smlemmon 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 Hi, Just a quick introduction from me to all you experienced people... My name is Simon, and I am from a small market town in North Yorkshire. After 18 years of waiting, I have now managed to gather together the finances to set myself up as a mobile DJ. My aspirations were first established after doing a disco in my parents restaurant for a Christmas Party and have never left me since that time. Was a superb night, and tried persuading my father to set me up - but fathers being fathers - no joy!!! Anyway, after a tough career in IT for the past 16 years, I can now afford to do it, and am looking forward to my first immensley, although the nerves I am sure will set in at some point prior. Have all the marketing etc to sort out yet, although I have a good idea of how I am going to progress this. Have just bought myself some kit, just need to put together the music collection although I do have plenty of my own stuff to set me off. Have spent some time going through this forum, and I have to say it is great. Loads of very useful information and also, everyone seems so friendly and accomodating - even to all us newbies. That is so good to see. I have to say one of the greatest fears - being made to feel like a an outcast as a rookie. It is SO good to see so much support. I have to say that I am sure I will be looking for some guidance from you all as this will be the first time that I have done anything like this. Anyway, will stop waffling now. Look forward to talking with some of you in the future I hope - look forwrd to it. Keep up the good work Best Regards Simon Link to post Share on other sites
Eskie 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 Hi Simon, Welcome mate, enjoy.... What kit did you get? ...Hmmm, it seems we're being infiltrated by loads of northerners all of a sudden http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/tongue.gif Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
Dj_Kray 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 Hello and welcome http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif and feel free to ask away thats what we are here for just stick to the rules http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 QUOTE Hmmm, it seems we're being infiltrated by loads of northerners all of a sudden Suits me...eeee by gum..another 1000 Northerners here and we'll be about equal to the Southerners! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Welcome to DJU as you can see we have quite a lively forum, hope you'll visit and join in often http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 Hello again... OK, the kit, which I am hopefully collecting tomorrow is as follows:- 3x2 light screen x2 prolight controller Numark cdn-18 cd player numark dm1090x audio mixer 200wpc stageline amp stageline speakers phonic speakers Speaker stands 1.2m stand with lightingbar antari alpha f80z fogger skytronic microphone numark headphones flash 4 constella pro-twin abstract cyclone abstract twister 4 x2 chauvet abyss chauvet intimidator x2 Private sale. All second hand - about one year old. The guy who I am buying from has been superb. And, yes, another Northerner, and of course proud of it!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Although have spent the last sixteen years travelling between Edinburgh and Watford, so am starting to lose track of where I actually do come from - so are the wife and kids....!!! Anyway, thanks for replying. It is great to hear back so quickly. Cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites
Eskie 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 QUOTE (smlemmon @ Dec 28 2003, 11:43 PM) 3x2 light screen x2 You'll certainly receive a warm welcome from Spin http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted December 28, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2003 BTW - Any tips for a first night would be great http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Simon Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 QUOTE (smlemmon @ Dec 28 2003, 11:56 PM) BTW - Any tips for a first night would be great http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/fear.gif Simon (1) Try not to be nervous (Even though I still have a nervous breakdown before almost every gig!) (2) be confident in your ability and approach (3) Be yourself (4) Listen to your audience and try and play their requests (Where you feel they wouldbe appropriate). Try and read the dancefloor to see what is working and what isn't. (5) Be firm with requests that aren't appropriate for the venue / age group / function. You are the D.J and in control not one member of the audience (6) Don't drink a lot of beer (Even if (1) Applies a lot http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif ) it's not very professional (7) Read the "What makes a good D.J thread" for more tips from several other D.J's (8) Have fun and enjoy yourself! (9) Remember that people can still enjoy themselves and the majority remain seated - it happens now and again so don't take it personally! Link to post Share on other sites
Eskie 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 Agree with the above. For #4 though; a lot of people will demand that you play their request NEXT http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif Depending on the type of function you're doing this is often a no-no. If it's a bar or early in the evening then it's often possible to play someone's request quickly however if you're doing a wedding, a club etc and someone ask's for R&B when you're playing some 60's Motown which has a lot of people dancing then be firm and only play the request when YOU feel they will fit the atmosphere you're creating. Many guests don't give a to$$ about the atmosphere you work so hard to build and simply want their request on NOW. You have to be thick skinned and ignore their pleadings and always decide when is the best time to play it. ....ps, don't fall for the old tricks: 1. "I'm going in a few minutes so could you play it now" 2. "Everyone will dance to this song" Anthony Winyard Entertainment www.awe-dj.co.uk, Entertaining London & the South-East! Click here to LIKE The Funky Penguin on Facebook. www.facebook.com/awe.dj Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 All, This is really great feedback and advice I will definitely use. Will let you know how it all goes. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Keep it coming... There is no advice like true experience... Thanks Simon Link to post Share on other sites
Lee 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 Welcome Simon and good luck from one newbie to another. Link to post Share on other sites
C.S 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 Welcome here and i hope we can help you, Good Luck with the gig and keep the music as varied as the crowd you are playing to,and a quick word with the employer or host during the evening just to see if hes happy and you are not playing too loud, is something i find helps. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/biggrin.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
tonyj 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 hi and welcome. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/toot.gif 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
Ajsounds 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 hi there simon enjoy yourself here theres a great crowd here with plenty of advice! A J Sounds http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/042.gif AJsounds & Co (the old man) adamriggs255@hotmail.com Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 Everyone, Thanks for all the great feedback and making me feel so welcome. Just to let you know - picked up all my gear today. Very impressed. Just want to be out there doing it now. Even got some music thrown in with the deal which I was not expecting. Anyway, am now sitting in my conservatory surrounded by speakers, lights, mixer etc, which I have to find storage for. Hasten to add the wife isn't to impressed with it all beuing stacked in here - but hey... what the hell. Shouldn't be in here for too long (The gear I mean, not the wife) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/laugh.gif Anyway, I will keep you up to date on how I get on. Am trying to sort out a sort of trial run with family and friends at a local venue to get some intial feedback. Whilst I am on - how does everyone go on with PPLs. I am reading conflicting opinions on whether I need one or not. Any feedback would be appreciated. I suppose my concern is that in my area a lot of parties etc tend to be held at village halls annd the like. Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated. Cheers again. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/thumbup.gif Simon Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted December 29, 2003 Report Share Posted December 29, 2003 This has been asked here before, and advice was actually gained from the PPL website. If you are undertaking private functions in village halls / hotels for invited guests - no PPL needed If you are undertaking functions at members only, non admission charging functions - no PPL needed If you are doing pubs open to the general public without an admission charge - no PPL needed. * All the above assume that the venue is licensed for music / entertainment BUT:- If you intend to hold an outside public function, or a function where an admission fee is charged then PPL is required. In other words - the majority of mobile D.J's doing private functions in hotels and functon rooms / village halls DO NOT NEED PPL. Instead, spend the money on membership to the TVDJA and get yourself some PLI http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif . Hope this helps. Link to post Share on other sites
The Spindoctor 0 Posted December 30, 2003 Report Share Posted December 30, 2003 Hi Simon and welcome to the forum, don't take any notice of this lot regarding lightscreens, they rock! (see my rig pictures in the photos section of the forum) Keep coming back to post and enjoy! spin Link to post Share on other sites
McCardle 1 Posted December 30, 2003 Report Share Posted December 30, 2003 lightscreens what are they? "The voice of the devil is heard in our land" 'War doesn't determine who is right, war determines who is left, and you wont win this war.' Link to post Share on other sites
Hugmaster 0 Posted December 30, 2003 Report Share Posted December 30, 2003 Howdy and welcome Some quick tips for a first gig, drawn from experience... 1. Drink lots of water...it's easy to get dehydrated while your performing and not notice it. However, you'll get the most awful hangover next morning if you don't keep your liquids up. 2. Arrive in plenty of time just in case, you never know if the venue is going to be a total bitch for access. 3. Get as much info as you can about the gig you're doing, names of your customers, contact at the venue, any special songs want playing etc. 4. Watch the sound levels...until I got a bit of experience under my belt, one of the things that I got most requests for was to turn it down a bit. Even if you have the best sounding system available, too loud is still too loud. I said in another threat on this forum that the only ones that need to feel the music are those dancing or those on the edge of the floor thinking about dancing. 5. Some folks are a little shy about asking for requests, so get some request slips printed to put on the bar and tables around the room. Make sure they have your contact details as folks might just slip them into their pockets for future reference. 6. Regardless of what kind of mood you're in, or how the gig is going...always always always, "be nice" yes even too the drunken git who insists you play fire starter. Obviously if someone's beign a total git and trying to damage you or your kit, then you can shift geers and take steps, but there's no substitue for being "nice". 7. Stay calm...Qite often folks who are organising a private function are pretty stressed out. Most of it has to do with the fact that they've organised this damn function and want it to go well so folks will think good thoughts of them http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif So the more you can do to make them feel at ease, the better your chances of getting good customer feedback. Right time to step aside...remember, this is what you've chosen to do, so behave like you love it. Good luck and look forward to further posts. Darren Take a listen to Music Matters, the Big Mix Entertainment podcast, featuring music from the Podsafe Music Network. Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted December 30, 2003 Report Share Posted December 30, 2003 Welcome Simon from an Old Newbie but a Northerner. Hugmaster has already said my hobby horse: QUOTE 4. Watch the sound levels...until I got a bit of experience under my belt, one of the things that I got most requests for was to turn it down a bit. Even if you have the best sounding system available, too loud is still too loud. I said in another threat on this forum that the only ones that need to feel the music are those dancing or those on the edge of the floor thinking about dancing. Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted January 2, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 All - I know i keep saying thanks - but all the feedback is much appreciated. Well, had a small practise session with fmaily and friends on New Years eve and it went down an absolute treat. Had everyone dancing from 9pm until the small hours and the feedback was superb. Will start posting to the main forums from now on, but New Years Eve opened my eyes to a couple of things. 1. Going to look to get some backup gear - had a problem with one of my CD players - wouldn't eject properly, but with a bit of jiggery pokery, sussed it. Apparently there is a known problem with Numark Dual CD Players, where the Left hand CD does not eject properly, especially when the unit is cold. 2. Stay reasonably sober whilst doing it... After a bottle of Bacardi, I was beginning to lose the plot a bit.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/oops.gif Anyway, thanks again for everything - Am planning a proper session towards the end of January, and also looks like I have my first booking - for a works leaving do in March - Wahay!!!! Cheers Simon PS - Thanks for all the support for the light screens PPS - Thanks High Fidelity - Us Northerners should stick together http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/beer.gif Link to post Share on other sites
kazzachi 0 Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Welcome! One bit of advise I would give you is DONT DRINK ALCOHOL when you are working! That is a big no no if you want to present a professional image! Another good bit advise that I was given when I started up was that nobody has a clue that you are not the ultimate professional and that it is your first time! Present a confident front - only you will really know if you have made a mistake (unless you turn your cd player off - then just make a joke -)- and you will probably have higher expectations of yourself than your audience - Stay calm and smile WE LOVE KAREN, AND IT'S GREAT TO HAVE HER BACK !!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Link to post Share on other sites
smlemmon 0 Posted January 2, 2004 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 Thanks kazzachi, Yes, I agree. Excellent piece of advice. Fortunately New Years Eve was just a few friends and family, so everyone was in the spirit and made the night a superb one. However in the real world, there is no way I will be touching a drop. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif It was a good time to experience that loss of control, just as an indicator of what could happen at a real gig!!! Good lesson learnt. Cheers Simon Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted January 2, 2004 Report Share Posted January 2, 2004 QUOTE That is a big no no if you want to present a professional image! Says she, who was legless and hanging off everybody at PLASA 2003 in September! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif *Ahem* http://www.dj-forum.realitydns.net/plasa/KarenleftCaz.jpg Link to post Share on other sites
The Spindoctor 0 Posted January 3, 2004 Report Share Posted January 3, 2004 Actually I think Simon has it right............... IF you are gonna drink make it with family and friends who know what a 'real' professional you are. The only time I have got that smashed was in front of family........... the disco ends up being damn funny and I personally stopped the music mid record to demand a gin and tonic .....NOW!!! (and got it pretty sharpish too) It is a timely reminder as to how it could end up but invariably even we need to let go sometimes! Spin Link to post Share on other sites
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