Music For the whole gig. Order of events.

[CnJ DJs 0]

To start with, I have much experience in world of DJ'ing and DMX Lighting. My rig comprises of the latest in sound mixing software (over £1000), hardware and sound processing equipment such as graphic equalizers, feedback destroyers etc. My speakers are JBL EON G2's these you can buy for approx. £500 per cabinet, all I could afford at the time, but they are excellent. I have a £1500 Green Laser system and 16 lighting effects that many are DMX Controlled.

 

Music

 

Scenario - 30th Birthday Party, 150 people, age range 15 yrs - 65 yrs, buffet at 9:00pm start time: 7:30

end time: 11:30

 

Number one priority, MAKE SURE ALL SOUND CHECKS ARE DONE at least ½ hour before anyone arrives.

Start off with opening speech i.e. Good Evening, Welcome to Blahdy Blahdy's 30th Birthday Party / Bash here at Blah Blahdy (Venue), tonight I'll be playing music from the 70's through to some of the latest chart, dance and RnB. However I do have music from the 1950's onwards. If you're up for a good time, cheer as loud as you can now..... (After cheer) That's what I like to hear, righty, (Start first track playing in background) lets get the party started, were going to start with (tell them first song title and artist).

 

Normally some music from the mid to late 90's or recent (not too dancy or to loud that people can't speak) Remember the first 2 hours of any gig - PEOPLE LIKE TO TALK. Music such has Sugababes, All Saints, Texas, Blue etc for the first hour or so (however I have had gigs where they want Dancy music straight from the start - but on rare ocassions). Announce buffet in usual way, e.g. "Well its that time of night you've all been starving yourself for, the buffet is situated (State where in room) and is now officially open, but, please mind the sausage rolls, oh and leave me some" Play some quieter music, such as the love album, Artists like Feargal Sharkey, Foreigner, Annie Lenox, Chicago, George Michael, Celine Dion, you get the gist.

 

Buffet usually I give them 25-30 mins to eat (don't forget, ther still gabbing)

 

At the end of the buffet, let the birthday person do there speaches, don't limit there time on the mic, let them thank everyone they want to, cut the cake etc.

 

Then after speeches, thank the speaker, get everyone to sing happy birthday (and play the theme music for people to sing to), after Happy Birthday, do 3 cheers Hip Hip.... Araaayyyy. Announce your plans for the next 2 hours - the types of music you going to play etc.

 

Start off with classic 80's dance hits Tiffany, Culture Club etc - remember there 30, they were in their teens in the 80's, and went clubbing in the 80's, They love it especially when there drunk. Move into some of the latest chart, dance & RnB, do not do Commercial dance / trance or beat mix it all the way through, you will probably clear the room, remember also, dont play any more than 3-4 dance tracks at a time. Its best to keep swapping the decades around, you should see when you change the music the danxe floor clear, then the older or younger generation get up, I call this stock rotation. Near the end of the night, the last hour or so, I play loads of party stuff like, Robbie, Tom Jones, Steps, John Travolta, Shania Twain, Ricki Martin and loads of 70's disco hits - Jacksons, The Groove Generation, Mud etc. Then do a love song 2nd to last song (remeber gig finishes at 11:30pm) now its about 11:20, Play a Love song that everyone knows, at this gig, I would play Mariah carey - Without You. She did it in the 90's, Nilson did it in the 70's. So most people will know it.

 

The Last song.

 

Well its this persons birthday - they are the best person. So get everybody into a circle with the birthday person in the middle with their partner, if you can put a white spot light on the couple. Then play Tina Turner - Simply the Best. Make sure you use the mic to get everybody up and announce where you want the couple etc, don't leave it up to them to guess what you're planning. Once you have the circle and Tina Turner playing then leave it to them - they know what to do now. At the end of the song about 10 secs left, announce that was the last song of the night, one last time can we have 3 cheers, after 3 cheers, say, as everyone had a good night? If you've do the night really well, not messed up etc, you should get a big cheer back from them. Then say, Thanks very much, you've been a great crowd, glad you've enjoyed it, have a safe journey home, Goodnight.

 

Swith off and un-plugg some leads from your mixing desk, make sure people see you pull the leads out. They then know your serious and you don't get all the hassle of "Play one more" etc.

 

If you've done really well - people will normally ask for business cards.

 

Remember though, you could be DJ'ing for the queen, there are people who will never move out of their seats, that typical at every gig.

 

Anymore information required - email: thedj@cnj-djs.freeserve.co.uk

 

Web:- http://www.cnj-djs.freeserve.co.uk

 

I hope this is beneficial to any new comer to the DJ world.

 

Good Luck for the future - and remember, every gig, you control the crowd with your music and what you say over the mic - never aim offensive abuse at a crowd or an individual, you will probably end up wearing a few pint pots and chairs. :)

[ChrisPointon 0]

Thank you for posting such an in-depth review. I have pinned this topic, in order to keep it at the top, since I think that it serves as an excellent guide for anybody starting out in business or about to do their first gig http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .

 

If you wish to share details in running a successful Mobile Disco, and add to CNJ DJ's post above then please continue to post in this thread. http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Guest DJTREV]

Just found your site---Excellent. Even though I have been doing this for about 15 years, you can always learn something from other dj's. Your guide to gigs was interesting and informative.

I have found that birthdays and weddings can be hard work and sometimes very unrewarding.

For the last 2 years I have got myself a regular 4 night a week gig playing the music for a modern jive club(ceroc by another name-copyright and all that)

The good thing about this sort of gig is that your audience are there to dance so as soon as the music starts they are there on the floor and you dont have to flog your guts out. As long as its got a beat thats all they need.

[ChrisPointon 0]

QUOTE (DJTREV @ Feb 3 2003, 04:32 PM)

I have found that birthdays and weddings can be hard work and sometimes very unrewarding.

That comment is so true!. An empty dancefloor often makes the D.J paranoid, thinking that it is something that He / She is doing, or rather not doing, which is keeping the Dancefloor empty!. Experience has taught me that you can play music from every era at a function, and work hard, and still only maintain a hand full of people on the dancefloor at any one time http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/sad.gif some functions are going to be like that, and you just have to get used to it http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif .

 

Having done both resident work in a local club, and run the Gauntlet at all types of Private Functions - I can honestly say that the pub / club work is far more rewarding than Mobile http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif . Logically this makes sense, since your "resident" venue will be advertising as a disco and possibly charging an admission fee, and lets face it - you wouldn't go to a club and pay money if you hated music and D.J's!!. So 99% of the punters visiting your club will be out to enjoy themselves.

 

Private Functions are different - you have Auntie Ethel and Grandma who may not have seen each other for 5 years and all they want to do is gossip. You also have many people who have attended out of politeness or because they have to!. You also have the classic "family war" situtation to contend with also http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif, where two or more members of the family do not get on.

 

Other situations that can also make it difficult to create an atmosphere include the large function room built for 300 people where only 30 guests turn up!, and vice versa - the packed out village hall with 200 people in it - No room to dance - even if they wanted to.

 

Don't be too surprised if you don't pack the Dancefloor at Private Functions, it does happen, but not very often. At best you can usually expect around 25 - 50% of the Guests on the Dancefloor at any one time.

 

Just remember that it is still possible for people to enjoy themselves without being on the Dancefloor (I must admit that as a guest I don't dance either!). On a brighter note - some of the gigs that I've thought were a disaster, were rewarded with many guests asking for business cards and a sincere "thank you" from the host or hostess for a "Great Night"!!!. A Strange Business is D.J'ing!!!!!!.

[Guest Guest_Paul]

QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Feb 4 2003, 08:59 AM)

Just remember that it is still possible for people to enjoy themselves without being on the Dancefloor (I must admit that as a guest I don't dance either!). On a brighter note - some of the gigs that I've thought were a disaster, were rewarded with many guests asking for business cards and a sincere "thank you" from the host or hostess for a "Great Night"!!!. A Strange Business is D.J'ing!!!!!!.

That is so true. I have had nights where every minute has seemed like an hour and I have just wanted to die! But yet at the end you get people asking for a card and saying what a great night it was. http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/unsure.gif

[Guest Dharmesh]

Hi http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/cool.gif ,

Just read ur Posting for the starters and felt it very handy and good for statting my career, I would help me allot right from the start. I am about to take-up Dee Jaying as a hobby and this is a very helpful tip for me.

[Guest Unregistered]

I'm only a newcomer onto the scene, starting out working mobile.

What a mistake that was! stop wasting your time, spending $1000 on equipment, get a resident club spot, and just watch the $ roll in!

dont put up with aunty joan and uncle bob!

1. no pack up time at a club

2. no need to get britneys new single!

3. no drunken 50yr olds hitting on you!

need i say more?

get some decks, practice your ass off, perfect your mixes

and head down to the local dj agency, and wait for the phone calls.

that easy.

Edited May 1, 2003 by Dj SBD

[ChrisPointon 0]

Having the benefit of working in both the Mobile and Club circuit on a weekly basis, I agree with you 100% "Unregistered", I do prefer (and actually Look forward to doing http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif ) the Club work, and tend to dread the Weddings, 21st Birthdays etc - however after 15 years there must be SOMETHING about doing Mobile work! - maybe just a labour of love?? http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif

 

Mobile D.J'ing is hard work and most of the time a thankless task, but somebody has to do it http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif

[mikeee 0]

Tip No 483

 

Always have a radio mic ready at family party.

At birthdays, after the buffet, I normally announce the the birthday boy / girl has three choices: 1) They Buy every one a drink: 2) They can have the bumps: or 3) they can say a few words. If done in the right way, with the right tone of voice, you normally get a lot of cheers and applause. Well it works for me.

 

[DjDennis 0]

QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Feb 21 2003, 12:34 AM)

Having the benefit of working in both the Mobile and Club circuit on a weekly basis, I agree with you 100% "Unregistered", I do prefer (and actually Look forward to doing http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif ) the Club work, and tend to dread the Weddings, 21st Birthdays etc - however after 15 years there must be SOMETHING about doing Mobile work! - maybe just a labour of love?? http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif Mobile D.J'ing is hard work and most of the time a thankless task, but somebody has to do it http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/wink.gif

LOL Chris after 24+ years as both a Club and Mobile Jock

 

I have seen that all the time

 

most of what was shown is great and we can improve on it over time

 

sound checks can be done 3x days before and it wont matter if the mic dies 2x seconds before you speak

 

had a mic to that before - just pull it out and change it for ANOTHER (Always keep spares handy)

 

more interesting tips I can share as I get to post on the site

 

anyway have a fun day all http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[mikeee 0]

Hi Dennis,

Glad to see you are still alive and well.

 

[JUDERM 0]

Hey Chris or someone,

You sound pretty good at this DJ thing, and i was just gonna start getting into it. Their is a middle school dance this Friday, and i plan on running it from MP3's off my laptop. Can you give me a few pointers and tips...........music to play, when to play it, and other stuff you can think about this venue. Thx a lot for your help.

 

Note: I have appx. 2000 songs or so...this enough?

[NineLives 0]

QUOTE

Note: I have appx. 2000 songs or so...this enough?

 

Considering you will only have time to play about 70 if you are lucky , I would think it should be plenty http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/laugh.gif thats if you have a good collection spread through several decades (50's > New Millenium) .

[ChrisPointon 0]

Agreed Bill, but i've only just noticed the following on his post:-

 

QUOTE

Their is a middle school dance this Friday

 

If its a school disco then he'll need even less of a selection http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/tongue.gif , I believe Middle school covers ages 11 -13 / 14?.

 

Juderm, I believe that you are in the U.S?, I don't know whether you are just doing an adult function held at a middle school, or whether it is for the young people who attend the school?, obviously this will figure in what you decide to play.

 

If it is for the School, then, again, I'm not too sure of what music they are into at that age in the U.S, however, had it been for a similar age group in a School in the U.K, then I would usually play a mixture of music from the top 20 chart, a little bit of dance music, along with Eminem, Limp Bizkit, Red Hot Chilli's, Dr Dre, snoop dogg, missy Elliot, Ja Rule, Linkin Park etc etc - they always seem to be the most requested. One plus in the 'States is that you don't have to suffer with all the boy and girl band stuff that we get over here http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/smile.gif

 

However, if you are doing a function for Adults, then forget the Rap, tone down the R&B and be ready to play a wider selection of music. I usually find that 80's work well as a starting point, and then work my way through the 70's, 70's disco, 60's, rock 'n'roll, party stuff, cheesy charty stuff then the smoochies - obviously this does change from time to time and is dependant on the Audience and function! - however if you have the above in your collection then you shouldn't go too far wrong.

 

If you need any more info then please post, and don't forget to let us know how you get on.

[mikeee 0]

....and don't forget the Electric Slide http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif lol

[ChrisPointon 0]

QUOTE

....and don't forget the Electric Slide

 

???????????????

 

Mikeee have you been drinking the water which contained your Steradent Tablets again http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif

[mikeee 0]

It's American thing, like the Funky Chicken http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

 

In the last couple of years, I have had the privilage to do numous american weddings over here and eh one over there.

 

The girls from Chicago love thing like the Garter throw and the dollar dance, but in Virgina, well a little more reserved shall we say.

 

Chris if you get the chance and you are look for a bit of sun and a rest, try Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Late september is good, only 78 at night, and a cool 105 during the day. Marinas and golf course every time you turn around, the old steamer to Savannah, Georgia.

And whilst on the subject, Crabby Nicks is great for food.

[DJTREV 0]

What track do you play for the Electric Slide Mikeee?

Its not one I have used at a disco but I play it fairly regularly at modern jive nights.

I use a track called -Easy does it . Its on an album called The Big 18

I think they call it a "stroll" in mod. jive.

By the way Chris how do you put a quote on a post

[ChrisPointon 0]

use [*QUOTE] and [*/QUOTE] - missing out the "*" and simply paste in the text between the two commands.

[mikeee 0]

Hi DJTREV,

I use Marcia Griffiths - Electric Slide. And it's not in the Library, before you ask.

[The Spindoctor 0]

Mikeee

Being an open minded sort of guy, I just downloaded this Electric Slide thingy had a listen and hmmmmm well its different! LOL http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[DJTREV 0]

On the question of downloading.Which program do you guys use?I used Audiogalaxy when it was around and I thought it was brilliant- never had any problems. Then I used Kazarr or Winmx but it always seemed that you were lucky if you could finish downloading a track all in one go. Since I had a problem with my PC and lost a lot of my programs, I haven't got a download program.Any suggestions.

http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/1106.gif Talking of downloads.I know its a bit niave of me to expect something for nothing but on the Freeserve site it says"download free music from our library of 170,000 tracks".Well!before you can even join their music club you need Windows Media Player 7.1. It took me nearly all day to do that because I kept getting disconnected before I had finished. Then I found out you had to pay a monthly subscription in order to get the tracks.

Dont get me wrong I am not against paying as long as I get what I want,but it says its FREE and it isn't. http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/279.gif

Rant over - I think I need to go and lay down in a darkened room.

 

[mikeee 0]

Hi Spin, Yes it's different, you should hear the Kool & The Gang version. Othr tracks I've been asked for: Jay Ferguson - Thunder Island, Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses.

 

Trev, As a rule I don't down load, but If I'm after a deleted track I use WinMx.

 

Ah!!! Freeserve, the music is free, it's the service that costs - not one of my favorite companies, for to much "small print", I think they should be called Atapriceserve (lol)

[ChrisPointon 0]

Trev,

 

If you use Kazaa, then download the Kazaalite version which is available from Here it's less buggy and free from hidden spyware files which infiltrate your p.c and slow down your downloads as well as play havoc with your p.c.

 

Again, avoid the use of Windows Media Player since this is Bill Gates own Adware, and the latest version gives your p.c a unique identifier and passes on your i.p address to anything that wants it whilst connected to the net - basically your p.c becomes a mass advertising campaign for anything on the net. Result? - all those pop ups increase and the missus thinks you have been surfing busty bab's website again http://www.chrispointon.f2s.com/Forum/html/emoticons/ohmy.gif

 

If you do download files, then some virus protection on your p.c is a MUST I recommend Norton Anti Virus. As is a firewall (which prevents your p.c from being hacked - especially if you have P2P applications running). Again I recommend "Zone Alarm", its free and I use it myself along with 2 hardware firewalls and I've never had any problems.

 

 

[The Spindoctor 0]

I agree with Chris about Kazaa Lite I used to use Napster, then Audiogalaxy cos you could leave it running overnight till you got what you wanted, now i have a 1 Meg Broadband connection courtesy of Blueyonder I use KazaaaLite and it is awesome to download tracks in a couple of minutes.

 

Ok off to search for the Kool & the Gang version now lol