Paul Smith 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Those members that weren't around at the start of the forum and those that were but have short memories (most of the DJU membership then http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif ) will not know/remember that ADS was the very first interviewee.... Much has changed in Andy's world since that historic day and so he is once again in the hot seat to up-date us. 1. What is your DJU Forum Alias? ADS Entertainments, a former company name from many years ago, I started as Andy's Disco Soundz when it was cool to put a 'Z' instead of a 'S', then changed to ADS Entertainments as I wanted to get away from Disco and more into 'Entertainments', plus when you do corporate work an e.mail like info@adsentertainments.com looks better than infi@andysdiscosoundz.co.uk, changed a few months ago to Your Big Event to concentrate on the corporate/higher clients and to bring on board wedding cakes, chocolate fountains, casino tables, fireworks etc 2. What is your Real Name, Age, Location & Marital Status? Andy Harris is my real name, I am 37 years old and sitting in fornt of my computer, sorry location of business is South Devon, although frequently travel all over the UK. I have been married to Annelise (Harris http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif ) forever http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif and have three kids in the household, aged 20, 18 and 9 3. What is the Name of your Disco? Your Big Event, although this covers not just the disco, but the other 'extras' too 4. How long have you been a DJ? Too long, I think the first DJ'ing I did was in about 1978 at the local Youth Club helping the 'real' DJ, 5. What inspired you to become a DJ Easy one - Female, being a young lad with all the girls looking at you, and then moving onto the holiday camps in South Devon -more like Heaven not Devon 6. Are you a member of a DJ Association / Union? No, cannot really see the point of them, you make you own choices and decisions and stand by them. 7. What is your favourite type of function now? (eg: Wedding, 18th Birthday party, etc) None !! Prefer weddings as this accounts for 95% of all my functions, try not to do 18th, 21st birthday parties if I can help it. 8. What’s the worst/most embarrassing thing you've done in front of an audience? Too many as usual, the one that springs to mind is when the bride gave me a double CD and said her track was Track 17, CD 1. Playing a CD she came up and wanted the first dance NOW ! So I took out CD1 and cued up Track 17 and introduced the song, all in about 5 seconds. Now I ALWAYS keep my CD's in the correct order, CD1 in the first holder, CD2 in the second etc, as when it is dark I know CD1 is CD1, unfortunately the bride didn't so I introduced thier first dance and something completely different came on. In the end I blamed the bride and she apologised to me for giving me the CD's in the wrong order. 9. If you could go back to the beginning of your DJ career is there anything that you'd do differently? (eg: The gear that you bought, the way you promoted/advertised yourself) I did what I thought was I thought was right at the time, if I changed those decisions now I may have taken a different business route and not got to where I am today (Wherever that is ?!). I may not have brought some of the kit I brought, but without buying it I would not have learnt the lessons I have learnt, so boringly, I would say no. 10. What do you feel you offer the public that convinces them to book you rather than "the next guy/girl"? Thats a secret !!! OK then - Professionalism and I try and please everybody most of the time. It helps when I can offer a discount if they book a wedding cake/fountain/table etc at the same time though. 11. Have you ever bought something for your show that you wish you hadn't? and why? See Question 9, but a few things was a lazer canon, which I sold within two weeks (at a profit http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif ).Lately it would be a pair of Warrior speakers, but I needed a pair of active speakers on a Friday afternoon to be delivered to a venue on Saturday AM, and these were the only pair I could find (Should have 'borrowed' some for the three days I needed them for, but decided to purchase instead). They have earnt their money but if I had more time would have paid more and got HZ/EV/Mackies. 12. What's your next DJ purchase likely to be? Possibly another Chocolte fountain, but at £4500 each it will not be taken lightly. Disco wise I would not have a clue, I have enough kit to last and have three sets of back up too, so I honestly do not know. Possibly another 4 Chameleon 4's to complete another set up to have two identicial set ups, or one larger set up. 13. If you could get someone to invent a new piece of disco equipment for your show, what would it be? Wireless signal processor and DMX senders so no cabling required at all, all this and 100% reliable too. 14. What was the worst equipment failure suffered during a gig? I had a small set up a few years ago, and as usual 'You can set up in that 6' space, and as we are running late can you set up in 15 minute please ( http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wallbash.gif ) Anyway didn't set up any back up, would have usually had a set of active speakers running to so if amp fails the actives are still running, and vice versa, anyway didn't set up the actives, and during the first song the bass amp went down, a quick power up and it was back up running, lasted about 6 seconds, seemed like 6 hours. That is the worse one, had a channel go down mid gig, but experience says don't panic, put on Steve Harley and reboot in the secind of silence that the song has a few times. 15. What do you think is the best thing about DJ'ing? Nothing !. OK - Money I enjoy organising the event, but not the hiking the gear around the UK, getting home anytime between 1am and 6am 16. What do you think is the worst thing about DJ'ing? Getting home between 1am and 6am after lugging the kit into the van 17. What would make you stop DJ'ing (if anything)? Money The other side of the business taking off, mainly the chocolate fountains. Money Ill health Money Being declared bankrupt http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif 18. How do you think DJ'ing will change, in the next 5 years? More paperwork as more DJ's become more professional, kicking the lower range DJ's out of business, I do not call them cowboys, because we all have to start somewhere and as there is a market for £100 discos at various places they service them, as I service the higher one. 19. Most stupid thing anyone's ever said to you at a gig? Got anything good Can you play some ABBA, as Dancing Queen is just finishing Take a look at the crowd, they want 60's music (at least the bloke and his missus did, the other 250 people dancing weren't too bothered) 20. Best advice you were ever given by a fellow DJ? Read the crowd, play what they want, not what you want. Take a look at OtsDJ 21. And worst advice you were ever given? I have a nice lazer canon for you Andy 22. How do you keep up to date with music? (eg Promo monthly CDs, Downloads, Purchase from retailer) I don't, playing the higher end markets, people do not want new stuff, so do not keep up with the charts, couldn't even name 3 songs in the top 40 23. Name 3 songs that 95% of the time will fill the dance floor for you! Louise - Lets Go Round Again John Paul Young - Love Is In The Air Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup Barry White - My First.... Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl 24. Mode of transportation. Van is a Mercedes Benz Vito van 2.3D 1998 Car is a Renault Scenic 1.6 2004 25. What is the furthest that you've travelled from home for a single gig? Dunno really, never measured it, in the last tweleve months alone I have done work in Nantwich, Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester (the following week), Norwich, Birmingham, not to mention Oxford, Newport, Hampshire, Andover. Have quotes out for Leicester, Hampshire and a few other places. Hoping to take a gig in Norway soon too. 26. Approximately how many gigs have you done to date? 65.75, http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif dunno maybe 000's, maybe 10,000, only have 10 fingers so can't work it out. 27. What is the largest/smallest audience numbers you've played to? Smallest gigs that comes to mind is an 18th birthday party where no-one turned up, so the guests were birthday girl, brother, mother, dad and grandmother. Also did a singles club where 4 people turned up after the DJ the month before played tracks recorded off the radio (complete with bits of Dr Fox) Did a wedding in Exeter, where all the family and friends lived in London. It was right in the middle of the petrol strike, so 8 people in the room. Done loads of nights where no-one has turned up, in fact it happened last Sunday too. Largest crowd, excluding outside broadcast/events is probably about 3500 people. Big gig working with big names. 28. What is your main (most successful) form of advertising your disco? Word of mouth as always, reputation and the website (www.yourbigevent.co.uk) There are more than 120 other DJ's in the local YP (Which only covers about a 25 mile radius) so am not going in there, main focus is on the Internet 29. Have you ever had someone try to claim off you? (eg: Public Liability Insurance or other such legal action) Having got Employers liability, Employee liability (how many of you have that, if you 'employ' the services of a roadie you need it) Public Liabilty Insurance etc etc etc no-one has ever claimed......yet. I have claimed off other people for damaged done to vehicles and equipment but never the other way around. 30. Add any additional comments which you would like to include here... Nothing to declare Officier http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Kane 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 youth discos are slightly different these days i guess, you take your eyes off the decks for 5 secs, and some bugger in a burburry caps nicked your decks http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif nice one mr harris, good interview Link to post Share on other sites
Steve_Mitchell 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Nice one Andy, http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/notworthy.gif Good to see someone started their family younger than me, also must admit I prefer the Average White Band`s version rather than Louise`s although I do prefer Louise for other obvious reasons.. Well done mate good read. Steve 5 European cups and 18 leagues, that`s what we call history. Link to post Share on other sites
tonyj 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/notworthy.gif your a top bloke Andy... a good read Member of The Musicians Union "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work." Link to post Share on other sites
John Kidd 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 So thats how its Done, Thanks Andy! I'm off to but a Chocolate Fountain and Eat it all!!! John Kidd Crystal Sounds Disco VICE S.E.D.A CHAIRMAN A Member of the Musicians Union A Member of the Federation of Small Businesses Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 If you butt it it will hurt, I should trying buying one. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif .....but what do I know ? Your Big Event Office:01803 813540 Direct: 0797 0717 448 e.mail:info@yourbigevent.co.uk Link to post Share on other sites
John Kidd 0 Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Your always full of good Ideas! John Kidd Crystal Sounds Disco VICE S.E.D.A CHAIRMAN A Member of the Musicians Union A Member of the Federation of Small Businesses Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/071.gif I will try anything,once! The Cornish will arise again ! Manager of the Andy Harris Fan Club. Keep pasties Cornish Link to post Share on other sites
FrankieJ 0 Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Nice one Andy boy. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/cool.gif DJ Frankie Knuckles. Link to post Share on other sites
Kingy 0 Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Nice one Mr H. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/boff.gif Link to post Share on other sites
scotty 0 Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Nice one Andy good read fella http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif QUOTE 18. How do you think DJ'ing will change, in the next 5 years? QUOTE More paperwork as more DJ's become more professional, kicking the lower range DJ's out of business, I do not call them cowboys, because we all have to start somewhere and as there is a market for £100 discos at various places they service them, as I service the higher one. I have experienced less paperwork a lot of people are filling in request sheets, event planning and booking forms online, saves me posting it all out ! Scotty KING OF DISCOS We're what parties were invented for ! MySpace 'If anyone here hasnt enjoyed themselves this evening would you kindly raise your arm........, and slap yourself around the chops' Link to post Share on other sites
DJF 0 Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 excellent mate ,nice 1,open and honest proffesionalism all over, http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/notworthy.gif ever considered being a MP DJ FOGGY PROFESSIONAL DJ+KJ+SOLO VOCALIST WEDDING SINGER+COVERED UP DUO TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH PIPER S.I.A LICENCED DOOR SUPERVISOR COVERING NORTH WEST AND UK WEB SITE=www.makemyday2012.co.uk E-MAIL: djfpromos2@yahoo.co.uk MOBILE: 07591 755 743 PLI: YES PAT TESTED: YES MU MEMBER 490895 CRB CLEARED 09th Feb 2011 Link to post Share on other sites
jeffwall 0 Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/beer.gif nice one mr harris Link to post Share on other sites
Electrofreek 0 Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 nice one andy!!QUOTE youth discos are slightly different these days i guess, you take your eyes off the decks for 5 secs, and some bugger in a burburry caps nicked your decks i no exaclty what you mean....me being only 17 i have done a couple of 16 17 18 bday partys...and wen you turn round to look for the next track there is some w*$ker fiddling around with your decks and espically the crossfader...Foooools! jules http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/kid.gif I CAN SLEEP WHEN IM DEAD Link to post Share on other sites
AJS Mobile Disco 0 Posted March 28, 2006 Report Share Posted March 28, 2006 Very interesting http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/hiding.gif Anne http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/cool.gif AJ's Mobile Disco Ryedale North Yorkshire PLI and PAT equipment Link to post Share on other sites
RichardP 0 Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 QUOTE (5star @ Jan 12 2006, 07:23 PM) Also did a singles club where 4 people turned up after the DJ the month before played tracks recorded off the radio (complete with bits of Dr Fox) This snippet made me smile the most - can well imagine it happening... have to laugh http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif Entertaining read Andy, cheers http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/notworthy.gif <a href="http://www.djassociates.org"><img src="http://www.djassociates.org/anims/compres_banner.gif" alt="Join the DJ Associates Disc Jockey Association" border="0" width="468" height="60"></a> Link to post Share on other sites
pareshj 0 Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Funny read, nice one Andy, you are human after all and not a machine http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Josh www.djspacebar.com Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Smith 0 Posted March 29, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 You can tell when members are itching to read a new interview when the old ones crop up again with comments.................... is this a hint http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif YES!! I've lost count of the number of people who have contacted me to take part over the last few months but then fail to send back their answers http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/amen.gif If there's anyone out there who still wants to have a go send me a PM. Thanks Paul http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/cowboy.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Jason v G 0 Posted March 31, 2006 Report Share Posted March 31, 2006 Excellent interview andy. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Jason Pik 'n' Mix Discos - Derby and across the Midlands Link to post Share on other sites
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