Over The Top Requirements

[DMX Will]

Happy Friday!

Need some help regarding over the top requirements. I need to create a list of requirements to help "get-rid" of a DJ for a youth club night coming up.

I'm a member of a group who organise events locally to us, our most recent event a very successful club night. Now we're doing one again in June.

Last time there was a vote to see who would DJ. The choices were us lot, and dare I stereo type, and say a Chav's Chavvy Friend, who's from what I have heard is a HipHop/DrumNBass/RnB bedroom DJ, who has played at a few of their parties (which I might add end with them being shut down, or the curtains on fire).

We won last time, everything was ace, full dance floor from 7.30pm (started at 7) right up until 11.30 when it finished.

Now this "Chav" has bought up their DJ, and said (quite rightly) it's only fair if they give her friend a shot. Fine, great.

After the last meeting, the team leader spoke to me, and she said she didn't really want this other DJ, as we did such a good job last time. We also kitted the entire club out with scanners, movers etc (as it's a "par can club" with no intelligent lighting). We also did all the visuals, and I said we would not be supplying lights nor visuals, as the club is underground, and the amount of lift trips is stupid. I said the reward for doing it, was DJing (it's a freebe).

So between me and this team leader we deicded we need to check that this DJ is "good enough", but really we need some things to put him off.

Obviously we've got the PLI and PAT to ask him about, he won't have either but he could arrange it.

The other thing was I will require proof that his music is legit (i.e. no illegal downloads) - Invoices from iTunes, recipts from HMV etc.

But what else can we add to this list to get him off the idea?

Any help appreciated.

[rob1963]

Hiya Will,

I can't think of anything else you can ask him for, but I'd have thought that the PLI, PAT & illegal download checks would be more than enough to put him off.

If he's just a bedroom mixer & only does a few gigs, will he REALLY want to fork out about £200 for £5 million PLI & PAT testing - just so he can do your gig?

Apart from that, I wouldnt be surprised if his music is illegally downloaded, so I'm sure you'll be able to get him on that one too!

:)

[DMX Will]

Hiya Will,

I can't think of anything else you can ask him for, but I'd have thought that the PLI, PAT & illegal download checks would be more than enough to put him off.

If he's just a bedroom mixer & only does a few gigs, will he REALLY want to fork out about £200 for £5 million PLI & PAT testing - just so he can do your gig?

Apart from that, I wouldnt be surprised if his music is illegally downloaded, so I'm sure you'll be able to get him on that one too!

:)

Thanks Rob,

I'm going to say it has to be £10 mil as it's a 900 people night club, so not small by any means. I think I'll make having own *good* lights a requirement too.

I wouldn't be suprised about his music either, unless of course hes a vinyl guy.

[Dragonfly]

Maybe put stipulations on the music? it has to be chart, 90s etc. if you dont want drum n bass all night might be an idea (cant think of anything worse myself except maybe having my head smashed repeatedly against a lamp post for 4 hours. Ask if you can go and see him in action at an up andcoming gig ?

[DMX Will]

Thanks for the suggestion Dragon.

TBH, I don't really want to go to the type of event he plays at, as I think he would be "sure, come along" (if he's actually got any gigs between now and then), but as I said they're more out of hand raves, from what I've been told anyway.

[waxintaxin]

Risk assesment
method statement


catches even big companies out

I know he will not know how to even start on them , let alone produce them

[axeman]

he might surprise you !!!

and i don't mean by having pli, pat test, risk assesment and method statement certs, but he might be OK as a DJ.....lol (prob not tho)

[TonyB]

he might surprise you !!!

and i don't mean by having pli, pat test, risk assesment and method statement certs, but he might be OK as a DJ.....lol (prob not tho)

Might be reading this thread too and getting prepared!

[spin mobile disco]

How about an equipment suitablilty check? 900 peaople is an awful large amount of equipment for a decent showing. If they turn up with sytechs and a warrior amp it isnt going to be a good night no matter how good they are.
Also how old is he as no contract is binding if under the age of 16.
I can see your problem and I have been in a similar situation myself p.a.t and insurance is probably going to be the clincher.

[super-hero]

Would it be possible to let him play a one hour set from say, 7 until 8pm.

I have friends that mostly play at d'n'b parties but can also dj for your average crowd as well. Ask him for a demo cd, of the type of tracks he is likely to play on the night.

[mikeee]

Quick question, How old is he?? Under 18 he may not be legally allowed to work without written permission anyway.

[flatliners]

do a battle of the djs to see who wins the gig

[groovy-nights]

Will what will you provide them lighting and sound wise?????????

[theoloyla]

Would it be possible to let him play a one hour set from say, 7 until 8pm.

I have friends that mostly play at d'n'b parties but can also dj for your average crowd as well. Ask him for a demo cd, of the type of tracks he is likely to play on the night.

I remember from a previous thread amazing several people by saying that I let other dj's do a guest spot. As I said at the time if they bomb they make you look great when you re-fill the floor. If they do good it helps the evening go well and makes you look good too.

[DMX Will]

How about an equipment suitablilty check? 900 peaople is an awful large amount of equipment for a decent showing. If they turn up with sytechs and a warrior amp it isnt going to be a good night no matter how good they are.
Also how old is he as no contract is binding if under the age of 16.
I can see your problem and I have been in a similar situation myself p.a.t and insurance is probably going to be the clincher.

Not a problem as we provide to XLR tails for link up into the in-house PA. (It's a 8 subs under the stage, one small monitor per sq/m bar area and about 6 flown tops. So, to say the least it's loud ;)

Thanks for everyone else's suggestions :)

BTW, to whoever asked it, he's about 25 :(

[sparc]

How about a different angle, work with him rather than against him?

[DMX Will]

How about a different angle, work with him rather than against him?

I see what you are saying Brian. If I'm honest I would love it to work, however I know it wouldn't. I'm suprised no one mentioned it before.

The simple fact is i'm sure we would both have very different ideas about what should be played and what shouldn't. Now obviously I'm to an advantage - I'm a member of the organising group, and I've done it, under exactly the same circumstances before - meaning I know what's good to play to the said crowd, and what's not.

The three girls I spoke about in my inital post, all gave me extensive lists. A couple of pages each. With a very deffinite theme going on, of most tracks I had never heard of, and in some cases, the artists were unknown to me. I did some iTunes previewing of the tracks, and I wouldn't expect to hear them in any non-themed night club. - And that's they key, all we played was club and dance, which is exactly what the crowd expected, and exactly what they wanted. Giving them a stero typical evening of a dance club.