Tonights Gig

[Candybeatdiscos]

Well didn't know what to expect tonight, had a gig starting at 4, jazz background music for two hours, kids music for 1 then 5.5 hours of "normal" disco music.

Very heavy on the playlist requests so i created a great playlist for her, including the northern soul, loads of roy orbison, rod stewart etc but not one "compilation" (Ie megamix)

So I started the night off and left at 7.30 when the "normal" disco started - i left Andy (one of my DJ's) to do the rest, i got a call from andy at 10 asking me to come down, he had to change the playlist due to what people wanted to listen to and what they were dancing too, yet the woman who booked the party had came up and demanded that he reverted back to her playlist as a result a group that had about 100 people when i left dropped to less than 20. Andy was a bit fed up with this and was taking it personally, i turned up and turned it around although i moved away from her playlist and played what people were dancing to, she gave me a few glares but i am long in te tooth for that......


Result................3 enquiries from within theparty and 1 from the main bar next door all for October all wanting a business card and 2 wanted to pay the deposit tonight....although i asked them instead for thier telephone numbers and ssaid i would ring them tomorrow to go through all the details properly. All being cahrged at £220, as 3 are in the same hall and one is in a house round the corner from the hall.

Many thanks to Gary at soundmaster for the booking.

[spin mobile disco]

Always difficult when your given a playlist. Had same problem on many occasions, I just try to sneak different songs in when the person who gave playlist leaves roon ... goes to bar.... toilet whatever. Also if they complain just tell them it was requested by a guest.

[Ricesnaps]

So I started the night off and left at 7.30 when the "normal" disco started - i left Andy (one of my DJ's) to do the rest, i got a call from andy at 10 asking me to come down, he had to change the playlist due to what people wanted to listen to and what they were dancing too, yet the woman who booked the party had came up and demanded that he reverted back to her playlist as a result a group that had about 100 people when i left dropped to less than 20. Andy was a bit fed up with this and was taking it personally, i turned up and turned it around although i moved away from her playlist and played what people were dancing to, she gave me a few glares but i am long in te tooth for that......


I quite understand how your DJ was feeling, but the bottom line is the client to me. You don't mention if you or your DJ said anything to her during the night or not. That's the key here really, but otherwise, it's more a case of who's paying the bill I think. If you allow your clients to be that specific about the playlist (which to be fair I also do where requested), then the client is the one at fault, not you or your DJ. I'm not sure that deviating from a pre-agreed playlist, particularly when it is as obvious as you say it was that the client isn't happy, is really the right thing to do. I'm sure the extra bookings are great, but it sounds as if you didn't actually do what your client wanted you to?

[rob1963]

The rigid playlist often leads to a complete nightmare, and at best is a recipe for a very stale evening, which is why I refuse to accept them.

If a client makes an enquiry about a disco, and wants to provide a rigid playlist, I explain that I'm unable to help them as this is not a service I offer, and I give the reasons why. Simple as that.

The fact is, if you accept playlists, you are asking for trouble.

Lets say you accept a rigid list and stick to it...and the client is happy but nobody else is, there is no dancing & people are leaving early. All the guests think you're a crap disco, partly because they don't like your music, and partly because you blatantly refuse all their requests.

On the other hand, you could break away from the list & start playing to the guests, which will almost certainly end up in a complaint from the client, and they may also refuse to pay the full amount or demand at least a PARTIAL refund...as you failed to provide the service they asked for & paid for.

Whatever you do, you can't win, which is why I avoid rigid playlists like the plague.

[Candybeatdiscos]

Its wasn't a total pre agreed playlist, i mean she asked:
We like (in no particular order)
Rod Stewart (incl. Maggie May - but not only that) A wee bit of Queen) Abba (well - me and the kids like it - Dave, my husband, doesn't - but has agreed we can still have a bit there) red red wine Come on Eileen Nutbush City Limits Chain Reaction Alright Now Satisfaction Lady marmalade It's raining Men oh what a night (Dec 63 - not sure of actual title) Pretty Woman - and any other Roy Orbison Tamla Northern Soul Hi Ho Silver Lining when it all gets going.

At our wedding, our first dance was Everlasting Love - so would be really good to have that to link from children's to adult bit.

So that should, hopefully, give you a pretty good idea of how varied our tastes are anyway and what we like to dance too. Late 60s- 80s and anything good since! We are not keen on house music/garage music and don't like compilations.

and as a result i made an original playlist that consisted of 60's to 80's with a few newer ones such as scissor sisters i dont feel like dancing etc thrown in, but Andy had been requested for calvin harris and take that etc which he played (nothing too heavy) and when i came in I played some dancier 90's and 00's as a result i got people back up on the floor.

I mention in my t&c's that although we will endavour to play as many of her pre agreed requests as possible that creative control stays with us at all times and we will change the music to suit. I did mention this at least twice prior to the party actually starting when i was setting up as i figured she was going to be one of these clients.

[CRAZY K]

The rigid playlist often leads to a complete nightmare, and at best is a recipe for a very stale evening, which is why I refuse to accept them.

If a client makes an enquiry about a disco, and wants to provide a rigid playlist, I explain that I'm unable to help them as this is not a service I offer, and I give the reasons why. Simple as that.

The fact is, if you accept playlists, you are asking for trouble.

Lets say you accept a rigid list and stick to it...and the client is happy but nobody else is, there is no dancing & people are leaving early. All the guests think you're a crap disco, partly because they don't like your music, and partly because you blatantly refuse all their requests.

On the other hand, you could break away from the list & start playing to the guests, which will almost certainly end up in a complaint from the client, and they may also refuse to pay the full amount or demand at least a PARTIAL refund...as you failed to provide the service they asked for & paid for.

Whatever you do, you can't win, which is why I avoid rigid playlists like the plague.

I think theres a way to deal with this Rob and the answer is as Rice says--- keep the communication going all the time with the client.

Invariably the guests requests will come to the attention of the party host and unless they are completely off the wall invariably they will agree to them.

I would have to disagree with you generally--I have been given playlists ( because I asked !) for the last few Weddings--absolutely NO problems at all.

Admittedly I alternate with Barn Dance and silly party Music like lets Twist Again, Locomotion etc---but possibly because the kind of people who book me are up for a party to start and then its fine--they love it.

The last very rigid playlist I was given was precise as to which part of the evening to be used and included the LAST 6 TUNES in order--the choice was very relevant because all the guests who were the age of the B and G liked the tracks--bit of Michael Jackson exhibition dancing etc--although admittedly they did say --hey lets get back to some Barn Dancing!"

In fairness the last 6 tracks went down brilliantly---job done--everyone happy.

You are right about the money though--there is a danger of not getting paid or a refund:eek:

Your lucky you can turn work away--im lucky because the type of people who book me for an entire evening seem to be pretty relaxed even with playlists---

Must admit im glad I wasnt involved with the Disco last night--I kicked off a Wedding for the first hour--then handed over to a DJ--before we started during the background music some younger females started hassling the DJ about playing various unedited tracks with loads of f this and f that on.

Lovely--this is the background music:eek:

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

I would have to disagree with you generally--I have been given playlists ( because I asked !) for the last few Weddings--absolutely NO problems at all.


Because Crazy mate, we both know that this is where the serious money is. Bespoke entertainment, client choice and pre-function consultation is becoming the norm, not the exception these days. It's a really hard nut to swallow, but boy does it pay for itself when you do swallow!


Your lucky you can turn work away--im lucky because the type of people who book me for an entire evening seem to be pretty relaxed even with playlists---

Must be lovely to be able to turn good paying work away, might actually be able to go full time if I was able to be that picky!

[mike8863]

Personally, and this isn't a dig at anyone, just my take on it:-

I don't subscribe to do big playlists, and will avoid completely if i can, or at least tell the client, if the music isn't "entertaining" the guests, then i reserve the right to bin any requests and "perform" what i need to, to entertain.

I will however accomodate up to 3 tunes pre requested,(Wedding stuff, birthday, leaving do's) and of course requests on the night.

As a DJ, they are paying me to entertain, using my experience and "talent"!!!:rolleyes: , to ensure everyone has a ball, not follow a never ending script of which only a handful of people have any clue as to what it is all about:confused: .

You try engaging the services of a plumber and then tell him how he should do his job and see how far you get!!!!!!:p .

Reputation is a great medium in this business, I'm not going to tarnish mine by playing the wrong tunes at a function.

Mike

[Ricesnaps]

I will however accomodate up to 3 tunes pre requested,(Wedding stuff, birthday, leaving do's) and of course requests on the night.

As a DJ, they are paying me to entertain, using my experience and "talent"!!!:rolleyes: , to ensure everyone has a ball, not follow a never ending script of which only a handful of people have any clue as to what it is all about:confused: .

Mike, How can you even get a flavour of a clients tastes with 3 tunes?

Don't get me wrong, so far I haven't actually had a running order style playlist like Crazy has, but I do regularly get 3 - 4 pages of tracks to work from. Like it or not and particularly at the premium end of our market, the message is very much "tell the DJ what you like". While some might feel that this detracts from the DJ's ability to perform to the level they believe they have been employed for, I would suggest that it actually makes the DJ and the service even more important and part of the event.

I completely agree that a client who posts a playlist with absolutely no other communication MAY not get quite what they want. The key here is the care effort and attention that we as business pay our clients. I'm guessing we are mainly talking about the wedding market here and the key is about recognising who's big day it actually is. If the bride decides she wants Songs from the shows played all night and all her guests hate it, who are we to tell her that she's had a crap and unsuccessful night? Her choice, her music and most importantantly HER wedding!

Worrying about your reputation in these cirumstances should not even come into it. I tend to find these days that I am booked just as much for the care and attention and planning that goes into my wedding bookings as my performance on the night!

[rob1963]

You are right about the money though--there is a danger of not getting paid or a refund:eek:
CRAZY K

So why on earth would I take on gigs which I end up doing for nothing, due to having to refund the client? That's no good, because I'm a business - not a charity!

My take on this is really simple:

1) I want to do gigs which are enjoyed by EVERYONE there.

2) I want to get paid in full, without having to give refunds.

3) I want to retain my customer satisfaction rate of 99.75%.

If I started accepting rigid playlists, all three of the above would be in jeopardy, so it won't be happening...it's as simple as that!

:)

[Ricesnaps]

You are right about the money though--there is a danger of not getting paid or a refund:eek:

Which is why we insist on full payment 14 days before the gig isn't it :rolleyes:

As the song says "I can't get no, Satisfaction". But who says the client isn't satisfied?

If I asked my DJ to play songs from the playschool album all night and he actually decided not to, I think I'd be really unhappy, wouldn't you.

Now where was I.... hum hum, "Head, shoulders knees and toes, Head shoulders Knees and toes and eyes and ears and....":rolleyes:

[CRAZY K]

Because Crazy mate, we both know that this is where the serious money is. Bespoke entertainment, client choice and pre-function consultation is becoming the norm, not the exception these days. It's a really hard nut to swallow, but boy does it pay for itself when you do swallow!



Must be lovely to be able to turn good paying work away, might actually be able to go full time if I was able to be that picky!

Put me down for my 10 per cent Matt!

:D

[Ricesnaps]

Put me down for my 10 per cent Matt!

:D

I think you're already getting way more than that!

We can chew the fat on the 1st September - the wife has said it's OK to come out to play!

[CRAZY K]

Personally, and this isn't a dig at anyone, just my take on it:-

I don't subscribe to do big playlists, and will avoid completely if i can, or at least tell the client, if the music isn't "entertaining" the guests, then i reserve the right to bin any requests and "perform" what i need to, to entertain.

I will however accomodate up to 3 tunes pre requested,(Wedding stuff, birthday, leaving do's) and of course requests on the night.

As a DJ, they are paying me to entertain, using my experience and "talent"!!!:rolleyes: , to ensure everyone has a ball, not follow a never ending script of which only a handful of people have any clue as to what it is all about:confused: .

You try engaging the services of a plumber and then tell him how he should do his job and see how far you get!!!!!!:p .

Reputation is a great medium in this business, I'm not going to tarnish mine by playing the wrong tunes at a function.

Mike


Not sure I go with this--if you employ a decorator---do you say paint the place any colour you fancy and use whatever wallpaper you think would be good?

Nope you get involved with the choice--Il lbet you choose the type of shower and taps the plumbers going to fit--

I think that for Weddings and Private Parties it does give you a good idea what to expect--EVEN if you end up playing only 3 or 4 tracks from the list which is what happened to me last week:D

Agreed if because of the type of event you can assume certain things-like an 80s night, Rat Pack night, 18th Birthday then you dont need any guidance--but I find at Weddings there is a huge difference in peoples musical tastes--

I dont want to waste time trying out different things to see what works--

Lets get on to stuff they want straight away.

Just my take on it--

CRAZY K

[Key2]

From a business point of view, this is a real 'see-saw' decision.

In general, I would think that the people who had a good time probably won't mention your disco to anyone in particular, whereas the disgruntled client will go out of her way to tell people that she booked you, paid x amount of pounds and was specific about what what to play...and you totally ignored her! She will tell lots of people because bad news gets talked about more than good news (read any newpaper). BUT...

On the other, if you played only the playlist and people then thought you were pants!!! also some 'bad press'.

Just an idea, but (going back to another thread about use of microphones) I would have used the mic and said, in a happy sort of way: " Come on, guys. <client name> has 'specially' chosen all of these tracks for you this evening, so let's see you up on the dance-floor and enjoying yourselves"!

Then, if it stays dead, I would 'ask' the client whether they wanted me to stick to the playlist, or would they like me to 'try' playing something else to see if I could get people up and dancing.

The guests would then know why you were playing 'those' tracks.:devil:

John

[Ricesnaps]

In general, I would think that the people who had a good time probably won't mention your disco to anyone in particular, whereas the disgruntled client will go out of her way to tell people that she booked you, paid x amount of pounds and was specific about what what to play...and you totally ignored her! She will tell lots of people because bad news gets talked about more than good news (read any newpaper). BUT...


I think this is the key. Remember who's paying the bill. Granted you have the choice in the first place as to whether you take the gig or not, but if you do choose to go down the (in my own experiance) better paying route, then this is how it does seem to be these days.

What's worse, the client complaining and being unhappy because you didn't do what they asked? Or a few dissgruntalled guests?

I know who's paying the bill!

[Corabar Steve]

Agreed if because of the type of event you can assume certain things-like an 80s night, Rat Pack night, 18th Birthday then you dont need any guidance--but I find at Weddings there is a huge difference in peoples musical tastes--

There is indeed a huge difference in musical tastes which is why you certainly can't assume certain things for an 18th or any other birthday.

Rat Pack night I suppose you are pretty safe there (unless they want something by David Niven:sj:), but even a night themed to a specific decade can be difficult. An 80s night, that's 10 years to choose from. Brings to mind for me electronic / futurist stuff Kraftwerk etc, The Mod / Ska revival & 2Tone, New Romantic & the first wave of Goth. To others it's Jazz Funk & the dieing days of Disco etc.... See what I mean?

Communication is the key here.

I think there is a lot of confusion in the DJ world over terms. I wouldn't consider what Gary & his DJ were given as a playlist, that to me is just a list of requests (a request list).

I would say a playlist is something you have to rigidly adhere to, up to as much as the order you play it in. Radio DJs have playlists, we as mobile DJs (on the whole) do not.

But, at the end of the day, you do need to find out what your client wants & how much input to the event they want.

Mike, I think you're just making life more difficult for yourself. I'm not suggesting you start taking advance request lists that resemble War & Peace, but 3!!!!!!!! How on earth do you have any idea of what the client wants from just 3 tracks?????? Yeah OK we all like to read the crowd to get the best out of a night, but it's nice to go into the event with at least a vague idea of what you're going to be doing.

We ask for any requests they may have as well as eras (yeah I know) & genres that they like (a set of tick boxes ) eg :

60s Pop...........................
70s Pop...........................
80s Pop...........................
90s Pop...........................
Current / Recent Chart.......
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly......
Soul / Motown etc.............

& so on


It works just fine for us (along with requests on the night), but each to their own.

[CRAZY K]

I think this is the key. Remember who's paying the bill. Granted you have the choice in the first place as to whether you take the gig or not, but if you do choose to go down the (in my own experiance) better paying route, then this is how it does seem to be these days.

What's worse, the client complaining and being unhappy because you didn't do what they asked? Or a few dissgruntalled guests?

I know who's paying the bill!

Agreed--dont forget EVEN if they paid 14 days in advance--they can still ask for a refund--although its easier if you have the money of course to refuse:D

CRAZY K

[mike8863]

Ricesnaps old dear

1. You obviously have a higher end of the market as you put it, as i will do approx 8 weddings this year!!. If thats big money for you great. My bread and butter seems to be birthdays from 18 - 60, football clubs, cricket clubs and general family functions.

2. I certainly am not about to play music that 99.9% of the guests dont want to hear, just because the bride wants to hear that. And no thats not why i only have 8 weddings a year. I don't go out of my way to do lucrative weddings, which is where your argument for personal care is somewhat ironic, big money, of course she can listen to whatever she wants....

3. As i said I'm not knocking you guys if thats the way you play. I insist on meeting clients beforehand where possible, as for getting paid 14 days in advance, thats a luxury in the real world.

4. I dj because i enjoy what i do from 1983 until now, albeit with a break in between. If i don't enjoy it then i have a negative feeling about the gig, wether the bride or whatever enjoys it and the guests hate it, then i'm in deep pooh.

5. You obviously churn through the weddings and you are great at what you do, big respect to you, but thats not what i do, i would rather charge £100 a night and have a ball and trully enjoy the night, rather than £250+ and hate every minute of it.

If I'm fotunate to be in that position then great, i make my bed and i lie in it, i work full time and fit dj'ing in as and when.

No disrespect to any of you guys, but if you enjoy what you do, great,but if your gigs are a nightmare, through no fault of your ability, then fundamentally you have a problem you need to identify and address.

Mike

[Ricesnaps]

Mmmm, where do I start....


Ricesnaps old dear

1. You obviously have a higher end of the market as you put it, as i will do approx 8 weddings this year!!. If thats big money for you great. My bread and butter seems to be birthdays from 18 - 60, football clubs, cricket clubs and general family functions.

Correct to start with. Weddings are my bread and butter, in fact I market myself generally as a wedding specialist. 25 down so far this year and about 5 more to go before the usually season finishes. To be honest, not really that interested in the cheaper end of the market these days (although who knows what'll happen if the development plans go well). Not saying I would turn down an 18th or a cricket club, but the price is the same and the rules are the same!



2. I certainly am not about to play music that 99.9% of the guests dont want to hear, just because the bride wants to hear that. And no thats not why i only have 8 weddings a year. I don't go out of my way to do lucrative weddings, which is where your argument for personal care is somewhat ironic, big money, of course she can listen to whatever she wants....

I love doing weddings. I love being a huge and fundimental part of a couples huge day. However, the care and attention and the market needs for weddings are not exclusive to weddings. It's been a really hard journy for me, but one which has made what I do both more successful and more enjoyable. Care and attention to clients is not exclusively about music, it's about the whole package. Take last night's wedding. I arrived, started to set up as directed by the venue only for the groom to turn up and completely change the venues plans - which to be fair I think were actually wrong and not the clients fault. So all I do, because of the relationship I already have with the groom, is take him to one side, calm him down a little and make sure he knows that I will do whatever is needed to make his day exactly what he wants it to be (which actually meant moving set up locations). You are absolutely right, big money means more of what the CLIENT wants. Why is that wrong? I'm a business man at the end of the day. If they say jump, all I need to know is how high (assuming the price is right!)


3. As i said I'm not knocking you guys if thats the way you play. I insist on meeting clients beforehand where possible, as for getting paid 14 days in advance, thats a luxury in the real world.

which is probably why only two of my bookings this year have paid me cash on the night (and they were both agency bookings). The rest all paid during the pre-event client meeting, most at least a month before the booking. Hardly a luxury. Try asking a photographer if you can pay cash on the night?


4. I dj because i enjoy what i do from 1983 until now, albeit with a break in between. If i don't enjoy it then i have a negative feeling about the gig, wether the bride or whatever enjoys it and the guests hate it, then i'm in deep pooh.

Do you think I don't enjoy what I do? In fact I enjoy what I'm doing MORE now than I did 15 years ago. I get to spend evenings in some of Suffolks most beautiful locations, with beautiful surroundings AND I get paid for it, what a bonus! If the client's happy, I'm happy. After all, I'm paid by the client, not the guests. Seems to work you know, more bookings in better and better venues year on year. Even now booked for a wedding inside Framlingham Castle! WOW!


5. You obviously churn through the weddings and you are great at what you do, big respect to you, but thats not what i do, i would rather charge £100 a night and have a ball and trully enjoy the night, rather than £250+ and hate every minute of it.

CHURN? Hardly. I specialise and seem to be great at it! And I'm afraid that I'd much rather take home £300 - £500 and enjoy every minute of it that £100 for the same enjoyment!



If I'm fotunate to be in that position then great, i make my bed and i lie in it, i work full time and fit dj'ing in as and when.

No disrespect to any of you guys, but if you enjoy what you do, great,but if your gigs are a nightmare, through no fault of your ability, then fundamentally you have a problem you need to identify and address.

Mike

Mike,

please don't think my response was in anyway intended to disrespect what you choose to do. All I want to show you is that being client focused in your aproach to any function or booking doesn't actually mean the work is any less enjoyable or fun or successful than you seem to believe it is. My gigs have NEVER been a nightmare, far from it. In fact I now have such a good understanding of my clients wishes and tastes, most of them are actually much much better than they ever were.

It was one of those light bulb moments for me a year or so ago - ask Crazy! I have to say my opinion was much like yours. Might sound a little evangelical, but take the plunge. It works!

[CRAZY K]

There is indeed a huge difference in musical tastes which is why you certainly can't assume certain things for an 18th or any other birthday.

Rat Pack night I suppose you are pretty safe there (unless they want something by David Niven:sj:), but even a night themed to a specific decade can be difficult. An 80s night, that's 10 years to choose from. Brings to mind for me electronic / futurist stuff Kraftwerk etc, The Mod / Ska revival & 2Tone, New Romantic & the first wave of Goth. To others it's Jazz Funk & the dieing days of Disco etc.... See what I mean?

Communication is the key here.

I think there is a lot of confusion in the DJ world over terms. I wouldn't consider what Gary & his DJ were given as a playlist, that to me is just a list of requests (a request list).

I would say a playlist is something you have to rigidly adhere to, up to as much as the order you play it in. Radio DJs have playlists, we as mobile DJs (on the whole) do not.

But, at the end of the day, you do need to find out what your client wants & how much input to the event they want.

Mike, I think you're just making life more difficult for yourself. I'm not suggesting you start taking advance request lists that resemble War & Peace, but 3!!!!!!!! How on earth do you have any idea of what the client wants from just 3 tracks?????? Yeah OK we all like to read the crowd to get the best out of a night, but it's nice to go into the event with at least a vague idea of what you're going to be doing.

We ask for any requests they may have as well as eras (yeah I know) & genres that they like (a set of tick boxes ) eg :

60s Pop...........................
70s Pop...........................
80s Pop...........................
90s Pop...........................
Current / Recent Chart.......
Rock 'n' Roll / Rockabilly......
Soul / Motown etc.............

& so on


It works just fine for us (along with requests on the night), but each to their own.

Steve, I think you me and Rice are more or less on the same track here --I agree a list is not a must play--its a preference list to fit in where appropriate and of course if the client rushes up and says---play xxxx please---I go with that, assuming its not off the wall!

Having said that I know Rice has had some rather demanding clients in that area but probably his pricing will lose them on the way.

I also play to the clients instructions---if no one else likes the music--thats tough--he who pays the piper--calls the tune:D

I dont do 18th Birthdays so I cant really give any feedback--other than I would assume they would want a lot of new music and chart stuff---

Yep, ongoing Communication is the key--- from the time the function is booked right through to the end of the event.

CRAZY K

[dj andy]

Hi, just like to add my take on this thread. I did my 44th wedding of the year last night (I was surprised when I worked it out) in Orwell Park , near you Rice i believe and this was my first night in ages where no playlist was supplied (except the first dance), and is was a really good night. Virtually everyone of my weddings have supplied lenghty lists of songs they would like played on the night. Like you Rice this is the service I offer and I class myself as a wedding professional.

Given the choice I would rather work without them but when you offer a service you give the client what they want.

I don't make a habit of coming to Suffolk by the way, this was a 280 mile round trip for me.

Just for the record, out of all the weddings I have done this year not one couple have I met in advance or have they asked to meet me. All the requests are done by email or phone. If they had wanted a consultation beforehand I would gladly oblige.

[Corabar Steve]

as for getting paid 14 days in advance, thats a luxury in the real world.

Sorry Mike that's balderdash, poppycơck & flapdoodle!

There are many of us that do not accept payment on the night, 14 days is fairly standard.

[Ricesnaps]

Hi, just like to add my take on this thread. I did my 44th wedding of the year last night (I was surprised when I worked it out) in Orwell Park , near you Rice i believe and this was my first night in ages where no playlist was supplied (except the first dance), and is was a really good night. Virtually everyone of my weddings have supplied lenghty lists of songs they would like played on the night. Like you Rice this is the service I offer and I class myself as a wedding professional.

Given the choice I would rather work without them but when you offer a service you give the client what they want.

I don't make a habit of coming to Suffolk by the way, this was a 280 mile round trip for me.

Just for the record, out of all the weddings I have done this year not one couple have I met in advance or have they asked to meet me. All the requests are done by email or phone. If they had wanted a consultation beforehand I would gladly oblige.

I guessed at my figure - might be more! lol!

How did you find tractor land? Not worked at Orwell Park, but Bawdsey Manor is a very similar venue a couple of miles up the coast - wasn't my favourate venue, but such is life.

Good to hear from another convertee! It sounds as if we offer a very similar service - sometimes you get the client who simply says "just do what you do", but it is rare these days! What brought you all the way to Suffolk? Should have given me a shout, you were only a matter of miles away from me!

Out of interest, you comment about client visits. Do you actually if offer a visit or ask the client they would like a visit? I'm guessing most wouldn't even realise that was possible. I usually ask if I can visit, rather than asking if they would like me too. Face to face is SO much easier than email of phone calls. It also means I'm not a stranger on the day. Most of my clients are very comfortable with me on the day - first name terms etc... It's worth considering if you don't do client visits because you actually aren't offering them

[PropellerHeadCase]

I ask for long lists, or rather I supply long lists (based on a questionnaire they'd previously completed) and clients can tick every song if they want. I'll always ask for a short list of 'must plays' to go with that, too. If I get a long list of 'must plays' as well, or instead, that's fine, too.

For me much of the enjoyment of the 'bespoke' angle is getting an opportunity to not play 'Dancing Queen' and the rest, and to maybe play some songs that I'd never considered before that end up working well (and I can use those songs at similar gigs, later).

One thing that I do that might be the secret to my personal success is this...

On a scale of one to seven, which is more important to you, having all of your special requests played, as selected on the previous page, or making sure that your guests are having a good time?

1----------2----------3----------4----------5----------6----------7
Our requests, thanks...................|...................Our guests, thanks


This is vague enough that it's open to interpretation, which is mostly good, and this way I have their permission (or not) to deviate from the list from the outset. So far, so good.

[rob1963]

Having just got back from work & caught up with this thread, there are a couple of points I'd like to make.

Firstly, I think some people are getting confused between a list of requests and a rigid playlist.

The rigid playlists, which I refuse to accept are the lists where you are told EVERY track to play throughout the whole evening AND the precise order in which to play them.

However, if they want to provide me with a big list of requests, that's absolutely fine...in fact, a few months ago I changed my request form. It previously had space for about 20 requests, but the new version has enough space for 50 (3 hours worth). When I get a big list, I will pick out the best ones to play, I will select WHEN I play them, and I will also take requests on the night...no problem.

Secondly, why is the word "bespoke" being used to describe disco entertainment more & more lately? I believe this word primarily refers to clothes. Surely a more appropriate word for entertainment is "custom" - which means exactly the same thing, but has no connection with clothes, and is therefore more accurate!

[Corabar Steve]

Are you going to copy everything I say today Rob? :sj:

I haven't played any Abba at all in 4 weeks :approve:

[Danno13]

I've heard the word 'bespoke' used in everything from clothes to software engineering.. so I'm sure its perfectly acceptable in describing a DJ service. 'Custom' is alot more common, so i presume people are looking to use something a bit more 'unique' (theres another alternative :D)

And 50 tracks in 3 hours... well you can just about manage that.. but bear in mind most weddings the main dancing time is say 9 - 12, well thats all your time!!! Not much room for you to judge things yourself and fit in any popular eras and styles that the client may have left out.

I usually recomend 15-20 tracks as a maximum, else it becomes too much hard work to be worrying about fitting them all in, and still keeping people dancing!

Just my opinion though :)

[Candybeatdiscos]

No disrespect to what people offer and how they go about thier business, but i think that if your given a playlist and told to play through that list in that order or something like that and you have 1 person out of say 100 (the client) dancing (if they even bother doing that) then i am sorry but i am going to change the music slightly in order to try and get more people up, yes the client has paid me £200-£300 in order to do the gig, but i may be throwing away another 50r 6 people away that is also prepared to pay £200-£300 as a result of sticking rigidly to a playlist.

What would you guys do if the client asked you to stick to the playlist and not deviate away from it at all but the playlist contained 80% of it as rap/hip hop etc that contained F this and F that, and there were lots of young children present?

I think that as professionals we should perhaps come to a common middle ground with clients, lets them choose tracks, but stress that if those tracks are not working then you may need to change the music however you will try and play as many of thier tracks as you can.

its the same with the painter & decorator someone mentioned earlier, you may ask the guy to paint every room in your house auburgine, however the painmeter & decorator may make suggestions to the plan in order to have you pleased with the end result, as a customer with no exeriance, i would expect my professional painter & decorator to offer this advice (free of course - i know some of you may charge for advice lol)

[dj andy]

A couple of months ago a client sent me a playlist of over 50 songs for a wedding, they stipulated the order they were to be played in right from the first dance to the last time. It included such classics as Leonard Nimoy - Ballad Of Bilbo Baggins !!! (If anybody is interested this can be found on the Album the Best of Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner!!).

Needless to say I was a bit concerned about the content of the list and phoned them to discuss it, they were adament this is want they wanted and all the songs had special memories for them.

We turned up expecting a really bad night but it was the complete opposite, everbody dancing. The bride and groom had told everbody in advance they had chosen all the songs.

Yes I did feel like a bit of a jukebox but this is want the client wanted and paid good money for. They were a really nice friendly couple as were all the guests and even gave away a couple of cards from people saying it was nice to hear something different at a wedding , they had been to a few of there friends weddings recently and were fed up listening to Love Shack and Dancing Queen.

Just to respond to Rice I don't make a point of offering a home visit, partly because most of my gigs are 50 - 100 miles away, had to broaden by area because I can't get any decent money locally and to be honest I don't really think it is necessary. If a client did particulaly want a visit of course I would oblige. I was at Orwell Park which was really nice and easy to get into for a relative of a past client.

[rob1963]

Are you going to copy everything I say today Rob? :sj:

I haven't played any Abba at all in 4 weeks :approve:

What were you referring to, Steve?

I think the answer is "no" anyway...as I play Abba at about 3 gigs out of 4!

:D

[rob1963]

as for getting paid 14 days in advance, thats a luxury in the real world.Mike


Sorry Mike that's balderdash, poppycơck & flapdoodle!

It's also :Rob James:

I give clients the option of when to pay...either at least 14 days before their function or on the night itself, at the beginning of the evening in cash.

I've already been paid for 4 of my next 5 gigs...presumably because it gives the clients one less thing to think about on the day.


50 tracks in 3 hours... well you can just about manage that.. but bear in mind most weddings the main dancing time is say 9 - 12, well thats all your time!!! Not much room for you to judge things yourself and fit in any popular eras and styles that the client may have left out.

Hi Danno,

Just to clarify...although my request form has SPACE for 50 requests, most clients do not completely fill the whole form - so I have plenty of scope to play requests taken on the night and my own choices too.

Also, even if the clients DO complete the whole form, which equates to 3 hours worth of music, I will probably play about 90% of the list (obviously the best stuff), with the other 10% being a mixture of requests taken on the night and my own choices.

My request form states at the top that it should be returned 2 weeks before the function if possible to ensure that we have MOST of their requests on the night. Therefore, it is not a list of MUST-PLAYS, just preferences.

The biggest cause of complaint for discos is probably the music played, and if 90% of what you play is the clients own choice, with another 5% being requests taken on the evening, that leaves virtually no scope for them to complain (certainly not about the MUSIC).

Funnily enough, I did once have a complaint about the music I played not being very danceable. I sent a polite reply pointing out that 90% of what I played was from their own list of requests, and that most of the rest were requests given by guests on the evening.

Needless to say, they never came back to me!

[Ricesnaps]

Just to respond to Rice I don't make a point of offering a home visit, partly because most of my gigs are 50 - 100 miles away, had to broaden by area because I can't get any decent money locally and to be honest I don't really think it is necessary. If a client did particulaly want a visit of course I would oblige. I was at Orwell Park which was really nice and easy to get into for a relative of a past client.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Orwell Park. They are on my list to contact for my next round of advertising!

To come back to the client visit comment. I think it's really really something you should consider, even if you have to price that into your quote. I would bet that 90% of our clients would have no expectation that there DJ would visit or even realise they could actually ask for this to happen. As such I get fantastic feedback because I make a point of actually asking for this. I also have the same problem as you - covering Suffolk, Norfolk and a bit of Essex, I can travel considerable distances for meetings. I have also now started suggesting meeting at venues - this sometimes makes the travel better - which can also give me some much better feedback on requirements.

[mike8863]

Re payment in advance, it must be a northern thing, as I've only had 3 upfront payments, all the rest are on the night despite me trying to get it before.
Good discussion though and brought alot of good points out, that we can all learn from.
Steve
popppydoooodlegobbledeegook to you too.....!!!!!

Mike

[soundtracker]

Sorry Mike that's balderdash, poppycơck & flapdoodle!

There are many of us that do not accept payment on the night, 14 days is fairly standard.

What!!! only 14 days in advance, I collect 30 days before the event - how many people argue? er.... none. Most seem quite keen to get it settled

[Penfold42]

I am off to see a customer today to firm up a 40th and as she is inside the 30 day period....she has offerd to cough up the whole amount.......that's a first for me.

I am also asking customers to make payment 14 days before....saves a lot of hassle...:)

Not in the big league to ask 30 days yet....:o

That's my 2p worth......:D

[Larry B Entertainment]

I agree with Rob on the playlist thing.

I was praised by the client on Saturday night, she said i knew exactly what people wanted to dance to and everyone had had a great night. May have been a different story if she had given me a playlist before hand.