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Thread: For an extra £X, you can have a second DJ!

  1. #1
    Resident Antagonist Benny Smyth's Avatar
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    Default For an extra £X, you can have a second DJ!

    I've never understood this concept.

    I went out for a cider with some friends last night (OK, maybe more than one cider), and we were sitting next to a table that had a couple of it. After about an hour, my mate pops up and says to this table "Guy's, if you wanna talk about DJ's, he's your man!"

    Cue my "Huh?" face!

    Turns out this couple were talking about their wedding and were discussing the evening entertainment, which is what my mate overheard. After they enquired why they would talk to me about such things and my mate explaining (with me thinking "Shut up, it's my day off!"), they come over and asked me for some advice.



    So here's the scenario: they've booked a DJ. Contract signed, and they are happy with what they call 'the basic package'. Now that the contract was signed, the DJ is upselling and this is what they are unsure about. They asked about uplighting, dancefloors, smoke machines and lasers. I explained what each meant, got some pics on Google and showed them how it could work out. Also explained that smoke machines may not be allowed by the venue, with means there is no point in the laser either. Never once gave my opinion - I just gave them the info and left it at that (after all, it's not my job to see it to them, is it?).

    Then came the optional extra of a second DJ. "Should we consider it?"

    "Well, that depends. Is the second DJ Calvin Harris?"
    "No."
    "Steve Aoki?"
    "No."
    "Roger Sanchez?"
    "No."
    "Tiesto?"
    "Ok, we get your point!"

    This was the only part I gave my opinion on, and it is very simple: either the DJ is not good enough to pull off a successful gig on his own, or he is but then paying for a second DJ would be a waste of money because you can get a great night with one DJ.

    Am I alone in this thought process? If you offer the 'second DJ service', maybe you can explain what I'm missing?

  2. #2
    Disco Dude! DeckstarDeluxe's Avatar
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    Too many cooks spoil the broth from my point of view but it does happen with things like headphone discos. I'd be more willing if it's a DJ I know (by which I know he ain't a ****).

    If they aren't that happy with DJ one just cancel, particularly if they've met someone else they much prefer and feel happier with.
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  3. #3
    Ezekiel 25:17 funkymook's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Benny Smyth View Post
    I've never understood this concept.

    I went out for a cider with some friends last night (OK, maybe more than one cider), and we were sitting next to a table that had a couple of it. After about an hour, my mate pops up and says to this table "Guy's, if you wanna talk about DJ's, he's your man!"

    Cue my "Huh?" face!

    Turns out this couple were talking about their wedding and were discussing the evening entertainment, which is what my mate overheard. After they enquired why they would talk to me about such things and my mate explaining (with me thinking "Shut up, it's my day off!"), they come over and asked me for some advice.



    So here's the scenario: they've booked a DJ. Contract signed, and they are happy with what they call 'the basic package'. Now that the contract was signed, the DJ is upselling and this is what they are unsure about. They asked about uplighting, dancefloors, smoke machines and lasers. I explained what each meant, got some pics on Google and showed them how it could work out. Also explained that smoke machines may not be allowed by the venue, with means there is no point in the laser either. Never once gave my opinion - I just gave them the info and left it at that (after all, it's not my job to see it to them, is it?).

    Then came the optional extra of a second DJ. "Should we consider it?"

    "Well, that depends. Is the second DJ Calvin Harris?"
    "No."
    "Steve Aoki?"
    "No."
    "Roger Sanchez?"
    "No."
    "Tiesto?"
    "Ok, we get your point!"

    This was the only part I gave my opinion on, and it is very simple: either the DJ is not good enough to pull off a successful gig on his own, or he is but then paying for a second DJ would be a waste of money because you can get a great night with one DJ.

    Am I alone in this thought process? If you offer the 'second DJ service', maybe you can explain what I'm missing?
    I’ve seen this discussed elsewhere and the plus points from those offering it were the second DJ was able to meet and greet, coordinate, introduce etc. Also worse case scenario if one couldn’t make it there was a back-up.

    But if it’s just two people behind the decks then I don’t see the advantage unless they have a very slick and entertaining double act routine.

  4. #4
    Dinosaur Excalibur's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Benny Smyth View Post

    Am I alone in this thought process? If you offer the 'second DJ service', maybe you can explain what I'm missing?
    1) You're not alone
    2) I'd like the explanation as well.

    Re two DJs, I sometimes roadie for the legend that is John Brown ( Twinspin ) and often play a few tunes myself at some point, on occasions we'll be doing short little sets alternately. It's not planned, it doesn't cost extra, and it may or may not happen. I don't see the extra value in it.

    Re your actions Benny, well done that man. Advice should be free, and devoid of a sales pitch. Somewhere along the line, Karma will repay you, believe me. We often forget that clients don't know exactly what is " standard " with a disco ( "do you have lights? " is an old favourite ) and what" extras " are available and beneficial.

    I'm not entirely happy about upselling after the contract's signed. Why oh why oh why wasn't it all sorted before? Doesn't sit well with me, I'm afraid. I appreciate that on occasion, it may well happen for perfectly valid reasons, ( I have a NYE wedding where they signed up for the disco, and then asked about upgrades. )

    I'm pretty unhappy that this couple are being offered lots of " upgrades " that they don't understand, and probably don't want or need.

    Quote Originally Posted by funkymook View Post

    But if it’s just two people behind the decks then I don’t see the advantage unless they have a very slick and entertaining double act routine.
    I sometimes roadie for the legend that is John Brown ( Twinspin ) and often play a few tunes myself at some point, on occasions we'll be doing short little sets alternately
    Well, modesty forbids me from claiming that John and I are in this category, but the incessant witty banter and repartee between us is legendary.

    I've remembered one where I helped Justin, and it did get more than a little " Smashie and Nicey " though.
    Last edited by Excalibur; 03-07-2015 at 11:17 AM.
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  5. #5

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    If one or both DJs are specialists (offering different flavours), go for it. I've played the 'vanilla' DJ alongside a full-on reggae DJ before & it was great fun & educational for both of us. But two 'vanilla' DJs? Meh.

  6. #6
    DazzyD's Avatar
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    Personally, with deck stands being quite small and compact, and with that description certainly not applying to me!, I don't like anyone being behind there with me. Even my own brother, who is my roadie, doesn't stay at the venue after setting the gear up. He leaves and comes back at the end.

    And I really can't get why anyone would consider booking a second DJ unless they either have something very specific in mind (like different niche genres and getting the right DJ for each) or if it's a very long gig to rotate DJs.
    Dazzy D
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  7. #7
    yourdj's Avatar
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    Faster set up and bouncing track ideas becomes easier (assuming they are experienced).
    Also as mentioned, one can press play while the other can coordinate.

    Thats about it and nothing I would charge more for.

    Perhaps £50 for a roadie, but I tend to just pay that anyway out of the pot if he is available and required.
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  8. #8

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    I remember a certain prominent member of the DJ community who used to charge extra for bringing a second person to weddings with their all day package. In their case the second person wasn't a DJ, they were doing the role of co-ordinator on the day, making sure people were in the right place, making sure they entered and exited on cue and generally supporting the flow of the day.

    The second person really only comes into their own if the DJ is selling themselves as a full on wedding planner/MC as well as a DJ and getting far more involved in the day than a DJ who deals with the evening reception only.

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  9. #9
    yourdj's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DJ Jules View Post
    I remember a certain prominent member of the DJ community who used to charge extra for bringing a second person to weddings with their all day package. In their case the second person wasn't a DJ, they were doing the role of co-ordinator on the day, making sure people were in the right place, making sure they entered and exited on cue and generally supporting the flow of the day.

    The second person really only comes into their own if the DJ is selling themselves as a full on wedding planner/MC as well as a DJ and getting far more involved in the day than a DJ who deals with the evening reception only.

    Julian


    Having someone sort out the equipment and press play etc. Is a god send.
    Lets you relax and concentrate on the B&G rather than having to set up last minute sound systems etc.
    I am on my own tomorrow unfortunately - my usually assistant would be a great help, especially given the weather!!
    That should be included as standard though, not an add on.
    Your DJ - Mobile DJ The New Forest, Southampton & Hampshire. Toby
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  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by yourdj View Post
    Faster set up and bouncing track ideas becomes easier (assuming they are experienced).
    Also as mentioned, one can press play while the other can coordinate.

    Thats about it and nothing I would charge more for.

    Perhaps £50 for a roadie, but I tend to just pay that anyway out of the pot if he is available and required.
    that's the reason there are 2 of us, while one concentrates on the music the other one can take requests answer questions, change tracks or at least be a visible presence whilst the other one is indisposed as to say. we work well together and can bounce ideas, sometimes we do the comedy double act as well. do we charge extra for it , no we don't
    any idea what the going rate for tiesto is ? ouch google told me... $200-400k imagine adding that to the quote ..

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