15 events a year?

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Agree with Cesar 100% ( Even if the starting post for this thread is almost an exact repeat...oh, my memory).

Since my event and bar show total is up in the hundreds, I can also add that if you carry your own stuff you WILL stay in shape and be less likely to hurt yourself. Personally, I would bounce off the walls if I only did 15 a year...
 
I do about 15 gigs a year and I'm doing just fine thank you very much.

Most of these are weddings during May-September with a couple of corporate Christmas parties at the end of the year. I didn't count my oudoor movie gigs, which are <10 a year during the summer.

I have full time job that occupies the rest of my time.
 
Cesar - My personal experience has been that if I have a slow period and don't work for a month or more, I DO need a while to shake off the "rust." My best work (for me at least) comes when I'm in the middle of a strong run and doing 1 to 3 events per week.

As you said, I am then in better tune with the crowd, I have a better handle on the music, the mix, what I'll say next. The down-side is that I sometimes find myself getting stale, because I will use the same patter, song progressions, etc based on them working in earlier events... I actually find that I have to work harder to stay fresh when I'm working more...
 
DJ Zac said:
Cesar - My personal experience has been that if I have a slow period and don't work for a month or more, I DO need a while to shake off the "rust." My best work (for me at least) comes when I'm in the middle of a strong run and doing 1 to 3 events per week.

As you said, I am then in better tune with the crowd, I have a better handle on the music, the mix, what I'll say next. The down-side is that I sometimes find myself getting stale, because I will use the same patter, song progressions, etc based on them working in earlier events... I actually find that I have to work harder to stay fresh when I'm working more...
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Zac do you play the same venues/clients repeatedly? I used to worry about the stale aspect but then again most of my consecutive gigs are for NON-repeat clients so they have no idea i did the same mix the night before and they end up loving it just as much.

Kyle
 
I'll speak to the moving equipment part of the question. I used to do product deliveries for a local chain of liquor stores, so I was moving all sorts of different sized boxes, containers, displays, etc all with differeing weights. Being in shape helps when lifting and moving things, but more importantly, its how you lift and do you know how the weight is distributed in the container.

For example: an average keg of beer weighs in at about 167lbs, and most people require help to lift it because they are trying to lift it straight up. From slinging more kegs than I care to remember, the way to lift a keg is to lay it on its side first and then lift. A single person can move the keg in this manner because of the technique used.

So, I think if the DJ stays in reasonable shape, the lifting shouldn't be a problem as long as the DJ uses proper techniques (lock the back, use your legs, etc).
 
I do 20 to 30 from May - October (our wedding season). I usually try to do one wedding a weekend (I find that 2 taxes me; mentally). I'm basically working every weekend, so "ring-rust" is not a concern at all.

As far as new music.....I do primarily weddings...so the amount of new music is little; and it's typically the tried and true mainstream hit (Don't stop the Music, Low......etc)

Physical - everything is on carts. I use lightweight 10" speakers (lol) and I have an assistant, so that's not an issue.

I do feel though that the off season (November to April) does lend itself to a bit of "ring rust" in May. I'm more nervous then...I do practice intro's, play around with the gear....more in April to get the "feel" back.

Great hypothetical question Cesar !
 
Kevin

I didn't mention just Wedding Receptions the fact that you do other events along with your 20 Receptions makes you a well rounded DJ in my opinion.

Now I am going back to my coffee still thinking about those 10 inch speakers.
 
It all depends on the type of those 15 events a year and the previous experience of the DJ. Perhaps more importantly how are you defining better; Money in pocket or customer satisfaction?

Who is to say this hypothetical DJ didn't work 20 years doing 4 or 5 gigs per week and decided to slow things down because he or she has aged?

Who is to say this hypothetical DJ isn't currently working for a warehouse, fed-ex/UPS, on a farm, or etc and their body is in plenty good shape to lift a few speakers and rack?

Who is to say this guy isn't rolling in with a Mac truck full of gear for those fifteen gigs and commanding 5k plus per show therefore netting more than most DJ working 50 $300 gigs a year?

Who is to say this guy isn't working exclusively wedding where knowledge of the newest music isn't needed nor is beatmixing?
 
At most I do 24-30 events a year, having a fulltime job and trying to maintain having something like a "life" that is all I want to do. As mentioned before this will give me more time to plan and prepare. In my case if I had an event every weekend I think I would get worse because I would be just trying to get through the event and go home.

I'll have a better idea on this in October, at the moment I have 5 events booked, usually I only do this in December for Christmas/Holiday parties. I also just got another quote request for October. I'll add a little extra over my normal rate, to test the waters shall we say.
 
Cesar said:
Can a DJ that does only 15 events a year really be any good.

Isn't the following more probable with the DJ that is doing 50 events a year compared to the DJ doing 15 events a year?

DJ is less likely to hurt himself moving his equipment as his body is more conditioned and used to the weight and lifts needed for his equipment.

DJ is more current on the music because he has seen the results on the dance floor more often then the other DJ.

DJ is more knowledgeable about crowds since he has more interaction with many more different types of crowds and nationalities to fall back on for informed decisions.

DJ has more experiences to fall back on when presented with out of the norm situations.

DJ will have a smoother delivery style since he won't loose any time getting the rust off his techniques.

Do you think any of these hold true or is DJing like riding a bike and you just never forget.
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Great Questions Cesar
I agree with all but would like to add that whe doing too many parties can put you in a rut.

April - Mid Ocotber - Weddings and Stag and Does Average 2 a weekend
November - Jan - Corporate Christmas Parties averaging 2 weekend

I do find that i have to switch my midset through both seasons
and coming back to the 1st wedding of the year, I do feel nervous
 
Can a DJ that does only 15 events a year really be any good.
Not really. 15 events per year would make that DJ average at best.

Isn't the following more probable with the DJ that is doing 50 events a year compared to the DJ doing 15 events a year?
Doing 50 events per year will keep you a step above the competition. It will keep your mixing and mc'ing skills tight.

DJ is less likely to hurt himself moving his equipment as his body is more conditioned and used to the weight and lifts needed for his equipment.
Agreed! I work out a 4 times per week and moving my gear is no problem. 2 big powered 15"s with 1 or 2 18" subs.
DJ is more current on the music because he has seen the results on the dance floor more often then the other DJ.
A working DJ willl always keep up with the music of today and should have a good knowledge of what his crowd is looking for.

DJ is more knowledgeable about crowds since he has more interaction with many more different types of crowds and nationalities to fall back on for informed decisions.
Agreed. I gain knowledge from my crowds by learning the music of different cultures.

DJ has more experiences to fall back on when presented with out of the norm situations.
911 situations do come up and the seasoned DJ can react without that panic look in his eyes.

DJ will have a smoother delivery style since he won't loose any time getting the rust off his techniques.
Agreed!
Do you think any of these hold true or is DJing like riding a bike and you just never forget.
Their is something new to learn in djing everyday. No matter how long you've been in the game.
 
Cesar : While honest as Abe Lincoln, you're missing an important factor about my good friend Zac.

Um, er, ah, what's the best way to put this.

Ah, here we go.

"There is a reason why his employer only gives him 10 minute coffee breaks and it has to do with the costs of retraining if 20 minutes long."
 
Just to clarify, and not come off like a bigger jerk than I am: When I said I do "up in the hundreds", I was including my 5 nights per week of club work. I RARELY do more than 50 private events per year- and usually closer to 40.
 
Joe no need to add a disclaimer. Any performance in front of a live audience will make you a better DJ then one who only does 15 events a year.

By the way is there a Dictionary I can go by for this ODJT Board so I can understand what some of these guys are saying?
 
Cesar said:
By the way is there a Dictionary I can go by for this ODJT Board so I can understand what some of these guys are saying?
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Nope. However, when I get confused, I just reply with something weirder and no one seems to question it....:sqlaugh::sqcool:
 
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