YourBigEvent 0 Posted October 10, 2004 Report Share Posted October 10, 2004 QUOTE One little light-hearted word of warning Gary; I’ve had gigs where the "different" music list has put me off, but after lots of similar preparation (but not as much as you’ve done) they were a success, to the point that they led to several similar bookings because guests thought that I specialised in that kind of music. I have people thinking I am a R'n'B expert, having blagged one gig, I have several other gigs from the original gig. I have been in Garys shoes and the outcome was They were two sizes too big http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/stupid.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
Gary 0 Posted October 10, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2004 QUOTE (DJae @ Oct 10 2004, 10:30 AM) You handled it as well as you could - having a few cheap giveaways are invaluable at those moments. Anything you'd do different with hindsight? Personally I still think you handled it well - http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/goodjob.gif Ah! Hindsight is a wonderful thing.... (But I'll go for X-ray sight, every time and a window seat in a cafe opposite an Ann Summers shop...) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/drool.gif . I'd have liked to have given myself more preparation time - work out more possble mixes of how the various songs went together, and actually also to have given myself time to try to develop a personal liking to some of the tracks, rather than just a clinical, objective point of view about them. This sort of music appeals very little to me...I'm beginning to narrow it down to me just not liking Electric Guitars...maybe thats possible...some people dont like Marmite, I dont like the sound that Electric Guitars make...that could make sense.. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wacko.gif The bizarre thing was, out of the 60 people at the gig (it was originally supposed to be over 130...maybe the other 70 got to hear about the music list... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/huh.gif ), about 8 of them congratulated me at/after Breakfast the next morning, including the Bride and Groom. Classic quote from the bride at this point: "I'm so glad that everyone said they enjoyed it, you hear such awful things about Wedding DJ's" http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/bash.gif In hindsite, I dont think that I could have done anything differently...the parameters were too restrictive to allow for anything else to have happened. However, I think that a re-design of the music sheet which goes out to hirers is definately on the cards. A line in there to point out that one hour is just enough to play 12~15 songs. Link to post Share on other sites
johny k 0 Posted October 11, 2004 Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 if that was me id tell them to shove that playlist where the monkey shoves his nuts return the booking a definette no no http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted October 11, 2004 Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 QUOTE shove that playlist where the monkey shoves his nuts In an Asylum? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/rolleyes.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 0 Posted October 11, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2004 (edited) QUOTE (johny k @ Oct 11 2004, 07:12 AM) if that was me id tell them to shove that playlist where the monkey shoves his nuts return the booking a definette no no http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif If you were really going to say that to someone, it would be time for you to buy a Horse, a Ten-Gallon hat, a six-shooter, some spurs, and ride of into the sunset...watching out for dem dare indians... But I rather suspect that you, like most of us on here given the same (deliberately delayed) music list would spend some time, effort and cash to make a hirers music list, or other requirements, work - one way or the other. IF the bride & groom had sent the playlist in alot earlier (As I suspect that they did with the first disco which they tried), with plenty of time for them to find an alternative disco, then I too, would have turned it down, or sought some kind of compromise. Edited October 11, 2004 by Gary Link to post Share on other sites
Kingy 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 QUOTE (Gary @ Oct 11 2004, 08:15 AM) QUOTE (johny k @ Oct 11 2004, 07:12 AM) if that was me id tell them to shove that playlist where the monkey shoves his nuts return the booking a definette no no http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wallbash.gif If you were really going to say that to someone, it would be time for you to buy a Horse, a Ten-Gallon hat, a six-shooter, some spurs, and ride of into the sunset...watching out for dem dare indians... Gary!! No! I expected better from you! This comment does not mean he is a cowboy! Its not phrased very well, but I would do the same. Does that make me a cowboy too??? I would have done exactly as I said before. Declined the booking due to my unsuitability for it. That (in my opinion) does not make me a cowboy. Quite the bloody opposite! I am a professional. But I have my boundries and limits. If the B&G need something that I am not compitent to do, why on earth should I try and bodge it? No Way! They can use an alternative so that they can have the (unreasonable) party they want. Johnnyk 's comment is too harsh and un-proffesional, but I think basically he is right! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/ranting.gif Link to post Share on other sites
YourBigEvent 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 But Gary didn't have any options, when you get a hotel residency(sp) you have to take what they give you if they are anything like mine, it will be all thier functions whether that be a wedding, Xmas, birthday etc, If I say no to my hotels, then that lets someone in. I have done excately the same as Gary, got the playlist and thought IF it were my gig I wouldn't do it but it is the hotels gig and I work with the hotel so I will have to do it. I had one wedding once that the playlist looked like this... 19.00.00 Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head (3.26) 19.03.26 Ash - xxxxxxx (2.50) 19.06.36 Stereophonics - xxxxxxx (3.24) 19.10.00 ...... ...... ....... ....... 00.57.57 xxxx - xxxxx (2.03) 01.00.00 Finish A playlist to the second, no talking, no bufeet, and no 'popular' music, ALL Coldplay, Stereophonic, Nothing wrong with that type of music but not for a wedding. The groom even checked up on me 'We should be on record 26 now' checking his playlist against mine. Longest night ever, because nobody else liked the type of music. It LOOKED like I was playing what I like, not what the punters wanted so I would not have taken the booking (nor I suspect would any other DJ) BUT I had to go ti because it was a hotel booking. .....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
Gary 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 (edited) My comment was based upon johny K's comment of him theorhetically turning down the booking upon receiving the playlist - which was received (in this case) with only 3 weeks to go prior to the wedding. If you, Johny, or indeed any DJ, including myself had received that playlist, say...3 months prior to the date of the function and turned it down at THAT point, then I wouldnt make any references to Horse-riding, spur-wearing, yee-haa boys. But, as expressed above, I doubt anyone on this forum would ditch a bride & groom with 3 weeks to go. Edited October 12, 2004 by Gary Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 Hmmm, If you were not happy with the booking then I would hope that you would be a little more subtle than 'Go shove it....' I've had booking enquiries where I feel I may be dealing with a very difficult or fussy client and suddenly, whilst we are still at enquiry stage I realise that I am (i) On Holiday that Weekend (ii) Have A Prior Engagement (iii) Suddenly Very Expensive The most subtle way of refusing a booking is to use (iii) and charge them double what you normally would. If they ask why you are more expensive than Aunt Maggie's 40th then cooly and politely mention that the higher fee takes into account the 'extras' which they have been adding during the conversation and the time needed to implement them. And Aunt Maggie just left you to do your Job and required nothing beyond your normal level of service. With regard to Playlist's, well they often come in AFTER the booking has been confirmed. Technically this means that YOU are breaking the contract by refusing to do the booking after contracts have been exchanged. This is wrong however you try and sugarcoat it. If you don't want a difficult or unreasonable playlist then make sure that this is pointed out on your website, literature or at the time of booking, and ENFORCE it on your contracts which are sent out to be signed, when the Client books you. A simple paragraph on your booking contract along the lines of:- 'Joe Bloggs Disco' will endeavour to play upto (insert figure here) of the clients chosen requests, provided such requests are submitted in writing, at least 3 weeks before the Event. The client also agrees that 'Joe Bloggs Disco' cannot gurantee the inclusion of any difficult to source, obsolete or deleted titles either requested at the event or previously notified' If you invite requests and don't have a 'upper limit' or 'reasonable' disclaimer than that isn't your clients fault. Some people do take the invitiation of submitting a request list as being you wanting an entire nights worth of music. So, if you have a disclaimer on your contract and you suddenly get a 4x A4 Page request list of never released material then you have no contractual obligations to play them, whatsoever http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif. The client also has no legal recourse aginst you either. Whereas they would, if you suddenly decided to break your own contract with 'x' number of weeks to go. Leaving a Bride and Groom in the *********, just because they have sent you a request list is not exactly a good career move. Gary's situation is a little different, his contract is with the hotel, so he rarely may have any control of the clients contract or be able to issue his own. However it may be worth making any agent or hotel aware of any issues you have with long or unreasonable requests lists when you exchange contracts with any Agency or Hotel. I can accept Gary's situation entirely, is it really worth losing a lot of future work just over one fussy client and burning your bridges or risking your reputation over a request list?. Link to post Share on other sites
High Fidelity 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 QUOTE 'Joe Bloggs Disco' will endeavour to play upto (insert figure here) of the clients chosen requests, provided such requests are submitted in writing, at least 3 weeks before the Event. The client also agrees that 'Joe Bloggs Disco' cannot gurantee the inclusion of any difficult to source, obsolete or deleted titles either requested at the event or previously notified' Looks like I'm updating my terms & conditions. Quitting Smoking & Drinking doesn't make you live longer It just feels like it. Link to post Share on other sites
brianmole 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 QUOTE QUOTE 'Joe Bloggs Disco' will endeavour to play upto (insert figure here) of the clients chosen requests, provided such requests are submitted in writing, at least 3 weeks before the Event. The client also agrees that 'Joe Bloggs Disco' cannot gurantee the inclusion of any difficult to source, obsolete or deleted titles either requested at the event or previously notified' Looks like I'm updating my terms & conditions. Control-C, Contol-V Thanks for the inspiration. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 I don't think you can just revise a contract until it runs out, at least not without the agreement of both parties http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/sad.gif . But having once had a contract from an agency which ran into 5 pages, the important thing is to make sure that you take the time to read and understand it. It's also just as important to make sure that your own Ar$e is covered, don't forget that the small claims courts nearly always favour the customer where there is no evidence given to back up and support the service provider. Link to post Share on other sites
Gary 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 QUOTE (DJae @ Oct 12 2004, 03:56 PM) Gary, I assume you will be sending a revised contract to the venue? Nope! But I will be sending a revised "Music Sheet" to the venue. What made the music list unusual for this gig of mine, was the sheer length of it, and the bride & groom not realising just how many hours their "little list" was going to take... My revised music sheet may feature a section where people can write in their general styles/genres of music which they want eg: The usual "A good mixture of music for all tastes from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and some of todays music, but no rapping or hip-hop please". But ALSO, I'm toying with the idea of having a lined area where they can write down individual song titles and artists names (if known), but have some kind of "30 minutes, 1 hour, 90 minutes " marker going down the page every 6,12,18 lines etc, and only give them 24 lines. I'm certain that last Saturdays B&G simply didn't think their list was "thaaaat" long, they thought that all their 6.5 hours of music, and loads of guest music would all fit into a 4.5 hour show...no problem. Of course, theres a potential problem brewing if we offer people the ability to "only" pick 2 hours music for their 4 hour show....they could say (in the extreme) "We're paying 4 hours money, we want to pick 4 hours worth of music, not just 2 hours...".... but thats just the extreme ones. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif Link to post Share on other sites
RobbieD 0 Posted October 12, 2004 Report Share Posted October 12, 2004 QUOTE (Gary @ Oct 12 2004, 04:44 PM) My revised music sheet may feature a section where people can write in their general styles/genres of music which they want eg: The usual "A good mixture of music for all tastes from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and some of todays music, but no rapping or hip-hop please". But ALSO, I'm toying with the idea of having a lined area where they can write down individual song titles and artists names (if known), but have some kind of "30 minutes, 1 hour, 90 minutes " marker going down the page every 6,12,18 lines etc, and only give them 24 lines. I'm certain that last Saturdays B&G simply didn't think their list was "thaaaat" long, they thought that all their 6.5 hours of music, and loads of guest music would all fit into a 4.5 hour show...no problem. Of course, theres a potential problem brewing if we offer people the ability to "only" pick 2 hours music for their 4 hour show....they could say (in the extreme) "We're paying 4 hours money, we want to pick 4 hours worth of music, not just 2 hours...".... but thats just the extreme ones. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/533.gif Hi Gary, On my music sheet I use the following words: "Please list any other songs you would like to hear and I will TRY to include them in to the rest of the evening. Please keep in mind that it is only possible to play around 15 songs an hour. Therefore to allow me the flexibility to include other popular songs, as well as requests from your guests on the night, please try to keep this to less than another 15 songs." (Hopefully the use of the word "TRY" in capitals, makes it clear that I do not guarantee to play them.) I gave some other info on my music sheet on page 3 of this thread. Link to post Share on other sites
Dukesy 0 Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004 (edited) Alternative 'Terms': Music content and ‘requests’ are at the discretion of the performing artiste / entertainer / DJ Some Disco services guarantee every song available - some dont: We accept music lists and requests in advance of functions, but cannot guarantee that every single track requested is available. If you are unsure about any request or can provide the selected track/s on Compact Disc Audio, we would be happy to play on the night. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/smile.gif Edited October 13, 2004 by discodirect Link to post Share on other sites
djmikespeed 0 Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 All I can say mate is 'Headache'! I've got 1 now just thinking about the hassle your going to get off the guests, I agree some good tunes there, but they carn't do it to you. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/nono.gif ---------------------------------- Work, rest and play very HARD! CLUB - Hardhouse/Hard Funky /Hard Trance DJ PUB - 70's, 80's, 90's, to upto date Pop, R&B & commercial sounds. If you want a reliable friendly DJ contact me for a free demo (Club), mikespeed@tidyfc.com or 07787164054 Link to post Share on other sites
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