Ahhh, time for my 2nd Blog post ever so I figure that I can bring a little humor this time around. If you don't know me very well, my primary occupation as of late is a Wedding Reception Disc-Jockey for a fairly large company in Southeast WI. The only thing that sucks is that its kind of seasonal because of our weather here in the mid-west, but anywho; I've been doing this for the better part of 4 years and with this post I shall bestow upon my readers some of my experiences, stories, pet-peeves, and do's and don'ts for anyone who is looking to pursue this career or for anyone that is going to be a part of a wedding anytime soon. ;-)
Rule 1: Hygiene
As a person in the service industry, looks aren't everything (well they kind of are, but not a defining factor of your success) but Hygiene is. Figure this, if you are hosting a wedding reception & ceremony that usually takes a good 10-12 hours out of your day. I don't personally know anyone who would smell like a spring breeze after being on their feet running around working for 12 hours. So as a major rule, make sure you have a Dj's 1st Aid-Kit complete with: 1:) Chewing Gum or Mints 2.) Deodorant (preferably Axe or Old Spice in spray form.) 3.) And also a spare shirt (s**t happens). Because every client wants a Funky DJ, but not a FUNKY DJ.
Rule 2: Alcohol
Depending on the bride & groom, venue, and whether or not there is an open bar, this is one of the few professions where it may be alright to have an occasional drink. ONLY within moderation!!! Everybody wants to have fun, but an alcoholic dj is far from that. First, if you do have any alcohol, try to be as inconspicuous as possible while getting your drink. It's not good business etiquette for your client to overhear you ordering 2 shots of Everclear and a Jager - Bomb right before you start spinning the dance music. MODERATION, make sure you can walk a straight line and say your ABC's backwards before announcing the names for the Bridal Party introduction as to not slaughter the names of the people that are potentially paying you for your services.
Rule 3: Requests - BE COURTEOUS but STERN!!!
Potentially a product that can determine the success or demise of your evening is your ability to pick and choose requests given to you by your crowd. Depending on whether this is a wedding reception, teen party, or club scenario, these can help you get a better idea of what the crowd enjoys and is willing to dance to. Be able to also use common sense when utilizing requests if you are taking them for the night. It's cool to play songs people know and recognize, but try not to alienate yourself from your crowd by playing a DJ megamix mash-up of unreleased material from some random guys ipod because he says that he's a dj in New York and people are "going dumb" over this song "in the streets". Never ends up well, trust me. You wouldn't wear cowboy boots and a sombrero to a job interview, now would you? Unless it was for a rodeo. I prefer to do an announcement directed toward the crowd explaining that I am taking requests and will 'TRY' to play them if I have them and are appropriate to the party. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT PROMISE ANYONE that you will play their request immediately (unless they are the people who are paying you for being the dj for the night). I've seen what happens if you promise and don't deliver. Let's just say a fellow DJ friend got into a fist fight for not playing Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison in a prompt and immediate manor.
Rule 4: Dancing -- ALSO WITHIN MODERATION
The only setting that I've been in as a DJ where I could get out on the dance floor is during wedding receptions (at clubs and bars this is almost impossible due to the up-tempo-ness of the vibe & music). Well, the only time I figure its appropriate is if you are teaching your group how to do the Electric Slide or Cupid Shuffle or some ish like that. You might get your a** beat if you're on the dance floor and the Bride and Maid Of Honor are backin' dat a** up on you. In that case a picture is worth more than 1,000 words, it's also worth a lawsuit and a trip to the hospital after the groom finds this picture posted on his wife's Facebook page.
Rule 5: Be a student of music
Being a Dj is like writing a book. Each song is a chapter in the story of the evening that you are creating through music. A successful story has transitions that lead from one story to the next. Make sure that your mixes from song to song complement each other. You don't want to go from a slow dance to a fast dance to a slow dance. Make sure you are building your playlist like you are leading up to the climax of a story. This gives people who want to slow dance a chance to get drinks and talk while upbeat music is playing and vice versa. It makes the night more memorable.
Lol, I hope this has been a decent overview of some experiences that I've gone through in my tenure as a dj, and I'm sure there will be more stories I will share with you in the future. :-)
Reno K
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