Playlist or not!

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ahoustondj

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 13, 2007
20,235
3,465
Texas
I have worked the last 8 years at two different clubs (4 years at each). This coming weekend will be my last (By Choice). I am considering venturing back into the mobile business. I have lots of equipment but things have changed drastically. I am all digital but the speaker, amp and processing systems are a bit old, however they still work. I use the old brute force amps with the big handles.
My question is on the "playlist". I see a lot of DJ's posting playlists for weddings, proms, parties etc. Isn't that selling yourself short? I have over 20,000 songs in my library and adding to it weekly (Not to mention the over 8,000 vinyl that I am ripping to MP3s).
To me a play list is like a canned program of events. When I was heavy into Mobile work, I never submitted a list of my music. I simply said "I have "X" amount of albums & Cds which consists of the following genres (Name of genres). I am confident that I can provide all if not most of what you are seeking. Is there a list of special songs that you would like for me to have?" That threw the question right back at them.
The way I see it is, if you submit a playlist to a prospect, whats stopping them from duplicating it and getting the named songs on an Ipod or similar device? They won't need you then since they now have your formula!
At my club, I have a list of the favorite songs, plus any others that I feel the crowd would like. I pull about ten into my current playlist and go from there. I then add as i see fit depending on the mood of the crowd or by individual requests.
What are ya'alls take on this?
One of my common question/answer thing that I get is:
Customer: "What type of music do you have?"
Me: "What type of music do you like (or want to hear)?"


Take control guys!
 
You have it all wrong... our playlists are what we DID play, not what we pre-set up to play, by and large.

It is what WE chose to play at a given event.
 
You have it all wrong... our playlists are what we DID play, not what we pre-set up to play, by and large.

It is what WE chose to play at a given event.

What do you mean what you "did" play? I am referring to a request for a playlist that you "will" play! How is one to know what actually will be played?
BTW I have been DJing since 1969 and professionally (For Real Money/Fees) since 1978. The first time I submitted a sample on a CD back in 1995 I lost the bid. I do not submit samples, playlists, bids anymore. I let my reputation and referrals speak for themselves.
 
What do you mean what you "did" play? I am referring to a request for a playlist that you "will" play! How is one to know what actually will be played?
BTW I have been DJing since 1969 and professionally (For Real Money/Fees) since 1978. The first time I submitted a sample on a CD back in 1995 I lost the bid. I do not submit samples, playlists, bids anymore. I let my reputation and referrals speak for themselves.


I don't think anybody gives a playlist for what we WILL play. We tell them what we have available.
 
The playlists that we post here are what we ended up playing the night of the gig not a submited list of music to be played....

For example the wedding I did last night had submited to me over 10 hours worth of music that I had to choose from to formulate their show with.... in no way was it a blow by blow of what I would be playing... that was decided as I was playing on the spur of the moment... the only music that was pre-selected were for things like the B&G first dance....

Thoughts?
 
The playlists that we post here are what we ended up playing the night of the gig not a submited list of music to be played....

For example the wedding I did last night had submited to me over 10 hours worth of music that I had to choose from to formulate their show with.... in no way was it a blow by blow of what I would be playing... that was decided as I was playing on the spur of the moment... the only music that was pre-selected were for things like the B&G first dance....

Thoughts?

I thought Fred had a copyright on this? :sqwink:

But we agree on the playlist thing. I don't know any of us who are GIVING a playlist to folks in advance. In fact, if I was expected to do that, I wouldn't DJ. I'd rent them an iPod.
 
I thought Fred had a copyright on this? :sqwink:

But we ageee on the playlist thing. I don't know any of us who are GIVING a playlist to folks in advance. In fact, I was expected to that, I wouldn't DJ. I'd rent them an iPod.

Maybe it must have been on another forum somewhere that I read one chap saying that he had submitted his playlist as requested by the B&G and was waiting on an answer. Maybe thats why he was waiting! LOL
 
I thought Fred had a copyright on this? :sqwink:

But we agree on the playlist thing. I don't know any of us who are GIVING a playlist to folks in advance. In fact, if I was expected to do that, I wouldn't DJ. I'd rent them an iPod.

I borrowed it without paying any royalties... I hope he don't sue.... LOL


Thoughts?
 
I personally have a bride and groom go over some of the top song in history for parties and weddings. The top 200 and a few other lists. Asking them song ideas of what kinda of music they and

there family and friends will like. I let them know that this is simply a guide for me in making a starting playlist of songs. I use it only as a tool I also read the crowd and take the requests. So far

this has worked very well for me to customize an event. I can see quickly usually if they are big fans of certain genres etc etc. I love being digital. It has allowed me to put together some sets

that really work for me.
 
My B&G's can make their playlists using DJ Intelligence once their retainer payment is received. Without payment.. no dice.

Kyle
 
I go over music verbally with them and cater to genres they may have. I can't put together a playlist ahead of time. Heck, I have to be in the middle of one song before I can truly get the next one ready based on the vibe at the time. I have a song armed on my laptop that I can pop quickly in case of emergency, but that about it. Of course, at weddings I have a typical routine for the first 20 minutes of open floor.
 
As long as you have a basic idea of what to play you dont need a playlist. When I get music I will usually practice to see what songs go good with each other.
 
I go over music verbally with them and cater to genres they may have. I can't put together a playlist ahead of time. Heck, I have to be in the middle of one song before I can truly get the next one ready based on the vibe at the time. I have a song armed on my laptop that I can pop quickly in case of emergency, but that about it. Of course, at weddings I have a typical routine for the first 20 minutes of open floor.

What is that typical routine consist of (music wise, that is!)?
 
What is that typical routine consist of (music wise, that is!)?

If I have a crowd that I know wants to line dance, then I cram all the typical party music into one super set early on. I beatmatch most of this.

We are Family
Celebration
YMCA
Cha Cha
Electric
Usher
etc.

This crowds the floor and brings the mood to high level early on. Then we go right into Boquet, Garter, Money dance.

Then once that is done, I proceed with the rest of the show unscripted.
 
I see a lot of DJ's posting playlists for weddings, proms, parties etc. Isn't that selling yourself short? What are ya'alls take on this?

Welcome to the boards!!! It's good to hear another "Y'all" now and then(don't even think about it Bryan Durio...:sqwink:) He's our official spell-checker...lol. Anyhoo, I agree with not posting a playlist. Things were different years ago, but you are right, with Ipods and home stereo speakers these days, we are losing more gigs thanks in part to technology and the economy. Not to mention that entertainment is at the bottom of the priority list for brides; always has been...thx