Nowadays, it's NOT about the music

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dunlopj

DJ Extraordinaire
Aug 14, 2008
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I had dinner with a long time friend and DJ last week.

We mainly discussed the current state of the DJ wedding industry and we both came to the same conclusion.

With the ease of anyone to obtain music for a low cost (i.e. Spotify), what many clients are looking for is NOT the music you can deliver, but rather HOW you deliver it and all the details and extras we can provide.

I mentioned the continued success of DJ's like Taso and all that he brings to events. The music is a small yet important part of the whole event, but it's all the WOW he provides.

Anyone here has all the music we could ever need. And most of us here are decent or really good MC's.

Most of us here are great at running receptions and keeping all the important details going as the client specified and making sure all the guests are informed on all the happenings.

What separates the wanna be's from those who continue to be successful and "hit it out of the park" are all the extra's that technology offers.

IMHO those that just play music, who are great MC's and who have decent light systems...sorry but that is not going to be enough to survive in this industry over the next few years.

It will come down to clients that think they can do it themselves and feel they do not need our services (blame technology) and those DJ's who cater to those clients that want all the glitz and glamour that we can provide (thank technology).

And those higher end clients will be harder to find, more finicky and fewer...

To those that have reached that upper level, I humbly congratulate you. To those who have not made the attempt, as Elvis sang, it's now or never.

Just my opinion....feel free to discuss.
 
I had dinner with a long time friend and DJ last week.

We mainly discussed the current state of the DJ wedding industry and we both came to the same conclusion.

With the ease of anyone to obtain music for a low cost (i.e. Spotify), what many clients are looking for is NOT the music you can deliver, but rather HOW you deliver it and all the details and extras we can provide.

I mentioned the continued success of DJ's like Taso and all that he brings to events. The music is a small yet important part of the whole event, but it's all the WOW he provides.

Anyone here has all the music we could ever need. And most of us here are decent or really good MC's.

Most of us here are great at running receptions and keeping all the important details going as the client specified and making sure all the guests are informed on all the happenings.

What separates the wanna be's from those who continue to be successful and "hit it out of the park" are all the extra's that technology offers.

IMHO those that just play music, who are great MC's and who have decent light systems...sorry but that is not going to be enough to survive in this industry over the next few years.

It will come down to clients that think they can do it themselves and feel they do not need our services (blame technology) and those DJ's who cater to those clients that want all the glitz and glamour that we can provide (thank technology).

And those higher end clients will be harder to find, more finicky and fewer...

To those that have reached that upper level, I humbly congratulate you. To those who have not made the attempt, as Elvis sang, it's now or never.

Just my opinion....feel free to discuss.

I think you're probably right... There's a space for the budget DJ, because, while anyone can get the music these days, renting and setting up a PA system is still not so easy. The competition for the lower tier (budget minded) clients is pretty fierce. There are several guys like me in my area who have similar setups, provide similar services, and charge similar prices. Then there's the higher end DJ services, which provide all the extras, but charge double what I charge and more. Not much in between. Those higher priced services also have setup crews and assistants. There's no way I could do what Taso does without an assistant, even if I wanted to make the investment in the additional gear. The thing is, I actually kinda like being the budget DJ and working alone, even if I don't work all that frequently.[emoji1]


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I think you'll always have the higher end of the spectrum, a wide middle area (maybe even widening) followed by a lower area which is in the same arena as the self serve area.

A skill that most places are losing - customer service. If you can deliver what your customer wants and perhaps exceed it, then I think you'll continue to have work.

The issue is that while a client may think they can do it themselves, alot of them will realize that they can't do it as good as a pro can.

Can anyone change a serpentine belt on a car? Absolutely. Do most people? Absolutely not. Even easier, can anyone change the oil in a car? Absolutely. Do they? Again, most do not.
 
As awful as it is to say most people think they can do it themselves with an aux cord and a pair of speakers. To stand out these days you need all the lights and to be a great MC. But even tho we have the lights and i have some good MC's on my crew, most people are still replacing us by putting their phones on shuffle. Not sure what else to do, any suggestions?

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As awful as it is to say most people think they can do it themselves with an aux cord and a pair of speakers. To stand out these days you need all the lights and to be a great MC. But even tho we have the lights and i have some good MC's on my crew, most people are still replacing us by putting their phones on shuffle. Not sure what else to do, any suggestions?

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If you are being replaced by a phone they aren't seeing value in what you do
 
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I would have been a little more comfortable with a title like "It's About the Music + Everything Else".

The top DJ's play great music, properly prepared (que points, etc., already added), in the right sequence, mixed in their own style, on a killer sound system - bopping around in the DJ booth, working the mic, and actually having fun.

That's the starting point!

Then comes the "Wow" - lights, video, photo booth, CO2 cannons, etc., but it is skill, not just technology, that separates DJ's like Taso from the rest of the herd.
 
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I think we are VERY quickly coming to the point that a "music specialist" is going to have a hard time getting a gig. Spotify already does an amazing job of playing specific tastes in music. It's all the other wow stuff, including good MC skills, that's going to keep us employed. Adapt or die.
 
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I see what you are saying but I disagree a bit. Most of my clients don't want any of that "other stuff"... I see pics of these systems that people are using at weddings and think that would never fly in most of my venues which are wineries. I have 3 agents that book 85% of my events for me and that is just not what the clients want. Some want some up-lighting in the caves and a few still want photo booths, but as a single system guy I just let others handle mostly that. I am content being just "The DJ"..... will that change in the future? Maybe but unless I move, I just don't see it happening here.
 
It’s all about what you can attract. If you want to be a DJ just focusing on music and not the extras... AND charge a good amount, that pool of music only clients is getting smaller and smaller by the year. Chances are if they are spending a lot, they’re gonna want some extras as well.
 
It’s all about what you can attract. If you want to be a DJ just focusing on music and not the extras... AND charge a good amount, that pool of music only clients is getting smaller and smaller by the year. Chances are if they are spending a lot, they’re gonna want some extras as well.

I think it's more about what client's can afford.
Yes, the latest generation of bride's wants all the new fangled goodies, but hasn't that always been true?
The question is whether today's bride can afford it.
The families who still haven't entirely recovered from the 2008 economic slump are still looking for a bargain.
Those who were not affected (as much) are probably the ones you are seeing looking for the "extras".
There will always be clients who aren't looking to impress anyone,
and are simply looking for a good party.
 
I think it's more about what client's can afford.
Yes, the latest generation of bride's wants all the new fangled goodies, but hasn't that always been true?
The question is whether today's bride can afford it.
The families who still haven't entirely recovered from the 2008 economic slump are still looking for a bargain.
Those who were not affected (as much) are probably the ones you are seeing looking for the "extras".
There will always be clients who aren't looking to impress anyone,
and are simply looking for a good party.
agreed... that was why I mentioned the part of charging a good mount... say top tier for your area. Chances are if you're are aiming to be a high priced dj for your area... are there going to be enough couples that are looking to spend a premium on JUST the dj and not desire anything else... I only say that because if they're willing to spend a decent amount, chances are they may be looking for more in terms of extras. Can you charge a premium and get enough music only brides to fill up a schedule... maybe... Idk. I can't recall the last time a bride around here ever wanted to book me just for the music aspect. Actually I don't think it ever has happened unless the venue had everything provided (there's 1 around here that does). Chances are if someone is looking for just music they have a lower overall budget to begin with.
 
I can't recall the last time a bride around here ever wanted to book me just for the music aspect. Chances are if someone is looking for just music they have a lower overall budget to begin with.

Attention: LEARNING MOMENT! If all they are looking for or needing is music, clients nowadays have numerous options.

And a DJ is just one of them unlike years ago before technology made it possible.

Remember...we USED to be the only ones with a ton of music - not anymore.

Yes...that's all obvious....just felt it needed to be emphasized.
 
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... Remember...we USED to be the only ones with a ton of music - not anymore...

While true, the music IS readily accessible, we all know it's not as easy as just playing music. Having the RIGHT music at the right time and having the ability to deliver it in a way that's pleasing takes work and skill. I spend hours before my events preparing the music I want to play, as well as optional music I might play under certain circumstances. I can grab a track here or there on the fly, but I'm not pulling stuff out of my crack right and left.[emoji1] It would probably sound like crap if I did.

However, some clients probably think it's a lot easier than it is, so you're gonna have some who will try to be their own DJ (or have a friend or relative be the DJ). They'll either regret it, or they'll think it was so much fun, they'll start their own DJ business.[emoji4]


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However, some clients probably think it's a lot easier than it is, so you're gonna have some who will try to be their own DJ (or have a friend or relative be the DJ). They'll either regret it, or they'll think it was so much fun, they'll start their own DJ business.[emoji4]
I think thats the whole point of the thread and what I was getting at. The clients looking for just music, tend to significantly consist of a portion that think its easy to dj and therefore dj's should be cheap, or will contact a friend or family member. While a smaller portion of them altogether (say around 10-20% of those in an area)... those that tend to want more than just music from a dj, are willing to invest more, and also understand not everyone can do what those that offer more do. And then theres a segment above that that want the best of the best in everything...
 
I think the original post over-simplifies what's really happening.
You cannot talk about the "Wow Factor" without simultaneously acknowledging the buyer's ability to pay and the desire to showcase that ability. Someone who spends $250,ooo on a party has an entirely different motivation than someone spending $30,000. There is no comparison here, because the reasoning that motivates them is worlds apart.

We cannot all dedicate ourselves to the singular practice of amusing and catering to small percentages of wealthy elite. The math alone doesn't work. So, rather than assume people don't appreciate what's offered consider that an offer can easily be entirely misconceived and misdirected.

The "Wow Factor" comes in two different varieties. One is talent - extraordinary entertainment in the form of gifted or dedicated performers. A second variety is inventory - the lighting, furniture, photo-booths, and all manner of novelty and outfitting of an event.

"America's Got Talent" is more than just a TV show - it's an acknowledgement that there are real entertainers working and available all across the economy. This is unique and not easily copied. Real entertainment talent will always be in demand, and like the people who get voted off the island - mimicry and faking it doesn't work. A couple of videos and a seminar won't get you to this level.

"Wow factor" rooted in inventory requires knowledge and resources but, not talent because the inventory is neither unique or scarce. Sales based on inventory have the doubly difficult hurdles of ability and willingness to pay, combined with a lack of scarcity. The creative talent lies with the designing and building of this inventory and even very unique ideas are quickly replicated by others. In this instance it comes down entirely to your resourcefulness, competence, reliability, and customer service. Yes, you should be good at what you do - but, ultimately what you do is to be first on the scene, take care of people and build trust.

We know that people with genuine talent get a pass on being reasonable people. Clients with the ability and desire to pay will often put up with a lot of grief to get the showcase they want from talented people. Hollywood is the ultimate f**d up example of this. Talented people can often afford to slip when it comes to customers service and relationship, because much of what is transacted is superficial.

As DJs it's important not to be self deluded with respect to our level of scarcity and to properly assess our highest and best talents. We should also not displace the ownership of destiny onto material things like music and technology. There was a time when light fixtures were heavy, dangerous, and required technical knowledge of electrics and optics to deploy. Today there are a lot of innovations that bring entertainment lighting to end users with no specific technical knowledge. They are light, battery operated, and per-programmed. The same innovation applies to music. It is not correct to say that people no longer appreciate what we do. People still appreciate the music, but it's always been the music - not the DJ that they appreciate. If we make getting to that music a truly pleasant and appealing experience for people they will hire us. If on the other hand we color that experience with demands and our own drama they can easily pass us over.

Bottom line - unique real talent will remain, including the drama queens with real talent while divas with no real talent can easily be skipped over. True customer care has no technological equivalent and will never go out of style. Assess who you really are and operate accordingly. It doesn't require a lot of "detail" to convince someone to hire us. There's an inherent flaw in practice if people must lean in close in order to appreciate or "get what we do."
 
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There are more opportunities to DIY in many areas now days. And prospects for a DJ will often choose that route if they lack money for a DJ or other entertainment. This isn't the future or even new. I went to a backyard wedding 7 years ago with no DJ and the bride had Pandora playing music connected to a home stereo.

What's more current is that Spotify has become more automated. Anyway, there will always be prospects that just want someone else to take care of it. I think ipod or Spotify weddings are mostly for those that would have previously looked for the cheapest DJ available.

Having more stuff has always been an advantage for multi-ops and solo DJs that have invested in all the extra equipment. Is there less work for the average DJ now and looking forward? Probably, but improved mixing skills, customer service and good MCing should already make one better than average.
 
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There are more opportunities to DIY in many areas now days. And prospects for a DJ will often choose that route if they lack money for a DJ or other entertainment. This isn't the future or even new. I went to a backyard wedding 7 years ago with no DJ and the bride had Pandora playing music connected to a home stereo.

What's more current is that Spotify has become more automated. Anyway, there will always be prospects that just want someone else to take care of it. I think ipod or Spotify weddings are mostly for those that would have previously looked for the cheapest DJ available.

Having more stuff has always been an advantage for multi-ops and solo DJs that have invested in all the extra equipment. Is there less work for the average DJ now and looking forward? Probably, but improved mixing skills, customer service and good MCing should already make one better than average.

It's a mistake to equate DIY with a lack of money. In many cases the DJs are just to unattractive or uncooperative to be worth paying for. How we rate ourselves may not at all be accurate in the eyes of anyone else.
 
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I think the facts are:

-Cost of Living is Up, and continually rising
- Wages are still Stagnant generally speaking
-College debts are higher for today's 20 and 30 somethings
-Millennials are waiting longer and longer before marrying
-Advertising market among corporate America placating to "LOW PRICES" on goods and services 24/7


= Less expendable income towards their events
= Evolved form of purchasing products and services all around
= Willingness to cut corners and pick lower priced vendors much more often than years ago.

Combine that with:

-Lower cost of DJ equipment/Gear today compared to the past
-Ease of Music Subscriptions
-Better technology at lower prices
-Attractiveness of Money potential (Even at low rates) compared to what the job market offers for a person's time...

And we have DJs lowering prices, while at the same time competing for the client who is looking for a lot of value at a Bargain price.


We are not the only industry in this predicament. Look at the Retail Sector. Now look at the Grocery Store market. Grocery store prices are dropping back down to early 2000s levels due to the fact that there is saturation going on with bargain stores like Aldi spreading, and now Liedel's is coming to USA (Aldi competitor), and both of these chains are competing to take business away from Wal Mart. Amazon just bought whole foods. What is the first thing they did? SLASH PRICES. They will now change the shopping experience to attract the younger clientele to boot.

This trend will continue. You can choose to shoot for the stars and try to find the top 3% to 5% income earners who are looking to book a DJ, or compete on price/value.