How to know when you’re done

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Jeff Romard said:
It doesn't infuriate me...Maybe slightly annoy but not infuriate.

I do have these conversations with every bride and the majority don't want fast mixing at their reception. We've discussed this before maybe it's market, maybe they have never seen someone do it well although there are a few around here that are as good as anyone I have seen. The responses I most often get are please don't cut songs off and here's a few we like we would like you to do like you did at John and Mary's wedding

It's distinctly possible that I am the one in the bubble where my referral rate is 95% plus but in the few receptions I have been to as a guest no one was fast mixing

Sweet 16's I agree it would be beneficial



Actually as someone who did mix with records I didn't find it that hard it definitely took skill though and a lot of concentration. I found CD's much more difficult to mix with







Again not the ones that are calling me



I have no doubt he is good at what he does. Most of us here are good at what we do too. I just find him condescending and arrogant. Maybe it's the presentation or his persona online

Those guys I was referring to are quite polished





I have no doubt in my mind you and Nick are both very skilled at what you do but what you guys do and what I and a lot of us do are two different things
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I had no problem with mixing using CDs once I got used to doing it. What I find is Mallenias attention span is not that deep. They get bored quickly. So listening to a whole song is boring to them. Besides the songs of today are normally very short.

I can give you 4 songs Besides others that were super long. Martin Circus Disco Circus MFSB Love Is The Message, Macho I'm A Man and Captain Sky Super Sperm. All of those songs are super long and when you had to play those songs, you had to play the entire song. Not cut a song short. That wouldn't work for the new Mallenials of today.

Personally I feel a lot of the new music today is garbage and doesn't need to be played entirely.
 
logisticalstyles said:
This is an interesting topic that I have been thinking about recently. I'm at a point where I am starting to turn down more and more gigs because they aren't a good fit for me. I don't see myself completely quitting DJing but I won't be taking every gig that comes my way. All of my gear is paid for and I don't see any reason to buy more gear. The speakers, mixers and controllers that I currently have will probably be my last. I may even sell off some gear that I don't use or need. I will still DJ some gigs but I am now looking at other ways to continue being involved in the DJ industry. That may mean focusing more on my Youtube channel, getting back into music production, streaming, making mixes or anything other than mobile DJing. I also don't want to go back to the bar and club scene mainly because I don't like the newer music of today. There's plenty of other ways to still DJ. I'm just not going to focus on mobile DJing in the future.
My day job as a Sys Admin more than covers my bills and I am starting my own IT consulting business. I used to use the extra DJ money as an excuse to continue doing gigs but that's just not the case anymore. The gig money is cool but not a necessity. Now, I do have some clients that will always be able to book me because they are easy and fun gigs. For instance, this month one of my clients is flying me to the Bahamas for 4 days to DJ some parties. As long as they need a DJ I will available. Typical run of the mill weddings will have to pay really well to get my attention now. It's definitely an interesting situation to be in but I am happy to have made it this long (36 years).
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I'm in the exact same boat (minus friends in the Bahamas, LOL). I'm a computer guy by trade as well... maybe it's an IT thing, LOL.

I will say, in my short 3 years of dj'ing as a hobby, I've learned it's a tough industry. There is no way I could do it in my area full time and earn a high enough wage to make a living. Just not enough gigs and the money isn't really there either. Again, very rural area. I knew that going in, which is why it's only ever been a hobby. I've seen what Taso mentioned... especially with the under 25 generation... they want what they see on TikTok. The want sparks, CO2, ALL the lights, and Nick Spinelli at the DJ booth putting out perfect mixes and mash-ups. I can't dj like that and don't have the will to learn it.... so I'll stick to the gigs that don't ask for it... if and when they pop up.

I applaud those of you who make a living from it, and who have done it for many years.
 
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tunes4046 said:
I have Two wedding on the books for the rest of the year and maybe three other private gigs,
I find myself turning down most inquires as they are either too involved logistically or too far away.
Obviously, I don’t need the income, I used to DJ because I loved the adrenaline of the crowd, but the last few years I have found clientele has become in general more difficult to work with, many have unrealistic expectations based on the budgets they are working with.
I used to have no problem booking $2500 plus weddings but have started to run into more and more $2500 brides with $5000 expectations.

More than likely it’s just me, I’d rather do other things with my free time and have started several business that generate far more income based on time invested, leaving me more free time to enjoy life
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I've always enjoyed being a DJ and Karaoke host. Have to say, I have never made $2500 for doing a wedding. That being said, I live in San Antonio, TX and you're lucky to get $1,000 for a four hour wedding. I am 66 years old and have been doing this since the 70's. I have had my share of fun and when I started I looke at this as an opportunty to make money and have fun at the same time. 66 is a ripe old age for a DJ and I am less tolerant. I am fully retired from civilian work and on occasion I DJ for fun and to have something to do. I have learned that when people seek a DJ, they do not value what they can get from a professional DJ. I have also learned that they value cost more than quality. Back in the early 90's I was making $400- $500 for a four wedding. People still want to pay that amount. Here they have no qualms with paying a mariachi band $800 for a 45 minute set or paying a $1000 for a wedding cake. If there is anything that people remeber from most weddings, it is the entertainment. A good DJ is worth thier weight in gold.

I am fully retired as of 2022, DJing is just for fun. Looking around there is a lot more competition now and I do not have the energy to compete against the younger DJ's. Yet when I go out to a party or club with a DJ, I feel that some DJ's do not realize that it is not about them but that the DJ's job is to entertain and keep the floor bumping. Not sure how long I'll have this itch to DJ, but until I end my career, I will always give it my best. Lastly, the fact that you have a nice music library on your phone or laptop does not make you a DJ. Just saying.
 
Musica40 said:
I've always enjoyed being a DJ and Karaoke host. Have to say, I have never made $2500 for doing a wedding. That being said, I live in San Antonio, TX and you're lucky to get $1,000 for a four hour wedding. I am 66 years old and have been doing this since the 70's. I have had my share of fun and when I started I looke at this as an opportunty to make money and have fun at the same time. 66 is a ripe old age for a DJ and I am less tolerant. I am fully retired from civilian work and on occasion I DJ for fun and to have something to do. I have learned that when people seek a DJ, they do not value what they can get from a professional DJ. I have also learned that they value cost more than quality. Back in the early 90's I was making $400- $500 for a four wedding. People still want to pay that amount. Here they have no qualms with paying a mariachi band $800 for a 45 minute set or paying a $1000 for a wedding cake. If there is anything that people remeber from most weddings, it is the entertainment. A good DJ is worth thier weight in gold.

I am fully retired as of 2022, DJing is just for fun. Looking around there is a lot more competition now and I do not have the energy to compete against the younger DJ's. Yet when I go out to a party or club with a DJ, I feel that some DJ's do not realize that it is not about them but that the DJ's job is to entertain and keep the floor bumping. Not sure how long I'll have this itch to DJ, but until I end my career, I will always give it my best. Lastly, the fact that you have a nice music library on your phone or laptop does not make you a DJ. Just saying.
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Look up Dan Quinn and Justin the DJ... both from Texas with starting prices at $5000 and $3500 respectively. I think many don't realize just how much dj's are actually getting nowadays. I went to Ohio 2x this summer already in Columbus, and the planners both said they work with Dj's who do packages between 3-5k regularly. Yes there are countless cheaper options, but many more are getting into the $2500+ range for standard productions.
 
djtaso said:
Look up Dan Quinn and Justin the DJ... both from Texas with starting prices at $5000 and $3500 respectively. I think many don't realize just how much dj's are actually getting nowadays. I went to Ohio 2x this summer already in Columbus, and the planners both said they work with Dj's who do packages between 3-5k regularly. Yes there are countless cheaper options, but many more are getting into the $2500+ range for standard productions.
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It's nice that you said what you did. The thing is being able to sell yourself to get paid what you mentioned. Clients have to believe you're worth that price. Now it's up to the DJ to prove they are worth that much. It's about being able to consistently show clientele that you're worth that price.

There are those who would never pay 3k to book a DJ because in their minds no DJ is worth that much. All they are doing is playing songs. Wait till they get a DJ that made their event a mess. That's when some will realize their mistake. Don't just base booking a DJ on price alone.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
It's nice that you said what you did. The thing is being able to sell yourself to get paid what you mentioned. Clients have to believe you're worth that price. Now it's up to the DJ to prove they are worth that much. It's about being able to consistently show clientele that you're worth that price.

There are those who would never pay 3k to book a DJ because in their minds no DJ is worth that much. All they are doing is playing songs. Wait till they get a DJ that made their event a mess. That's when some will realize their mistake. Don't just base booking a DJ on price alone.
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People that are charging in the higher range are often not having to directly sell themselves. Consultations often do not revolve around explaining "why are you worth $$$$" or what do you get for that price. Their performance and reputation sells itself, as do the results. It's a completely different category of clients you're attracting.
 
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MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
It's nice that you said what you did. The thing is being able to sell yourself to get paid what you mentioned. Clients have to believe you're worth that price. Now it's up to the DJ to prove they are worth that much. It's about being able to consistently show clientele that you're worth that price.

There are those who would never pay 3k to book a DJ because in their minds no DJ is worth that much. All they are doing is playing songs. Wait till they get a DJ that made their event a mess. That's when some will realize their mistake. Don't just base booking a DJ on price alone.
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You gotta listen to mix, sometimes he gets as much as $400 for a 7 or 8 hour event, he
 
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tunes4046 said:
You gotta listen to mix, sometimes he gets as much as $400 for a 7 or 8 hour event, he
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Split two ways. Nothing goes without his partner.
 
djtaso said:
People that are charging in the higher range are often not having to directly sell themselves. Consultations often do not revolve around explaining "why are you worth $$$$" or what do you get for that price. Their performance and reputation sells itself, as do the results. It's a completely different category of clients you're attracting.
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If that were the whole truth we'd be irreplaceable - and we're not. The last wedding I did (~ 2 weeks ago) was $4,500 and I left before the ceremony started. (They had a band.) See how that works? They are paying largely for the stuff that surrounds them, which is why today's event DJs market themselves in the form of "packages."

The real question is can you hold your own and operate effectively, reliably, and convincingly in a segment of the event market where total event spending ranges from $60k - $250K or more? DJ skills (though necessary) really aren't the defining characteristic even in this new era of "influencers." At $5,000 and up we are creating a presence in the space far larger than the DJ alone could fill.
 
djtaso said:
People that are charging in the higher range are often not having to directly sell themselves. Consultations often do not revolve around explaining "why are you worth $$$$" or what do you get for that price. Their performance and reputation sells itself, as do the results. It's a completely different category of clients you're attracting.
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I hear you. Now what I said is people have to believe you're worth the price you quote them, regardless of the price. Now to consistently get paid for example $2,500 to do an event, you must deliver a service that will leave people saying WOW that was awesome!

Let me say it again. People will pay for a product or service that they feel is worth the price. If a person doesn't feel something is worth the price, they won't spend their money on that product or service.

It also has to do with if a person can afford such a thing. Let me give you an example. I was in Maplecrest Ford and I was looking at a new transit van. It was very nice and I really wanted it. After they ran the numbers the amount I would have had to spend each month $1,250. As much as I wanted the van, I know I couldn't afford it. The woman trying to make the sell was drop dead gorgeous! I just know she wasn't going to help me pay for the van. So I had to say no even though I really wanted it very badly. I had to use my spidey sense and realize I couldn't afford it.
 
Mixxy, You do know people have money to spend.
Higher credit score = lower payment.
How do you know when you are done?
 
sonic-vision said:
Mixxy, You do know people have money to spend.
Higher credit score = lower payment.
How do you know when you are done?
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I plan on keep going till the wheels fall off.

I clearly understand about credit rating and if you have a great credit score the payment would have been less. The point I was making is to not put yourself in a situation where you have to struggle to pay for things. Thus possibly having the repo man come and take back the vehicle because you couldn't keep up with the payments.

Most people don't have money out right to pay for a 42K vehicle upfront. Those who do have it to do are not people living in the poverty level. I've had to say no to getting certain things because I simply can't afford them. I wanted that van real bad. I just had enough sense to not live above my means. The van was awesome. I just know I couldn't eat the van to stay alive. LOL.
 
Mix, you were looking at a utility van with utility being the operative word. It is natural in that market that people will try to figure out if the cost is worth the utility. The person walking into a Ferrari dealership has a different mindset. A Ferrari is an aspirational purchase. The fact that it is rare makes it more desirable. Ferrari sells less than 15000 cars per year by choice. Their customers know these cars are pricey and that Ferrari dealers don't negotiate. You are not accustomed to that lifestyle but there are many in your part of NJ that are.

Perhaps a more mundane example is better. When I was a yute (sorry, youth), my alcohol purchase criteria was based more on buzz per dollar than taste. These days I focus more on taste. A few times a year, my wine tab with a nice dinner out will exceed what others pay for an average wedding DJ. That probably sounds crazy to you but it is not uncommon for many.
 
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tunes4046 said:
I don’t enjoy most of the new music, the TikTok attention span that people seem to have nowadays,
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This is also my issue at 61 years of age.
I was reminiscing with a former Mobile Jock about how we used to listen to the radio,
and we'd have all the music that would be requested at a gig...
because that is where everyone found their music.

And darn it, there are just no good dance songs anymore.
By "good" I mean songs that appeal to (and recognized by) guests young and old,
and have a shelf life of more than a few weeks. (like Uptown Funk)

Clients these days don't understand the difference between a good song...
and a song that's good for dancing.

I used to LOVE to do weddings, but these days, not so much.
Fortunately, most of my gigs are catering to older crowds.
So I'll just keep playing the oldies and hanging out with the rest of the old farts.
I'll know my time is done when I can't move my gear around anymore.
 
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Ausumm said:
I mean songs that appeal to (and recognized by) guests young and old,
and have a shelf life of more than a few weeks. (like Uptown Funk)
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When Uptown Funk came out I got so excited. Loved the song and was sure it would be a major banger. As many times as I played it that thing always fell flat.
 
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sawdust123 said:
Mix, you were looking at a utility van with utility being the operative word. It is natural in that market that people will try to figure out if the cost is worth the utility. The person walking into a Ferrari dealership has a different mindset. A Ferrari is an aspirational purchase. The fact that it is rare makes it more desirable. Ferrari sells less than 15000 cars per year by choice. Their customers know these cars are pricey and that Ferrari dealers don't negotiate. You are not accustomed to that lifestyle but there are many in your part of NJ that are.

Perhaps a more mundane example is better. When I was a yute (sorry, youth), my alcohol purchase criteria was based more on buzz per dollar than taste. These days I focus more on taste. A few times a year, my wine tab with a nice dinner out will exceed what others pay for an average wedding DJ. That probably sounds crazy to you but it is not uncommon for many.
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I hear you sir. I understand there's people out here that can afford a Ferrari. That's fine for them. I don't have it like that. I'mi retired on a fixed income. No need to for me to buy something to drive and can't afford to put gas in the vehicle. If I signed to get that van, the repo man would have had it in no time. Command sense told me I couldn't afford that van.
 
MIXMASTERMACHOM said:
I hear you sir. I understand there's people out here that can afford a Ferrari. That's fine for them. I don't have it like that. I'mi retired on a fixed income. No need to for me to buy something to drive and can't afford to put gas in the vehicle. If I signed to get that van, the repo man would have had it in no time. Command sense told me I couldn't afford that van.
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“Command sense”. Sounds like a feature from a GI Joe toy from the 80’s
 
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rickryan.com said:
When Uptown Funk came out I got so excited. Loved the song and was sure it would be a major banger. As many times as I played it that thing always fell flat.
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It is often on a "Do Not Play list" in 2024 and 2025 because it was played so so much by DJs including myself between 2015 and 2022. It really ran it's course and engaged couples attending weddings over the years got sick of hearing it, so I am seeing about 25% of my couples putting this song on a DNP in 2025.

I had HUGE success with it between 2015 and 2019, and it was still a safe song 2020-2022. 2023 onward I think most people are tired of it.
 
DJ Ricky B said:
It is often on a "Do Not Play list" in 2024 and 2025 because it was played so so much by DJs including myself between 2015 and 2022. It really ran it's course and engaged couples attending weddings over the years got sick of hearing it, so I am seeing about 25% of my couples putting this song on a DNP in 2025.

I had HUGE success with it between 2015 and 2019, and it was still a safe song 2020-2022. 2023 onward I think most people are tired of it.
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There are certain songs that are classics and will remain that way depending on the category.
 
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