunk]

Didn't see the point in setting up 2 pa's either so ran the output from my mixer into theirs and out their PA. Helped that they were packing up the next day so could do it to allow me to play after they finished their set.
Good point, similar to what I was going to suggest..

Why not let the singer use your PA? If you didn't mind, it would solve all problems..

[Paul James Promotions]

When working with a band or Artist, I will usually set up my truss behind them, then console to one side. Might just mean hiring a pair of heavy duty wind up stands for the day.

[theoloyla]

Things have changed from how they were in the 60's and 70's. Then mot bands and musicians hated discos. Nowadays any band that is sensible acts in a professional manner and realises that we are both there to do a job and will co-operate over stage space etc. It comes down to who is the main act of the performance and how long are the artistes performing. I have done lots of gigs where basically I am just the warm up, interval and possibly close down for a band who are quite obviously the stars of the night. Of course in this case they want and expect centre stage and I can set up around their needs. When the disco i the main act and the artiste/s are just a cameo/cabaret/support/interval etc then we should dominate but it is incumbent on us to be sensible too and leave them enough room to perform etc. I usually let them use my mike and pa and lighting if practical and this solves a lot of problems and they are usually glad they dont have to set up a full pa for their short act.

[DeZine]

Hi Folks

Thought that I'd "chime" in here as I sing "from the other sheet", so to speak!

I work as a singer and musician, playing with my missus as a duo, mainly playing at weddings and private functions. I also, on occassion, work as a mobile DJ.

Currently though, I am working as a "solo" entertainer during the festive season at Christmas Party Nights (it was booked for me to do solo over a year ago, before my good lady and I started out as a duo).

I have now been doing this kind of thing for over 20 years and it has taken me all over the world. I am also a qualified sound engineer and Clinical Audiologist.

Anyway, enough of the spiel!!

I have to concur with most of the replies here - it is best to laise with the artist. A lot would be happy to utilise the DJ's PA (personally, I wouldn't - I have just invested £6k on a new PA system and I am very particular about my "sound"! But that's just me!! LOL! To be honest, I generally ask the DJ if they would like to use my rig and most jump at the chance!!).

As for, "He with the most gear, wins" - I do tend to agree!! It's purely a question of logistics - I have worked with some DJ's with mammoth rigs, and some with very small rigs. Share the space - if the DJ has most gear, he sets up according to what he needs. Same with the band/singer - the use the space available.

Besides, if the singer is any good, he will walk about the stage and COMMAND the stage, so everyone will be well aware of who and what he/she is and doing!!

That said, he's only playing for hour - I would hope he would be professional enough NOT to carry gear over a dancefloor during the DJ's set. In my opinion, DJ's are performers too, just as I am, and as such they get my immediate respect - for example, during my Christmas run i play from 9.30pm to 11pm, with the DJ playing from 11pm to 1am. I leave the "stage" area and do not de-rig until AFTER the DJ has finished and the night is over. It is professional. It is courteous. It is respectful.

As I have stated, I do on occassion work as a DJ. I have had bands/artists packing up and leaving and frankly, it annoys the hell out of me and is a right bug-bear of mine!!

Anyway, to sum up - laise and there shouldn't be a problem. But keep the B & G informed, even if it's just to say that everything will be clockwork! Failing that - just get to the venue first and take the space you need!!! LOL!!!

And folks - the reason I am on this forum is because I just wish that some of the professionalism you guys exhibit would rub of on some of my musician colleagues so I use it to get ideas and advice, particularily over lighting "technical" matters!!

Keep up the good work, all

Tony

ps - sorry this is so bloddy long-winded!!! Christ, I don't half go on!!!