Tips for DJ's
I did a 80th birthday for a lovely lady in Dublin a few years ago. Her great grandson came to me with a list of songs he and his pals wanted playing. Fall Out Boy, Rammestien, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot etc, I looked at the list, looked at him, then said, 'Do you really think your Gran will appreciate these?' He looked sheepish and joined in with the Jive Bunny mix later that night !
I have been running a DJ & Disco hire company in Dublin for 4 years now and there is nothing I enjoy more than to see people having a good time. Some gigs are hard work, others are interesting and some are really fun. I use professional Digital equipment, LED & laser lighting, and my own style of interacting with the crowd. Visit my website at http://www.discoroyale.net/ and you will find more information about me and my services.
If you are doing a wedding, birthday, or some other important event and the client has given you a list of songs they would like, put them into a folder in your chosen DJ program BEFORE the event. That way, you will know if you have ALL the songs needed, and can dip into it during the event. Also make sure all your songs play. This applies to ALL kinds of DJ's not just digital ones.
Don't leave a backup computer plugged in. (In case there is a power surge that fries your main computer). Always have a backup speaker, amp, and mixer. Or powered speaker. I take a portable DVD player for special songs, long mixes, or for clients who want thier own songs played. This way no corrupted files are transferred onto my laptop. this is not because I don't trust the client, my laptop is my tool and as such needs to be kept 'clean' Always make sure you have at least one backup for each type of cable you use.
Test your mic BEFORE guests walk in the door. Test your cordless mic from the table that the toast and or blessng will take place from. NOT from behind the DJ booth. Of course it will work when you are 1ft from the receiver. Check your headphones, and have a spare pair. Buy a little USB pen drive. This in invaluable if you are at an event, don't have a song, and need to buy it online using a computer at the venue. Obviously this means you will have to check you can plug in a USB drive. You can then move it to your computer.
When arriving at the venue, always introduce yourself to whoever's in charge. If they are busy, touch base with them BEFORE the food arrives. Always ask the client how the entertainment is about 1/2 way through the event, and again at the end, as YOU are saying goodbye to them. It's also a good idea to send a client a follow-up note or email to thank them and perhaps fill out a survey. Never touch, go near, move, or even look at the cake or gifts
Burn all the "particular" songs to a CD. Even if all hell is breaking loose.. You will still have the song for the bride to dance with her father etc.
Buy a fold up sack trolley. Even if the piece is 10 lbs its worth wheeling it in as opposed to sweating through all your clothes. Even when you have spare clothes to change in to you will still get that sweaty look about you. If you are going to wear a tux or suit, have it on when the guests arrive.
Keep a personal kit in your car/van. Included: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shave foam, after shave, etc. In my "just in case" drawer, I carry all kinds of drugs (asprin, allergy sinus, eye drops etc) toothbrush, safety pins, bow tie, batteries, lighters, shoe shine, black duct tape, clear tape, multi tester, circut breaker tester, dB meter, band aids. In the main gig box I have spare light bulbs, misc. adapters, cables, glow sticks, and door wedges. Carry anti acid/indegestion liquid/tablets. I always keep rennie's or similar in my pocket. Sometimes I have been asked if I have any !
In my "just in case" drawer, I carry all kinds of drugs (asprin, allergy sinus, eye drops etc) toothbrush, Blu-Tak, safety pins, bow tie, batteries, lighters, shoe shine, black duct tape, sellotape, multi tester, circut breaker tester, dB meter, band aids. In the manin gig box I have spare light bulbs, misc. adapters, cables, glow sticks, and door wedges. Buy some gaffer tape (avalible at most D.I.Y. stores) Tape ALL your cable down. You want your setup to be as clean as possible and dressing your cable can make a rig look great. Its also a safety thing.
Have breath mints in your pocket and hand them out to the bridal party when lining them up. For some reason, they are sooooo happy someone has a breathe mint at that particular time. Always keep backup socks and undergarments (you never know what can happen!) Keep bin bags and towels in your vehicle in case it is raining. Give yourself 1/2 hour extra "flat tire" time to get to an event. Keep a couple of clean towels and a jug of multi-purpose cleaner with your DJ stuff. You never know when you may get into a venue and find that your equipment needs a spruce up. Buy a multi-tool (leatherman/gerber) Don't wear it.. Just keep it handy.. you never know and rack screws are a pain in the ass to get out with a butter knife from the head table.
As mentioned above bringing glowsticks is a great idea for keeping kids happy. We do it at almost all shows. Make sure the client is ok with the idea ahead of time. Just remember when you crack the first one open be sure you will have plenty of time to hand them out to the rest of the kids!!!
Take requests and play them
Remember, YOU are not the focus of attention, your client, (Bride & Groom/birthday boy or girl/anniversary couple etc) are. Clean your shoes ! Carry a lint roller - not only for your clothes but speaker carpet as well.
Always have a cd in the player, ready to go.
Pronounce the names properly during intro's
Call the bride and groom by their first names... not always "the new bride and groom" Guests know them by their names. This is the same for the person who's event it is. Call the birthday girl/boy by thier name, etc
Always make sure everyone is prepared for special dances... The Dad is ready to dance with his daughter, the bride has the garter on, the Mother is ready to dance with her son etc.
Be KIND AND PROFESSIONAL TO EVERYONE, Photographer, Caterer, Banquet Manager. These people can make or break your dj career!
Be funny, not obnoxious.
Here are a few little extra tips that anyone can use. WATER!!! Want a simple impression? When you see the wedding party arrive meet the B&G outside with a "congratulations" and a glass or two of water! If the catering staff is "freed up" for a second have them bring some extras for the wedding party on those really hot days. BE SURE however you get out there first with the water for the B&G or you will just look like a follower - not a leader!
On your planner, know ahead of time who the photographer, caterer, etc will be. Most in your area will have worked with you before and know how you run things but some are new. If you let them know you are going to be the DJ, they will probably help you with any extra information you might need. Such as what time the bar closes, what time the food is being served etc.
When welcoming the guests include the venue name and location of toilets and designated smoking areas. After dinner sometime give thanks to the wonderful job by the caterers and have everyone thank them by applause. "Once again I would like to welcome everyone to the beautiful _________ Hotel/Hall for ______ & ______'s wedding reception. Before we begin the first dance I would like everyone to join me in an applause for the wonderful catering staff (could name their company name) and the meal they prepared for us today." If there are wedding favours on the table, like mints, disposable cameras, etc, don't forget to remind guests they are welcome to take them as a momento of the wedding.
My wife attends all events with me. She plays the vital behind the scene coordinator. She has a bag in the car with spare shoes, socks, etc. Other duties have included fluffing the dress, fix broken straps, assist cake cutting, lighting candles, getting me food/drinks and taking phone calls.
Check to make sure the items needed for the cake cutting are in place and the Champagne(or drinks) are ready BEFORE you start the toast.
I do carry a small kitchen type fire extinguisher just in case something goes really wrong in the rig. Be aware of the halls extinguishers, fire pull boxes and fire exits. Have a plan in the back of your mind if a emergency were to happen.
Pick up some of those cheap disposable cameras, (they even sell them in the €2 shops!) They come in handy when a parent or guest forgot thier camera. Be sure to tape your business card to it!
Run 2 power cables to the dj console. When you blow one you can get back up much quicker.
I have been running a DJ & Disco hire company in Dublin for 4 years now and there is nothing I enjoy more than to see people having a good time. Some gigs are hard work, others are interesting and some are really fun. I use professional Digital equipment, LED & laser lighting, and my own style of interacting with the crowd. Visit my website at http://www.discoroyale.net/ and you will find more information about me and my services.
If you are doing a wedding, birthday, or some other important event and the client has given you a list of songs they would like, put them into a folder in your chosen DJ program BEFORE the event. That way, you will know if you have ALL the songs needed, and can dip into it during the event. Also make sure all your songs play. This applies to ALL kinds of DJ's not just digital ones.
Don't leave a backup computer plugged in. (In case there is a power surge that fries your main computer). Always have a backup speaker, amp, and mixer. Or powered speaker. I take a portable DVD player for special songs, long mixes, or for clients who want thier own songs played. This way no corrupted files are transferred onto my laptop. this is not because I don't trust the client, my laptop is my tool and as such needs to be kept 'clean' Always make sure you have at least one backup for each type of cable you use.
Test your mic BEFORE guests walk in the door. Test your cordless mic from the table that the toast and or blessng will take place from. NOT from behind the DJ booth. Of course it will work when you are 1ft from the receiver. Check your headphones, and have a spare pair. Buy a little USB pen drive. This in invaluable if you are at an event, don't have a song, and need to buy it online using a computer at the venue. Obviously this means you will have to check you can plug in a USB drive. You can then move it to your computer.
When arriving at the venue, always introduce yourself to whoever's in charge. If they are busy, touch base with them BEFORE the food arrives. Always ask the client how the entertainment is about 1/2 way through the event, and again at the end, as YOU are saying goodbye to them. It's also a good idea to send a client a follow-up note or email to thank them and perhaps fill out a survey. Never touch, go near, move, or even look at the cake or gifts
Burn all the "particular" songs to a CD. Even if all hell is breaking loose.. You will still have the song for the bride to dance with her father etc.
Buy a fold up sack trolley. Even if the piece is 10 lbs its worth wheeling it in as opposed to sweating through all your clothes. Even when you have spare clothes to change in to you will still get that sweaty look about you. If you are going to wear a tux or suit, have it on when the guests arrive.
Keep a personal kit in your car/van. Included: toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shave foam, after shave, etc. In my "just in case" drawer, I carry all kinds of drugs (asprin, allergy sinus, eye drops etc) toothbrush, safety pins, bow tie, batteries, lighters, shoe shine, black duct tape, clear tape, multi tester, circut breaker tester, dB meter, band aids. In the main gig box I have spare light bulbs, misc. adapters, cables, glow sticks, and door wedges. Carry anti acid/indegestion liquid/tablets. I always keep rennie's or similar in my pocket. Sometimes I have been asked if I have any !
In my "just in case" drawer, I carry all kinds of drugs (asprin, allergy sinus, eye drops etc) toothbrush, Blu-Tak, safety pins, bow tie, batteries, lighters, shoe shine, black duct tape, sellotape, multi tester, circut breaker tester, dB meter, band aids. In the manin gig box I have spare light bulbs, misc. adapters, cables, glow sticks, and door wedges. Buy some gaffer tape (avalible at most D.I.Y. stores) Tape ALL your cable down. You want your setup to be as clean as possible and dressing your cable can make a rig look great. Its also a safety thing.
Have breath mints in your pocket and hand them out to the bridal party when lining them up. For some reason, they are sooooo happy someone has a breathe mint at that particular time. Always keep backup socks and undergarments (you never know what can happen!) Keep bin bags and towels in your vehicle in case it is raining. Give yourself 1/2 hour extra "flat tire" time to get to an event. Keep a couple of clean towels and a jug of multi-purpose cleaner with your DJ stuff. You never know when you may get into a venue and find that your equipment needs a spruce up. Buy a multi-tool (leatherman/gerber) Don't wear it.. Just keep it handy.. you never know and rack screws are a pain in the ass to get out with a butter knife from the head table.
As mentioned above bringing glowsticks is a great idea for keeping kids happy. We do it at almost all shows. Make sure the client is ok with the idea ahead of time. Just remember when you crack the first one open be sure you will have plenty of time to hand them out to the rest of the kids!!!
Take requests and play them
Remember, YOU are not the focus of attention, your client, (Bride & Groom/birthday boy or girl/anniversary couple etc) are. Clean your shoes ! Carry a lint roller - not only for your clothes but speaker carpet as well.
Always have a cd in the player, ready to go.
Pronounce the names properly during intro's
Call the bride and groom by their first names... not always "the new bride and groom" Guests know them by their names. This is the same for the person who's event it is. Call the birthday girl/boy by thier name, etc
Always make sure everyone is prepared for special dances... The Dad is ready to dance with his daughter, the bride has the garter on, the Mother is ready to dance with her son etc.
Be KIND AND PROFESSIONAL TO EVERYONE, Photographer, Caterer, Banquet Manager. These people can make or break your dj career!
Be funny, not obnoxious.
Here are a few little extra tips that anyone can use. WATER!!! Want a simple impression? When you see the wedding party arrive meet the B&G outside with a "congratulations" and a glass or two of water! If the catering staff is "freed up" for a second have them bring some extras for the wedding party on those really hot days. BE SURE however you get out there first with the water for the B&G or you will just look like a follower - not a leader!
On your planner, know ahead of time who the photographer, caterer, etc will be. Most in your area will have worked with you before and know how you run things but some are new. If you let them know you are going to be the DJ, they will probably help you with any extra information you might need. Such as what time the bar closes, what time the food is being served etc.
When welcoming the guests include the venue name and location of toilets and designated smoking areas. After dinner sometime give thanks to the wonderful job by the caterers and have everyone thank them by applause. "Once again I would like to welcome everyone to the beautiful _________ Hotel/Hall for ______ & ______'s wedding reception. Before we begin the first dance I would like everyone to join me in an applause for the wonderful catering staff (could name their company name) and the meal they prepared for us today." If there are wedding favours on the table, like mints, disposable cameras, etc, don't forget to remind guests they are welcome to take them as a momento of the wedding.
My wife attends all events with me. She plays the vital behind the scene coordinator. She has a bag in the car with spare shoes, socks, etc. Other duties have included fluffing the dress, fix broken straps, assist cake cutting, lighting candles, getting me food/drinks and taking phone calls.
Check to make sure the items needed for the cake cutting are in place and the Champagne(or drinks) are ready BEFORE you start the toast.
I do carry a small kitchen type fire extinguisher just in case something goes really wrong in the rig. Be aware of the halls extinguishers, fire pull boxes and fire exits. Have a plan in the back of your mind if a emergency were to happen.
Pick up some of those cheap disposable cameras, (they even sell them in the €2 shops!) They come in handy when a parent or guest forgot thier camera. Be sure to tape your business card to it!
Run 2 power cables to the dj console. When you blow one you can get back up much quicker.
posted by DJ Paulie at
1/31/2010 01:06:00 PM
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