OK guys and gals,
In your opion what are the top ten points that make a good responicible and professional DJ ?

OK, I'll start the ball rolling, haven't given this a lot of thought, and will no doubt have a different 10 items if I were to compile the list again in the morning, but anyway:
In no particular order of priority:
1. Reliability & timekeeping
2. Music knowledge
3. Ability to entertain the audience
4. PAT certs on eqpt
5. PLI cover
6. Following the clients wishes (as far as possible) in respect to the music they wish to hear, whether that be for Mr & Mrs Smith at a wedding or Joe Cool the manager of a club.
7. Dressing appropriately for the event
8. Ability to 'read the crowd' and play music accordingly. Not only knowing what would be the best track to play next, but just as importantly knowing what tracks NOT to play. In my opinion this ties in with music knowledge and also experience.
9. Not abusing free drinks and getting drunk when performing.
10. Wherever/Whenever possible, playing guests requests, also knowing which requests are simply not playable. This very much overlaps with point 8.

It's likely that I'll have forgotten a couple of important ones, but i feel I'm doing well for 3am

Oh me brain won't work at this time of day
Eskie has some good ones I go with him

Hmmm some of the points that I'm thinking of are easy to list...but I don't think I'll find 10...

Heres a few, in order...

1) Having the right music for the guests. Either just by having a simply massive music collection with you, or for some functions IE weddings, by sending out a "music sheet" for the bride and groom to fill in a month before hand. Mind you, even with music sheets, I've still had weddings where no-one told me that they wanted almost the whole night to be "latin american" - I can do about 2.5hours of L.A (longer with seamless loops ) but after that things get a bit desperate, and I would'nt have know a Merengue from a Salsa back then either. Also, at another gig, having the brides father come up to me whilst I was setting up and him telling me that "they all" wanted Line Dancing...but NOT Country & Western Line Dancing..."Contempory" Line dancing...had me for a while, until I downloaded some track listings...(turned out I had loads of "Contempory" line dancing tunes! - like Atomic Kitten: Whole again )

2) A memory of good (& bad) music Here, I'm shying away from calling it "Music Knowledge". I don't think its a requirement of DJ'ing to be able to name all the members of the Shadows, or what the highest chart position of the Venga Boys is... BUT knowing what songs will "go down well" if the song that you're already playing is "going down well" is great.

3) Reading the Audience They've been up since the crack of Dawn (must get that fixed!), they've had a morning of getting ready in a panic, the boring church service, the even duller photo session, they've passived smoked themselves into kippers during the wedding breakfast, fallen asleep during the 19th page of the "father of the brides" speech about "Its not losing a daughter, its halving the phone bill", they're in the same clothes they were in 12 hours ago, and now, you're asking them to Rock'n'roll ????? Seriously, young audience, old audience, MIXED AGE audience (Ohh I love 'em)... Request slips and requests by text/SMS can help tremendously... also throwing in a few of the slow ballards half way through the night, rather than leaving them all to the end, can give some audiences that "little breather" that they needed inbetween fast/energetic tunes. What era/genre of tunes are being received well, which ones aren't.

4) Personality inc. humour There are two things that will get this across. What you say, both over the mic, or indeed in person to ANYone that you speak to. I once got several bookings simply from being nice to who I thought were just the venues caretaker and his wife...they were also commitee members of several local members clubs etc that used that hall...Im still getting work from that...hopefully because of my show. While on the mic, make a few "caring" comments especially with the older crowds..."How's everyone finding the volume?", warning them in advance of the buffet being cleared away, pointing out to everyone at the back, about the couple snogging so hard on the dance floor, that oxygen is gonna be needed...

5) Equipment Someone who I learn't a great deal from, told me that a "good" DJ could put on a great show, with just 4 candles (or was that Fork handles?) and an Amstrad. I think that todays punters expect more than that, although I disagree with some local (to me) advertising that I've seen from a Disco thats probably still in the payment terms of their first HP agreement, advertising "If you're about to book a Mobile DJ that doesnt use Martin Lighting, don't bother". OK, I myself have got about £4K worth of audio gear prior to the amps/speakers, some of which definately helps make the show more flowing...and less of a compromise in some respects, and certainly more professional, but I don't advertise against DJs/shows that just use an old Citronic Hawaii console, still in its purple cardboard carry case. ( ahh Idea for new post). Also, knowing how to improvise a "get you to the end of the night" solution, should things go wrong.

6) Appearance I guess that this should have been a bit higher up, but not much...I have once or twice, forgotton (see point 7) my bowtie, or my shirt buttons, or shoes, or something thats affected my appearence...OK regretable...but certainly not deliberate, and not as dire as forgetting some of the above points...eg: leaving your mics at home would be worse. However, wearing the right attire (not Dunlops) for the occasion is important. Wearing the wrong thing..especially if its a forgotton item can be worked with...I forgot my shoes once...just had my "setting up" trainers. I wore those...walked right out on stage and pointed out my trainers...holding high my roadies shoe...claiming that it was my only remaining shoe that hadnt been lost in the deep mud outside the halls fire exit. ho hum.... remember too, nice neat haircut etc.. (by the way...The tax man wont take a receipt for "white Fillings" as "On-stage presentation"...

7) A good memory

8) Flexibility Apart from repeat bookings for almost identically attended do's, like Sunday nights at the local Working Mens clubs etc... you've got just a few hours to make an impression...the RIGHT impression. Go that extra mile... heres an example. A dinner dance back in January...during the dinner, it was traditional for the attendees to "toast" or "take wine with" other members...eg: They'd bang a spoon on the table ("order in court" style), Stand and give a brief (sometimes) speech about some witty event that they had been involved with, with another member, or members.... On my part, I'd just fade out (100%) the background music...but people still couldnt hear from one end of the 70ft hall to the other...my solution...I became a radio mic "runner" for the entire duration of the meal...They'd apparently always had this problem...and no other DJ had ever solved it for them. Repeat booking already PLUS a booking for an entirely different members club, from someone who belongs to both clubs.

9) Timing Arrive on time (wasn't that an 80's tune by Black Box? ), be set up on time, and just as importantly...finish on time. In smaller venues in particular (village halls etc) theres normally a caretaker "hovering" by your powerpoints at 11:59...in contrast, every loud member of the audience will tell you if you've finished 45 seconds early... and will always plead for "just one more" even though there are no songs that I know that only last 45 seconds. This whole "finish on time" trick has been made a lot easier for me recently by my new CD deck, which allows you to seamlessly splice out upto 2 sections (of any length) of the original track and store those settings for "instant" recall, everytime you load that CD/track in the future. I can now choose whether to end the night with the original 4 minute version of "New York, New York", or the 3 minute, or the 2.5 minute version etc...I've set up several of the "end of the night" tunes too....just a middle chorus + verse (or two)...snipped out here, an instrumental break trimmed there...Happy Caretakers, Function managers and above all of course, guests.

10) A good memory did I already say that?

1. FLEXABILITY (to cater for all tastes & events from children to corporate)
2. MUSIC KNOWLEDGE (as probaly stated above)
3. EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE (fuses etc)
4. RELIABILITY & TIMEKEEPING
5. LEGAL KNOWLEDGE (covers,certs etc)
6. APPERANCE
7. BEHAVAIOUR
8. SENSE OF HUMOUR
9. ENTERTAINMENT ABILITY
10. STRENGH. (yes I can balance 2 speakers on my head whilst carrying my amp)

I don't have as much time today, to write long winded articles on the forum, but needless to say I would consider the following to be important considerations:-

Length of time in business:- The client may ask you this question, and whilst everybody does have to start somewhere, it may or may not actually clinch the deal for you. If you have just started out, then don't lie to the client, but it may be a good idea for you to get references from any previous clients. Being able to say "I've only been in business for 6 months, but can provide references can make the difference between getting the gig or losing out.

References:- Again in relation to the above point, references are a good selling point, especially for those new to the business!. This doesn't have to be from a client with 1000 guests, it could just be a copy of a simple Thank you letter from "George & Fiona's" Wedding reception!. Remember to remove all contact info from there, unless the client is willing for you to display his or her email address for example. If you do a resident disco, ask the manager if he / she would be willing to give a verbal reference for you. References are Great, but checkable references are even better!.

Flexibility - Tailor the service to suit that of your client. We all find the long 3x A4 page request list to be patronising and insulting - like we can't do our Job!. But at the end of the day, you are providing a service, and if the client wants Dance music all night, then that is what He / She is paying you to provide. In the same manner, if your client wants subtle lighting, then leave your 575 Watt Scanners at home!. Being able to provide exactly what your client wishes (Within reason) is likely to get you recommended to all his / her friends / family.

Music Volume. I am hoping that all those with 1000W + Sound systems indicated on the other thread, are using them in order to provide quality at Low - Med Levels, and not clipping the amp at a venue with 50 people!. Nothing is worse, than a D.J pumping the bass to window rattling levels, and blasting out the audience. This seems to be the attitude of the Younger D.J'ing generation, who can't afford Cosworths and Suburu cars, so they have to turn to impressing people with "Whose got the loudest sound system". That may sound amusing but it's a fact

Remember most family gatherings, consist of people who may not have seen each other for many years, and just want to chat all night - nothing is worse and unprofessional than a D.J pumping up the volume in order to "persuade" people to get off their backsides.

Using a Mic:- Again sadly restricted to the "Older Generation" of D.J's. Most younger generations, assume that being a D.J means that they only have to mix like Dave Pearce, and buy some flashing lights to qualify. Unfotunately - you have competition..... from the average Hi-fi system and the latest Ministry of Sound compilation. Which is technically the same, and something that the client could provide at a fraction of the price!. At most private functions, then some Mic Work is required, how much depends on the function and your audience. But buy a good quality mic and learn the technique!.

Written Confirmation:- A small courtesy that promotes your business and only costs the price of 10 mins of your time and a 2nd class stamp. It also gives peace of mind to the client. I buy "postage paid" envelopes direct from the Royal Mail, these are available in packs of 100 and quite cost effective. It also gives a more professional image to your business, and saves running out of...and sticking on stamps. These are also good for mailshooting potential clients at pubs / hotels.

Behaviour:- Don't Drink (Or Smoke) in front of the punters. I think the latter is also very important if you do Schools and Kids Parties!.

Be Polite:- Even to those a$$holes who hassle you all night - remember when they sober up, they could be potential customers too . And the old adage "The customer is always right" always applies - especially the one who is paying your booking fee.

Join a D.J organisation:- Like the TVDJA, it's worth the money and looks good on your website / letterheads!. How many of us choose Plumbers / Electricians / Mechanics who are members of a guild or professional body? . Think about it!.

Okay, so it did turn into a long thread after all - but they are some important points in addition to the ones already mentioned. I also think that the above are more important to the client, than whether you use MP3 or Vinyl for your music. Most punters couldn't give a damn what media you use as long as its good quality, and you play to the audience, and not soley what YOU would choose to listen to at home!.

Good advice Chris


I want to see a picture of Paula with two speakers on her head

QUOTE

This seems to be the attitude of the Younger D.J'ing generation, who can't afford Cosworths and Suburu cars, so they have to turn to impressing people with "Whose got the loudest sound system". That may sound amusing but it's a fact

I take offence to that - i am part of the younge generation and like to take the proffessional approach of starting with the music at a low level as people arrive which gives them chance to talk etc. then pump up the volume later on after they have all had a few drinks and are willing to dance.

QUOTE

Most younger generations, assume that being a D.J means that they only have to mix like Dave Pearce, and buy some flashing lights to qualify

Glad you said most there and not just "the", due to the fact that I am not aiming to be the next Dave Pearce and do use the mic throughout the night.

QUOTE

(yes I can balance 2 speakers on my head whilst carrying my amp)

Now this I gotta see!

QUOTE

(yes I can balance 2 speakers on my head whilst carrying my amp)

Ok, I lied, I meant strength,
What happens when a girlie pulls up a venue & they think she's a girl hows she gonna get all that gear in.

1st, most of the men will disapeer into thin air as they presume i'm gonna ask for there help.

2nd, there is some nice helpful ones but not many!

3rd, the walking cd thief

But it's not a problem really for me to unload a whole heap of gear.
you can now call me super P

QUOTE

I take offence to that

Yep well respect is earned and you might like to start by reading the rules on here!.

christ this is a difficult one

1. reliabilty
2. honesty
3. musical knowledge
4. reliable equipment
5. time keeping
6. presentation
7. reading a crowd
8. listening to the client
9. personality
10. and being called Ian Stewart

Here we go, here we go, here we go!

1) Experience - if you're not, is it worth mentioning the rest?!?
2) P.L.I. - more & more venues require a professional indemnity - plus it is a good thing
3) P.A.T - peace of mind for you and the venue / client
4) Back-up equipment - as much as you can carry - the lot!
5) Vehicle Breakdown cover - common sense.
6) Contract Booking System - to protect you, the client, and contributes towards a 'guarantee'. Terms & conditions including contactability, liability and requirements.
7) Music Library - whatever you do, however you work, you need a good one, and a big one!
8) Behaviour - includes roadies and yours. No illegal substances including alcohol limit.
9) Appropriate dress code - common sense.
10) References - Available on request and includes your portfolio, affiliation bodies, certificates held.

This is going nicely.
I see most are to do with on the night, what about before and after???

After? yep, do you contact the client, in some way, after the event. If you like, after sales service?

my list was on the actual DJ'ing side of things, the 2 points you raised Mikee are more on the business side, I know some DJ's who are fully tested & insured, issue contracts, contact the client but are c p DJ's,

subsequently I know DJ's who are rubish at the business side of things, but on the night fantastic DJ's.

perhaps the question could read what are the 10 most important things in running a succesful DJ business, a differant question.

To cover Mikeees latter points:

Prior to the gig:
1. After initial enquiry send them an info pack with prices, Q&As, references and a demo tape if requested.
2. If they want to proceed send contracts + disco planner with a pre-paid return envelope. (If nothing heard after a few days will phone them to see if decision made)
3. Send back a copy of contract + receipt for deposit.
4. 14days before event phone to confirm arrangements & chase up balance of payment if nec. (some even pay the full amount months in advance)
5. 2 days before event phone to put their mind at rest & find out if there are any last minute changes

After the gig:
1. If the client doesn't approach us will try to hunt them down to thank them & see how the evening was from their point of view (usually no surprises here but if it has been a bad night from your point of view they might still say that they had a good time)
2. If I don't get speaking to them I leave it a couple of weeks then either send them an 'after gig questionnaire' + pre-paid envelope or phone them.
3. If they are good enough to send a thank you card or letter I always reply to this as well (Thank You for the thank you!)

Sounds like a lot of postage but the whole procedure costs 4 1st class & up to 4 2nd class stamps plus stationery & video tape total £3 (approx 1% of the gig)

For the gig itself some that haven't been mentioned:
1. Asbestos fingers so that you can change a failed lamp without waiting for it to cool down.
2. Iron lungs for passive smoking
3. Muscles like Arnie for lugging the gear
4. The ability to mind read so that you can guess the requests.
5. Memory of Einstein for when someone comes up & sings you a middle lyric & expects you to know the song.
6. A bank balance of £1000000 so that you can do the gig for nothing & if necessary buy them all drinks as well.
7. 2 pairs of hands for mixing etc
8. A double decker bus for taking all the guests home who have forgotten to book a taxi.
9. The ability to go days without sleep.
10. A sense of humour

Paul S

Ian, Precisely, thats why I mentioned it. Withe the best will in the world we all have weak points, hence this forum. Support your strengths, and strengthen your weak points.

I was jus reading Pauls piece, and there are some very good points, I do send out a "Customer Survey Form" after the event. I use Free post, £52 a year for the license and half a pence over second class, sounds expensive, but a good investment to give that professional touch. I also, where possible, arrange to meet the happy couple prior to the event to run through everthing for the evening.

It's all good stuff Mikeee!

To those who want to minimise post costs (!?) here is another example of contract bookings:

Once the client wishes to book with me, I forward a 'pack' including cover letter, cards and a carbon copy contract, terms & conditions printed on the reverse of the customer copy.

All the customer has to do is 'cross the t's, dot the 'I's', sign and date top copy of contract enclosing booking fee in the pre-paid envelope.
Additionaly, on the contract, I ask if confidentiality is required, client wishes to act as a reference, music requests, etc. Also, my booking terms are 7 days.
If all ok with deposit, as stated on cover letter and signed Terms & Conditions, client contacted 1 week before function to confirm any changes, else, the client can call at any time prior if need be.
Once everything okey dokey, on the night, I get the client to go through a small 'check card' that everything is hunky dorey, good / bad etc.

I think generally, we would all visit clients if required prior to a booking, so I'll add another 'penny's worth'.
If you haven't got a history of work / client portfolio - start making one NOW!

DD