I was par-taking of a free after-disco beverage (or two...>hic<) over the weekend with the Function manager and other staff, of one of the main venues that I do regularly. Two members of staff from another venue (which I don't do (yet)) were also there. ( ) no idea why...

The subject of other discos/DJ's etc cropped up, and I listened with interest to some of the alledgedly tell-tale criteria that register "negative points" with staff and apparently, guests alike - indeed many venue staff are perfectly placed to eavesdrop what guests are saying. Quite a list formed over the next few minutes, some of which were made in comparision to my show/arrival (I'll explain these as we go along).

Have a read, and remember two things:

1) No-one has to admit to anything

2) The phrases/explanations are a bit harsh in places and are the perceptions/terminology of those others sitting around the table, not my own (I'd probably put things a bit more tactfully).

(Point # 2 above is crucial, I'm not pointing the finger at anyone, simply passing on what others see when they look at others in our profession).


- A mobile number as the main contact number makes the business seem small, or "fly-by-night". This was likened to plummers/double glazing/block paving/tree-felling vans who only have mobile numbers listed on them.

- The disco van has some other business name on it - eg: Disco equipment being unloaded from a van marked "Bob's Plumbing and Heating". An unmarked van was considered "OK" as it was understood that advertising what might be in the van could pose a security/break-in/theft risk.

- Equipment being unpacked/re-packed from its original cardboard boxes inside the venue.

- Unloading/setting-up being done by the DJ in his/her evening clothes. Not changing into his/her evening clothes after loading complete.

- Arriving late or asking "Is this the ~venue name~?"

- Asking for "Best place to park / best fire door to use" were considered to be things that would be best asked prior to the event day.

- Asking to borrow extension leads/tables/projector screens from the venue. Apparently, asking for a table cloth to cover "unsightly" big flight cases that are being dual-used as tables is "OK" though.

- Plastic bags or vividly coloured B&Q plastic crates rather than "blends into the background" black. Worst offence apparently is clothing in a plastic bag - "off to the swimming pool sir?".

- "Wierd" colours of flightcase were also considered poor - eg: Leopard skin finish.

- Bringing in domestic equipment "from 'ome".


And all of these were "on-arrival" observations. Once the disco was "in", some of the following things were mentioned.

- Wearing same clothes that they set up in (same as above really, but expressed differently)

- Brief snippets of music, or plug-in POP!s and BANG!s bursting out at high volumes during sound tests.

- Asking for discounts/free drinks at the bar for being the DJ.

- Drinking alcohol while working

- Bringing in own alcohol - Although bringing own soft drinks was bordering between "OK" and "A good idea".

- Being seen in the queue at the buffet - ok, if we wait until last - apparently this commonly upsets those guests behind the DJ in the queue even when the hirers have invited the DJ to have something.

- Re-applying excessive volume after turning being asked/told to the volume down previously (I explained that threshold shift might be the cause of this, in some cases).

- Not using the mic. (I held our ground on this point - eg: Some hirers specifically ask for minimal mic work).

- Accepting requests from the venue staff (whoops).




After this the conversation turned to positive things about DJ's, which were not nearly as interesting.

Interesting read! The only one which I do is at some functions I do rig up in the same clothes as I perform in.

I must confess to usually performing in the same clothes as I set up in.

Queuing for the buffet is an interesting one. Nowdays I politely decline as I have had too many problems with getting grease on CD's (causing them to skip) in the past.

I often get commnets from Hotels about other DJ's drinking and smoking behind the disco and the bad image that it gives the disco and the hotel.

When I am DJing the only thing I will drink will be coke or water with lots of ice. Once the evening has started I rarely get a chance to get to the bar.

The comment about using the Microphone is interesting as well. I don't use the microphone much apart from announcing requests, calling last orders, announcing the last song, etc and get a lot of people commneting on how they prefer this style to DJ's who think that the evening is all about themselves and feel it necessary to comment between every song. I suppose it's like everything else and a case of getting the correct balance.

Same here! I have rigged up in the clothes i perform in! I also have my mobile number on my business cards as im rarely at home to take calls! I Do think that having to borrow stuff from the venue is a bit unprofessional though!

Why are positive things about other DJ's "not as interesting?". Surely to put a balanced arguement and to help people improve it's also neccessary to list things people like. One thing I learned being in the army is that praise and critisism should be handed out in equal doses. I remember one recruit we had who would never set the world alight but as one instructor pointed out, "he tries as hard as he possibly he can" and that to me is worth more than someone just coasting in and going through the motions for 4 hours.

I like a god bitch about others as much as the next person, however i do tire of hearing simply the negative. It's easy to say "the DJ was too fat, of his flight cases were the wrong colour, but it takes a bigger man to say "I would have never tried following A with B, but he did and it went down a storm".

The positive things that were mentioned by the people from the two venues are perhaps better described as "already covered here", rather than "not as interesting".

For example: The use of a name board, lightscreens, starcloth or similar to hide the rats nest of wires and little piles of "To play" CDs that accumulate in our working environment.

Alot of the positives that got mentioned were the inverse of the negatives mentioned, in true conversational style. eg: One person mentioned "...we 'ad a DJ a couple of months ago 'o turned up in casuals, just for setting up we thought, but then went on to do the whole night in the same T-shirt, Jeans, white socks and trainers", to which another person replied, "URG! far better when the DJ wears a Dinner Suit, or at least a dress shirt and bow tie.".

I'm not sure about everyone else here but when I get someone come up to me at the end of the night, or have the written feedback sheet returned and the comments are along the lines of "Great night, everyone enjoyed themselves, thanks", I'm left a bit luke-warm by it. In a way, (I think you'll know what I mean), I want some comments from time to time that say something like "We all really enjoyed it, except for ............" its those exceptions that tell us what we need to keep in, take out, not do, do more, improve, adjust, do differently, or at least bear in mind that at one show, that particular thing didn't go down as well as we'd expected.

They are an exceptionally clued-in, attuned management team that you were speaking to Gary, if only they were all as good at monitoring customer needs and care.

I agree with 90% of it, I can see the point of the other 10%, bar one.

What is it with venues and tables for DJs? It's not much to ask. You never hear of venues asking bands to bring their own stages, and I have frequently seen venues provide a table for a band for incidental items and then go through the whole "make a big deal" when I ask...
In the context of being a multi-gadzillion Pound/Euro/Dollar development keeping a stock of spare tables is surely only common sense anyway.

Now with all the rest, YES! Totally agree. I was guilty of one of the sins myself until recently, the clothing thing. Some kind person pointed it out to me in a very diplomatic way and I was really grateful for having my error pointed out to me.

As regards the "the fools will never notice my volume trick" that some DJs play...well yes they do...I am in a debate about this on another forum!

As regards requests from staff...if they are playable I accede, if not, I refuse. There must be some give and take in life...

Edit: I have had a thought about those people who say all this is too negative....it's pretty harsh ya know, but life is like that. People presume that things will go perfectly when they pay for them and notice what isn't perfect. We are all entitled to be equally critical of the attitude of hotel managers, illegal fire escapes, last-minute bookings, ill-hygeined kitchens, lying managers, tardy staff etc.

We can and should be critical of them, but if they have points that are justified (like most of the above are) or have some merit (like I think all of them do, except the table one) then we should listen. They are doing us a favor.

I'm guilty of taking in my own soft drinks. But that's only to be self-sufficient.

I can certainly understand and agree with the other points.

If I pay someone to do a job I expect them to arrive with everything necessary to perform that job. Similarly, when I accept a booking I apply the same principle.

My only requirement at a venue ( apart from enough space ) is power.

My comments below:

- A mobile number as the main contact number makes the business seem small, or "fly-by-night". This was likened to plummers/double glazing/block paving/tree-felling vans who only have mobile numbers listed on them.

I list mob and landline

- The disco van has some other business name on it - eg: Disco equipment being unloaded from a van marked "Bob's Plumbing and Heating". An unmarked van was considered "OK" as it was understood that advertising what might be in the van could pose a security/break-in/theft risk.

Nothing on my 'van'

- Equipment being unpacked/re-packed from its original cardboard boxes inside the venue.

Not anymore! Apart from smoke machine - shocker!

- Unloading/setting-up being done by the DJ in his/her evening clothes. Not changing into his/her evening clothes after loading complete.

I do this. Sod it

- Arriving late or asking "Is this the ~venue name~?"

Don't do this. Although sometimes if things look dead, I do check if the venue is the correct place for such-and-such event, or if there is more than one function room, just do an extra-check if I have the right one. You never know...

- Asking for "Best place to park / best fire door to use" were considered to be things that would be best asked prior to the event day.

I do it. Sod it

- Asking to borrow extension leads/tables/projector screens from the venue. Apparently, asking for a table cloth to cover "unsightly" big flight cases that are being dual-used as tables is "OK" though.

Never do this bar tables. Chances are, the extensions are anyway. I tell you what, I'll just put my stuff on the floor... What's two tables anyway? Never had any problems as such in 6 + a half years asking for tables.

- Plastic bags or vividly coloured B&Q plastic crates rather than "blends into the background" black. Worst offence apparently is clothing in a plastic bag - "off to the swimming pool sir?".

No bags (unless family event and I get 'given' stuff). Got a bright plastic crate. Sod it.

- "Wierd" colours of flightcase were also considered poor - eg: Leopard skin finish.

Agree. Those blue cases and speakers come into mind (Soundlab). Cool but not cool if you know what I mean.

- Bringing in domestic equipment "from 'ome".

I use a domectic graphic. Will be pro rack mount eventually, so sod it for now.

- Wearing same clothes that they set up in (same as above really, but expressed differently)

Do it. Sod it.

- Brief snippets of music, or plug-in POP!s and BANG!s bursting out at high volumes during sound tests.

God yes. I avoid!

- Asking for discounts/free drinks at the bar for being the DJ.

Don't do it.

- Drinking alcohol while working

Only if its a family or friends event. Else, NO WAY!

- Bringing in own alcohol - Although bringing own soft drinks was bordering between "OK" and "A good idea".



- Being seen in the queue at the buffet - ok, if we wait until last - apparently this commonly upsets those guests behind the DJ in the queue even when the hirers have invited the DJ to have something.

Do it, usually wait to last. Sod it as we all need to eat.

- Re-applying excessive volume after turning being asked/told to the volume down previously (I explained that threshold shift might be the cause of this, in some cases).

Don't do it.

- Not using the mic. (I held our ground on this point - eg: Some hirers specifically ask for minimal mic work).

Depends on what client wants, and mic work depends on how full or not the dance floor is.

- Accepting requests from the venue staff (whoops).

So what? They can have a good time as well can't they?

Lets hope the venue staff are as clued up on their own efforts !

we done a hotel 2 weeks ago the staff were the nicest and friendliest ive ever come across both while setting up and packing up one asked if was going to play sandi storm that night as she loved that song so when i finished setting up it went on for her and also played it as a request later in the evening.i dont understand why excepting request from venue staff is wrong
a) you can normally fit it in and no one would know(keep them happy)
b) if they think its wrong why would they ask

asking for best place to park and set up
agree should be done before but if the venue is a long way then you might not be able to get there before the night but i would phone and find out that information
we take tables but if theres is available use them
agree should never ask for extension leads
andy

Just a couple of these are things that I do.

I only give out a mobile number - but I only have a mobile number - don't have a landline - so not a lot I can do about that.

I always ask for tables at a venue - never had a problem with that. In fact venues seem to expect it (maybe I play the wrong sort of venues).

Don't do much mic work - just announcements and stuff - and saying "this is a special request for ..." before playing a requested track which I think is going to clear the floor. People don't seem to have a problem with this - and (to give the opposite position) I've heard people complain about DJ's talking too much - saying that it breaks up the flow of the music. This is for more the bar/club type of thing than the reception sort of thing.

what a great thread starts with loathe at first sight finishes with andy in a leopard skin leotard.cant follow that(or wouldnt want to)
andy

Always borrow a table from the venue. Never had a problem.
As for clothing, only do informal gigs so I don’t think it’s that much of a problem setting up in cloths I’m working in. If I was required to wear a tux I would most likely change once I’ve setup

I really can't see the problem with borrowing a table & cloth. Anything else (extension etc) is inappropriate. You should be totally self contained in this department, but sooooooooooooo many guys use small vehicles as transport that are filled to overloading, they couldnt physically fit a six foot table in!!

Asking for discounts on the drinks is something I have never actively asked for, but if its offered,who am I to refuse?

I see nothing wrong in playing the odd song for the staff, you don't have to announce it as such.

Use of the mic is dependant on each individual DJ and gig.

Some interesting points though!!!

I wonder how they feel about some Bands and their attitudes / gear. I have seen some bands whose gear looks so tatty. I think no individual member of the band wants to take sole responsibility for maintaining the gear.

Interesting to hear views 'from the other side'.

My response to the points raised:

I don't use a mobile number - heck, I barely have a mobile!
I can understand the client's need to feel they have a good, solid way of contacting the DJ. Nonsense of course, but if that's the way they feel.....

I can't see a problem with a van sign-written in another business name. Do any guests really pick up on this?? How about 'AA' or 'Hertz' or maybe 'Ryder'?

Equipment in original cardboard boxes - good way to protect it I'd say, especially if the DJ is part time. I used to pack my CD deck this way until I fitted into a coffin along with the deck and mixer. Don't see this as an issue as long as the packaging is hidden during the gig.

DJ not changing? That's the punters being nosey. If he isn't covered in dust and grease, and has sustained no obvious rips, what's the problem? He looks the same....

Arriving late - I'm sure we all agree this is out of the question and should never happen. Checking if you have the correct venue demonstrates you haven't bothered to make a recce and this lack of concern might manifest itself during the performance. Valid point.

Same really for asking about doors/parking.

Asking to borrow....
Shouldn't happen. Tables are an exeption, but I always confirm beforehand that a table is available, and if there is any doubt I take a couple of folding ones for emergency use. The DJ should borrow nothing else, especially cables!

Plastic bags - keep them out of sight if you need them for any reason. Wierd coloured flight cases? Interesting point - could make the DJ look cowboyish.

Bringing domestic equipment from 'ome...
More clarification please - the only item I can think of is a vibrator, but I don't use one of those so it doesn't apply.

Pops & bangs - indicates a lack of technical know-how, and I would consider a DJ who makes this kind of noise is in serious need of some education before he plows something. Short snippets of music might indicate a lack of experience, and a need to 'try stuff out' before the main event. Play a selected track or two and set up the sound in relation to that.

Asking for free or cheap drinks is a bloody cheek, and a definate no-no, as is drinking alcohol, either theirs or your own. Very unprofessional.

Queueing at the buffet - if you are that desperate for nourishment then at least wait until everyone else has been and gone, and then only if specifically invited to do so.

Re-applying excessive volume - many of us must have been guilty of that at some point in the past. You are having a difficult night and it's 11:00pm and you start playing up-tempo stuff from the 70s and the floor fills. You have to turn it up a bit in response, don't you?? That's assuming you didn't have it too loud beforehand, of course. The key word here is 'inappropriate' volume, I think.

Not using the mic. - I feel any DJ at a typical 'disco' should use the mic, but not too much. I personally dislike gobby DJs, and so, I suspect, do a lot of the general public.

Accepting requests from the venue staff - so what? A request is a request, whether it comes from the Queen or some lowly barstaff commoner......
I doubt it would affect the chances of anyone else's request being played, so I disagree with this one.