Was it one of you - i doubt it? - Officiallyy the worst DJ ive ever heard in my life. This was at an 18th party - he had ok equipment - didnt know how to use it tho. speakers pretty pants but i can live with that - they still worked - , nice twin cdplayer etc fine - he could even mix - great. Two tbars of lights including a green laser - looking promising.
HOWEVER - oh my god he was bad! - as soon as i saw the lightscreens and bulb boxes on the floor i was a bit dubious (no offence guys lol) then when he announced the buffet and followed up with "and well get the dancing going in about 20 mins, so get your dancing shoes on" - i knew he was gonna irritate everyone. About 20 mins later he was like "come on guys n gals its time to get the dancefloor etc etc etc" JUST SHUT THE HELL UP MATE! a few people went in and danced but every like 10 mins hed say - "the dancefloors looking a bit empty guys, come on in - you cna even dance out on the balcony if u like!" and that kinda stuff - it was an ok venue - lovely balcony etc, nice weather so we wanted to sit and chat for a bit (were only about an hour and a half in).
I just wanted to say to him - "WE are not gonna get the dancefloor moving now, If we wanna dance on the balcony we dont need your permissioin - we will dance where we bloody like. Now shut the hell up!"
Anyway - he was playing some nice music to listen to outside. So, the time comes when we want a bit of cheese to sing along to - i asked him for brown eyed girl - so a few of the lads came in and we had a bit of a sing song - But he took this to mean that we all loved sixties music - and proceeded to play the monkeys etc for like 20 mins - dancefloor empties.
Anyway, finally we got him playing some cheesy hip hop and a bit of DnB and some cheesy classics - what he should have played at an 18th without prompting. but he still wouldnt leave his mic alone - after a 15min DnB set he decided to tell us which tracks he had played and which remixes they were! - we dont bloody care - we just wanna hear some more music!
And he never used any smoke for his green laser which annoyed me of coz i really wanted to see one and it looked pants without smoke.
Sorry to rant - but the night had so much potential (after exams etc) and would have been so much better with a decent dj - its not just me whjo thought so either - everyone - including hte bday girls thought he was annoying!so it wasnt just me being picky.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh -feel much bettter now. thanks for listening.
hope you had good weekends
Regards
Steve
Full Version: just having a rant - Sandown racecourse last nite
|
|
|
| QUOTE (Dynamite Discos @ Jun 30 2003, 03:04 PM) |
| lightscreens and bulb boxes on the floor i was a bit dubious (no offence guys lol) JUST SHUT THE HELL UP MATE! cheese to sing along to - i asked him for brown eyed girl - so a few of the lads came in and we had a bit of a sing song - But he took this to mean that we all loved sixties music - and proceeded to play the monkeys etc for like 20 mins - dancefloor empties. |
Hi what is wrong with having ya light boxes on the floor?
I do agree that some djs do talk to much on the mic and it can get on your nerves but at least he could use the mic and did try he might me new to the game!
Maybe 20mins was a bit to much 60s for a 18th but you can't really blame him for playing a few more after you asked for 1 from that decade but he should have swiched it as soon as he noticed the crowd not going for it!
I do think as djs we do make bad party guests most of us prob get far to critical!
| QUOTE |
| Hi what is wrong with having ya light boxes on the floor? |
| QUOTE |
| I do think as djs we do make bad party guests most of us prob get far to critical! |
If anything we should be out enjoying it more.So I gather DD you never learnt anything from this dj then?
well anyhting useful!
I hope you never went up to him and said I'm a dj?
Hmmm, I find that most D.J's need to break the ice at some functions. How many times have you been approached by the host/ess who innocently requests:- "Can't you make them dance?".
I find the new breed of "I don't own a mic 'cos I'm scared
less of using it" D.J's more annoying, I mean a D.J without a mic...the client may as well have just hired the gear, saved £200 and done it themselves! and A bit like booking a plumber who hasn't got his own blowlamp!.
Yes finding, the ideal mix of Mic and music is an art, as is knowing when to reduce the amount of Chat that you do!, but at some gig's people won't dance unless you ENCOURAGE them. In The Club I D.J at the manager has sacked two previous D.J's for not talking enough!.
I get more bookings through the clubwork, where I'm expected to wonder out with the radio mic, giving away promotional stuff, taking the mick, and doing Wet T-shirt Contest's etc than I do playing continuous music at functions where the CLIENT has specifically requested:- No Chat!.
I find the new breed of "I don't own a mic 'cos I'm scared
less of using it" D.J's more annoying, I mean a D.J without a mic...the client may as well have just hired the gear, saved £200 and done it themselves! and A bit like booking a plumber who hasn't got his own blowlamp!.Yes finding, the ideal mix of Mic and music is an art, as is knowing when to reduce the amount of Chat that you do!, but at some gig's people won't dance unless you ENCOURAGE them. In The Club I D.J at the manager has sacked two previous D.J's for not talking enough!.
I get more bookings through the clubwork, where I'm expected to wonder out with the radio mic, giving away promotional stuff, taking the mick, and doing Wet T-shirt Contest's etc than I do playing continuous music at functions where the CLIENT has specifically requested:- No Chat!.
| QUOTE |
| as soon as i saw the lightscreens and bulb boxes on the floor i was a bit dubious (no offence guys lol) |
Hmm I feel some flaming coming (Spin?) on LOL.
My light screen would look sillier hanging from the gantry as for the 4ft light colums ;)...
We use both 70's style floor lighting and up to date scanning and lazer lighting, the combination of both works well for most types of functions , the lighting used is switched to suit the type of music playing at the time .
If its 60's 70's then most of the time lazers and scanners are switched off .
Modern and retro lighting gives me the best of both worlds.
Even at 18 birthday's there are often a lot of elder mums/dads ? relatives where future bookings may come from , so I try and cater for them a couple of times in the evening , a quicksep and a Connie Francis mix will more often than not fill your floor with people who have never left their seats all night ..
rant over
Nah - just joking about hte lightscreens - better looking than wires all over the place. and perfect for some situatioins as mentioned!
Yeas - mike delivery is a fine art - unfortunatly this guy misread the crowd (there were no parents by the way - just about 100 of us llot) - the really cheesy chat just really annnoyed everyone there!
sorry - i was just getting it off my chest earlier - and yes - we as dj's probably are too critical - it just really annoyed me last nite cooz everyone was really up fore it beforehand and the eve fell a bit flat in the end! - probably me having to saty sober didnt help lol
peace out - and respect to your lightscreens!
Steve
Yeas - mike delivery is a fine art - unfortunatly this guy misread the crowd (there were no parents by the way - just about 100 of us llot) - the really cheesy chat just really annnoyed everyone there!
sorry - i was just getting it off my chest earlier - and yes - we as dj's probably are too critical - it just really annoyed me last nite cooz everyone was really up fore it beforehand and the eve fell a bit flat in the end! - probably me having to saty sober didnt help lol
peace out - and respect to your lightscreens!
Steve
That fine balance of mic & music will only come with experiance, ie learning which function require you to talk alot & those that just want music.
but remember we all have differant styles that work for us
but remember we all have differant styles that work for us
Hi Dynom8,
I don't think you are allowed to use smoke at Sandown, like most venues now it's a definate no go.
And holding up the end for the "older DJ", I am now getting a lot of enquires for schools, 16's and 18's etc. With the united plea, please no smoke, strobes etc, and please talk. I think kids today are now fed up with "back to back" music, they want to be entertained, just like when I was a lad. (lol)
I don't think you are allowed to use smoke at Sandown, like most venues now it's a definate no go.
And holding up the end for the "older DJ", I am now getting a lot of enquires for schools, 16's and 18's etc. With the united plea, please no smoke, strobes etc, and please talk. I think kids today are now fed up with "back to back" music, they want to be entertained, just like when I was a lad. (lol)
| QUOTE |
| they want to be entertained, just like when I was a lad |
Agreed Mikeee...but in your case wasn't that due to the fact that there was no T.V in your day???.
Boom Boom
This may be a case of "Doctors make the worst patience"...."DJ's make the the worst audiences"??? perhaps...
I know that I'm very bad at being a "punter" at a gig...within seconds of the first tune going on, I've analysed the light show, taken a mental stock take of all the blown bulbs, spotted the "hidden" smoke machine nozzle peeking out from under the record table tablecloth, seen the glitter cartridge pyro firing box lashed to the overhead rig with gaffa tape, identified each make and model of amp, turntable, mixer, cd-deck and lighting controller, all while maintaining pleasent conversation with whoever has asked me why Im not doing the gig. (why not? coz I was invited as a guest...thats why).
Similarly I think its very difficult not to think..."what I would do now is...." and subsequently to think "NOOOOOOO !!!" 20 seconds later, when the DJ hasnt done exactly what you would have done. Its just human nature. Especially enhanced by others around you talking about the DJ, and us all being in a position to comment a little more "in-depth" about the actions/words of "the guy at the front" (whether he's got light screens, or not - we've heard the praises of light screens as an asthetically pleasing "cover up the wires" item, a focal point, as well as giving out light, showing patterns and generally helping turn the plain, bland, venue into a place of entertainment...
I agree with Chris (and others) that Mic work is an essential part of mobile DJ'ing, however, I would also agree with you Dynamite, if you were to say that part of "mic work" is being experienced enough to know when to be "chatty" and when to be silent. I'd say that a very quick guide to mic usage is that it should be the opposite of the number of people on the dance floor....eg: Full floor...dont mic unless you have to... (theres ALWAYS a Taxi for Mr & Mrs ZXDUYPUYIYP....JUST when you're in the middle of driving the dancefloor into a sweaty frenzy...isnt there...). On the other hand, if the dance floor is empty, then playing tune into tune into tune into tune into tune...isnt going to coax them...and you might even be viewed as not trying to persuade them up. We've each only got normally just a few hours to "connect" or "click" with each audience...so a little chatter at the beginning, tailing away as the dancefloor fills is ok by me.
I was saying to Chris earlier, in these hot, humid evenings it can sometimes be almost impossible to get people who may have been standing around in formal wear (Which they probably chose on a cooler day - last year!) to dance...they've been mucked about by the photographer....they've stuffed themselves silly on the Beef Wellington or Pork Medalions, washed it all down with free champer's, dozed off through the Brides fathers speech about "not only losing a daughter, but halving a phone bill..." etc...etc... Add to that some of the early starts, driving distances for some guests and no proper air conditioning in village halls with black tin roofs, and you've a real challenge on your hands...its in these instances that the mic can sometimes be your very bestest buddy.....but I agree...yak non-stop over "I Luv to Party"....and you're gonna lose dancers...
Sometimes they're just not gonna have the energy....but have you tried telling them that you understand their situation... then trying some of the more popular party tunes for them WHILST SEATED... Opps upside you head (rowing boat song) works well...as does Rocking all over the world....and the Timewarp..... Give "The Twist" a miss though...until they're all standing up.
I know that I'm very bad at being a "punter" at a gig...within seconds of the first tune going on, I've analysed the light show, taken a mental stock take of all the blown bulbs, spotted the "hidden" smoke machine nozzle peeking out from under the record table tablecloth, seen the glitter cartridge pyro firing box lashed to the overhead rig with gaffa tape, identified each make and model of amp, turntable, mixer, cd-deck and lighting controller, all while maintaining pleasent conversation with whoever has asked me why Im not doing the gig.
(why not? coz I was invited as a guest...thats why).Similarly I think its very difficult not to think..."what I would do now is...." and subsequently to think "NOOOOOOO !!!" 20 seconds later, when the DJ hasnt done exactly what you would have done. Its just human nature. Especially enhanced by others around you talking about the DJ, and us all being in a position to comment a little more "in-depth" about the actions/words of "the guy at the front" (whether he's got light screens, or not - we've heard the praises of light screens as an asthetically pleasing "cover up the wires" item, a focal point, as well as giving out light, showing patterns and generally helping turn the plain, bland, venue into a place of entertainment...
I agree with Chris (and others) that Mic work is an essential part of mobile DJ'ing, however, I would also agree with you Dynamite, if you were to say that part of "mic work" is being experienced enough to know when to be "chatty" and when to be silent. I'd say that a very quick guide to mic usage is that it should be the opposite of the number of people on the dance floor....eg: Full floor...dont mic unless you have to... (theres ALWAYS a Taxi for Mr & Mrs ZXDUYPUYIYP....JUST when you're in the middle of driving the dancefloor into a sweaty frenzy...isnt there...). On the other hand, if the dance floor is empty, then playing tune into tune into tune into tune into tune...isnt going to coax them...and you might even be viewed as not trying to persuade them up. We've each only got normally just a few hours to "connect" or "click" with each audience...so a little chatter at the beginning, tailing away as the dancefloor fills is ok by me.
I was saying to Chris earlier, in these hot, humid evenings it can sometimes be almost impossible to get people who may have been standing around in formal wear (Which they probably chose on a cooler day - last year!) to dance...they've been mucked about by the photographer....they've stuffed themselves silly on the Beef Wellington or Pork Medalions, washed it all down with free champer's, dozed off through the Brides fathers speech about "not only losing a daughter, but halving a phone bill..." etc...etc... Add to that some of the early starts, driving distances for some guests and no proper air conditioning in village halls with black tin roofs, and you've a real challenge on your hands...its in these instances that the mic can sometimes be your very bestest buddy.....but I agree...yak non-stop over "I Luv to Party"....and you're gonna lose dancers...
Sometimes they're just not gonna have the energy....but have you tried telling them that you understand their situation... then trying some of the more popular party tunes for them WHILST SEATED... Opps upside you head (rowing boat song) works well...as does Rocking all over the world....and the Timewarp..... Give "The Twist" a miss though...until they're all standing up.
| QUOTE |
| as soon as i saw the lightscreens and bulb boxes on the floor i was a bit dubious |
LOL I got here!!! And whats the matter with light screens????
Talking of which I did once attend a gig where the DJ had 3ft x 3ft light screens with wheels on one side. But inside he had also managed to fit 2 scanners, 2 strobes, and a helicopter in the centre.
He then proceeded with his roadie to lift these onto two speaker poles which fitted into a top hat in one side.
For something different and not too dear it was very effective, then at end of the night clipped the two together and just wheeled them out the door!!!
I must be in the minority, when I do go to a function or bar, I don't even give the DJ a second thought.
ah but Ian....if you dont even look at the DJ, you cant claim the whole nights expenses back as "Researching local market trends/competition".
| QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 1 2003, 09:15 AM) |
| ah but Ian....if you dont even look at the DJ, you cant claim the whole nights expenses back as "Researching local market trends/competition". |
sorry not deductable,
gary..... hard getting your audience inside when they are enjoying the lovely evening outside......? Shame you cant employ my little trick which happened on sunday evening (refer to chat!) He he!
Furthermore, to any newbies out there, dont be put off by some of the comments..... we all have to start off somewhere and I agree with most of us... we are the worst audience.... perhaps the DJ at sandown was not actually to blame.... If the booker had specified his/her requirements clearly in the first place then perhaps they would have had a more appropriate DJ for the function.
Furthermore, to any newbies out there, dont be put off by some of the comments..... we all have to start off somewhere and I agree with most of us... we are the worst audience.... perhaps the DJ at sandown was not actually to blame.... If the booker had specified his/her requirements clearly in the first place then perhaps they would have had a more appropriate DJ for the function.
Yeah - we really do make the worst audiences - totally agree with what gary said about identifying all teh equipment etc - it was even worse because theere were two of us dj's there (one works for me) so we weer double trouble. Actually i dj'd a wedding fo r a guy a few weeks ago and he was a mobile - as was the best man and about 5 of the guests - i was bricking it beforehand - but all went off fine and had most of them come over and thank me at the end saying stuf like "well done mate - weer all dj's too so youve done well not to have us complaining about anything"
Unfortunatley it was in sandown sports club (which we found out after rolling up to the main entrance ready for a propper plush do) but ive been to many parties in he confrence suite where smoke has been used - they were before the recent refurishment tho. i think that this brings me back to the lightscreen topic in that when there is no smoke allowed i think it is even more important to have some kind of frontage - at the moment i use a white table cloth over my table wit ha constella motivator illuminating it from behind (just something a bit different) i would like to get two flame lights one for each side of the table tho - does anyone use these - are they worth it?
i nthe end on sunday everyone had a good night - it really would be difficult to screw up an 18th for our lot! - the wine was flowing - the parents had paid for as much white wine as we could drink (which was enough) so nobody really cared all that much by the end.
I guess the moral of the story is that you cant please everyone!!
Unfortunatley it was in sandown sports club (which we found out after rolling up to the main entrance ready for a propper plush do) but ive been to many parties in he confrence suite where smoke has been used - they were before the recent refurishment tho. i think that this brings me back to the lightscreen topic in that when there is no smoke allowed i think it is even more important to have some kind of frontage - at the moment i use a white table cloth over my table wit ha constella motivator illuminating it from behind (just something a bit different) i would like to get two flame lights one for each side of the table tho - does anyone use these - are they worth it?
i nthe end on sunday everyone had a good night - it really would be difficult to screw up an 18th for our lot! - the wine was flowing - the parents had paid for as much white wine as we could drink (which was enough) so nobody really cared all that much by the end.
I guess the moral of the story is that you cant please everyone!!
| QUOTE |
| I guess the moral of the story is that you cant please everyone!! |
However...you DID also say...
| QUOTE |
| in the end on sunday everyone had a good night |
So...perhaps its a case of "alls well that ends well"...
There is a little reverse physcol....Sci col o PHyscollygy...pshysic...... there is a little reverse thinking that I feel also apply sometimes too, with regard to the age of the equipment (like your observation about the DJ's light screen, where you thought "oh oh" when you saw them.)
That is...if you walked into a venue where a mobile DJ was setting up and everything was so new, nothing was over a few weeks old, wouldnt you then get concerned about whether or not the DJ had experience, or just a (previously) good credit rating.
Very true
can i just say for the record that these were very old lightscreens, one was cracked and a bulb in the other wasnt working it wasnt simply the fact that lightscreens were present that made me a little dubious - it was the state thy were in.
can i just say for the record that these were very old lightscreens, one was cracked and a bulb in the other wasnt working it wasnt simply the fact that lightscreens were present that made me a little dubious - it was the state thy were in.
I swear I was'nt in Sandown............... honestly!!!
Oh god what a nightmare,i am the worst,i do not go out anywhere where there is a dj i dont know, i dont comment, just cringe and feel uncomfortable. Luckily the trend in europe from the 80s where jocks tried to sabotage each others nights is now over! Incidentely Eskie the opened can of herrings you left in between the amps at Stephanies club was located after 4 months! 
....urm..."business meeting" ?
Turn up, talk to roadie about "Those lights look nicer than ours, but our speakers are better than theres", jot down the "minutes" (well..."seconds") on a spare beermat...and file it somewhere... would that be claimable?
Turn up, talk to roadie about "Those lights look nicer than ours, but our speakers are better than theres", jot down the "minutes" (well..."seconds") on a spare beermat...and file it somewhere... would that be claimable?
| QUOTE (Gary @ Jul 3 2003, 10:20 AM) |
| ....urm..."business meeting" ? Turn up, talk to roadie about "Those lights look nicer than ours, but our speakers are better than theres", jot down the "minutes" (well..."seconds") on a spare beermat...and file it somewhere... would that be claimable? |
Sorry,
I'll post somewhere else what is & is not claimable re your spending on entertainment
Its market research all the way lol
sorry not allowable
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.