Microphone Usage?

[|DJChris|]

I recently coverd a gig for another Dj, who wasnt well. The gig was a wedding. It went very well, no problems there.
However, after i had finished, The DJ aproached me, saying he had been here for some of the night and had watched my progress through the night (a little odd, i know!) he said i had been great...but he also decided to give me a tip, saying that i should use my microphone more often. I'm sure he is correct in what he says, as i only use the Mic for minor things, such as :-
1.introducing first dance/Buffet.
2.reminders to dancers, when my kit is in a very close proximity to them:D
3.Last orders
4.maybe introducing a requested song.
5.and the last song of the night

He also suggested that sometimes just gernal banter on the mic will help ease the crowd etc.

so i put it to you, how often would you honestly say you use your microphone on a genral disco or wedding?

[Ricesnaps]

I used to be a huge personality DJ, but to be fair, particularly in the wedding market it is becoming less and less apropriate. I do say a little more than your usual anouncements and I would say it's important to have a little bit of chat, but sometimes it's also sensible to keep quiet!

If it helps, try focusing on someone or a group of people from time to time and use them to spark some lighthearted banter. Maybe a guy has a fairly flamboyant style of dancing - then you could suggest they might do well on Britains got Tallent. Or maybe there's a particularly OTT lass who keeps giving you the eye - so you could say "careful, the wife won't like that" or something along those lines?

[Vectis]

Usually quite a bit when introducing the B+G and last dance/exit of etc..

During the main body of the night will generally utter a few words at the end of most songs, more often than not if changing genre or introducing a request/dedication (or sometimes if I sense a dodgy mix coming up :D ).

I certainly don't "banter" over the mic. unless with the hirer/B+G over a specified matter.

I never use the mic. as an advertising medium; I have subtle graphics or signage for that. I will introduce myself at the start of the evening and invite requests.

My feedback questionnaires have a specific 'microphone usage' multiple-choice question and invariably I get "just about right" circled.

[Shaun]

so i put it to you, how often would you honestly say you use your microphone on a genral disco or wedding?

It depends. I ask the client during the initial consultation what their preference is. Some prefer a laid back DJ that isn't the centre of attention, or continuously gabbering over the mic constantly, others want a more 'full on' personality DJ. I'm quite happy doing both... but for weddings I prefer the first.

[spin mobile disco]

Depends on the croud, will do all the usual announcments etc. Maybe some info on artist of last song or interesting fact etc but mainly on the warm up 1st hour etc. Then just occasioanl introduction or to point thing out going on in the room and try to encorouge people up to dance.
I would say unless you have a croud that wants interaction keep it down to maybe every third or fourth song and then only for the usual.....that is beyonce with her latest hit......that was wham with an 80's classic...........this next song is by special request for.........

you get the idea. I agree that recently people seem to want less talking than they used to, but they still need some.
I went to a party not so long ago and the DJ didnt say a word all night just played cd after cd. Couldnt fault him on choice of music (most of the time) but he didnt get one person up to dance and there was no atmoshere in the room it was like having a radio on in background.

[BeerFunk]

Aaah, the DJ at a function with nothing better to do than watch you.. :rolleyes: :)

He sounds like he meant well, but what you didn't mention was how well the function went? If people were up dancing, and you could look around and tell from everyones body language that they were enjoying it - then job well done.

Sometimes a few more comments over the mic can help, but if people are bored for other reasons (like they are only there to show face, maybe aren't drinking because they are driving home), then there's little you can do!

[TonyB]

I agree that it depends on the crowd but a bit of mic. banter does help to break the ice with the guests.

I helped out at a function a couple of weeks ago where there was a Funk band and they had a funk DJ to fill in between the bands slots. They didn't make a single announcement the whole night. Not even for the brides first dance and it did seem strange watching it. When I started my slot at the end, first thing I done was plug in a mic and introduced myself.

[Thames Valley Discos]

that is beyonce with her latest hit......that was wham with an 80's classic...........this next song is by special request for.........


Ohhh, sounds more like smashy and nicey doing a radio show.
Always makes me cringe.

[Vectis]

;) ;)

[Thames Valley Discos]

coming up pop pickers a fantabulous new mix by ME

[rob1963]

I recently coverd a gig for another Dj, who wasnt well. The gig was a wedding. It went very well, no problems there.
However, after i had finished, The DJ aproached me, saying he had been here for some of the night and had watched my progress through the night (a little odd, i know!) he said i had been great...but he also decided to give me a tip, saying that i should use my microphone more often. I'm sure he is correct in what he says, as i only use the Mic for minor things, such as :-
1.introducing first dance/Buffet.
2.reminders to dancers, when my kit is in a very close proximity to them:D
3.Last orders
4.maybe introducing a requested song.
5.and the last song of the night

He also suggested that sometimes just gernal banter on the mic will help ease the crowd etc.

so i put it to you, how often would you honestly say you use your microphone on a genral disco or wedding?

Hi Chris,

20 years ago things were very different, but not any more. These days I'm pretty similar to you...general announcements and a few other comments now & again.

I've never had any negative comments about not using the mic enough, but I HAVE had several positive comments for being unobtrusive.

If you try to be a very chatty personality DJ, you face the danger of becoming the centre of attention...and I would have thought that should be the bride & groom's job on their wedding day!

[Key2]

To me, the use of the microphone is what makes the mobile disco DJ different to the folks that hire a PA and play out from an IdiotPod.

If all you do is play tracks, surely 'they' could do that!

Professional, clear announcements can make any function run smoother. On the other hand, I think we've all heard the muffled attempts by 'some' discos.:rolleyes:

It's a matter of balance. Try and see it from the clients viewpoint.

John:)

[Dragonfly]

"woo wooo .... wave your hands in the air like you just dont care"

or my favourite .......

"come on you lazy :Censored: get up and :Censored: dance will you or you all just outline the :Censored: pointlessness of me being here"

actuall maybe not those two...

my advice on mic usage is always the same ...... be you ...... imo it is so important to sound natural on the mic and say things that YOU would say otherwise you sound manufactured and fake and thus cheesy.

[Dragonfly]

IdiotPod.
John:)


You John sir are a legend :D :D :D :D :D

[sandysounds]

Not got years of experience to fall back on.....but I agree with comment about if you don't banter.....any idiot could just put the music on. i think you stand out from the many 'all so rans' if you can entertain and build up a good raport with the guests, so that they are not only dancing but having a laugh as well. At the end of the day its got to be down to reading the crowd and knowing what is best suited to the occasion.

Sandy
www.sandysounds.co.uk

[BeerFunk]

To me, the use of the microphone is what makes the mobile disco DJ different to the folks that hire a PA and play out from an IdiotPod.

If all you do is play tracks, surely 'they' could do that!

Professional, clear announcements can make any function run smoother. On the other hand, I think we've all heard the muffled attempts by 'some' discos.:rolleyes:

It's a matter of balance. Try and see it from the clients viewpoint.

John:)
Not got years of experience to fall back on.....but I agree with comment about if you don't banter.....any idiot could just put the music on. i think you stand out from the many 'all so rans' if you can entertain and build up a good raport with the guests, so that they are not only dancing but having a laugh as well. At the end of the day its got to be down to reading the crowd and knowing what is best suited to the occasion.

Sandy
www.sandysounds.co.uk
Oh dear.... that is a bit of an insult to all the good mobile DJs out there.

You are severely underestimating how a good DJ can make a function a real success - regardless of microphone usage.

"Any idiot could just put the music on" - true, but not the most suitable music in random circumstances.

[Ricesnaps]

Oh dear.... that is a bit of an insult to all the good mobile DJs out there.

You are severely underestimating how a good DJ can make a function a real success - regardless of microphone usage.

"Any idiot could just put the music on" - true, but not the most suitable music in random circumstances.

And maybe you have taken that way to hard?

A good DJ is an entertainer, simple as. We all have different ways we like to entertain. Try reading the comment about "any idiot" as if it was spoken by a client. I'm sure that's what a lot of them think - in fact that just brings us back to the iPod wedding.

Maybe we need to think about how we entertain? I would hope a good DJ is not simply someone who can play the right music in the right order? It IS about how you play and how you mix it and how you entertain the client. Sometimes there is a lot of need to be very vocal, sometime less so.

[mike8863]

Personally I like to speak a bit, however, I went to a wedding at the weekend as a guest, and the DJ was the "peter kay" DJ character:eek: , muffled, spoke far too quick and spoke between each and every tune!!!. Most of the guests loved it, just shows how fickle our clients can be. I always gauge reaction to mic work and if it goes down like a lead balloon i shut up:zip: , if the guests like it, then i have a bit of banter but not after each tune.:cool: Personal taste really, but get some practice you might need to do more of it one day!!!!.

Mike

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

If anyone says the phrase "I let the music do the talking" in this thread, I will possibly scream.....

A good DJ will know how and when to use the mic.

What do you non-talkers do if no-one is dancing for an hour? Stay silent?

How on earth do you get people going on NYE, by smiling politely?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you need the ability in your locker and this doesn't mean you have to be a comedian. I quite often make comments and have a bit of a banter with my clients and they always seem to enjoy what I am saying. It helps build atmosphere and that's not to say that I chat over everything, 'cos I don't. If people are dancing and having a good time, then I don't feel the need, but if there aren't many dancers and it needs a bit of an injection of something, then I will chat.

If you are not confident and are finding your feet still, then don't try and be Mr Confident, 'cos it won't work and you will end up sounding ridiculous.

I always ask clients whether they want a chatty DJ, non chatty DJ or something in between and most people go for the selection in between.

[Corabar Steve]

:zip: :zip: :zip: :cool:

[Twinspin]

Mic work i think is very important. I do use mine to interact with the guests. About requests etc. I dont go mad though. As Darren pointed out a good dj will know when to use his microphone.

However i dont believe how some djs can just sit there and play music all night long and not say anything at all. Some people specifically request that you dont say anything over the microphone.

However if the dj is going to stay silent all night (unless otherwise requested by the client to do so) I dont even know how some carry on. Mic work is a very important part of working as a mobile dj.

To get the best sound possible out of your microphone. Do a sound check before the gig and adjust the microphone to the tone of your voice.

Sorry if i may seem blunt in any way.

[Thames Valley Discos]

I let the music do the talking:zip: :D

[Thames Valley Discos]

Ok quiet now Darren, your wifes watching TV:p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I let the music do the talking:zip: :D

LMAO!

Ok quiet now Darren, your wifes watching TV:p

I'm in my office and she is in the front room. :thumbsup:

[Thames Valley Discos]

LMAO!


I'm in my office and she is in the front room. :thumbsup:
lucky you

[Excalibur]

Ohhh, sounds more like smashy and nicey doing a radio show.
Always makes me cringe.

Youre not slagging off my role models are you? !

[Excalibur]

Mic work i think is very important. I do use mine to interact with the guests. About requests etc. I dont go mad though. As Darren pointed out a good dj will know when to use his microphone.

However i dont believe how some djs can just sit there and play music all night long and not say anything at all. Some people specifically request that you dont say anything over the microphone.

However if the dj is going to stay silent all night (unless otherwise requested by the client to do so) I dont even know how some carry on. Mic work is a very important part of working as a mobile dj.

To get the best sound possible out of your microphone. Do a sound check before the gig and adjust the microphone to the tone of your voice.

Sorry if i may seem blunt in any way.

Amen to all that . :D

[Key2]

Oh dear.... that is a bit of an insult to all the good mobile DJs out there.


Not at all. My posting refered to why using the microphone can highlight the difference between 'a good dj', and someone who hires professional equipment and plays the music themselves. It's a skill that Joe Public doesn't usually have, due to lack of practice.

John

[PropellerHeadCase]

Not at all. My posting refered to why using the microphone can highlight the difference between 'a good dj', and someone who hires professional equipment and plays the music themselves. It's a skill that Joe Public doesn't usually have, due to lack of practice.

Generally due to being completely terrified of anything that even vaguely seems like public speaking - which is the number one fear, ahead of death, for most people!

I both agree
and disagree
Mister Key

DJing is not merely pressing play, so a good DJ may well be a good DJ without being good on the mic but the general public's perception does seem to be that all we do is 'push play', so what differentiates a good DJ who just pushes play from another who includes a bit of banter is clearly the talking. As mentioned elsewhere, though, that differentiation may be a negative if one talks too much (and how much is too much depends on the punters, so it's a moving target).

I know I personally need to get better at injecting just a little bit more banter into my overall routine. It's weird, I have no problem with public speaking, but as soon as I'm DJing I pretty much clam up bar the necessary announcements. If nothing else I think that a good spiel at the start of the night, if done right, just makes you seem more approachable to the assembled guests.


If anyone says the phrase "I let the music do the talking" in this thread, I will possibly scream.....

In the words of David Bowie, then...
"I am a DJ, I am what I play" ;)

[Corabar Steve]

In the words of David Bowie, then...
"I am a DJ, I am what I play" ;)

My God, I must be good! :sj:

[Key2]

If all you do is play tracks, surely 'they' could do that!


What I MEANT was, that is the attitude of non-dj's. They think that all a dj does is press 'play'. Whereas, the dj that can use the microphone can show the difference.

I have read a few postings where 'some' dj's are slightly worried that technology will make the mobile dj redundant, by making it much easier to play music, maybe with simple software that fades one track into another, thereby cutting out the silence between the end of one track and the start of the next. If such equipment becomes commonplace, like the IdiotPod, then the mobile dj's days are numbered. BUT...if you can use the microphone to good effect, not just to announce the buffet;) then you are adding 'personal service', which is what the client is really paying for!

John:)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have read a few postings where 'some' dj's are slightly worried that technology will make the mobile dj redundant, by making it much easier to play music, maybe with simple software that fades one track into another, thereby cutting out the silence between the end of one track and the start of the next.

This equipment has been about for years - there was a Citronic console that used to be able to fade between decks, starting one record when the other one finished. There may have been a slight gap but not too much.

CD players have had that ability for years and there are more mobile DJs out there than ever.

[super-hero]

I prefere to use the mic spareingly, and find that when everyone is up and dancing you don't need to do a lot of talking.

I recently done an event at a working mens club, and they said it was much better than their usual dj (he has been there for 15 years) as he loves his own voice, and talks on the mic, non stop.

I was also at a wedding the other week, where the dj introduced every song and it did seem a bit 1980's. Having said that, a good dj can definatly get the crowd up and dancing with good mic work.

[BeerFunk]

This equipment has been about for years - there was a Citronic console that used to be able to fade between decks, starting one record when the other one finished. There may have been a slight gap but not too much.

CD players have had that ability for years and there are more mobile DJs out there than ever.
Exactly, and fortunately for us, they aren't programmed to adjust their playlists when the dancefloor is not responding!

[Megamix]

I think there probably is a minimum mic use - starting off the evening with an introduction, informing the guests - buffet, happy birthday song, cake cutting, bar shutting plus requests, changes of tempo - 'such as going back to the 60s' etc. and of course closing off the evening. Not sure if any DJs on this forum introduce every record - would have thought that would be pretty naff nowadays. I am not always 100% comfortable on the mic stuff - but it needs doing if you enjoy the playing music bit!

[NiM]

Thing that interests me is how do the people that yakker on the mic know that is what the audience want? A wedding I went to a while back, the DJ was yakking away on the mic and people seemed to be liking it.. Woo..

After the gig back at the hotel "after party" he got totally slated.. They only put up with it because they wanted to dance and alot of the reactions he got were sarcastic replies to what he was saying. Sadly he was too slow to realise.

I used to use the same thing on my booking forms ya know, "minimal", "a bit gobby", "loves the sound of his own voice" and every single booking came back with "minimal" (and I mean all 3 bookings :P)..

[rob1963]

What do you non-talkers do if no-one is dancing for an hour? Stay silent?

How on earth do you get people going on NYE, by smiling politely?



Darren,

With all due respect, I don't think anyone has done a post describing themselves as a non-talker. Most people seem to have said that they do all the announcement stuff & SOME extra chat...but not too much.

I'm also pretty sure that everyone uses the mic a lot more on NYE to build up the atmosphere & get people going...I know I do!

Generally though, if you asked clients what they wanted from a disco, I wonder how many would have "A chatty DJ" at or even NEAR the top of their list?

Given the choice, I think that it's better to under-use the mic than to over-use it.


This equipment has been about for years - there was a Citronic console that used to be able to fade between decks, starting one record when the other one finished. There may have been a slight gap but not too much.

CD players have had that ability for years and there are more mobile DJs out there than ever.

The idea that DJs will be replaced by ipods or some other technology is, in my opinion complete toilet. Ever since ipods came out, I've taken more disco bookings every year, so the reality just doesn't confirm these worries.

If you think about it, anyone wanting to use an ipod will also need to hire an amplifier and a pair of speakers, and what about lights? Even with the hassle & expense of all this, they STILL don't have anyone to make announcements, take requests or read the dancefloor & play the right songs at the right time.

These are some of the reasons why most people still book a disco...and will continue to do so, especially for weddings.

After all, when you have a total budget of £18,000, several hundred pounds for a disco (to provide the whole evening's entertainment) is a drop in the ocean.

[Twinspin]

During a wedding i use the mic a bit

"Good evening ladies and gentleman before we get started i would like to introduce myself to everybody.

"Im John i will be your disc jockey for this evening, If you have any requests during the evening please come and see me and ill try my best during the evening to play as many requests as i can. I hope you all have a great evening.

Depending on the client if i think they have a sense of humour sometimes for a bit of a laugh i will tease them on the microphone. like say im going to start the evening with some really naff cheesy song. It makes them all look at you and think noooooooooo!! When i play the first record they all think phew!! and see the funny side of it (just a bit of banter to break the ice)

During the evening i will use the microphone to encourage them to get up and have a dance. But none of this speaking in the middle of a song. Unless its for a reason (last orders at the bar usually or an important announcement

I will say over the microphone this record has been requested and is dedicated to....... from (if its not dedicated ill just say requested)

Im not one of them djs who teases people. But i will sometimes just say one thing at the beginning which is never offensive.

I usually get a lot of respect from the client and their guests that way. Because they know that im obviously friendly. Im always friendly with people at functions.

I have been known..... to have a laugh with them once later in the night.

CHARCOAL CHARCOAL (ill let you guess what they shout to follow it) i never say the words after it though

it usually makes them laugh if they like a bit of a laugh.

[PropellerHeadCase]

I have been known to make the odd funny comment, like when everyone starts clapping during the Grease Megamix and there are several people totally out of time... "One rhythm at a time, please." :D

[Impactdisco]

I use the mic much like anyone else on here, but I'm not the most confident talker in the world, and I wonder what some of the things other djs say to get people up when its a quiet floor, as I always feel a bit uncomfortable with this.

In saying that though, I did an event last week where only about 3 people danced all night, and I thought it had gone badly.

However the client rang me saying some guests had thought I'd played some terrific music and wanted my number. I then had a guest ring me and say that although they were not looking to book a disco themselves, if I sent them some cards they would recommend to friends who were.

[PropellerHeadCase]

And that's the thing with DJing, sometimes people aren't dancing because they don't want to, and nothing you can play will change that, what they DO want is an appropriately celebratory atmosphere in which to converse.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren,

With all due respect, I don't think anyone has done a post describing themselves as a non-talker. Most people seem to have said that they do all the announcement stuff & SOME extra chat...but not too much.

Rob, with all due respect back, you are only going off what you are reading on this thread. I know hundreds of DJs around the country and use a lot of forums to find out exactly what others are up to, as well as being advised by numerous reular venues that they had a DJ who didn't say a word etc and there are a lot of don't speak at all.


I'm also pretty sure that everyone uses the mic a lot more on NYE to build up the atmosphere & get people going...I know I do!

Perhaps you do, but you are only one person. My parents in law went out last NYE to a rather nice Hotel and I asked them what the disco was like and they said he was OK, but he didn't attempt to build the atmosphere. I asked why and they told me he didn't say a single thing all night. Only one example, but I can assure you there are plenty of others out there.


Generally though, if you asked clients what they wanted from a disco, I wonder how many would have "A chatty DJ" at or even NEAR the top of their list?!

I have many more clients ask for a chatty DJ that a silent one. The overall majority ask for something in between, but more opt for someone a bit chatty and lively than non speaking.




After all, when you have a total budget of £18,000, several hundred pounds for a disco (to provide the whole evening's entertainment) is a drop in the ocean.

Which is why we should be charging a lot more money.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Which is why we should be charging a lot more money.

Here, here!

[rob1963]

Rob, with all due respect back, you are only going off what you are reading on this thread. I know hundreds of DJs around the country and use a lot of forums to find out exactly what others are up to, as well as being advised by numerous reular venues that they had a DJ who didn't say a word etc and there are a lot of don't speak at all.

Yes Darren, my post was purely based on the comments made by others on this thread, but I'm sure you are right and there are many DJs who don't say a word all night.

In my opinion, those are the DJs who probably don't enjoy the job for whatever reason, and would be better suited to some other line of work.

:)

[Twinspin]

Yes Darren, my post was purely based on the comments made by others on this thread, but I'm sure you are right and there are many DJs who don't say a word all night.

In my opinion, those are the DJs who probably don't enjoy the job for whatever reason, and would be better suited to some other line of work.

:)

If they dont enjoy it then they should give it up.

[Corabar Steve]

If they dont enjoy it then they should give it up.

Here you go Sherlock

[rob1963]

If they dont enjoy it then they should give it up.

That's what I said! :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Here you go Sherlock

LMAO! :D

[TONYTIGER]

All right let the old man have a say on this subject, firstly the phrase DJ it would seem a lot of you out there get a lot of bookings for weddings and i would suspect the more gentle approach is the way to go.But then i dont call my self a DJ i am a presenter ,so what is the difference? well i work about 200/250 gigs per year ranging from compearing such things as fashion shows, product launches, after dinner speaking,music festivals,and so on ,have even worked as drag /comedy and fronting radio 1 outside broadcasts all of these need good mic teqniquies i would say to you all it is essential for you to be able to comunicate with the public and being a mobile jock is a great way to learn so keep talking somebody will tell you to shut up if you overdo it, and if you get really good at it there is a whole new world out there.By the way i used to front Noel Edmonds when he started out look at him now!

[BeerFunk]

All right let the old man have a say on this subject, firstly the phrase DJ it would seem a lot of you out there get a lot of bookings for weddings and i would suspect the more gentle approach is the way to go.But then i dont call my self a DJ i am a presenter ,so what is the difference? well i work about 200/250 gigs per year ranging from compearing such things as fashion shows, product launches, after dinner speaking,music festivals,and so on ,have even worked as drag /comedy and fronting radio 1 outside broadcasts all of these need good mic teqniquies i would say to you all it is essential for you to be able to comunicate with the public and being a mobile jock is a great way to learn so keep talking somebody will tell you to shut up if you overdo it, and if you get really good at it there is a whole new world out there.By the way i used to front Noel Edmonds when he started out look at him now!
Well said, I had a discussion on here with someone recently about this very thing. A DJ does not have to use a microphone - a DJ is a Disk Jockey, soomeone who plays records to an audience. 'Presenter' is more apt, if you do a lot of talking/entertaining over the mic.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

a DJ is a Disk Jockey, soomeone who plays records to an audience.

I disagree - people change the meaning to suit themselves.

If you are getting into the nitty gritty, then I'm not a DJ as I don't play records.

[BeerFunk]

I disagree - people change the meaning to suit themselves.

If you are getting into the nitty gritty, then I'm not a DJ as I don't play records.
You don't play records? :confused:

By that, do you mean you don't play vinyl records? :rolleyes:

I agree that people change the meaning to suit themselves, particularly the people who say 'you're not a DJ if you don't use the mic' - which is quite frankly, ridiculous.

There are different types of DJ - radio, mobile and club are the main three it would seem, with the latter usually involving no microphone use.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You don't play records? :confused:

By that, do you mean you don't play vinyl records? :rolleyes:



Correct.

I was just pointing out that some words and phrases can be changed to suit the person who's using them.

[rob1963]

a DJ is a Disk Jockey, someone who plays records to an audience.

Not according to my dictionary, which simply defines a DJ as someone who presents recorded music. It makes no mention of the format of the music.



If you are getting into the nitty gritty, then I'm not a DJ as I don't play records.

Yes you are, because you present MUSIC.

Sorry if I'm being pedantic!

:p

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Not according to my dictionary, which simply defines a DJ as someone who presents recorded music. It makes no mention of the format of the music.



Yes you are, because you present MUSIC.

Sorry if I'm being pedantic!

:p

If you present, then you must be introducing it then surely, which would involve speaking I would have thought?

[BeerFunk]

You don't have to speak to present something to someone - if I presented an item to you, I would merely hand you it. The same can be said with music, you are presenting it to the audience in the form of broadcasting the sound waves to their ears, in it's most fundamental form.

Oh, and if we really want to be picky, nearly every disk jockey uses a form of disc now - vinyl discs, compact discs, minidisks or hard disks (I wish 'disc' and 'disk' would become globally universal!). The only exception I can think of would be where MP3 players read from flash drives - which wouldn't technically be a disc/disk :D

[rob1963]

If you present, then you must be introducing it then surely, which would involve speaking I would have thought?


You don't have to speak to present something to someone - if I presented an item to you, I would merely hand you it. The same can be said with music, you are presenting it to the audience in the form of broadcasting the sound waves to their ears, in it's most fundamental form.

Having seen the above arguments, I'm with Beerfunk on this one.

[Corabar Steve]

Flash Jockey?

[BeerFunk]

I'm quite flash I suppose :cool:

[PropellerHeadCase]

Flash! Aah-aaaah, saviour of the universe...

Now back to your regularly "presented" programming ;)

[rob1963]

Flash is cool.

...far better than Mr Muscle.

[Corabar Steve]

Flash is fast,
Flash is cool.
Francois sez fas, Flashe' no do
And you don't stop, sure shot
Go out to the parking lot
And you get in your car and you drive real far
And you drive all night and then you see a light
And it comes right down and lands on the ground
And out comes a man from Mars
And you try to run but he's got a gun
And he shoots you dead and he eats your head
And then you're in the man from Mars
You go out at night, eatin' cars
You eat Cadillacs, Lincolns too
Mercurys and Subarus
And you don't stop, you keep on eatin' cars
Then, when there's no more cars
You go out at night and eat up bars where the people meet
Face to face, dance cheek to cheek
One to one, man to man
Dance toe to toe
Don't move too slow, 'cause the man from Mars
Is through with cars, he's eatin' bars
Yeah, wall to wall, door to door, hall to hall
He's gonna eat 'em all
Rapture, be pure
Take a tour, through the sewer
Don't strain your brain, paint a train
You'll be singin' in the rain
I said don't stop, do punk rock

[BeerFunk]

Steve, are you feeling alright?? :confused:

Awesome tune though (is it disco, rap or something else? :p )

[Corabar Steve]

Crossover. :P

[CRAZY K]

You don't have to speak to present something to someone - if I presented an item to you, I would merely hand you it. The same can be said with music, you are presenting it to the audience in the form of broadcasting the sound waves to their ears, in it's most fundamental form.

Oh, and if we really want to be picky, nearly every disk jockey uses a form of disc now - vinyl discs, compact discs, minidisks or hard disks (I wish 'disc' and 'disk' would become globally universal!). The only exception I can think of would be where MP3 players read from flash drives - which wouldn't technically be a disc/disk :D

On a related subject theres a 6 day Radio broadcast coming up for the ex Pirate DJs form the 60s---Emperor Rosko included---just give him a listen--presentation eh?

I can just see him presenting track after track saying nothing:D :D :D :D :D

Apparently hes a DJ!

CRAZY K

[pdarnett]

I usually let the music do the talking












sorry darren

[Key2]

Not according to my dictionary, which simply defines a DJ as someone who presents recorded music. It makes no mention of the format of the music.
:p

Cool! So everyone who hires disco equipment from my local music centre is a DJ. Nice to know.:bang:

John

[rob1963]

On a related subject theres a 6 day Radio broadcast coming up for the ex Pirate DJs from the 60s

I think there should also be a 6 day radio broadcast for the ex-pirate DJs from the 80s :D


Cool! So everyone who hires disco equipment from my local music centre is a DJ. Nice to know.:bang:
John

If they use it for it's intended purpose, it appears that they are indeed!

[CRAZY K]

[QUOTE=rob1963;136419]I think there should also be a 6 day radio broadcast for the ex-pirate DJs from the 80s :D

Who are they Rob--dont suppose they would be like the Motor Mouths
of the 60s--did you see BBC this morning--The Emperor on his bike--no crash helmet:eek:

Yeah lets have plenty of 80s--I got my free Banarama CD Sunday with the Mail---havent stopped playing it--sad eh?

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

[QUOTE=rob1963;136419]I think there should also be a 6 day radio broadcast for the ex-pirate DJs from the 80s :D

Who are they Rob

CRAZY K

Well I was one of them, Crazy! (landbased though, not on a ship).

Unfortunately, it all came to an end when my station got busted, as all equipment was confiscated and I was fined £400 (a lot of money in 1983!), so I couldn't afford to carry on.

You can see more info on the station I ran, along with some VERY embarrassing pics (from my national health glasses days) at the link below.

The jingles page includes a great promo "Rob James is actually slightly balding and nearing 40" recorded by Dave Pearce (yes, that one) who was a good friend of mine at the time.

http://www.surrey-sounds.co.uk

[|DJChris|]

Thanks for all the relevant input. :)

[rob1963]

Chris...sorry about all the IRRELEVANT input!

[Larry B Entertainment]

I DJ'ed at a club on saturday night and found that the mic is pretty much needed most of the time as the audience rotates on a regular basis so every 2 hours or so there is a totally different crowd in. I played "Living on a prayer" about 7 times as people kept coming in and asking for it and no one seemed to get bored with it.

[BeerFunk]

I played "Living on a prayer" about 7 times as people kept coming in and asking for it and no one seemed to get bored with it.
You're joking, or exaggerating, right?! :eek:

The thing is, even if it does seem to go down well each time, some will pass judgement on you and assume you don't have anything else in your locker if you repeat the same track more than once or twice.

[Larry B Entertainment]

No i did play it that much but i was going from 9 till 4 so sometimes the crowd changes as people are always coming and going. I also have 3 different remixes of it but people always want the original.

[BeerFunk]

No i did play it that much but i was going from 9 till 4 so sometimes the crowd changes as people are always coming and going. I also have 3 different remixes of it but people always want the original.
Oh, well that doesn't sound so extreme, that's an average of once an hour :)

And, as you say, with people coming and going, there's little chance of someone being there at 11, and still there at 3 (and still able to remember what you've been playing!)

[spin mobile disco]

Went to my friends wedding a couple of years ago and guy DJ'ing played ub40 red red wine 9 times in first hour and a half (no one requested it) It was like he had 1 cd and was just skipping track when needed (large silences between songs) Did my friends mums birthday party this year and had so many comments from guests like 'why didnt he hire you for his wedding other dj was *not so good* (was a swear word but decided to PG it down a bit lol)'
Was getting that all night. Guy only used mic once and it was almost completely inaudible. Everyone ignored it.

[DJWayne]

I think you have to do what you are comfortable with and what the booking requires. I.E if you are doing a trance night where you are mixing all the tunes then chatting away on the mic isnt really appropriate. However i wouldnt dream of doing a wedding without using the mic.

I think one critical thing is the mic you use and knowing how to set it up on your mixer correctly. I use a beyer TGX58 as it gives excellent vocal qaulity and has a high tolerance to feedback - one of the worst things for a DJ on the mic.

How many of us have heard DJ's on the mic who sound like they are shouting into a bean tin rather than using a mic?

[PropellerHeadCase]

How many of us have heard DJ's on the mic who sound like they are shouting into a bean tin rather than using a mic?

Nice simile :D

[Have a disco]

living on a prayer 5 times
red red wine 9 times

this is blooming sacralige to being a good DJ. No tune no matter how good should ever be played more than twice in a night even twice is to much to a well co-ordinated night

Good mic technique is always necessary to much and your ignored, too little and your not in control, all depends on requests atmosphere etc etc. Sometimes you have to get a crowd going or wound up to dance, others just want background music till you say ok enough time to party??????.. Its always about judgement and timing

A good microphone will always be sorted before you start talking radio mic's make this so much easier as you can hear your self whilst sound checking the whole set up??? Never hurts to ask someone to check it dont sound rubbish in most venues when setting up for the night

[DJWayne]

this is blooming sacralige to being a good DJ. No tune no matter how good should ever be played more than twice in a night even twice is to much to a well co-ordinated night

Sorry i disagree with this

If you work in aa busy city centre venue then you will realise how quickly your crowd can revolve and change. People in town dont stay in a club for hours and hours they wander. Every hen night that comes in wants living on a prayer for example if you are working 9-4 then 7 times in a night may be pushing it but it does not reflect on the DJ he is reacting to the demands of the audience. Most mobile DJ's have the benefit of a captive audience if you dont and you can recycle the contents of the entire pub / bar / club in and hour or so then what has been said above does not apply you are paid to make the people happy not to follow some rigid code about not playing anything more than twice aand as far as i am concerned it doesn't reflect badly on your ability as a DJ. Actually it shows the opposite that you will play what the crowd want no matter what :)

[Tom]

i hardly use my mic as i have a really bad stamma. but if and when i have to talk, i stamma and people all look at me listen to me but then they clap because of what i did> yes its only talking but for me talking is hard somtimes. depends on how the mood is.

[BeerFunk]

i hardly use my mic as i have a really bad stamma. but if and when i have to talk, i stamma and people all look at me listen to me but then they clap because of what i did> yes its only talking but for me talking is hard somtimes. depends on how the mood is.
That is incredibly brave, but then I am also surprised you decided to become a DJ! Surely not the most practical of choices?

[rob1963]

That is incredibly brave, but then I am also surprised you decided to become a DJ! Surely not the most practical of choices?

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

[Vectis]

Hey... on this topic I just received back my first questionnaire ever that said my Mic work/Audience interaction was just "Adequate" rather than the "Spot On" which I usually get.

The night was no different to any other typical wedding. The rest of the questionnaire answers are great and that one sticks out a bit as being unusual.

Only thing I can think of is the couple came from Eastbourne. Do they expect gobby DJs in Eastbourne? Can anyone who covers that area comment?

[PropellerHeadCase]

You could always ask them? ;)

[rob1963]

Hey... on this topic I just received back my first questionnaire ever that said my Mic work/Audience interaction was just "Adequate" rather than the "Spot On" which I usually get.

The night was no different to any other typical wedding. The rest of the questionnaire answers are great and that one sticks out a bit as being unusual.

Only thing I can think of is the couple came from Eastbourne. Do they expect gobby DJs in Eastbourne? Can anyone who covers that area comment?

Considering the average age of people in Eastbourne is about 80, I'd have thought they would want LESS gobby DJs...as well as much quieter music too! (yes, I AM an old cynic!)

:shrug:

[soundtracker]

i hardly use my mic as i have a really bad stamma. but if and when i have to talk, i stamma and people all look at me listen to me but then they clap because of what i did> yes its only talking but for me talking is hard somtimes. depends on how the mood is.

All credit to you for giving it a go - what's the alternative, sit at home frustrated by not doing what you want to do? and then regret it for years to come. About time we has some more people out there with a positive outlook. Well done!

[TonyB]

Considering the average age of people in Eastbourne is about 80, I'd have thought they would want LESS gobby DJs...as well as much quieter music too! (yes, I AM an old cynic!)

:shrug:

I find older age group (senior citizens) want more mic work as they like to have the dances introduced - thats if you are doing a function with sequence/ballroom dancing. Thats what they could of meant by only 'adequate', the waltzes and foxtrots weren't announced

[soundtracker]

I find older age group (senior citizens) want more mic work as they like to have the dances introduced - thats if you are doing a function with sequence/ballroom dancing. Thats what they could of meant by only 'adequate', the waltzes and foxtrots weren't announced

Your spot on Tony- probably because they were brought up on proper DJs!

[rob1963]

I find older age group (senior citizens) want more mic work as they like to have the dances introduced - thats if you are doing a function with sequence/ballroom dancing.

Ahhhh...but I don't do functions with sequence/ballroom dancing.

As for introducing each number, I'm doing a mobile disco - not a radio show!

:D

[Penfold42]

Or perhaps you like the sound....(i was going to say voice..lol)....of your words...:D :D

You should be able to do this yourself.....me thinks....:)

[rob1963]

Lmao!

Delete it myself?

Errrr......how?

:shrug:

[Penfold42]

Lmao!

Delete it myself?

Errrr......how?

:shrug:

Soooooooooo nice to be back.....

When you press edit - do you not get a delete button at the bottom??....3rd along....then delete message....??
Try pressing that......that's what I do or are you pulling my leg?

[rob1963]

Soooooooooo nice to be back.....

When you press edit - do you not get a delete button at the bottom??....3rd along....then delete message....??
Try pressing that......that's what I do or are you pulling my leg?

Thanks penmare...it worked! :D :D :D

No - I wasn't pulling your leg, I've never been technically minded, and hadn't noticed the delete feature which you click to edit a post!

All I need to learn now is how to multi-quote a single post...where there are several points you want to show individually and give a response to each one.

Maybe I should enroll on an IT course!

:p

[Penfold42]

Thanks penmare...it worked! :D :D :D

No - I wasn't pulling your leg, I've never been technically minded, and hadn't noticed the delete feature which you click to edit a post!

All I need to learn now is how to multi-quote a single post...where there are several points you want to show individually and give a response to each one.

Maybe I should enroll on an IT course!

:p

LOL....
When you post so many mistakes like me you learn how to dig your way out of a hole....:D :D :D

[rob1963]

LOL....
When you post so many mistakes like me you learn how to dig your way out of a hole....:D :D :D

:lol:

[Tom]

That is incredibly brave, but then I am also surprised you decided to become a DJ! Surely not the most practical of choices?

I know. tewll me I love music too much. I went to college to study music pratice as im also a grade 8 drummer. I just get very nervous when i have to speak but when i get started im ok. i just have to breath and take my time, and not rush but i get there in the end.

I became a dj because i get a kind of buzz when see people dance to music. makes me feel like i can do somthing right. lol. anyway. lol

[BeerFunk]

I know. tewll me I love music too much. I went to college to study music pratice as im also a grade 8 drummer. I just get very nervous when i have to speak but when i get started im ok. i just have to breath and take my time, and not rush but i get there in the end.

I became a dj because i get a kind of buzz when see people dance to music. makes me feel like i can do somthing right. lol. anyway. lol
Well that is very admirable, I have to say. I think you'll find that these days, the general consensus is that mic announcements are less frequent, and less cheesy, as confirmed in this thread. As you say, the key is to keep the dancefloor moving with choice music, good mixing and continuity.

[Tom]

Well that is very admirable, I have to say. I think you'll find that these days, the general consensus is that mic announcements are less frequent, and less cheesy, as confirmed in this thread. As you say, the key is to keep the dancefloor moving with choice music, good mixing and continuity.

cheers. lol. if i have to use the mic then i have to do it but apart from that i wont use it. i kind speak throught my music. at home i listen to heavy metal all the time because i love it but in the dancefloor its a different matter. i try to look at people and what there saying. usually there talking about songs so i try and pick up on this and when the next song is cue'd up i hit play and there more happyso they stay there for more. lol.