But that's the horrible hyperbole actor wannabe Kristopher "KC" Campbell, owner of VOX DJs in Manhattan Beach, would have you believe in a newspaper puff piece about his company's 25th anniversary. Campbell, who admits he made a better DJ than actor, says he was once called the "human jukebox".So why even bring up a "messy stereotype" that's erroneous? And to boot the "chicken dance" snap wasn't part of his original interview, but an email afterthought. Guess he decided not to be so "professional" after all.
I think it's great that the writer goes into great detail that a professional DJ company is run just like any other professional business. Campbell says he cut his rates by 15% last year "because of the recession". (Careful! Those who insist that you should "get what you're worth" despite economic conditions might hear your good sense!)
PR hint: The media won't make a snarky remark about the head of an
"Dr. Drax," the president of the American Disc Jockey Association ... who wouldn't give his full name, said from Phoenix. "It's not simply a matter of showing up and being cool, rather it's about working with the couple to craft something unique and memorable."
The writer finishes her puffing noting Campbell's hope "to change the (DJ) profession's image." Here's a suggestion: Move on from invoking negative and dated stereotypes to make yourself look good.
With tongue planted firmly in cheek (I hope!) here's another video from Indianapolis DJ Mark Beecher poking fun at former DJ industry sensation (r.) Mark Ferrell. The parody videos using this scene from the 2004 German movie Der Untergang ("The Downfall") have poked fun at various targets and have been making the rounds of YouTube for awhile.For those DJs who have been following this blog for years and know the names of all the "players", you're sure to get a grin. If not, it's a good time to read through our archives so you can be let in on this not-so-inside joke.
Can't see the embedded video below? View it on YouTube here.
It’s not that the Cheap Craigslist DJs have been in hibernation, but I’ll admit I got bored snarking on their same misspellings and bad grammar. Besides, isn’t the buzz all about Twitter now? So I put in “Wedding DJ” as a search term there to see what would happen. MUCH better snarking material and only 140 characters to boot! So let’s see what some of the horribly-bored-by-a-cheap-DJ wedding guestsTtweeteth:
DozaSaid: As I sit at this wedding reception dolo the DJ throws on “I Need Love” by LL Cool J…go to hell Mr. DJ.
Yikes! I can’t think of ANY wedding where that song would be appropriate, especially the part that says:
I wanna kiss you hold you never scold you just love you
suck on you neck, caress you and rub you
Grind moan and never be alone …
Clean and unsoiled yet sweaty and wet
I swear to you this is something that I’ll never forget
Something tells me the groom may not need any suggestions for the honeymoon.
chrisrobb: I hate wedding dj’s how pretend that crap accent, are they taught that somewhere?
What kind of accent does crap have? I can see how it might be odorous, but what does it sound like? I agree that some DJs who get on the mic talk that faux 70’s Top 40 DJ puke. Having natural vocal skills is a completely different talent than mixing music. You might be good at one and suck at another.
heydjbobby: July 19th virginia beach wedding dj Sunday evening. Looking for a Hampton Roads Wedding DJ? www.heydjbobby.com/Hey DJ
I wonder if DJ Bobby’s bride client has any idea that with only 8 days until her wedding she has no DJ? Or maybe she does, since Bobby displays his Twitter feed on his website? If I was worried about covering a date, I don’t think I’d try to fill it where it could be seen by my clients!
ald2006: Dear DJ: if you’re “too busy” to even acknowledge that we asked you a question, why did u say u had the availability to do our wedding? 
Because lots of big cheap multi-op wedding DJ companies want you to book now, and they’ll worry about finding you a DJ after your check clears. Once some Cheap DJs have already gotten their hands on your money, good luck to you in getting them to return calls, let alone not even show up. That’s why some DJs are advertising $300 shows and others are $1200. Service, baby, service!
simonbairu: Worst wedding music ever! I think the dj is playing the ‘armageddon’ soundtrack mixed with some ’sweet home Alabama’ Still a good time!
Shut the fuck up. You know you love it.
Here's an ad from someone looking for a DJ. Or perhaps a "disc-jockey" who will literally jockey their discs. The happy couple doesn't want much. They'll even let you bring a friend, eat and drink and chase skirts...as long as you're "somewhat focused"! All that and a C-note to boot for EIGHT hours.
Need psuedo-DJ for our Wedding (Gig Harbor (Lake Bay))
Reply to: gigs-xxxxxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-03-09, 8:48PM PDT
Here is the deal. We are getting married on April 4th 2009 and need someone to make sure the music keeps playing. You will need to be there from 12pm Noon to 8pm. Bring a friend if you want. Food, Drink & cake is all included here too! Will pay $100. This is a very simple job. We'll have everything setup including speakers, amp, 5-disc CD changer. The 5 discs loaded will be full with MP3 audio and you'll have the master track list. 1 of the discs will have the importants songs that you will be notified when to play them. You DON'T need to talk over a microphone or take requests. This would be great for a college student. You'll need to dress semi-formal as well as your partner if you choose to bring someone. Wedding will be in Lake Bay. You'll get $100 plus food, drink, & cake **oh and for the single guys who may be interested there will be plenty of single ladies in their early 20's attending but you must stay somewhat focused on the task at hand. thanks!
Biggest day of their life, all their friends and family there, spending thousands of dollars on food and drinks and flowers and freakin' $3 chair covers, but the DJ? No biggie. Until it's "Hey, take your hands off the bridesmaid's ass and get 'somewhat focused' on playing the next song!"Reply to: gigs-xxxxxxx@craigslist.org
Date: 2009-03-09, 8:48PM PDT
Here is the deal. We are getting married on April 4th 2009 and need someone to make sure the music keeps playing. You will need to be there from 12pm Noon to 8pm. Bring a friend if you want. Food, Drink & cake is all included here too! Will pay $100. This is a very simple job. We'll have everything setup including speakers, amp, 5-disc CD changer. The 5 discs loaded will be full with MP3 audio and you'll have the master track list. 1 of the discs will have the importants songs that you will be notified when to play them. You DON'T need to talk over a microphone or take requests. This would be great for a college student. You'll need to dress semi-formal as well as your partner if you choose to bring someone. Wedding will be in Lake Bay. You'll get $100 plus food, drink, & cake **oh and for the single guys who may be interested there will be plenty of single ladies in their early 20's attending but you must stay somewhat focused on the task at hand. thanks!
Truth is, over the years I've gotten more than my share of calls from desperate brides about the $300 DJ they hired off of Craigslist who never wanted to "bother with" a contract and now with her wedding two weeks away she can't get him to return the dozen phone messages she's left him over the past month. There's also a contingent of wannabes and hobbyists who whore themselves out for peanuts to whom DJing is a way to download illegal music, pick up women, feed their ego, play what they want and generally vex professional career disc jockeys by giving us a bad name.Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of well-qualified professional DJs who advertise on Craigslist. I'm one of them. What's wrong with a highly-trafficked local website where you can advertise for free? And not just with tiny text either...with full HTML graphics! But lately when you get a bunch of DJs together - either virtually or in person - the talk always seems to turn to "those gig pigs" on Craigslist who give professional DJs a bad name and cheapen our public perception with their badly-worded (and mispelled) ads:
Dj for any event (EXECELLENT RATES)
Hi, my names brad and i am a mobile hip hop dj for pretty much any event, i however cant do bars and clubs BY THE OWNER but if you are having a party there i can come to it. my setup is 2 PA speakers, 2 numark axis nines that never drop the beat, and my mixer, sorry but I HAVE NO LIGHTS exept for one strobe, call me for pricing, times, bookings, and let me know whatever you need and i'll see if im open that day, 724 516 3438, or you can drop by my website, http:// abbottmusic.wetpaint .com , i prefer to serve westmorland but i will do the outskirts as well, with love and respect
dj brad "signacha sounds" abbott
Is it any wonder that such ads breed Craigslist inquiries like this?
Hey Mr. DJ put a record on!!! Party in Lakeview needs a DJ 8/15/08 (Lakeview (Park Place Towers))
I will be having an outdoor party from around 3pm to 8pm. This will be a laidback style B-day bash for myself and other people I know. We will be grilling and drinking and you can drink and socialize as well. Music is up to you, so you can pratice your new set.. or try new music. Pay is limited to around $20-$25 dollars, but I am sure you might get a gig out of it, plus you can drink for free. Let me know asap... I will find a DJ by Tue. or Wed... you can email @ Jackso@ my.wgu.edu
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You'll hear the DJ demagogues chant not to worry about them, keep your eyes on the prize and your own business. But even the best DJs sometimes get so frustrated with these ads, they fight fire with fire by posting their own:
If you're looking for low quality, obnoxious entertainment, look no further.
I can ruin any event with my cheezy, embarasssing, show stealing, antics.
You'll wish to hell you'd never heard of me by the time your event is over.
I talk over most of the songs and I make crude remarks at inappropriate times.
And if you're real lucky, I'll be drunk or high. Assuming that I actually show up at all, that is.
I use only low quality, Radio Shack equipment with all the wires exposed and hanging everywhere and all my music is downloaded illegally.
And I don't bother to carry backup equipment, cuz I can't afford it.
In fact, I'm so awesome, I use Craigslist as my sole source of advertising.
For more info, click on my website that was designed by a retarded chimpanzee.
www.lousydj.com 1-888-REAL-BAD
Good Luck.
Cash only and no money back guarantee. You get what you pay for.
Damn, that's funny stuff. How about we all laugh together? I've started a new blog which will archive the best of the worst Craiglist DJ ads so the rest of us can snark on them. I'll try to post new ads a couple of times a week...until I get tired of it.
So get it while it lasts! Stop by Cheap Craigslist DJs, and tell me what you think. Already some not-so-flattering comments there. I'm lovin' it.
Oh, and if YOU are one of the cheap DJs I make fun of there? You're welcome.
For years how I've been saying some professional DJs continue to bury their heads in the sand about the real value they contribute to an event.
Here's a hint. It's not the music.
It's talent. And that's something you can't buy in a book, pay some self-styled DJ guru for, learn at a DJ convention or see on someone's training DVD.
Can anyone be a professional disc jockey? If you are defining "disc jockey" as the act of seguing different songs over an amplification system, of course! It's not rocket science to push play.
The tricky part comes with knowing on the fly the right songs to play based on the mood of the crowd, or the mood you want to create. Oh, and all that microphone stuff that weddings demand to emcee the different formalities that happen.
There's no doubt about it. It takes talent to make a living as a professional disc jockey.
But what if you only have to do it once? What if you're the friend or relative of a frugal bride who asks you as a favor if you would play the role of disc jockey for her wedding?
When I came upon the website called You Can Be The DJ I was hit in the face with the result of my own procastination. Hello pot? Kettle here. Although any enterprising Googler can find "iPod wedding" information on all kinds of web sites, the aggregation here certainly seems worth $39.95.
What's more, like any enterprising drug dealer, they'll even give you a couple of "tastes" for free via email.
Your First Tip to a Fun and Easy iPod Wedding
Hi Dan,
Here's your first tip… Most wedding receptions run about four hours.
During the first half hour the bride, groom and bridal party will be getting their pictures taken so you need to make sure that someone is available at the reception hall to be playing music, greeting the guests and informing them of the following:
-The location of the sign-in table.
-The location of the gift table.
-If there is a bar whether it is an open or cash bar.
-Any other information you want your guests to know.
When you arrive your acting DJ should be ready to make the introductions and keep the music going. You will want to make sure that all the announcements are made in the correct order and culminate with the bride and groom as the center of attention.
After the introductions the reception will continue with the First Dance, Bridal Party Dances, toast and meal and the rest of the tradtional highlights.
Of course, you will want to have all the music and announcements ready to go, so go over all the planned activities well in advance of the wedding day. By doing so you will have all the music and announcements ready on the day of the event.
The Easy to use, You Can Be The DJ Wedding DJ Program includes a detailed wedding reception timeline that shows all the important activities. You will also find easy to use checklists and fill-in the blank forms designed so that you have easy access to everything you need the day of the reception. The checklists and forms make sure nothing is forgotten, so you know the night will be special for everyone!
Your next tip will arrive tomorrow.
Wow...caught a little buzz but nothing mind-altering. Most people have been to at least a couple of weddings and have seen what is done. But how is it done? Looks like I'll need another dose...
Your Second Tip to a Fun and Easy iPod Wedding
Hi Dan,
Here's your next tip…
Traditional dance and participation activities are fun and usually part of every wedding reception. There are excellent reasons for this.
Activities such as the Party Train, Cha-Cha Slide, YMCA and others break the ice, motivate your guests, and get them out on the dance floor. There are many dance and participation activities available to encourage your guests of all ages to get out of their chairs and enjoy the night.
To get the most people up and dancing, review the available activities before your event. Then choose the ones that best suit your personality, the theme of your reception, and the guests that will be in attendance.
After making your selections, the bride, groom and DJ should go over the details of each activity. The bride and groom should decide on their level of involvement for each activity, and be comfortable with how they are called to the dance floor. Announcements can then be customized and each activity, and be planned to start only when all those that need to be included are available and ready to go.
Make sure that you include a good variety of dance and participation activities for your reception. Remember, there will be a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and music preferences, so make sure that you provide a range of activities. This way everyone will get a chance to mix and mingle to their favorites.
The You Can Be The DJ – Wedding DJ Guidebook includes detailed descriptions for a wide variety of activities. How to effectively include each activity in your reception to get the most participation is explained, and detailed music playlists are provided to complement each activity. The guidebook is a FUN and EASY read, with forms that you just FILL-IN the blanks! What could be easier?! It is a necessity for every bride who wants to make sure that her reception is a fun and memorable experience for everyone!
Your next tip will arrive tomorrow.
Heyyyy...they're talking about all the stuff that *I* do! And that I get paid thousands of dollars for! We all know that the sign of real talent is to make this all LOOK easy. But now that I read it in black and white, it doesn't really seem that hard. At least not if I just had to do it ONCE. OK, third time's a charm... tomorrow.
Your Third Tip to a Fun and Easy iPod Wedding
Hi Dan,
Here's your next tip…
Selecting Music for Your Event
Selecting the music for your reception is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your guests will enjoy themselves.
Select music from time tested favorites for the variety of generations that will be in attendance. Remember that the music sets the mood for the different parts of the evening.
As your guests are waiting for you to arrive create a classy cocktail hour atmosphere with easy listening music that your guests can converse over. Instrumentals work best here, so you’ll want your selections to reflect your personality and the theme of your reception.
During the food service loud selections may prevent your guests from getting acquainted and comfortable with each other, so a selection of romantic love songs works well as a background at this point.
After the meal you’ll be getting your selected participation activities and dancing started, so you’ll want a wide variety of songs so that you can get all your guests up and dancing.
Putting together a great, effective playlist is one of the most stressful parts of the wedding planning for a bride. So why not make it easy with the You Can Be The DJ Wedding DJ Program E-book?
The e-book includes playlists full of popular wedding music requests, fill-in forms and checklists to help you plan the best music selections for all aspects of your wedding reception. It’s easy and the process is actually a lot of fun!
Included with the e-book is access to our members only website. You can search 1000’s of titles and artists for just the right songs. Wedding based search categories allow you to quickly and easily find the song you’re looking for.
Members also get access to online playlists with songs specifically designed to make your wedding reception music choices easy. No more spending hours trying to find the “right” music, only to still be unsure if it will work! The online playlists provide instant access to the music that will make your wedding reception rock!
We’ve put together the best and most requested wedding reception music in our online playlists! These highly focused selections reduce the number of songs you'll need to buy. They provide the essential core music to plan your activities and play your guests requests.
Your next tip will arrive tomorrow.
Geez, how many more tips can there be? What more could there possibly be to know? As for music lists, can't anyone find plenty of free ones online ... usually on some DJ website?
So why do so many DJs try to scare or bully their prospects into believing their wedding day will be absolutely decimated if they can't budget for a professional MC/DJ? You can afford me? Great! You've got a real pro on your team. But for a DJ to dare suggest - like some in our industry - that a bride forego chair covers or party favors because a professional DJ is what's really important? Why can't someone who wants to do their homework (or pay for the crib notes) wants to play DJ? Must they be automatically ridiculed and scorned by we who do this for a living? Can't most anyone be an adequate DJ for five measly hours? So many questions. But only one answer...
If you limit your sources of DJ industry knowledge to those which don't carry a price tag, does that make you a de facto bottomfeeder? Or are you really losing out on some proprietary industry epiphany? Some with a vested financial interest want you to believe the latter. I'm not buying the hype. You don't get my vote, nor my credit card number.
Here's some stats. The largest web community for disc jockeys boasts nearly 1,000,000 posts and over 51,000 members. The second largest DJ site reports they have over 450,000 posts and about 9,500 members. Another DJ forum displays 190,149 posts and 1,261 members. Yet another DJ web message board shows 20,228 posts and 1,274 registered users.
Do you think it's possible that in ALL that content written by ALL those DJs that there's really anything that one can only learn by paying some self-styled DJ guru?
I believe that goes beyond "highly unlikely" to flat out ridiculous.
But aggregation also has its value. Take a look at DriverGuide.com. If you need a driver file for your scanner, printer or some other computer peripheral you can either search manufacturers' websites, look through your old CD-ROMs or find the file on the Internet on your own ... or for $2.95 you can instantly download the file from DriverGuide who exists to aggregate and distribute material that is available elsewhere for free.
Jeepers, one self-styled DJ guru made a name for himself by having a book printed consisting mainly of interviews with other industry leaders. (Including yours truly.) This is the same guy who now offers speeches and seminars at various DJ confabs...with a reputation built on the backs of those who been there and done that.
Shouldn't we all work together to help the industry instead of creating barriers? Then why does it seem the root of this chasm are those for-profit DJ demagogues? Since my involvement in online DJ communities nearly 20 years ago, I've found most have an open door policy on opinions. They embrace everyone who comes freely to share freely.
But some have adopted an "agreed upon congeniality". And anyone who dares to question whether the emperor is indeed wearing clothes, find themselves ostracized in short order. I'm far more impressed with open minds than those who are convinced they offer "the way" for a price.
It's a fact that the overwhelming majority of working mobile DJs do not engage in that pursuit full time. And they're quite happy doing so! (Not to mention their many happy clients!) Others - mainly those DJ hucksters who have a seminar/video/book to sell - want to represent that unless your goal is to make DJing your sole source of revenue that you can't possibly be as serious or as "professional" (however you want to define that) as one who does.
We've come a long way in exchanging industry knowledge and information since I started in 1978. I've learned countless nuggets from the thousands of DJs working in the banquet room trenches every week who freely contribute their time, thought, opinions and experiences to build the disc jockey industry. I thank and salute them for their valuable advice that may be free...but it's not cheap.
The difference? Sincerity. When a family member shares a story you can see it's done with love and emotion. Whenever I've seen a wedding DJ do it, too often it smacks of a formulaic presentation where the blanks were filled in on some questionnaire, but there's none of the gravitas. Take a look at one recent "Love Story" course graduate's attempt to practice what he spent nearly $1000 to learn. (If video is not embedded below, see it here.)
Seriously, folks...this man sat through hours of training to come up with this. (Yay! Boo!) If I were one of the family or friends of the bride and groom who I knew relatively well enough to take the time to be at their wedding, I would be thinking throughout this 7-minute diatribe, "Who the hell is THIS guy and when is this going to be over?"
I do believe that it takes a certain amount of innate talent to pull off any type of public speaking, let alone something where you're trying to relate deeply personal anecdotes about relative strangers. It rings about as genuine as a funeral service delivered by the funeral home's director or a priest who may have only seen the deceased on the occasional Sunday.
To be fair, I've also seen these done with much more production value. Whether it's audio clips recorded by family members, a slideshow of old photos or some other video/audio embellishment, it's much more compelling to watch and holds your attention better than hearing a hired speaker with no personal knowledge of whom he's talking about drone on. Although this past summer I saw a bride and groom hire a videographer to produce their own slickly produced taped tale of personal anecdotes. The production value didn't help the presentation which must have been at least 30 minutes - or felt like it!. At least now I know the reasons behind their pet names for each other.
The best speakers know to attract and maintain their audience's attention. Once your remarks go over 2-3 minutes, you better be DAMN entertaining. Relying on "obligation" to get guests' interest and participation ("We owe it to our hosts to watch this!") doesn't seem genuine. I paid for your prime rib, now you have to sit through the presentation. Sounds more like they're trying to sell you a time share than share and entertain.
Those brides who have approached me about such an oral presentation, I do my best to talk them out of it. Slideshow during dinner? Sure, why not? Even one with a mixed music soundtrack doesn't require the rapt attention as someone talking at you for 10 minutes. I instead encourage them to take those photos and produce a keepsake booklet with pics and anecdotes. Kinko's can put these things together for about a buck each. Now you have a terrific favor for your guests to take home and read at their leisure where they'll probably retain and appreciate it more.
Certainly a major reason some bridal clients seek out a professional DJ is for their help in making their event unique and memorable. Now it's the dramatically choreographed first dances. Five to ten years ago it was with the "key routine" where all the groomsmen would parade to the dance floor to return the bride's "house keys" prior to the garter and bouquet ceremony. What will be the next trend? With many brides playing the aspiring princess role where "it's all about me", hopefully they'll consider something with more entertainment appeal than ego appeal. I think it's not only my job, but, in a sense, my fiduciary duty to help my clients create the most entertaining event for ALL who attend.
If you believe some in the industry, the only professional DJ is a wedding DJ. And not just any wedding DJ. They have to be one who also does all the planning, elaborate grand entrances and video presentations and charges at least $1,200.00What about DJs who spend those same 4-5 hours spinning in a bar? Are those types of gigs supposed to be beneath any disc jockey who wants to be considered a "professional"?
I've met a lot of bar jocks via the Seattle Disc Jockey Association. Many of them unashamedly told me they had absolutely no interest in playing wedding gigs. Even if it paid more, having to endure 2 hours of dinner jazz before kicking into a dance set (which might well include Frank Sinatra) wasn't their idea of what a DJ was about. They got more satisfaction from playing current dance music to a dance crowd in a bar environment and showing off their mixing and mashup skills.
And what's wrong with that?
So at the risk of being seen as "unprofessional" by those DJs engorged with their own self-importance, I'll give some advice to those DJs who are looking to supplement their schedule with bar gigs. I believe there are two ways to go:
1) Go pitch to bars which already have a DJ and let them know what you can do better. This will require you doing a little recon and taking notes about their existing DJ - what they're doing right/wrong and how the crowd reacts.
For those who think that it's somehow dirty pool to "steal" another DJs gig, understand showbiz (as loosely as DJs affiliate with that moniker) has always been competitive. Before he was a TV and music publishing mogul, Lawrence Welk played as the house band for several hotels and dance halls throughout the Midwest. This his agent (or maybe Lawrence himself) was waiting for there to be a vacancy on the bandstand before pitching himself?
Confidence will go a long way...but be prepared to demonstrate what YOU do that makes it worth the owner making a change. Do you already have a following? A bevy of MySpace friends? Can you pack them in better than the other DJ? Warning: You never know who the DJ is a friend of...they might even be the owner's nephew. It may well be the owner knows his DJ can be better, but he might still be satisfied enough to not want to make a change.
2) Pitch to bars which have no DJ. This has an instant challenge because there's obviously a reason why they don't already have one. Might be they had one in the past and it didn't increase business beyond having a jukebox (which pays THEM from its use!). Might be they had a bad experience with A DJ in the past - or attracted what they considered a "bad element" - and it caused more trouble than it paid off. Might be they don't have the money to even try out a DJ to see if their revenue increases.
In either case, you have to plan your pitch to the owner. How will you present yourself and what will you say?
- Dress professionally, as if you are going to a business meeting. Many bar owners alrady think all DJs are shady undependable characters who are a dime a dozen. Demonstrate from the very first that you are a professional!
- Go in with a written proposal and a contract. The proposal should have pics of your rig, perhaps some wording about the number and type of songs you have, names of other venues which you've played.
The way I've approached bars is with a non-cancellable 4-week contract. Bar owners are notorious for wanting to see instant results. It's possible some might be inclined to cancel after week 1 because they don't see enough of a "bounce", particularly if they've never had a DJ before. In my presentation, I explain that it will take about 4 weeks for the word to get out and a crowd to develop and tell them, "If I can't make money for you after 4 weeks...I don't want to be here either!"
If at Week #4 they do not cancel, then my contract continues for 13 weeks, at which time we can renegotiate or decide to work informally week-to-week. Don't be afraid to get a signature! When a bar deals with ANY professional supplier entity from the beer companies to the pinball machine operator, they SIGN A CONTRACT. That's just business.
The most important thing? Promotion! Spell out how this new DJ night will be promoted and who will be doing it. Will there be table tents, posters, flyers in the bar? Will you need to supply them or will they? (Another reason for my 4-week contract; it makes it more sensible for me to perhaps spend a few dollars in printing that even if it only lasts 4 weeks, I can amortize the investment.) Does the bar have a standing ad in the local paper to which they can add you? Their on-hold message? It's just as important for the bar owner to be on board with promoting you as you are about letting all your friends know about the new gig.
Make sure your pitch is keyed to the type of bar, the neighborhood and perhaps to their existing crowd. No bar owner suddenly wants a bunch of thugs in their place. For sure hip hop and rap are popular with the bar crowd, but understand they can also attract a certain "element" that some bar owners don't want regardless of how much they spend. They also don't want to run off their regulars who keep them in business all week just for the sake of their weekends. You should be ready to suggest a little more than "hire me to come in and play music". Maybe an 80s night, lipsync night, country night, etc.
Finally, don't set yourself up for failure. If the bar is too small or a sucky dive, you're probably not going to turn their business around to any significant degree no matter what you do. So make sure the bars on your "hit list" at least have the potential of being a good venue - popular well-traveled location, nice space and dance floor, etc. Then get out there and start knocking on doors!
Lately I've been riding the karaoke train with a couple of weeknight sing things. I personally find it much more satisfying and personality-driven than spending 5 hours thumping at 92-95 bpm. I don't have to painstakingly prepare itineraries or sit through 2 hours of cocktail music either...just get paid for having fun. Isn't that why we picked up the headphones to begin with?
I'll admit it's been awhile since I've been single and dating, but being a DJ has always had its share of allure for the ladies. I've never tried to pick up bridesmaids at a wedding, but women I'd meet who would ask "What do you do?" had a definite heightening of interest once I told them I was a disc jockey.So when I came across this MySpace blog from DJ Little P. called "Now, what’s it take to date a DJ?" it brought back some memories:
First, understand being a DJ is just a job. Being a DJ isn’t like being the CEO of a major multi-billion dollar conglomerate. It’s a fun job, but it’s just a job, and unless you’re spinning major clubs, own a DJ/entertainment company or are independently wealthy, most have another ’real’ job.Thanks, P. But you forgot to mention DJs are best with our MOUTHS!
Second, this job requires a certain amount of friendliness. Doesn’t mean the DJ is going to be nice to everybody, because some people who request songs are just truly a pain in the ass. But for the most part DJs are friendly, social and even flirt with their client-base, to a degree. It’s part of the business. People won’t come back to hear you play, no matter how good you are, if you’re a total ass. In being nice, it’s fair to say some will take a DJ being nice and flirty to mean they are into them. So in order to date a DJ you need to be strong, secure and confident, but above all else you must have faith and trust in them.
Third, people will hang around the booth, try to get the attention of the DJ and will make total fools of themselves doing it. Don’t get mad, just laugh at how pathetic they are. Do not hang out in the booth all night long with your DJ. If your DJ is a regular at a club, hopefully you have friends who will go out with you, or you know others there. Mingle, do your thing, dance and don’t worry about what your DJ is doing. You trust them, remember?
Fourth, if your DJ has a website, people will leave comments, messages and they will likely be filled with sexual innuendo. It’s part of the game they have to play. It doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Truth is, on any given night any DJ can get laid, but most DJs are not, behind closed doors, the persona they are in the club doing their thing. Remember, you know your DJ and who he or she really is.
Fifth, if your DJ travels, it is quite likely their fans will travel with them and that they have fans in every club location they play. I have a friend who had somebody follow him to Georgia. Doesn’t mean he was into her. She was a fan of his work. Maybe she wanted to do him, maybe she didn’t, but it wasn’t HIS choice she follow him. You can’t hold your DJ accountable for the actions of other, only theirs.
Dating a DJ…it’s a hard thing to do, because there are those that are just in the game for the play. Of the two I personally dated, both were in it for the babes.
Jealously is a part of human nature, but the most important thing you can remember is this; Doesn’t matter how great you are, if your DJ is going to play on the side, they are going to play on the side. Nothing you can or could do would or will prevent it. It’s up to you to decide if you don’t deserve better, or if you want to just be the "lead" groupie in their life. A DJ who truly cares for the special person in their life won’t play with anything other than the turntables, the CD player, the DVD player and the light show if they are truly into you.
To all my DJs – please don’t take offense by the above, because you know what I say is true. I’m on OUR side. I can honestly say most of those I know personally are pretty good people…just looking for love like everybody else.
And you are lucky enough to land one, just remember, they are usually pretty good with their hands.
Like it or not, having DJs at parties is becoming less of a "special event" and just as expected as having balloons or cake. However not everyone can afford the $600+ which most professional DJs in my local area charge.Should those who hire the $300 DJs be held in contempt for not wanting to go into hock for a party? Should those discount DJs be held in contempt for trying to get ahead in the industry and/or make a few bucks from a market that demands low-priced DJs for low-profile events?
Sure, many cheap DJs may use illegally downloaded music, burned CDs or even cassettes and home stereo gear. But they do what they're hired to do - play no-frills music. And often, that's all a smaller party really needs.
I get calls all the time for birthdays, barbecues, sweet 16's, etc. It's just about all the host can do to buy the food, drinks, decorations and perhaps rent a cheap hall. They were going to just use their own stereo, turn on the radio or put their cable Music Choice on, but wanted to explore what it would take to hire a DJ.
I never ridicule people for wanting to get the best DJ they can afford. In fact, I often refer people to Craigslist where the $300 DJs congregate. They appreciate my candor and honesty, and from time to time will even call me back for a wedding or corporate event which requires more expertise.
Perhaps the ancillary benefit of cheap DJs is that it sometimes make it easier for the pros to sell their services in the future. Bad DJ experiences are "live and learn" - and most clients recognize there is a definite correlation between price and quality.
So long live the bottom feeders! May their tinny speakers blaze on!
That seems to be the standard promise of DJs who advertise weddings: Memories to last a lifetime!And every time I see that phrase spouted by a wedding DJ it makes me wince. Because what those hackneyed words seem to communicate is, "Nothing but weddings can create lifetime memories."
Last night I entertained a bat mitzvah party held on one of the vessels of a Seattle party boat company. The Dad of the honoree, Julia, made a point of telling the ship's captain to bring the boat close to the busier dockside attractions so she and her friends could whoop, holler and wave at the folks onshore. As we got to our closest point to shore, I gave a shout out on the mic, "Attention people on shore: All hail Queen Julia!" The guests went wild.
You think that 13-year girl didn't get a "memory to last a lifetime" right then and there?
That's the best reason DJs should always be on their game and give 1000% - you never know what type of celebration, party or event at which you're performing will be memorable for a guest. To us it might be "only" a backyard barbecue ... to a couple attending it might be the first time he says to her, "I love you!" To us it might be "only" someone's 60th birthday party ... the next day the birthday boy might kick the bucket and that party will be everyone's last memory of him.
Granted that because of the extensive pre-planning involved we may feel like we're "doing" more for our wedding clients. Certainly among the various types of events at which we entertain, weddings usually command a higher price. Not to mention that some DJs who specialize in weddings cop the attitude that they're more talented or of a better caliber than the DJ spinning at the local Friday Night Glow Bowl.
Both DJs are making people smile. And whether they know it or not, both are indeed making memories to last a lifetime.
Control of what I say, control of what I do
And this time I'm gonna do it my way
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do...
I should have known something odd would happen when the prospect called to tell me the DJ he needed was for his wedding the following Thursday. He rented a boat from one of the nicer charter places in Seattle and his reception was going to "climax" with the annual fireworks display on the lake. "Well, a friend of mine was going to be the DJ," he said, "but we wanted to see what it would take to hire a company to do it."
We arranged to meet at a local Starbucks at 6, because he was meeting another DJ there at 5:15. Because I didn't want to chance being late because of after work traffic, I ended up getting there early. I took an unobtrusive spot on the sofa with the newspaper. Into the lounge area, I see the prospect arrive and the man who I assume was from the other DJ company.
Now I tried not to listen to his pitch... but, well, you know...
He was apparently from a multi-op company who referred to "the DJ" in the third person. The prospect expressed how he wanted a DJ who was going to be "fun" and "not just sit there". I heard the prospect asking about specific song titles with the DJ rep replying, "We get a monthly music service or we can go out and get the songs you need."
A half hour later it was my turn. The groom opened with how he wanted things "just so" since THEY were paying for the wedding, not Mom and Dad. His first question asked specifically what kind of equipment I had. Not a question I usually get, as in my presentation I address my gear in a general sense as "professional caliber". But one I'm happy to get as geeky as they want!
That's when he let me know he'd come up with a list of 50 songs that he wanted played. And I would play just these songs. Period.
I explained that my clients choose me because of my experience in blending the right music and reading the crowd. So my policy on specific title requests is to allow my clients 5 "must-play" songs, 5 "please-play" songs and as many "don't play" songs as they wish. I also want them to give me a list of the artists and music genres they like. I assured him I'd be fun and interactive and even if I am "just standing there" (not a lot of room on the top deck of a yacht) there's a smile on my face while I'm moving to the music.
He went on to tell me that his list already had a wide variety of music and that he didn't wanted to take the time to write down all the songs he DIDN'T like (he's heard them at OTHER weddings), so he was pretty sold on having his chosen songs played.
Ah, hell. Another one of those people.
I looked him in the eye and said, "This is your day, and certainly you're entitled to having everything that you desire. And I respect that. So perhaps I'm not the disc jockey for you."
He looked up in surprise as I stood up and started putting my presentation materials together.
"I know that some DJ's always want to be in control," he shot back at me. I calmly mentioned it wasn't about control, it was about playing to your crowd in a contemporaneous fashion. That preprogramming such an event limits his guests enjoyment and actually doesn't take the talent of a "disc jockey" at all. I wouldn't do it - especially in the middle of the lake under July 4 fireworks. "You can get another DJ and maybe even save some money," I added. I wasn't trying to be a DJ snob, I wanted to do the job I was (ostensibly) being hired to do.
He looked shocked. "It's not about the money, it's about having what I want."
Without a doubt, I believe the client should have exactly what they want. No doubt he finally found a music mechanic to do just that.
In the prophetic year of 1984, Joe Jackson sang, "I’ll tell you one thing, You can’t get what you want, Till you know what you want."
Might there be some skill and talent in recognizing the fluid dynamics of programming music for a large number of people? Not to most people. But unfortunately, these hosts won't discover it until it's too late. It's true: You don't know what you don't know.
Can anyone be a DJ? Technically, yes. The gear is even sold at Wal-Mart. And that may devalue any recognized skill for being a DJ.
Although I'd think being schooled at thousands of parties on the best tunes to play for the highest enjoyment by the most guests at any given time would be more readily seen as a real and valuable skill. One worth paying for.
Kids, don't try this at home.
Forget everything you've read by the so-called "DJ leaders." Forget everything you've seen in their seminars, books and DVD's. It's all based on a lie.What's the lie?
That just because Randy Bartlett or Mark Ferrell or even Dan McKay has had success with a certain practice or methodology, that you can too.
Here's what online copywriter and author Nick Usborne (for whom I've been privileged to work) says in his article One of the Biggest Lies in Advertising:
There is a huge area in advertising that makes me angry.
It’s about a common lie used by marketers and copywriters.
One of the most prevalent examples of this lie can be found in weight-loss ads. You see a photo of someone before and after dieting. Maybe they lost 20lbs in 8 weeks.
Here comes the lie... “If she can do it, so can you.”
That’s not true.
Here’s another example, found on the sales pages of hundreds of information products being sold online.
The copy goes something like this...
“Bob was a plumber before reading this e-book. And now he’s making $30,000 a month from his own web site.”
And here comes that same lie again...
“If Bob can do it, anyone can.”
Not true.
The false premise...
This same lie is used over and over in advertising...for weight loss products, beauty products, get-rich-quick products, investment services and so on.
And every time the pitch is based on a false premise.
If Bob started making $30,000 a month with his web site, it is not because the system is foolproof and guaranteed to work for ANY plumber. It’s because, during all those years plumbing, Bob was unaware that he had an enormous but latent marketing talent that would fit perfectly with the online system he purchased.
And no, not every plumber has those same marketing skills.
It’s not because he was a plumber that Bob succeeded. It’s because he was Bob.
Why this lie is so prevalent
Marketers and copywriters love using this lie because it is so powerful.
Almost every wealth and health related infomercial and web site uses examples of what others have achieved. It’s a powerful way to sell. The prospect sits there and thinks, “Wow, these people are no different from me. If they can do it, maybe I can too.”
And, of course, some of those prospects will be able to do it too. But they’ll be able to do it because of their own skills and attitudes...not just because someone else did it before them.
To be fair, there is a very broad range of companies that take this approach. Some are sneaky, but some are genuinely sincere in their desire to help.
Regardless, when you imply that someone can succeed with your product or service just because Bob the plumber did it, that’s a lie.
Why am I picking on this particular sales approach?
The big lie upsets me because it is designed to take advantage of people in two of the most vulnerable areas in their lives...personal appearance and finances.
When it comes to how we look and how much money we have, we are at our most vulnerable. Tens of millions of people desperately want to look good, and desperately want to be financially secure.
This means we are very susceptible to persuasive advertising in these areas. We truly want to believe those ads that say we can lose that amount of weight, or we can make that amount of money each month.
It’s like the kid who goes up to a panhandler and offers him five dollars if he’ll jump up and down on one leg for two minutes. The kid has identified the panhandler’s greatest area of vulnerability.
Companies do the same and target women who feel they are over-weight, and men and women who lie awake at night worrying about their finances.
Concluding thoughts...
As I said, some companies selling products and services in these areas are genuinely sincere. But many are not and, like the kid with the panhandler, they have found and are taking advantage of an area of deep vulnerability.
There’s nothing wrong with selling products and services to help people lose weight or make more money.
It’s how you do it that separates those who are sincere from those who are just looking to make quick money, and are happy to lie in the process.
There's one more Big Lie that disc jockeys like to spread:
"The DJ can make or break the success of your event."
What bullshit!
So your prospect should negate the value of all the socializing they'll be doing with friends, family, co-workers, etc. The delicious food being served? Might as well be PB&J. Cold, refreshing and intoxicating libations? Wouldn't matter if it's warm Sunny D. The venue's decor? Flowers and decorations? Centerpieces and tableware? Might as well be Burger King crowns, flimsy napkins and paper-wrapped straws for all it matters. Because what really matters is the music being played, right?
For a small handful of event types that might be true. Dances? Whether it's for a school, singles group or fundraising dinner, if dancing is one of the primary activities that is being promoted as the star attraction, then yes, the crowd-reading experience and music mixing talents of the DJ will be of primary importance.
Large weddings where the planning, coordination and emcee acumen of the DJ is being put to the test with grand entrances, formal dances or perhaps even interactive routines and a "Love Story" presentation? It may not "make or break" the event but certainly a DJ who can work the crowd and the mic will add greatly to the guests' (and clients!) enjoyment. However, for smaller, more informal weddings where as much as 2/3 of the DJ's time is spent playing cocktail and dinner music, people aren't likely to leave because of the background tunes to which they're usually only half-listening to anyway.
I agree that the popular perceptions that "anyone can be a DJ" or that "all the DJ does is play music" are an insult to those disc jockeys who excel in bringing the crowd to its feet and enhance the mechanical playing of recorded music with their personality, mixing and programming skills . A great DJ - like most any professional in most any industry - makes their job look easy.
But today the power of being a DJ - or at least mixing music like one - is now virtually in everyone's hands with an iPod or computer. So its up to us to show how we personally can enhance their event with our experience and, yes, our talent. As I ranted a couple of months ago, talent is not a commodity that can be purchased. You either have it or you don't. Without a doubt there are a host of untalented DJs for whom all their desire, buying the best gear and even buying some of those training seminars and DVDs won't make a decisive impact on the quality of their show.
So next time you hear, "If I can do it, you can too!" think twice. Because maybe, just maybe, you can't.
Here comes wedding season! Amid the din of brides who want a deal or "just someone to play music" there are still some who recognize the value of an experienced and talented DJ...and don't mind paying for it. I met one last week who told me the coordinator at her venue (a popular catering hall) was pushing hard to get her to book the "house" DJ. I told her over the years I'd played a few such places that had built-in sound and they rented it packaged with a DJ as part of their food and beverage service. I usually found the DJ himself would usually reap the princely sum of $100 to bring his own music and use the venue's gear. (The venue would charge the bride $500+.) Any advance planning of the wedding's events was done by the hall's catering director; and I can imagine that music wasn't her focus. It was convenience. Who's convenience? Guess!
Luckily my bride last week was smart enough not to fall for the "package deal" and hired me for my talent, experience, and because SHE is my focus, not arranging events in the interest of getting the serving staff off the clock as soon as possible.
I usually recommend what I've learned to be the best schedule for things to run smoothly and for the maximum enjoyment of the guests. One of those suggestions is rather than do all the formalities at once - toast, first dances, cake cutting, garter/bouquet - is after the toast and first dances to open the dance floor to everyone for about 45 minutes before we cut the cake. Reason? Too many wedding guests have the mindset, "We're only staying until they cut the cake and we're outta here!" If all the formalities are done before they've even had an opportunity to get on the dance floor, they've never tasted the "party" portion of the evening. And it makes it mentally easier for them to slip out.
I always present my itinerary recommendations as recommendations ... suggestions based what I've seen works, and what doesn't. I emphasize I'm happy to do things any way they wish. For instance, some brides want to do the first dances immediately after the grand entrance; I recommend that for large wedding parties or receptions with 200+ guests.
But the venue's pitch for my bride to book the "house DJ" reminded me of a wedding client a couple of years ago who after our planning meeting, said how much they appreciated that insight into the dynamics of wedding guests and were fine with my suggested itinerary. They had an appointment with their catering facility's coordinator the next day and said they would give her a copy of the itinerary we had developed together.
The next day I got an email from the bride saying the coordinator had already developed her own itinerary based on "what works best" at the facility. The bride asked if I could call the coordinator and come together on the plan.
The facility's coordinator wasn't exactly what I'd call "cordial". She insisted there was a "rhythm and flow" to how her particular facility's catering worked. One of the changes she insisted upon was to cut the cake right after the first dances. I reiterated how and why I developed our itinerary and politely told her I work for my client, not the caterer and that I would circle back with my bride and see what SHE wanted to do. The coordinator didn't take that well either. She said in her meeting, the bride told her I had "bullied the bride into" accepting my itinerary. The coordinator told me we HAD to go with her plan because that's what worked best. (Again, worked best for WHO?)
So after that conversation, I sent my client this email --
I spoke with [coordinator] this morning and she said you gave her the impression that I was "bullying" you into accepting the sequence of events we discussed last week. [Coordinator's] thinking was that it would be "difficult" to get people together to the cake, garter and bouquet later in the evening and that she "had trouble" with other DJ's who couldn't do that.Just as I clicked "send", I got another phone call from the venue. This time from the manager who again told me about the "unique rhythm and flow" they had for their venue, which was unlike others. (The venue is actually an old passenger ferry permanently docked on a Seattle lake). I told her I had played at her venue before with a similar schedule and everything ran just fine. The manager, flustered, came back with, "Well you're not a coordinator, you're the DJ! That's why we have a wedding coordinator here!" I didn't want to get into it all over again, so I again told her I would present the options to my client and we would do what SHE wanted to do.
Of course, I don't know the experience level or professionalism of the DJ's she has worked with in the past, but I can assure you executing the sequence of events in our planner ... and having the open dancing "interlude" instead of knocking out all the "formal" events bing, bam, boom ... contributed greatly to the guests' enjoyment and participation in the event. (Translation: It isn't a ghost town after the cake was cut.)
As I wrote you earlier this week, over my 25 years of wedding coordination and entertainment, I've found caterers (and photographers) prefer to do everything at once, so they can have their staff off the clock earlier and they're not standing by while your guests are dancing. My take is you are paying them to cater to *you*, not vice versa.
My only concern is creating a successful event for you and the maximum enjoyment of your guests
Your coordinator and I agree that YOU are the client and our mutual goal is doing what YOU would like and the best itinerary for the enjoyment of your guests.
So if you would like to stick with the itinerary I sent you, don't worry about calling back [coordinator]; I will take care of everything. If you would rather bunch up all the formal events together as [coordinator] suggested, that's fine too!
Just let me know what you'd like to do. Talk to you soon!
I quickly got an email back from my client saying she never said anything about being "bullied", she didn't know the venue's coordinator "from Adam" and she liked my suggested itinerary "much better".
Long story short, although I had a brief confrontation with the venue manager when I arrived, we went with my schedule. And it was a hit!
I probably won't be getting any referrals from this venue, but no biggie. (The load-in is a bitch anyway!) And it made me ponder 2 things. First, how many other venues and coordinators are deadset convinced that DJ's are only good for pushing play and doing what we're told? And how many are themselves the "bullies" about their itineraries because it's best for the venue and not necessarily for the success of the event? (Like putting the DJ miles from the dance floor because they don't want to move tables around?)
It reinforced how important it is for DJ's to first earn their clients' trust. Let them know you always have their best interests at heart. That you're not there to gig "Wedding #1143" but to create a memorable and personal lifetime milestone for two individuals with individual tastes and preferences. (Did I track down the song "Big Noise From Winnetka" for the bride's Dad? You bet I did!)
I sometimes include a hyperbole in my presentation, "If you want me to play 4 hours of Armenian polka music for your guests, I might advise that not everyone likes Armenian polka music...but it's your day and I want to do exactly what you wish!" It usually gets a chuckle. But one prospect surprised me when she said, "Oh, you have Armenian polka music? That's great! I'm Armenian!"
I might have to change that to "Hawaiian square dancing" but with my luck, that actually exists too. Aloha!
It wasn't really his fault. He did the best he could with an online website design tool, but many of the graphics he had were dated. I won't say that the wedding site I designed for Seattle Weddings was the best I'd ever seen, but it looks contemporary, professional and packed full of the keywords and phrases those seeking my service might search for most.
Over the years, I've seen that's the most effective key to search engine strength: relevancy. I've written more web marketing and copy tips here.
One thing that's strictly verboten - and should seem pretty obvious to anyone creating a DJ website - is that you can't bait your page by having the same word appear over and over just to attract search engines. And it's certainly not allowed for you to make that type the same color as the background so it's "invisible".Then I was introduced to DJ PorkChop of Panama City, FL. I saw his Google ad on my site BadDJ.com, which now has DJ videos and a live feed of eBay DJ listings. I've got other plans for that site if I ever get the time to put it together. But I digress.
Go to PorkChop's site and do what's called the "CTRL+A test" which reveals all the "hidden" text. Then scroll down to the bottom of the page. Now you can see how the porky one has typed the word "wedding" over 500 times. No joke. Five HUNDRED times. Do you think he DJ's weddings? Do you THINK?
I won't get into the rest of the PorkChop web stream of consciousness except to note many of his game titles suspiciously resemble the ones I named and described on my site since 1997. "Digital Fiesta"? I originated that game on the fly, cobbiling it together from a bunch of promo CD's from the station I worked for and what I had left from a case of sombreros I ordered for a Cinco de Mayo corporate event. The page looks like he's collected the best games from many sources; aside from the plagiarism it's worth bookmarking if you do games or interactives.
So here's some free advice to Panama City Porky. Keyword stuffing will get you banned from Google faster than a Hansen song kills a dance floor. As for your Google ad campaign? Try regional targeting. Why do you need someone outside your service area running up your clicks?
I spent some insanely wasted summers in Panama City Beach during my college years. Ah, memories of drunken makeouts at the disco with women whose name I never found out. Could MySpace possibly be as much fun?
Come to think of it, the hell with the internet, fix me a Harvey Wallbanger.
I'd love to know which world some disc jockeys believe they live in. It's not this one. Call it a recession, depression, slowdown, correction... somehow they believe it doesn't apply to their business.It used to be a no-brainer. You wanted music at your party? You could bring your boom box, your own pitiful CD collection (ask friends to bring theirs too!) and suffer through guests playing whatever whenever or maybe unhook your home stereo and CD disc changer and press "shuffle". Or you could shell out the big dollars for one of the handful of professional DJ companies out there who already owned thousands of CDs and big speakers. You want it, we got it. So they paid it.
Today it's simple enough for everyone to download MP3's - from iTunes or exchanged free from friends or file sharing sites - to program their own seamless playlist with iTunes or Windows Media, rent a PA system from a local music store (or even a DJ company) for a couple of hundred bucks and click "start". Of course they're foregoing someone who can "read the crowd" and change the music selection on the fly. But for events where music is not the focal point, the mystery is over. It's no longer necessary to hire a professional DJ to have a professional-sounding music mix at your party.
Sure, going in that direction requires some planning and work on the part of the party host. But the fact is pockets are getting leaner. We're all looking to get more for our money. I'd love to have a service come clean my gutters. But since I already own a ladder and a pair of gloves, doing it myself means there's a couple of hundred dollars I can put toward buying $3.75 a gallon gas!
Or that a party planner can put toward food and drink.
Record-high energy, corn and wheat prices in the past year have led to sticker shock in the grocery aisles. The average price of a loaf of bread has increased 32 percent in the last 3 years. In the last year alone, the average price of carton of eggs has increased almost 50 percent.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national U.S. unemployment rate is now 5.1 percent. Certain states are faring much worse. Currently, California has 6.2% jobless. Michigan? A whopping 7.2%. Yet how many Los Angeles or Chicago disc jockeys have reevaluated their pricing in the last year? Mostly you hear DJs in those cities espousing to their colleagues, "Raise your rates!"
It's certainly a valid point for wedding events where a DJ's coordination, emcee and mic skills can greatly enhance the actual playing of dance music. Ditto for corporate events where there may be an awards presentation, interactive party games or gift distribution to which an personality DJ can make more entertaining and add production value.
But for the majority of prospective clients who don't need that type of what I call "care and feeding" who are weighing paying big bucks for a professional DJ to doing it themselves?
They're taking a real world economy check!
Paraphrasing multi-system owner Robb Smith, founder of the Tampa's FAME Disc Jockey School, who spoke at this month's National Association of Mobile Entertainers conference, "All the DJs who are refusing to negotiate from their $1200 rates are sitting at home on Saturday nights posting on DJ boards how they're sticking to their $1200 rates."
Now in some DJ circles if Smith was overheard saying that, or subsequently, "Some money is better than no money", he'd get lynched. So why am I seeing many of the biggest, most successful DJ companies charging 30-50% less than my corporate and bridal rate? Should I hang a rope from a tall tree to knock some sense into these unprofessional lowballers? Or are they actually savvy businessmen who let their egos be damned (or what other DJs might say about them) and smartly change with the current technology and economy to maintain a viable business?
I'll continue to seek out those clients and events which can maximize the benefit from my talent and experience. But as long as there's fear of rice rationing, economic downturns, and continued consumer technological advances for those clients who only need someone to spin tunes I'm going to live in this world, and not in the way I'd like it to be.
It's funny how you hear warnings about investigating potential nannys, maids, contractors, house painters or anyone who does work around your loved ones. Yet many people have no compunction about hiring the lowest price disc jockey to be part of their kid's Sweet 16 or among their guests' children at their wedding reception.
Was this New York DJ cruising his parties for per- verse pro- spects? Maybe we'll never know. But it's ama- zing how it seems that increasing numbers of people looking to hire a disc jockey really only ask one question...
"How much?"
As if all DJs are equally qualified, have the same integrity and background do the same thing and are essentially interchangeable. The only thing different? The price, of course!
How many large DJ companies - some of whom recruit their personnel for $200 a party on the bastion of legitimacy known as Craigslist - do any kind of background check on their talent?
Can you plug in a microphone? You have a dependable car? Know a little about music? Interview over, you're hired!
I'm not saying that a disc jockey's morality is commensurate with their price. Six years ago, the owner of a DJ company who advertises weddings for $895 (toward the upper end of the price scale in the Seattle market) pled guilty to voyeurism. I'm sure that $5,000 DJs can be pervs too. My point is that it's silly to think everyone who shares the same profession is the same type of person except for the price they charge for their services.
One of the standard sales pitch lines DJs are taught to say to prospects who seem price-focused is, "Is price the most important thing to you in your search for a DJ?" In sharing responses with other professional mobile DJs at national conventions, I was horrified to learn the number of prospects who give an unqualified, "Yes, it is!"
My advice to those searching for DJs? Do your due diligence! If the integrity and reputation of the disc jockey you hire is just as important as their price, you've learned a lesson more valuable than the measly few hundred dollars you think you've saved.
If not?
I believe you get what you pay for ... and perhaps what you deserve.
Was this New York DJ cruising his parties for per- verse pro- spects? Maybe we'll never know. But it's ama- zing how it seems that increasing numbers of people looking to hire a disc jockey really only ask one question..."How much?"
As if all DJs are equally qualified, have the same integrity and background do the same thing and are essentially interchangeable. The only thing different? The price, of course!
How many large DJ companies - some of whom recruit their personnel for $200 a party on the bastion of legitimacy known as Craigslist - do any kind of background check on their talent?
Can you plug in a microphone? You have a dependable car? Know a little about music? Interview over, you're hired!
I'm not saying that a disc jockey's morality is commensurate with their price. Six years ago, the owner of a DJ company who advertises weddings for $895 (toward the upper end of the price scale in the Seattle market) pled guilty to voyeurism. I'm sure that $5,000 DJs can be pervs too. My point is that it's silly to think everyone who shares the same profession is the same type of person except for the price they charge for their services.
One of the standard sales pitch lines DJs are taught to say to prospects who seem price-focused is, "Is price the most important thing to you in your search for a DJ?" In sharing responses with other professional mobile DJs at national conventions, I was horrified to learn the number of prospects who give an unqualified, "Yes, it is!"
My advice to those searching for DJs? Do your due diligence! If the integrity and reputation of the disc jockey you hire is just as important as their price, you've learned a lesson more valuable than the measly few hundred dollars you think you've saved.
If not?
I believe you get what you pay for ... and perhaps what you deserve.
I always get a smile when I hear DJ's say anything other than playing music makes them "a clown".Do I amuuuuuse you? I hope so. I have to admit that doing interactive games and contests is just about as much fun for me as spinning tunes. People love to laugh but don't always get into music and dancing. At the end of the night it gives me a real charge knowing that I helped everyone have a good time.
I'm not the only one. Enter Disco the Clown ... a disc jockey totally unashamed and unafraid to play the fool for a laugh. Oh yeah, DJ Flo of Caldwell, New Jersey will also spin tunes at your wedding without the orange hair.
OK, I confess I never put on a big red nose as a DJ. But I have put on a short blond wig, draped a black metallic scarf around my neck and roamed the room singing "Great Balls of Fire" to a Jerry Lee Lewis backup track. Someday I'll be brave (or drunk) enough to put that video online.
Just make sure you're laughing with me and not at me. We all know what happened to Spider.
Despite the late season snows, spring fever has hit the Seattle DJ community with the appearance of the first $250 DJ of the season.Sounds like its time for a little professional bonding...and we'll do it April 21 at the Seattle DJ Association Spring Thing. The meetings have transitioned into more about social networking in its new quarterly format, although I'll still be leading a short group discussion on the hot DJ issues of today. That never fails to bring a lot of lively opinions and it's great to hear all the different points of view.
Unlike some organizations.
Which reminds me, I clicked in to see what was left of the Seattle chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association on their website. Before I was (in violation of every due process) defrocked there, we had 15 paying members.
Now? And then there was one.
Of course since you need 10 members to even have a chapter, I guess all that are left are the memories and the domain name. (Why is the ADJA still taking additional local chapter dues from national members in cities where there is no local chapter?)
I'm encouraged that the Seattle DJ Association has already received more RSVPs than for any previous meeting. I hope it's not just the free beer. Looking forward to getting my schmooze on!
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djtalk- Dan McKay
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