Weddings A guest DJ & other requests?

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I did a wedding last year with almost the same scenario. The bride was in a band and wanted to play at her wedding. Her friend was a dj and he wanted a small set. The band brought their own system but their vocals were overwelmed by the instruments so I allowed them to plug their monitor out into my preamp and give their voices a bost through my system. I also approved the small set. Nothing broke (i knew nothing would) and 2 more gigs were gained from me being resonable.
 
Bill- You seem to: "Know what you know and know what you don't know"

This is where alot of DJs get caught up in the hype and want to be everything to everybody.

I can tell you it is alot of work to provide audio/video and anything else for other entertainers.

Here are some examples:
Bands- Will blame their crummy performance on the "sound guy" every time.

Musicians- Same thing, harps, violins, guitars, etc are NEVER reproduced correctly no matter what equipment you use!

Speakers- You have to be a mind reader. as you guys already know during a toast getting them to speak into the mic, not tap on it, blow on it etc is challenge.

Large orchestra's- Where do i begin? all of the above apply and more.

Hip hop djs- Lap tops crashing, turntables humming, mic's (if they use them) are covered and shoved in their mouth, etc you end up doing the gig.

These are just a couple of things we have learned about. So adding a musician or band is a big deal not, "no big deal". Keep that in mind if the question ever comes to you.

Paul
 
OK! Now for real time experience. My private gig last night turned out to be quite a mixture of odd requests that most DJs may not be able to accommodate.
I was told by the client on Wednesday (This was a last minute booking from a former client) that they will need 2 mics. He said that there will be a guy there doing a guitar performance.
What actually happened was this:
1.They needed three mikes (One corded and two wireless). I was able to accommodate this request.
2.The guitarist eyes lit up when he saw my system and asked if he could use amplification through my system. We connected his guitar through a DI Box to my Mackie.
3. They had special Dancers Performances (The group was Brazilian) that required specially prerecorded music on CDs and an IPod. Plugged those in to the Mackie.
4. I also provided plug in connections for the IPod, a flash drive (through my MEP 7000) and a Tablet.
I ended up with more money for the extra effort.
The only thing I wished I had and WILL be buying withing the next couple of weeks is a Reverb, Echo, Delay (Effects) unit. I have been getting regular requests for that type of unit for some time now.

So to sum things up, those kind of requests can be accommodated. In all fairness to Bill, if the cost of renting additional gear to deliver this service and make a profit is cost prohibitive, then he may have to pass on those kind of requests.

My system is patterned/designed after/for Live Sound so its a walk in the park for me to be able to deliver this kind of service. So my clients now include the regular prospects plus other DJs, Musicians, Bands and Venues for sound.
 
ahoustondj said:
The only thing I wished I had and WILL be buying withing the next couple of weeks is a Reverb, Echo, Delay (Effects) unit. I have been getting regular requests for that type of unit for some time now.
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You should check out the mackie profx series of mixers, it has built in fx and input for 1 guitar.

You wouldn't need to make more room in your rack or carry the extra DI Box(but back ups always nice)

Plus you can use the usb i/o and record your shows to your pc and then charge that as an add on. Every comic/poet/singer who performs at your club for open mic night or whatever would love to get a quality recording of thier performance. Now your not only getting $ from the bar but now the performers too!



To the OP: Take the gig, sounds like the violinist and other guy will be doing half of the performing. Just becuase you let a dj patch into your PA doesn't mean you give him access to any buttons or knobs!!!! Create rules upfront and you will be fine, if you let them walk all over you then they will.

If the dj is a family member then guest will be aware of that and if he sucks then it doesn't make your company look bad. Just annouce him as a guest dj thats a part of the family.

Charge your normal rate plus extra for proving sound for both the violinist and dj. Wether you have to provide music or the violin, your gear is still being used, NO discount!

I still think if your a musician playing gigs you should have your own portable PA, I mean how many djs offer to dj weddings without speakers? Well I guess in your case, you found a dj who does just that. :triwink:
 
shanefrom302 said:
You should check out the mackie profx series of mixers, it has built in fx and input for 1 guitar.

You wouldn't need to make more room in your rack or carry the extra DI Box(but back ups always nice)

Plus you can use the usb i/o and record your shows to your pc and then charge that as an add on. Every comic/poet/singer who performs at your club for open mic night or whatever would love to get a quality recording of thier performance. Now your not only getting $ from the bar but now the performers too!
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I will have to weigh and compare these things. If anything I like this: http://www.mackie.com/home/showimage.html?u=/products/profx12/photos/ProFX12-Top.jpg

http://www.mackie.com/products/profx12/
However, my Mackie is a 14 Channel.
I do have one space left in the rack so It won't be a problem to add another unit.
Weight is not an issue because my rack has wheels. I never have to actually lift it.
It is a sweet mixer though. If my current Mackie Rack ears can fit it, I will strongly consider adding it to the arsenal.
 
shanefrom302 said:
Thats the one I got!

I actually got it becuase you suggested Mackie to me back a few months ago when I needed something for a ceremony!
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Thats cool! Can you have different effects on different channels at the same time?
Meaning, can I have reverb on one singer and flanger on the guitar?
 
Bill Kexel said:
How do we incorporate a violinist into the ceremony? and is there a discount for this, since he will be providing the music?
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First thing that pops into my mind, do you need them "mic'd"? If so, this could be an additional fee - sound checks, etc. If my equipment is on and being used, there is no discount.

Bill Kexel said:
Have you ever incorporated a spinning DJ into your set-up, only because one of our cousins is a Hip-hop DJ and would like do some DJing with you. If you don't have turntables, can he plug his turntables into your system?
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Can he plug his turntables into my system - hmmm. Not sure how I feel about this one as most of my stuff is on most of my available channels. I do have room but they would need really long rca jacks. The "cousin" wouldn't be right near the mixer - which could pose other issues if he needs access. I'm also worried about someone 'blowing' the pots lines on my mixer - had to read the riot act to a 'guest club dj' after I warned him of exceeding the 'redline' of my channel and he did it anyways.

As stated before: "Guest DJ" : Your preference. IF I were to do it - again, "IF," and Im not saying I'd be inclined to - I would set some very clear boundaries, ie specify that the appropriate outputs from his system could be plugged into the appropriate inputs on mine, but that I and I alone run the final sound going out. IE, NOBODY touches my stuff but me. As far as I'm concerned, he's just another deck/source to be "mixed in."

I completely agree with this - no one but no one touches my equipment. In my instance, the guy brought his own mixer. He was informed he would not touch mine. He was also advised not to redline my board so who knows if he would have listened to anything. The good thing about this show was that this "celebrity club dj" had been playing for 15 mins and the client comes up and says he doesn't want him to play - he wants me to play!

=)

Bill Kexel said:
What if we wanted to incorporate a band for a few songs.
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I'm ok with this. I have teamed up before with bands and it works out well in most cases, less equipment (they don't being their speakers), less space. Obviously, there can also be a downfall to the same scenario.

Sounds To Go said:
Understood, but it doesn't have to complicate you that much. The trickest part for me - that I would have the most issue with would be providing sound for the band IF thats what they were looking for. Likely equipment would need to be rented and run to do the job right, but having done events with other performers before, and reading that email, I don't see her asking or even hinting at needing sound for the band.

It's a personal barometer thing for sure. No doubt about it! :triwink:
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At the few I've done, they brought everything they typically would except for speakers. They gave me their line out, plugged it in - all sound through my mixer. I flatlined my EQ too because they had their own.

The Wizard Of OZ said:
Actually, if it was just the band that you needed to set up a sound system for that might not be so bad. I have extra speakers, extra amps, extra mixers etc. But to have a violinist at the ceremony, a guest DJ at the reception AND a band to deal with? To me that's a bit much. If for some reason I did take on a project like this I would charge dearly and if they accepted I would need to bring someone to help with the load in/set up and tear down which would add to the price. Add a light show and you could spend4 hours setting up.

No lights and just pressing mute while the band plays on their own sound system simplifies everything. Guest DJ plugging into my mixer and all I do is EQ and adjust volume-not that hard. Plugging the violinist into a DI box? Not a large amount of work. Dealing with everyone involved in this "production"? Priceless . . .
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If this was a 4 or 5 hour show - I can see you getting very little play time of your own. There is a bit goin' on.
 
UPDATE:

I had notified them that I can mic the violinist during the ceremony (if need be) lav mic.

As far as the hip-hop DJ cousin, I have no problem with him performing, but he would have to provide his own equipment. I do not allow anyone else to use my DJ equipment or plug into it.

The band: I have no problem with them performing, but I cannot assist them with audio & I can not be surrounded by their gear or cords (anything that will hinder my performance)

The prospective client called me today & booked the event. I asked about the hip-hop Dj & the band & they decided against all of it (too much to deal with)

This worked out great. Rather than create a situation that would make my job more difficult, I nipped it in the bud BEFORE ACCEPTING THE GIG.

There was not going to be any additional income to be made on taking on this extra stuff, so I decided not to open myself up for it.

I will use this method for all future gigs. let the prospect know No one touches my DJ gear & if they want to add anything to the event, I'm fine as long as it doesn't hinder the job they are hiring me for.
 
I find it amusing how everyone wants to be different and not provide "McWeddings" but as soon as someone thinks outside the box they run as fast as they can

In the end you made the right decesion....The one that worked for you
 
ahoustondj said:
Thats cool! Can you have different effects on different channels at the same time?
Meaning, can I have reverb on one singer and flanger on the guitar?
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No, the Mackie and most other mixers with effects only have a single effects channel. You would need external effects and have insert channel functionality which the Mackie does have.
 
Bill Kexel said:
UPDATE:I asked about the hip-hop Dj & the band & they decided against all of it (too much to deal with).
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Hmmm...it almost sounds like she settled because she thought it couldn't be done.

So maybe she had to accept NOT having the reception of her dreams.

I would have offered alternatives - like calling sound reinforcement companies and rental places to see if what they offered may allow her to have her dreams met.

Sorry to sound negative...
 
Scott Harris said:
No, the Mackie and most other mixers with effects only have a single effects channel. You would need external effects and have insert channel functionality which the Mackie does have.
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Well then that makes me feel better. I was planning to get an external effects unit anyways. Can you or anyone else recommend a good external effects unit that will fit in one or two spaces?
 
dunlopj said:
Hmmm...it almost sounds like she settled because she thought it couldn't be done.
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...or thought she could get it for free or use it to reduce the legit fees.

dunlopj said:
So maybe she had to accept NOT having the reception of her dreams.
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...or maybe she had simply been bombarded with "Can B steal some of your spotlight requests from others that see simply wanted to verify that it would be too costly or have a detrimental effect on her vision.

dunlopj said:
I would have offered alternatives - like calling sound reinforcement companies and rental places to see if what they offered may allow her to have her dreams met.

Sorry to sound negative...
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She was offered alternatives and informed of the monetary costs and the potential impact on her event of doing so.

What if her dreams included having the dj spin only from the itunes playlist on her iphone?

Would you not inform her of the potential impact and any associated costs?
 
ahoustondj said:
Can you or anyone else recommend a good external effects unit that will fit in one or two spaces?
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Here ya go... :D


tamb.jpg
 
Bill Kexel said:
A few days a go, I met with a prospective couple. (haven't signed yet)
They recently emailed me some additional questions/requests:

I'm thinking about walking away from this potiental wedding gig. I see red flags everywhere.

Your thoughts?


How do we incorporate a violinist into the ceremony? and is there a discount for this, since he will be providing the music?

-Have you ever incorporated a spinning DJ into your set-up, only because one of our cousins is a Hip-hop DJ and would like do some DJing with you. If you don't have turntables, can he plug his turntables into your system?

-What if we wanted to incorporate a band for a few songs.
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IMHO....if you are there, you should be paid for your time whether a violinist is there or not. As for someone mixing on my equipment...not sure on that one. I usually don't like people messing with my gear.
 
The one question I have from reading this, is if they have a cousin that DJ's why not use him.. lol if they dont trust him to dj their wedding then I wouldn't let him play along with you either.
 
Bill Kexel said:
A few days a go, I met with a prospective couple. (haven't signed yet)
They recently emailed me some additional questions/requests:

I'm thinking about walking away from this potiental wedding gig. I see red flags everywhere.

Your thoughts?


How do we incorporate a violinist into the ceremony? and is there a discount for this, since he will be providing the music?

-Have you ever incorporated a spinning DJ into your set-up, only because one of our cousins is a Hip-hop DJ and would like do some DJing with you. If you don't have turntables, can he plug his turntables into your system?

-What if we wanted to incorporate a band for a few songs.
Click to expand...

Violinist no problem but no discount another DJ forget about it. They can hire him and he can bring his own tin can. Add a band as long as they have nothing to do with me or my equipment no problem. Using my equipment then they can bite me.
 
trafficgoo said:
IMHO....if you are there, you should be paid for your time whether a violinist is there or not. As for someone mixing on my equipment...not sure on that one. I usually don't like people messing with my gear.
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I got you man, there is no one messing with my equipment. I told you guys about the brides maid that I found behind my system. My wife was in the bathroom and I walked 20 feet to talk with the room captain. I turned around and a drunk brides maid was there messing with my stuff.

It took 5 seconds for me to get behind my booth. With the look on her face you would have thought she saw the devil. I would not even let her tell me what she wanted until I had schooled her on she was taking her life in her own hands being there. :tribiggrin:
 
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