DJWrenocide
So I will be going for an interview next week to hopefully work with a Mobile DJ company. The owner said he will fill me in on the details when I am there but what should I kind of be expecting? I let him know that I have VDJ Pro and my Mixdeck but am I expecting to use their equipment or should I be expecting to use mine?
Anyone that is here that has a company of multiple DJ's that can fill me in on what you do?
Fingers crossed that all goes well.
Brendan
Anyone that is here that has a company of multiple DJ's that can fill me in on what you do?
Fingers crossed that all goes well.
Brendan
Mensajes Fri 24 Jan 14 @ 5:28 pm
groovindj
You'll find out when you get there, whether they expect you to use their kit or your own. They may not care either way.
When you're starting out, it's probably a good idea to use kit you're familiar with, so you don't get confused or stressed in the heat of the moment. If you're comfortable and having a good time, then the audience will pick up on that.
On the other hand, it's also good to familiarise yourself with as much different kit as possible, so you're at ease using anything.
You could compare DJ kit to cars. They all have the same controls and work the same way, but some things are laid out differently and it takes a little while to get comfortable. But once you can drive.......you can drive any car.
When you're starting out, it's probably a good idea to use kit you're familiar with, so you don't get confused or stressed in the heat of the moment. If you're comfortable and having a good time, then the audience will pick up on that.
On the other hand, it's also good to familiarise yourself with as much different kit as possible, so you're at ease using anything.
You could compare DJ kit to cars. They all have the same controls and work the same way, but some things are laid out differently and it takes a little while to get comfortable. But once you can drive.......you can drive any car.
Mensajes Fri 24 Jan 14 @ 6:14 pm
938MyDJ
Being based in Canada and operating a mid-size Mobile DJ Business, here are my personal tips for you to say on the interview to get the job...
(At least the answers I am looking for when I hire new DJs)
1. I can drive - with at least class 5 license.
2. I am available all weekends.
3. I am physically fit to lift typical DJ equipment.
4. I can dress up according to event requirements (formal/semi-formal).
5. I am willing to learn the software and the gear of your choice.
6. I am willing to adapt with your style (music selection in particular) to please your/our clients.
7. I can be a Captain. I could work on my own (once fully trained). With a helper of course on a bigger set up.
I've been through a lot of interviews in shcool, job/Gov't.-Private, clients, etc...
As always a part of the interview (the Canadian way)... Be prepared to tell a "problem-solving" story/scenario.
Or an answer to the question: "What will you do in case...?"
Goodluck!
(At least the answers I am looking for when I hire new DJs)
1. I can drive - with at least class 5 license.
2. I am available all weekends.
3. I am physically fit to lift typical DJ equipment.
4. I can dress up according to event requirements (formal/semi-formal).
5. I am willing to learn the software and the gear of your choice.
6. I am willing to adapt with your style (music selection in particular) to please your/our clients.
7. I can be a Captain. I could work on my own (once fully trained). With a helper of course on a bigger set up.
I've been through a lot of interviews in shcool, job/Gov't.-Private, clients, etc...
As always a part of the interview (the Canadian way)... Be prepared to tell a "problem-solving" story/scenario.
Or an answer to the question: "What will you do in case...?"
Goodluck!
Mensajes Fri 24 Jan 14 @ 7:02 pm
babybella2
hello....ma virtual z really gettin me worked up...any better version
Mensajes Sat 25 Jan 14 @ 7:46 am
groovindj
Your question (if it is one) is totally unrelated to this thread. Why have you posted here?
It's not easy to say if there's a "better version" because you haven't mentioned which version you're using.
It's not easy to say if there's a "better version" because you haven't mentioned which version you're using.
Mensajes Sat 25 Jan 14 @ 8:13 am
Blulite
babybella2 wrote :
hello....ma virtual z really gettin me worked up...any better version
say What??????????
@OP, good to se someone else getting out of the bedroom, it took me quite some time to do that, but now things are picking up quite well, one thing that i would like to add, that no one has mentioned yet, is be confident in your interview, afterall this industry requires you to be confident and approachable.
Mensajes Sun 26 Jan 14 @ 4:44 am
DJWrenocide
Blulite wrote :
say What??????????
@OP, good to se someone else getting out of the bedroom, it took me quite some time to do that, but now things are picking up quite well, one thing that i would like to add, that no one has mentioned yet, is be confident in your interview, afterall this industry requires you to be confident and approachable.
babybella2 wrote :
hello....ma virtual z really gettin me worked up...any better version
say What??????????
@OP, good to se someone else getting out of the bedroom, it took me quite some time to do that, but now things are picking up quite well, one thing that i would like to add, that no one has mentioned yet, is be confident in your interview, afterall this industry requires you to be confident and approachable.
Thanks Blulite,
I'm a pretty nice guy and normally very calm. It takes a lot to get under my skin and I've been in customer service for over 20 years so that just comes as a second nature to me. I have found out the interview is on Wednesday. I am always willing to learn and I want to know how everything works. I can usually roll with the punches and if there are any on the spot changes I do my best to adapt to them quickly.
Thanks for the responses everyone, I'm getting excited about this.
Mensajes Mon 27 Jan 14 @ 2:44 pm
gkon116
Many great suggestions above, here is my $.02.
In the mobile DJ business, there's a lot more than just playing music! It begins with you working with the B & G to establish the agenda & when things will happen. On the day of the reception, you are basically the wedding coordinator for the evening in many instances. When I DJ a wedding, I have the master agenda so once I'm done setting up, I'll touch base with the hall captain letting them know when things are happening; intros, first dance, cake cutting, speeches, prayer, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, bouquet/garter, start & end times (yes, sometime the B & G don't know the exact hours). I then touch base with the photographer & videographer and let them know when things are happening so they don't miss the important picture or video shot & I verify the time they are leaving so I can make sure they get the bouquet & garter since in most cases, that's the last thing that's photographed. You're responsible for lining people up and letting certain people know that they have speeches; you'd be surprised when lining people up & you tell the father of the bride that he has a speech & he looks at you like you have a hole in your head! When things get into motion, everyone knows what's happening so there aren't dead spots in the flow. If speeches are going to be staggered, then when that time comes, you have to make sure everyone is ready, etc.
Then there is the question about redundancy, always be prepared if something goes awry. I always carry a backup laptop & controller, not to mention backup cables & extra cables. Can't tell you how many times I've asked the B & G about a slide show or video & the answer is no, then at the reception someone comes up & says there is a sideshow for the B & G and can they hook into my system! I've had videographers ask to plug into my system so they can get intros & speeches to sound better, but they have a recorder with a XLR cable, well my XLR inputs are taken by my speakers so all I can use are either 1/4" or RCA.
Then you play the music for the dancing!
To sum it up, in addition to the items others mentioned, always be prepared to run the show & change direction when necessary.
Cheers,
Nick
In the mobile DJ business, there's a lot more than just playing music! It begins with you working with the B & G to establish the agenda & when things will happen. On the day of the reception, you are basically the wedding coordinator for the evening in many instances. When I DJ a wedding, I have the master agenda so once I'm done setting up, I'll touch base with the hall captain letting them know when things are happening; intros, first dance, cake cutting, speeches, prayer, father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, bouquet/garter, start & end times (yes, sometime the B & G don't know the exact hours). I then touch base with the photographer & videographer and let them know when things are happening so they don't miss the important picture or video shot & I verify the time they are leaving so I can make sure they get the bouquet & garter since in most cases, that's the last thing that's photographed. You're responsible for lining people up and letting certain people know that they have speeches; you'd be surprised when lining people up & you tell the father of the bride that he has a speech & he looks at you like you have a hole in your head! When things get into motion, everyone knows what's happening so there aren't dead spots in the flow. If speeches are going to be staggered, then when that time comes, you have to make sure everyone is ready, etc.
Then there is the question about redundancy, always be prepared if something goes awry. I always carry a backup laptop & controller, not to mention backup cables & extra cables. Can't tell you how many times I've asked the B & G about a slide show or video & the answer is no, then at the reception someone comes up & says there is a sideshow for the B & G and can they hook into my system! I've had videographers ask to plug into my system so they can get intros & speeches to sound better, but they have a recorder with a XLR cable, well my XLR inputs are taken by my speakers so all I can use are either 1/4" or RCA.
Then you play the music for the dancing!
To sum it up, in addition to the items others mentioned, always be prepared to run the show & change direction when necessary.
Cheers,
Nick
Mensajes Mon 27 Jan 14 @ 9:48 pm
938MyDJ
I agree on all of the above. There might be more to be added if we go in details (i.e. Hooking up and mixing for live musicians - This is a part of my service and this is where I started before I became a DJ).
But for now, you're on the right track to focus first on the interview.
Don't get pressured...
If you tell them the truth about your current experience, they won't let you go out by yourself on your first gig... Trust me on this.
For a start, you will get trained on the set up and teardown. You might get a time to mix (coz we/they know this is really what you're up to... the FUN part) but not for the whole night.
I am confident that you will get job by the way you speak.
Keep us posted of the result : )
But for now, you're on the right track to focus first on the interview.
Don't get pressured...
If you tell them the truth about your current experience, they won't let you go out by yourself on your first gig... Trust me on this.
For a start, you will get trained on the set up and teardown. You might get a time to mix (coz we/they know this is really what you're up to... the FUN part) but not for the whole night.
I am confident that you will get job by the way you speak.
Keep us posted of the result : )
Mensajes Mon 27 Jan 14 @ 11:19 pm
hippydog
DJWrenocide wrote :
So I will be going for an interview next week to hopefully work with a Mobile DJ company. The owner said he will fill me in on the details when I am there but what should I kind of be expecting? I let him know that I have VDJ Pro and my Mixdeck but am I expecting to use their equipment or should I be expecting to use mine?
Anyone that is here that has a company of multiple DJ's that can fill me in on what you do?
Anyone that is here that has a company of multiple DJ's that can fill me in on what you do?
Unless you have a full system (speakers, mixer, cordless mic, etc, etc) you will be using the multi-ops system.. (mixing and matching parts is a pain, so you WILL have to learn to use other peoples systems.)
Most Multi-op owners prefer DJ's with little experience (as they can train them their way, and less ego is involved.)
The bread and butter for the huge majority of Mobile DJ's is weddings.. Thus.. your ability to go "wiki wiki" or to make "dope mixes" is pretty meaningless..
What IS important is your ability to talk in front of crowd (or at least that you dont get stage fright) , that you like ALL TYPES OF MUSIC, and that your reliable (and on time)
Most likely you will start off as a roadie and then work your way up..
***important*** Just like there are good DJ's and bad DJ's, multi-ops are the same way, some are good (with things like ethics) and some are just out to wring as much money out of people no matter who they hurt.. If the multi-op hires you then sends you out on your own after just a few training shows, they may be one of the "bad ones", a "good" multi-op has a high training level and wants their DJ's to stick around for YEARS (and pay accordingly)..
IE: if this multi-op doesnt 'fit well' with you, dont be afraid to look around for a company more your style.
(my 2 cents) :-)
Mensajes Tue 28 Jan 14 @ 10:57 am
DJWrenocide
Wow thanks a lot guys.
I had the interview yesterday and it went ok. They are a lot bigger then I expected and he has about 40 DJ's or so between Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and Vancouver. They also do Photo, Video, and Limo's. I am expected to work 5pm - 1am or 6pm - 2 am. They want me to set up 2 hours before and then call them 1/2 hour before the event. Communication is a HUGE deal to them, and if you don't get back to them then you lose money or your job.
They have customer service checks every few hours and your fired if they are not done. The training is 4 shifts on Saturdays then 10 shadows of events all with no pay. I understand where he is coming from because as we know, everyone and their dog can call them self a DJ. Public speaking is huge obviously and I have done it but not for more then 120 people. Big crowds don't bother me but if I'm off my groove for any reason things can go side ways. He said after they think I'm good with the training then I can start the shadows.
He also suggested photo booths as that way I can run them but learn from the DJ as well. It's a lot to think about with having a wife in a retail job and a 2 year old son. I want to do this more then anything but I will just have to get my schedule straight and go from there.
All in all it was a little scary to go through every thing because he was very blunt but that's exactly how I need to be told. Having no experiance really and getting trained to read the crowd will be a huge help.
One thing that he suggested is to create 4 song sets of genre's:
80's - 4 songs that go together
Top 40 - 4 songs that go together
Country - 4 songs that go together, yadda yadda
Then go through the same genres and pick 4 different songs each times.
Anyone else have things like this to practice on that you can suggest?
Brendan
I had the interview yesterday and it went ok. They are a lot bigger then I expected and he has about 40 DJ's or so between Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, and Vancouver. They also do Photo, Video, and Limo's. I am expected to work 5pm - 1am or 6pm - 2 am. They want me to set up 2 hours before and then call them 1/2 hour before the event. Communication is a HUGE deal to them, and if you don't get back to them then you lose money or your job.
They have customer service checks every few hours and your fired if they are not done. The training is 4 shifts on Saturdays then 10 shadows of events all with no pay. I understand where he is coming from because as we know, everyone and their dog can call them self a DJ. Public speaking is huge obviously and I have done it but not for more then 120 people. Big crowds don't bother me but if I'm off my groove for any reason things can go side ways. He said after they think I'm good with the training then I can start the shadows.
He also suggested photo booths as that way I can run them but learn from the DJ as well. It's a lot to think about with having a wife in a retail job and a 2 year old son. I want to do this more then anything but I will just have to get my schedule straight and go from there.
All in all it was a little scary to go through every thing because he was very blunt but that's exactly how I need to be told. Having no experiance really and getting trained to read the crowd will be a huge help.
One thing that he suggested is to create 4 song sets of genre's:
80's - 4 songs that go together
Top 40 - 4 songs that go together
Country - 4 songs that go together, yadda yadda
Then go through the same genres and pick 4 different songs each times.
Anyone else have things like this to practice on that you can suggest?
Brendan
Mensajes Thu 30 Jan 14 @ 4:21 pm
djmike001
I am going to take a super quick stab at answering your question.
But first. some Advice... DO NOT SIGN A NO COMPETE CONTRACT... Since this company has such ground foot print. I would be extremely Leary of signing a no compete contract, unless, Infact I Would advise against it... You may find yourself being sued if you try to branch out on your own, or even just try to go to the club side of things.
Back to your question.
His suggestion of only 4 songs from each genre seems like a good place to start. Especially if you are wanting to do the who wedding thing.
Basically means find 4 songs that can be transitioned to and from smoothly. close bpm etc. but not just same bpm but same beat.. a song that goes bum bum bum bum is not as easily mixable as a song that goes bummm bum bum bummm while they may have the same BMP they just don't blend well.
while you will ultimately want to be more aqinuated with more than 4 songs of each genre. Its a good place to start, especially since you are going to have be diverse. Then build upon that. You can make notes or tags to music files I do, for points of reference that pops up on the screen as soon as I load the song. You can also add what song you suggest you play next in that tag if you wanted.
Again since this guy has so many dj's you could figure out say two or three genres that your are most compatible with so they can book you in accordance. For example, if someone wants only country music played at their wedding, I would not be the right DJ for them on short notice. This would require quite a bit of research on my part, and lots of fiddling around with the music to make their special night a success. I would need a lot of lead time on that one. Country music is not my thing.. I will be honest.. I am also very upfront with people about my skills and what I feel is my expertise. For example I have a friends wedding this summer and its all country. Normally I would say sorry we are not a good fit. Granted... They are hell bent on me being their DJ.. which is okay.. I have plenty of lead time for that.. I will do well. But if they said their Wedding was 2 weeks away I would have to say NO Way buddy..
Anyway reading the crowd. I am not sure this is a skill that can be taught per say. But here is some other free advice. you will be talking to the B and G so ask them what type of music they listen to.. and of course known music preferences of their family, and the friends they are inviting. They should have a general idea of what their friends like. Never be afraid to ask a bride and Groom for specifics. the answer Everything is frankly too vague. So ask them to clarify.
In general if no one is having fun or seems to appreciate a song that you are playing and its not a key song like first dance, let it play out and find a different genre or tempo, or more current. People are usually most accustomed to what they hear on the radio in their locations. So listening to the various different radio stations from top 40 or the 80's station, or country radio station for periods of time listening to songs that are played over and over again.. will be a good indication or a way to learn. Granted you don't want to play, the love of my life left me music and now I am divorced and I drown myself in whiskey and would only commit suicide if i could find my gun or bullets to the gun music.. That would be well a mood killer.. ;) so its important to be familur with the music your playing. If you have a large music library, or have a primo subscription that sends you new music every month, and its labeled country or something else, and lets make up a song title My wonderful life. could be the title, it could be say country or what ever genre, but it could also be misleading and one of those depressing mood killers that would not be good to play. So stick to music you Know. Unless maybe it was a request... So in this case make note of that song that perked your interest or you thought about playing, listen to it later..
Hope this helps..
But first. some Advice... DO NOT SIGN A NO COMPETE CONTRACT... Since this company has such ground foot print. I would be extremely Leary of signing a no compete contract, unless, Infact I Would advise against it... You may find yourself being sued if you try to branch out on your own, or even just try to go to the club side of things.
Back to your question.
His suggestion of only 4 songs from each genre seems like a good place to start. Especially if you are wanting to do the who wedding thing.
Basically means find 4 songs that can be transitioned to and from smoothly. close bpm etc. but not just same bpm but same beat.. a song that goes bum bum bum bum is not as easily mixable as a song that goes bummm bum bum bummm while they may have the same BMP they just don't blend well.
while you will ultimately want to be more aqinuated with more than 4 songs of each genre. Its a good place to start, especially since you are going to have be diverse. Then build upon that. You can make notes or tags to music files I do, for points of reference that pops up on the screen as soon as I load the song. You can also add what song you suggest you play next in that tag if you wanted.
Again since this guy has so many dj's you could figure out say two or three genres that your are most compatible with so they can book you in accordance. For example, if someone wants only country music played at their wedding, I would not be the right DJ for them on short notice. This would require quite a bit of research on my part, and lots of fiddling around with the music to make their special night a success. I would need a lot of lead time on that one. Country music is not my thing.. I will be honest.. I am also very upfront with people about my skills and what I feel is my expertise. For example I have a friends wedding this summer and its all country. Normally I would say sorry we are not a good fit. Granted... They are hell bent on me being their DJ.. which is okay.. I have plenty of lead time for that.. I will do well. But if they said their Wedding was 2 weeks away I would have to say NO Way buddy..
Anyway reading the crowd. I am not sure this is a skill that can be taught per say. But here is some other free advice. you will be talking to the B and G so ask them what type of music they listen to.. and of course known music preferences of their family, and the friends they are inviting. They should have a general idea of what their friends like. Never be afraid to ask a bride and Groom for specifics. the answer Everything is frankly too vague. So ask them to clarify.
In general if no one is having fun or seems to appreciate a song that you are playing and its not a key song like first dance, let it play out and find a different genre or tempo, or more current. People are usually most accustomed to what they hear on the radio in their locations. So listening to the various different radio stations from top 40 or the 80's station, or country radio station for periods of time listening to songs that are played over and over again.. will be a good indication or a way to learn. Granted you don't want to play, the love of my life left me music and now I am divorced and I drown myself in whiskey and would only commit suicide if i could find my gun or bullets to the gun music.. That would be well a mood killer.. ;) so its important to be familur with the music your playing. If you have a large music library, or have a primo subscription that sends you new music every month, and its labeled country or something else, and lets make up a song title My wonderful life. could be the title, it could be say country or what ever genre, but it could also be misleading and one of those depressing mood killers that would not be good to play. So stick to music you Know. Unless maybe it was a request... So in this case make note of that song that perked your interest or you thought about playing, listen to it later..
Hope this helps..
Mensajes Thu 30 Jan 14 @ 9:28 pm
DJWrenocide
djmike001 wrote :
I am going to take a super quick stab at answering your question.
But first. some Advice... DO NOT SIGN A NO COMPETE CONTRACT... Since this company has such ground foot print. I would be extremely Leary of signing a no compete contract, unless, Infact I Would advise against it... You may find yourself being sued if you try to branch out on your own, or even just try to go to the club side of things.
Back to your question.
His suggestion of only 4 songs from each genre seems like a good place to start. Especially if you are wanting to do the who wedding thing.
Basically means find 4 songs that can be transitioned to and from smoothly. close bpm etc. but not just same bpm but same beat.. a song that goes bum bum bum bum is not as easily mixable as a song that goes bummm bum bum bummm while they may have the same BMP they just don't blend well.
while you will ultimately want to be more aqinuated with more than 4 songs of each genre. Its a good place to start, especially since you are going to have be diverse. Then build upon that. You can make notes or tags to music files I do, for points of reference that pops up on the screen as soon as I load the song. You can also add what song you suggest you play next in that tag if you wanted.
Again since this guy has so many dj's you could figure out say two or three genres that your are most compatible with so they can book you in accordance. For example, if someone wants only country music played at their wedding, I would not be the right DJ for them on short notice. This would require quite a bit of research on my part, and lots of fiddling around with the music to make their special night a success. I would need a lot of lead time on that one. Country music is not my thing.. I will be honest.. I am also very upfront with people about my skills and what I feel is my expertise. For example I have a friends wedding this summer and its all country. Normally I would say sorry we are not a good fit. Granted... They are hell bent on me being their DJ.. which is okay.. I have plenty of lead time for that.. I will do well. But if they said their Wedding was 2 weeks away I would have to say NO Way buddy..
Anyway reading the crowd. I am not sure this is a skill that can be taught per say. But here is some other free advice. you will be talking to the B and G so ask them what type of music they listen to.. and of course known music preferences of their family, and the friends they are inviting. They should have a general idea of what their friends like. Never be afraid to ask a bride and Groom for specifics. the answer Everything is frankly too vague. So ask them to clarify.
In general if no one is having fun or seems to appreciate a song that you are playing and its not a key song like first dance, let it play out and find a different genre or tempo, or more current. People are usually most accustomed to what they hear on the radio in their locations. So listening to the various different radio stations from top 40 or the 80's station, or country radio station for periods of time listening to songs that are played over and over again.. will be a good indication or a way to learn. Granted you don't want to play, the love of my life left me music and now I am divorced and I drown myself in whiskey and would only commit suicide if i could find my gun or bullets to the gun music.. That would be well a mood killer.. ;) so its important to be familur with the music your playing. If you have a large music library, or have a primo subscription that sends you new music every month, and its labeled country or something else, and lets make up a song title My wonderful life. could be the title, it could be say country or what ever genre, but it could also be misleading and one of those depressing mood killers that would not be good to play. So stick to music you Know. Unless maybe it was a request... So in this case make note of that song that perked your interest or you thought about playing, listen to it later..
Hope this helps..
But first. some Advice... DO NOT SIGN A NO COMPETE CONTRACT... Since this company has such ground foot print. I would be extremely Leary of signing a no compete contract, unless, Infact I Would advise against it... You may find yourself being sued if you try to branch out on your own, or even just try to go to the club side of things.
Back to your question.
His suggestion of only 4 songs from each genre seems like a good place to start. Especially if you are wanting to do the who wedding thing.
Basically means find 4 songs that can be transitioned to and from smoothly. close bpm etc. but not just same bpm but same beat.. a song that goes bum bum bum bum is not as easily mixable as a song that goes bummm bum bum bummm while they may have the same BMP they just don't blend well.
while you will ultimately want to be more aqinuated with more than 4 songs of each genre. Its a good place to start, especially since you are going to have be diverse. Then build upon that. You can make notes or tags to music files I do, for points of reference that pops up on the screen as soon as I load the song. You can also add what song you suggest you play next in that tag if you wanted.
Again since this guy has so many dj's you could figure out say two or three genres that your are most compatible with so they can book you in accordance. For example, if someone wants only country music played at their wedding, I would not be the right DJ for them on short notice. This would require quite a bit of research on my part, and lots of fiddling around with the music to make their special night a success. I would need a lot of lead time on that one. Country music is not my thing.. I will be honest.. I am also very upfront with people about my skills and what I feel is my expertise. For example I have a friends wedding this summer and its all country. Normally I would say sorry we are not a good fit. Granted... They are hell bent on me being their DJ.. which is okay.. I have plenty of lead time for that.. I will do well. But if they said their Wedding was 2 weeks away I would have to say NO Way buddy..
Anyway reading the crowd. I am not sure this is a skill that can be taught per say. But here is some other free advice. you will be talking to the B and G so ask them what type of music they listen to.. and of course known music preferences of their family, and the friends they are inviting. They should have a general idea of what their friends like. Never be afraid to ask a bride and Groom for specifics. the answer Everything is frankly too vague. So ask them to clarify.
In general if no one is having fun or seems to appreciate a song that you are playing and its not a key song like first dance, let it play out and find a different genre or tempo, or more current. People are usually most accustomed to what they hear on the radio in their locations. So listening to the various different radio stations from top 40 or the 80's station, or country radio station for periods of time listening to songs that are played over and over again.. will be a good indication or a way to learn. Granted you don't want to play, the love of my life left me music and now I am divorced and I drown myself in whiskey and would only commit suicide if i could find my gun or bullets to the gun music.. That would be well a mood killer.. ;) so its important to be familur with the music your playing. If you have a large music library, or have a primo subscription that sends you new music every month, and its labeled country or something else, and lets make up a song title My wonderful life. could be the title, it could be say country or what ever genre, but it could also be misleading and one of those depressing mood killers that would not be good to play. So stick to music you Know. Unless maybe it was a request... So in this case make note of that song that perked your interest or you thought about playing, listen to it later..
Hope this helps..
Thanks DJ Mike,
That helps a lot. In the interview he did ask me what I listen to and I told him Latin/Reggaeton, Top 40, Dance kind of a thing. I play Latin and Reggaeton a lot a home at my family house parties that I do, but I don't understand a word of Spanish (which is bad cuz I've had 13 years to learn it since the wife is Chilean). I was up front with him and said I don't do well with country. I personally don't like it so I wouldn't really know what to play. If a song was requested I would look it up and play it but I have thought long and hard about certain songs that get requested. That new one by A Great Big World Feat. Christina Aguilera - Say something, nice song but there is no way I could play that at a wedding.
As far as talking to the B&G, the company does a few meetings with them and gets a load of info from them and then passes a sheet to the DJ for the night as to what they are looking for. I think that aspect is covered but since I would be doing service checks with them through out the night I could always confirm and find out what everyone else likes. I was told that if I was to do an event that I need to go to every table introduce myself and I could ask what they want to hear as well. That is quite a while away as I need to get going with the training first.
Thanks again for the help.
Brendan
Mensajes Fri 31 Jan 14 @ 1:03 pm
djmike001
Glad that advice helped.
I wouldn't say that you couldn't play that song at a wedding B and G's can be weird... sometimes they choose the strangest of songs... for their first dance ;) They never surprise me much anymore... I could easily see some strange couple requesting that as a first dance song.. As strange as that might sound.
Anyway, I would ask the Rigging and booking company if that you can at least meet with the Bride and groom once. That way you will know if you are a good match as a DJ for their event.
I say that because, even though someone else might do the booking. You may not be a good match for them, or they might not be a good match for you type thing. I only say that because its better to say I don't feel like we are on the same page, or I feel a different DJ would be able to cater more to what your looking for. It is better to leave a great impression like this, that your forward and honest, than be disgruntled or have a poor performance.
I do very much remember one wedding that I was booked by the B and G it was frankly a night mare trying to get ahold of them. Make arrangements and get all the details out of them. It was booked 2 years in advance. But, they never really responded to phone calls, emails or texts. I basically had nothing to go off of besides there name venue and 1 song they wanted for the first dance. Talk about stressful. Granted I should have never accepted their deposit they sent 1 month before the date. I should have rejected it and said I was booked telling them I was deeply sorry that they never sent a deposit to secure the date.
Anyway, My gut feeling was correct, I should have walked away. they B and G were in a horrible mood, and you could tell their guests picked up on it. They even fought on the dance floor which there was nothing I could do to really recapture the mood. As many people left after that. Again that had nothing to do with my djing skills. Granted all the People at this wedding were also from out of state. It was bizzare.
So while the company may give you a list, and talking to each table is fine and dandy. I strongly urge you to talk to the B and G before you show up. So that way you know what they look like the whole nine yards. :) Again I don't know how much this company will provide you or how they operate.
Well later,
Mikey
Mensajes Fri 31 Jan 14 @ 2:37 pm
gkon116
DJ Wrenocide-
I agree with djmike001 100%. As for the rest of your post, in terms of setting up 2 hours before, I'm all for that. I always get to my gigs 2-2.5 hours early to setup; you never know when something may fail and you have to troubleshoot. As for communicating with them, I don't think that's anything different than any other company. My DJ partner & I are always texting each other as to when we leave, when we arrive & when we are setup & ready to go. You don't know what could happen.
In terms of training, I used to be a bar tender at a banquet hall so I would see a bunch of DJs; after I decided to take the plunge, I found a DJ, who I thought was good after consistently seeing him. I approached him and we started talking, he wanted me to come along with him to see how everything was run, from setup, to making sure the wedding was running right, to the breakdown at the end and to see if I enjoyed it. With that being said, if that company is too big, you may want to scout out a much smaller company to start with. It was nice because he paid me $50 a night most nights, but not all.
I would avoid the photo booth thing. I don't think that is a good way to learn dj-ing as a lot of the photo booths I see are very busy, it's not like the attendant is sitting around doing nothing. Plus, you don't want them to come back to you and say that you're better at the running the photo booth and they would rather have you there. The photo booth attendant also makes a lot less than the DJ, something to remember.
I think the biggest red flag for me was your comment about the company doing a few meetings, getting loads of info and passing a sheet to the DJ for the night of the reception. When a prospective client talks to my DJ partner (owner of the company), he'll decide between me & his other DJ and have one of us meet the couple. If the couple books with us, I become the main point of contact for almost all items with the exception of financial items. I'll talk to the couple whenever they call, email, or text me, but that's how I establish my rapport with the couple. Plus, I like to put the agenda in my own format, not anyone else's. As for customer service checks, not sure how many they go through, but I'll tell you this, some B&G's don't want to be bothered a lot. As a habit, I'll talk to them when they come into the room (before it opens to their guests), after intros (to see how they went), & during dinner.
In terms of music, I took a lot of notes in terms of the music my partner was playing and started looking at the top songs from each decade; 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's, etc. In fact, I have a phone app called Fun Wedding that shows the 200 most requested wedding songs, top songs from each decade, top intro songs, top slow songs, etc as compiled from DJ Intelligence, it helps a lot. There may be times where I'm just drawing a blank on the next song and it helps to have a hand. Think about this, you have to please anywhere from 50-300 people that range from teenagers to the elderly, you're not going to please the elderly playing Blurred Lines and you're not going to please the teenagers playing In the Mood by Glenn Miller. But songs like Billie Jean transcend generations, whether you're young or old, chances are you know Billie Jean and probably like it. When I DJ a wedding, I always ask the B&G, what the age range of the guests in attendance. You'd be surprised when you are DJ-ing a wedding where the couple is in their mid 20's and 80% of their guests are over 45. Most of the night would probably be 70's, 80's, Motown, and then some pop music at the end. But it can vary.
Hope everyone's advice helps,
Nick
I agree with djmike001 100%. As for the rest of your post, in terms of setting up 2 hours before, I'm all for that. I always get to my gigs 2-2.5 hours early to setup; you never know when something may fail and you have to troubleshoot. As for communicating with them, I don't think that's anything different than any other company. My DJ partner & I are always texting each other as to when we leave, when we arrive & when we are setup & ready to go. You don't know what could happen.
In terms of training, I used to be a bar tender at a banquet hall so I would see a bunch of DJs; after I decided to take the plunge, I found a DJ, who I thought was good after consistently seeing him. I approached him and we started talking, he wanted me to come along with him to see how everything was run, from setup, to making sure the wedding was running right, to the breakdown at the end and to see if I enjoyed it. With that being said, if that company is too big, you may want to scout out a much smaller company to start with. It was nice because he paid me $50 a night most nights, but not all.
I would avoid the photo booth thing. I don't think that is a good way to learn dj-ing as a lot of the photo booths I see are very busy, it's not like the attendant is sitting around doing nothing. Plus, you don't want them to come back to you and say that you're better at the running the photo booth and they would rather have you there. The photo booth attendant also makes a lot less than the DJ, something to remember.
I think the biggest red flag for me was your comment about the company doing a few meetings, getting loads of info and passing a sheet to the DJ for the night of the reception. When a prospective client talks to my DJ partner (owner of the company), he'll decide between me & his other DJ and have one of us meet the couple. If the couple books with us, I become the main point of contact for almost all items with the exception of financial items. I'll talk to the couple whenever they call, email, or text me, but that's how I establish my rapport with the couple. Plus, I like to put the agenda in my own format, not anyone else's. As for customer service checks, not sure how many they go through, but I'll tell you this, some B&G's don't want to be bothered a lot. As a habit, I'll talk to them when they come into the room (before it opens to their guests), after intros (to see how they went), & during dinner.
In terms of music, I took a lot of notes in terms of the music my partner was playing and started looking at the top songs from each decade; 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, 00's, etc. In fact, I have a phone app called Fun Wedding that shows the 200 most requested wedding songs, top songs from each decade, top intro songs, top slow songs, etc as compiled from DJ Intelligence, it helps a lot. There may be times where I'm just drawing a blank on the next song and it helps to have a hand. Think about this, you have to please anywhere from 50-300 people that range from teenagers to the elderly, you're not going to please the elderly playing Blurred Lines and you're not going to please the teenagers playing In the Mood by Glenn Miller. But songs like Billie Jean transcend generations, whether you're young or old, chances are you know Billie Jean and probably like it. When I DJ a wedding, I always ask the B&G, what the age range of the guests in attendance. You'd be surprised when you are DJ-ing a wedding where the couple is in their mid 20's and 80% of their guests are over 45. Most of the night would probably be 70's, 80's, Motown, and then some pop music at the end. But it can vary.
Hope everyone's advice helps,
Nick
Mensajes Sat 08 Feb 14 @ 10:14 am
jordan2kaii9
I have recently been offered a job with a mobile disco company and we have negotiated and they have decided to buy the decks (pioneer 2000 series) as long as I put the money in for the lights, i've been doing my own mobile discos for a few years now but do you need to talk top you're employer and work out what is best for the both of you, hope this helps :)
Mensajes Thu 13 Mar 14 @ 11:44 am