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Selecting your music for your event

Selecting your music for your event

As I reminisce about my first party, I distinctly remember a certain nervousness I felt as I was setting up my equipment. To calm myself down that evening I assured myself this was a very common occurrence for someone in the driver's seat for the first time. But why was I nervous I thought? oddly enough, I realized it wasn't because I was unsure of my ability to perform my arsenal of newly learned activities, but rather it's stemmed from my unproven ability to choose the right music for the next 4 hours.

 Years of experience and trial-and-error have given me the ability to master the task of choosing the right music. Music selection should come from three sources. Here they are in order of importance:

1. Client’s Requests - In most cases a client will request five to ten songs if any at all. These requests should always be honored whenever possible. If the songs requested aren't danceable, play them during cocktail hour or dinner.
2. Guest’s Requests - By visiting the tables you'll get a nice list of selections preferred by the guests. We realize as disc jockeys most requests are similar from party to party.
3. Perennial Favorites - This is the group of 25 or so songs you find yourself playing at every party. Selections such as “Celebration”, “Uptown funk”, and “I got a Feeling” are ones that always get people to the dance floor at every party.

The songs from these three sources will overlap because perennial favorites or songs people request the most. A disc jockey must realize the importance of all three sources and learn how to effectively juggle them throughout the party.

You should generally find yourself playing the same 50 or so songs at most parties. You're selection of Music should primarily come from at least one of the three sources and should not come from your personal opinion. DJ's who avoid playing “Celebration” because they dislike the song are missing the whole point.

It is easy to enter into a routine at parties, playing the same sets in the same order week after week. That's not how to be truly successful in this business. Customize the music you play to your clients and guests needs. One of the simplest ways to make an individual impression on a party guest is to play the song they ask for. Remember, that one nondescript person at the table in the back of the room is potentially your next referral.

Basic Blank Wedding Introduction Worksheet

The Wedding introductions can be especially hard if you do not have an outline to follow or you read your notes that are not clear or you just scratched down while talking to your client so here is a sample for you. and the file is also attached as a plain rich text document.

WEDDING WORKSHEET

GROOM : _____________________________ BRIDE : ______________________________

LOCATION : _________________________________________________ DATE : ____________

Bridal Party Introductions

Parents Of The Bride : ___________________________________________________________

Parents Of The Groom : ___________________________________________________________

Bridesmaids Groomsmen

1 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

2 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

3 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

4 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

5 : ________________________________ Escorted By __________________________________

Flower Girl : __________________________ Ring Bearer : _____________________________

Maid / Matron Of Honor : ______________________ Best Man : __________________________

The New Mr. & Mrs : _____________________________________________________________

Blessing By : _________________________ Toast By : __________________________________

1st Dance : __________________________________By_________________________________
Song Title Artist

Bridal Party Dance : _____________________________ By ______________________________
Song Title Artist

Bride and father Dance: ___________________________By______________________________

Groom and his mother Dance: ______________________By _____________________________

Cake Cutting ? _______ Garter / Bouquet ? ______ Dollar Dance ? _____Centerpieces?_______

Announcements/Requests: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

INTRO SONGS: __________________________________________________________________

Sets of Music for every Party PART 1

Sets of Music for every party
Recently a DJ in Training asked me about music sets and asked me to draw up a bunch of sets so if stuck he would know exactly what to play. So I jotted some sets down and I am going to post them here so EVERYONE has access to them. PLEASE add more sets that you use in the comments section to help all of us grow as DJs.

BIG BAND
In the Mood - Glen Miller (There is also a Jive bunny mix or a mix By Frank Barbera That I prefer)
Pennsylvania 6-5000 - Glen Miller
Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman
Begin the Beguine - Artie Shaw
Chattanoga Choo Choo - Glen Miller
Moonlight Serenade - Glen Miller (SLOW)
Mambo #5 - Lou Bega (more current song)
Jump Jive an Wail - Brian Setzer Orchestra (more current song)
You & Me and the bottle makes three - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy (more current song)
Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin Daddys (more current song)

OLDIES 50's 60's
Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger (even though this song is newer)
Runaround sue - Dion
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis
The Twist - Chubby Checker
Let's Twist again - Chubby Checker
That's what I like - Jive Bunny oldies mix
Devil with a blue dress on - Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
Land of 1000 Dances - Wilson Pickett
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett or The Commitments
Unchained Melody - Richeous Brothers (Slow)
Can't help falling in love - Elvis (Slow)
Summerwind - Frank Sinatra (Slow)
AT Last - Etta James (Slow)
Unforgetable - Nat & Natalie Cole (Slow)
In the still of the night - Five Satins (Slow)

More to come ..........................

Having great parties outside in the summertime

Having great parties outside in the summertime

Summer is just around the corner. In the summertime, use the opportunity to make a difference between a good time and a great time at any and every outdoor party... Weddings, picnics or pool parties. To approach each outdoor party with confidence, be prepared for anything and everything Mother Nature main part. The lower few guidelines to help in mind to keep the good times rolling at your outdoor parties.

• Summarize your car and make sure that the radiator is full of antifreeze and you have extra on hand.
• Always make sure it's written in your contract and when you speak to your client before the event that if you are outside you are under some type of a tent or cover to protect you and your equipment from the Sun and any outdoor elements.
• Since you can't always count on a client to have a tent it would be a good idea to have an extra pop up handy just in case yo need it. Tarps and or blankets are also a good idea to help cover your equipment in case it rains or to protect your equipment from the Sun. These tarps are blankets can also help cover your equipment to hide it when it's carried in your vehicle.
• If you are using vinyl and you are outside never have your turntables and or the vinyl in direct sunlight it only takes a few minute in 80-plus degree heat to melt and warp your vinyl.
• Watch the wind outside if using a turntable what can blow your turn arms or any other type of paper for business cards that are on your table.
• Bring an extra shirt or change of clothes when you begin to feel the effects of the Heat and you may sweat a lot. A towel or Sports towel that becomes cold when you wet it is also a good idea to help keep you cool. It is also a great idea to carry a small fan that you can point at yourself to keep you cool.
• Rain or pool water should be regarded with special care and of course, never stand in water while using your microphone or touching your equipment. The minute it starts to rain you should immediately shut down and unplug everything and get to safety.
  

20 Bits of DJ Advise

20 Bits of Advise

1. Contact your client at least 2 weeks before the event to finalize everything.
2. Verify directions with client to make sure you are going to the correct place.
3. Arrive at least 1 hour prior to the start time.
4. Keep an accurate calendar 
5. Learn to utilize the internet for contacts and schedule ect.
6. If you tell your client you are going to do something then DO IT!
7. Save ALL DJ related receipts.
8. Track all of your miles traveled for DJ.
9. EZ pass works well to track toll expenses.
10. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.
11. Do not keep equipment in a vehicle overnight.
12. Hand out your business cards to any interested person.
13. Get the Banquet managers card for future referrals.
14. Mention your name & company at least twice at your events.
15. Leave your DJ space exactly or better than when you arrived (no trash)
16. SMILE and always be polite and courteous.
17. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL!
18. Work well with all other professionals at your party.
19. Always say Goodbye to your client right before you leave.
20. Keep an open mind and always seek to improve as a DJ

Top 20 things a DJ should have

Top 20 things a DJ should have

1. GPS and printed directions
2. Tux. or suit with extra shirts.
3. Extra Headphones
4. Duct Tape
5. Flashlight
6. Hand Truck
7. Business card holder
8. 3 to 2 AC Plug adapter
9. Soldering Kit
10. Electrical tape
11. Subscription to a music service
12. Small tool kit
13. Small tarp
14. Rain suit
15. Emergency kit - Extra wires, plugs, cords, and needed fuses
16. First aid Kit with bandaids, aspirin,antiseptic, and halls throat drops.
17. Roadside assistance subscription or AAA
18. Flash drive with ALL Clients requests & standard songs to get thru party
19. Car Battery charging pack
20. A person or company to BACK YOU UP!