About to pull my hair out!!
- Thread starter TinyTim
- Start date
No, I do understand what beat-mixing is. However, from the guest perspective, you still are "switching songs". The only comments I've ever heard in my market is that wedding clients don't want it. Sweet16s, totally needed. Weddings (here), nah.
Explain why they don’t want it? What does the everyday client know about “beatmixing” especially to the point where they can confidently say they don’t want it
I think we're getting tied up in words. I don't think it's that anyone says they don't want beatmatching, because as you stated, most don't know what it is. I think some of us are seeing in our audiences that if you pull a song too quick, the response is not positive vs playing it out. Yes, you can do a quick beat match - but there are DJ's that really don't need it. Some can scratch, some can't/won't/don't. Some can use effects, some can't/won't/don't. Some can beat juggle, some can't/won't/don't. Etc, etc, etc. Are these needed? No - these are all tools in the belt. Additionally, some may have done it and seen no difference in the response, so they don't do it. I'm guessing with some of this because I don't know the skills, talent or experience of everyone here. Alot of people are not catering to a majority of Sweet 16's or Weddings. Can you use these tools anywhere? Yep. Should you? Really depends on you and what you want to do with your music. Will it be memorable? Maybe / Maybe not.
Do you need Serato to DJ? No, you don't. You can use Winamp, VDJ, and all various other tools available.
Do you need Serato to DJ? No, you don't. You can use Winamp, VDJ, and all various other tools available.
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Yes and No.
This is where Taso is, this is where Rick wants to go, it will be a lot harder to get there with WinAmp -
The "Mobile DJ" Is Dead: All Hail The "Event DJ"? - Digital DJ Tips
....but remember, Don't Mix the Salsa!!
lol i literally just posted that article in a separate threadYes and No.
This is where Taso is, this is where Rick wants to go, it will be a lot harder to get there with WinAmp -
The "Mobile DJ" Is Dead: All Hail The "Event DJ"? - Digital DJ Tips
....but remember, Don't Mix the Salsa!!
I think Rick is inclined to move in that "direction" .. not sure he has the stamina to do what Taso does ..Yes and No.
This is where Taso is, this is where Rick wants to go, it will be a lot harder to get there with WinAmp -
The "Mobile DJ" Is Dead: All Hail The "Event DJ"? - Digital DJ Tips
....but remember, Don't Mix the Salsa!!
Understand. I think it's incredible what all these guys do, but I said a while back that what we are seeing here now at ODJT is the difference between full time DJ's and part time DJ's with real full time jobs (non DJ). In fact, while giving something to strive for, IMHO the "Event" type DJ as descrbed by Phil Morse can probably only really be done well if you are a full timer.I think Rick is inclined to move in that "direction" .. not sure he has the stamina to do what Taso does ..
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I give props to Taso for the events he does too. Very nice. I've used the various platforms and since 07-ish, I've been mainly using Serato (Itch back then). I beatmatch when I desire but I don't need to do it. When I do it, it's because it's something I want to do.
IMO - Taso's events are not about any one thing - it's all of it.
IMO - Taso's events are not about any one thing - it's all of it.
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Ok, I gotta say, I completely agree with Taso.
I mean, it's one thing to say you "play" at events with background music, where people are not dancing much, but to call yourself a Mobile DJ where there is dancing involved, and not actually DJing is just ludicrous!
If you are just playing music, and not creatively mixing, how are you different than what "Uncle Bob" could do??
When I was a little younger, at 17, and wanting to really pursue DJing, mixing was the main thing-- All the other stuff, including owning a business was secondary. If one cannot mix, then you are no different than a streaming playlist. That's how I demonstrated my skills to other local DJ companies who hired me, and ultimately how landed tons of nightclub jobs that paid well!
I'm not saying that other elements of mobile DJing don't count (MCing, coordinating timelines, understanding private events/weddings), but if one can not mix, the rest don't really count, b/c you are not actually DJing when the time comes (dancing portion of the evening).
It would be super easy to convince a potential client to hire me over "the ones who push play."
Simply put- I actually DJ.
This might sound harsh, but it's a slap in the face to us DJs who spend a lot of time mastering our mixes, getting super creative, and bringing life to the party thought our skills.
Don't advertise you offer DJ Services if you are making some announcements, and hitting play. YOU OFFER SOUND SERVICES with music. It's false advertising to say DJ, and flat out messed up to bring down the people who really try and bring real DJ skills to the table.
So I ask, how are you different than Uncle Bob? With how easy it is to get music, and to rent speakers, why in the world would someone pay $1,000+ to someone who isn't really offering anything, other than setting some equipment up?
I use the number $1,000 b/c if you charge more, and don't do much, you are simply scamming clients, and you she be ashamed.
I mean, it's one thing to say you "play" at events with background music, where people are not dancing much, but to call yourself a Mobile DJ where there is dancing involved, and not actually DJing is just ludicrous!
If you are just playing music, and not creatively mixing, how are you different than what "Uncle Bob" could do??
When I was a little younger, at 17, and wanting to really pursue DJing, mixing was the main thing-- All the other stuff, including owning a business was secondary. If one cannot mix, then you are no different than a streaming playlist. That's how I demonstrated my skills to other local DJ companies who hired me, and ultimately how landed tons of nightclub jobs that paid well!
I'm not saying that other elements of mobile DJing don't count (MCing, coordinating timelines, understanding private events/weddings), but if one can not mix, the rest don't really count, b/c you are not actually DJing when the time comes (dancing portion of the evening).
It would be super easy to convince a potential client to hire me over "the ones who push play."
Simply put- I actually DJ.
This might sound harsh, but it's a slap in the face to us DJs who spend a lot of time mastering our mixes, getting super creative, and bringing life to the party thought our skills.
Don't advertise you offer DJ Services if you are making some announcements, and hitting play. YOU OFFER SOUND SERVICES with music. It's false advertising to say DJ, and flat out messed up to bring down the people who really try and bring real DJ skills to the table.
So I ask, how are you different than Uncle Bob? With how easy it is to get music, and to rent speakers, why in the world would someone pay $1,000+ to someone who isn't really offering anything, other than setting some equipment up?
I use the number $1,000 b/c if you charge more, and don't do much, you are simply scamming clients, and you she be ashamed.
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I have no idea why, all I can say is that I've heard multiple clients say that they don't like DJs who won't play a song out.
I've always including beatmixing as one of my points on my website and printed materials. However, I've never had a prospect or client ask me about it. It seems most young couples getting married don't know anything about beatmixing or maybe they're more concerned about other aspects of their wedding reception.
Anyway, beatmixing has always been the most fun and exciting part of DJing for me. I don't do anything fancy, I just play one song all the way thru and segue into the next song without missing a beat. It's kind of a rush to see dancers' reactions when they recognize (and love) the next song that fades in. It makes me feel like I'm doing my job as a DJ - keeping the dancers on the floor and having fun.
Anyway, beatmixing has always been the most fun and exciting part of DJing for me. I don't do anything fancy, I just play one song all the way thru and segue into the next song without missing a beat. It's kind of a rush to see dancers' reactions when they recognize (and love) the next song that fades in. It makes me feel like I'm doing my job as a DJ - keeping the dancers on the floor and having fun.
Actually, it's not a slap in the face. It's a wake up call that the stuff on which you spend so much time in developing and take so much pride in, doesn't mean crap to clients. You need to get over yourself and figure out what it is that your clients actually care about.
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I don't typically do weddings, for a number of reasons, but I have done a couple of them, and in both cases, I was given a list of songs that were all over the place as far as genre, tempo... everything. I was allowed to add a few of my own choosing, but for the most part, the couples wanted THOSE songs played in their entirety. I saw it as my job to put those songs together in some kind of coherent fashion to where it didn't sound random. I spent hours listening to and planning the mix and transitions, then I played it that way at the weddings (with some requests interspersed). Some beatmatching came into play, but with such diverse lists, you can't always use it. You just go with what sounds good.
Most of my events are office parties, reunions, and political rallies. The clients at reunions like a good mix of songs from their eras. They are not too particular about how they are mixed, but they DON'T like it when someone cuts off their favorite song before it gets to (what they think is) the GOOD part.[emoji4]
For political events, it's totally different. As the DJ, I select the songs to enhance the event, but I am NOT the event. I use a variety of patriotic, instrumental, popular, country, uplifting, and even religious tracks that can't be mixed like you'd mix a club set. Most CLUB DJ's couldn't pull it off.[emoji4]
Most of my events are office parties, reunions, and political rallies. The clients at reunions like a good mix of songs from their eras. They are not too particular about how they are mixed, but they DON'T like it when someone cuts off their favorite song before it gets to (what they think is) the GOOD part.[emoji4]
For political events, it's totally different. As the DJ, I select the songs to enhance the event, but I am NOT the event. I use a variety of patriotic, instrumental, popular, country, uplifting, and even religious tracks that can't be mixed like you'd mix a club set. Most CLUB DJ's couldn't pull it off.[emoji4]
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DJ | Definition of DJ in English by Oxford Dictionaries
Don't see a word about scratching or beatmixing there so I guess it's your definition not the definition and it's certainly not my client's definition
I do all sorts of events.
Not all of them require "mixing creatively".
I've done Hawaiian luaus, oldies dances, music for Veteran's events, etc.
People don't always expect me to mix creatively.
And at events where there IS dancing...
not ALL of the music I play at that event requires mixing.
Nobody expects me to beat-mix oldies, or slow songs, or country songs.
And by the way....DJ stands for DISC JOCKEY.
There is nothing in there about beat mixing.
To suggest that calling myself a DJ is "bringing down" those who beat mix...is ludicrous.
Like I said, if you cannot mix, you are doing what "uncle bob" could do.
You are offering nothing special, other than providing music with a sound system. There are apps like Pyro, which actually beatmix and can pull playlist from Spotify.
What would you say to someone when they were looking into a DJ who actually mixes? How would you convince them to hire you over me?
TO say it is not required is your opinion. It absolutely sounds better and flows better when it is mixed, even with oldies. Half my sets are oldies. That's like saying, subs are not required to make people feel the music.
I'm serious--answer the question.
You are offering nothing special, other than providing music with a sound system. There are apps like Pyro, which actually beatmix and can pull playlist from Spotify.
What would you say to someone when they were looking into a DJ who actually mixes? How would you convince them to hire you over me?
TO say it is not required is your opinion. It absolutely sounds better and flows better when it is mixed, even with oldies. Half my sets are oldies. That's like saying, subs are not required to make people feel the music.
I'm serious--answer the question.
Here's your answer..........."He's a pompous ass who doesn't understand that YOU are what this gig is about."
Figuring out what the client wants is the easiest part. When I have people who call me and ask to hear a demo or sample, I think it's pretty clear OR when people call me, solely based on my performance/mixes, and they want that at their wedding.
I offer top of the line wedding DJ services, with customer service being a top priority, and most people that inquire, already know what they are getting.
so I am an ass you taking the time to mix music as a DJ is expected to? lol. Good luck on that.
and how is it that you think I don't care about the client first and foremost?
B/c I have mastered mixing, and yes very proud of my creative skills, I don't do everything else a mobile DJ is expected of?
and how is it that you think I don't care about the client first and foremost?
B/c I have mastered mixing, and yes very proud of my creative skills, I don't do everything else a mobile DJ is expected of?