iDJ Not iPod

No, this is not another attack from a DJ against any and all who use an iPod for their wedding, holiday party or private event. No, this is a discussion on those who tend to micro-manage professional DJ's.

What do I mean by this? Okay, let me give you an example.

Recently I had a corporate event that was booked at the last minute. And when I mean last minute I mean two weeks prior to the date instead of two months to a year. As always, to create a greater chance of success, I wanted to put in place the client's music profile prior to the date. This meant speaking with the client quickly and going through my process of getting to know them. I made my calls and left several messages but none of which were ever returned. This in itself is frustrating, especially since I have very little time to prepare. Now, I have performed at countless corporate events and holiday parties during my professional career so I have multiple music sets and programs to reference once I have a sense of what the client desires and a basic understanding of what the timeline and the crowd may dictate.

This is not a full proof plan, however, with nothing to go on, this was the plan!

I arrived to the venue (which shall remain anonymous) the night of the event two hours prior to the start time because it is always better to be early than to arrive late. I also was looking to get set up quickly, find the event planner and gain some needed insight on the evening's itinerary. I walked in, found the planner in charge and began the set up. Once I was set and after quick introductions and thanking them for securing my services, I asked would it be possible to ask a few questions about the evening. The planner said sure and at this time I proceeded to ask the following:

1 - Do you have an extra copy of the timeline for tonight?

2 - What is the crowd like?

3 - What are they looking for in terms of the cocktail hour?

4 - Is there a presentation of any awards?

5 - Are they looking to dance throughout the evening?

6 - What are some of the artists and/or music titles that they desire?

I received the following answers:

1 - There is no timeline

2 - They are a corporate crowd

3 - Cocktail hour is basically for the entire evening as we have it set up like a lounge

4 - There aren't any awards but a quick thank you by the CEO

5 - They don't dance

6 - They like stuff that is upbeat, and please play some Christmas music to start

Now, with there being no timeline and receiving a statement as generic and vague that they are a corporate crowd, I had just as much to go on as I did before I arrived which was nothing and a boat load of assumptions. Without a timeline and an open area that is going to be a cocktail hour theme for four hours, there is so much that leaves very little to the imagination. Also, remember the planner said................They also don't dance?!?!?

Wow!

Now, I am really stuck on who they are, what they want and how to approach the matter. Therefore, I stated to the planner, "Can I make a suggestion, let's just start off with some Jazzy Christmas tunes as they walk in? I will begin with some artists like Marsalis, Krall, Connick and work my way into some Otis Redding along with some Motown and within an hour or so, I will slowly transition into some top 40 and various other hits? We will see how this goes for the first forty five minutes and they we will huddle up to see where we are?" She liked that idea and so we confirmed that as the game plan.

Once set up I began as planned and people began to trickle into this very large open venue slowly and steadily. That being said, my plan to progress at such a rate is considered to be proper protocol and etiquette by any entertainer without a music profile of the client. Why? Because it is always best to start slow and generic with music that is bright and low than to overwhelm and offend as party goers come through the door. People were dressed both formally and semi-formally so initially this seemed to be the best approach. I did notice that many of those coming in were probably in their 50's and many appeared to be of the executive branch of the company. They were smiling, content and I received several nods of gratitude and a few, "I really like this music".

Now, let's ignore all of this and look at what was happening concurrently. An assistant of the planner comes up to me, no more than eight minutes into my playing, and states to me, "can you make it a little more peppy, come on, get it going!" I was immediately offended because I confirmed a game plan with the planner no more than hour prior and the evening was just beginning so I quickly go into Diva DJ mode. "Excuse me, can I asked you who said this?" The assistant says "the client". Now, the assistant is acting on the behest of the planner who got a statement from the client to make an immediate adjustment. Instead of the planner stating to the client our game plan, panic sets in and I immediately become the escape goat. Never mind the fact that there is no music profile and the client or the planner never returned my calls. That being said, the next thing that comes out of my mouth to the assistant is "please do not micro-manage me, the evening has just begun and the planner and I have a plan. A plan that I am currently following. Let's give it a chance because we are expecting a crowd of 500 and I am estimating there are less than forty who are currently here?". The assistant became offended. Who could blame her? Who am I but a professional, talented DJ with more years of experience than she has years living? She quickly replies, "well, if the client states something else to me, then I am just going to have to come back over".

Now, we are at a point of conflict.

My reply was subtle and direct, "if that is the case, then I am more than happy to refund my time and leave immediately. I am doing my job as asked and demands to make me change ten minutes in to the event contradicts what I discussed with your boss, thus making it impossible to do my job. I am a DJ, not an iPod".

I heard nothing else from the assistant the for the rest of the evening.

Event planners have a very difficult job. I don't envy them what so ever. They have to deal with clients who can make incredible demands and in doing so, the planner has to be calm cool and collective or else they will be considered the "bad guy". As a vendor, I have to make the planner look good at all times. I have found that the best way in doing such is by proper communication and keeping an open mind. I always want to know how an event planner works and what can I do to make their job easier. In this situation, my objective was such, however, the planner was consumed with demands from a client that had little understanding on what was needed to entertain their guests throughout the evening. The only thing they had were assumptions. They assumed that the client would know what they meant by peppy and bright and that I would know that and be able to immediately translate it for the evening.

The client also did not know their co-workers and what they wanted.

I did forget to mention that not only were there people in their 50's, but 20's, 30's, 40's, etc. It was a very diversified crowd and, from judging by the rest of the evening, many of them were only there because they had to be and there are so many groups within a group that I felt like I was back in high school.

When I see this, it only validates my approach on speaking with the client and talking in depth about the expectations of the evening. Top event planners get this, in fact, they all insist on it, because they know that those entertainers who know what they are doing, and who have a impeccable reputation, want to make their clients happy. They also know that standing over us throughout the event, never works and it is a solid recipe for failure. What DJ's do in preparing for an event (asking questions, going over artists and music titles, putting together an itinerary with the planner, etc.) insures success for the evening based on the clients needs and desires.

Dictating to a DJ and telling them to make it peppy and bright or "let's get this party going" is not the answer. When your entertainer asks, "can we meet" or "is it possible to have a conference call", then oblige. You hired them because of their reputation. I can assure you that they will be happy that you did and your event will be an absolute success.

Please remember, we are DJ's, not iPods.

Band Vs DJ - Part One

Many people on the outside looking in would probably say that since I am a DJ, my discussion on this topic is going to be very biased. Never mind the fact that I began playing the saxophone at the age of eight and I have written several music compositions. Never mind the fact that I spent eight years studying music at the Community School of Arts in Charlotte North Carolina. Never mind the fact that I have had the opportunity of opening for such notable musical acts as Michael McDonald, Denise Williams, Alex Bugnon, Darius Rucker and Brownstowne. Never mind the fact that while doing so, I received accolades and appreciation for my talent and professionalism directly from these artists and I was more than happy to reciprocate the acknowledgments.

I have also performed in front of audiences that consisted of Paul Tagliabue, David Rockefeller, Bob Johnson, Herb Wilkens and the list goes on and on and on.

Why am I stating all of this in a manner in which I seem to be begging for musicianship validation? Why am I saying this in a manner in which I seem to want you to gloat over my abilities? Because that is exactly what I am doing! I am patting myself on my own back and stating with a chip on my shoulder that I am not just a DJ, but a musician!

This a very indirect but direct way of setting up this discussion on "Band Vs DJ". The "gist" of my written verbiage begins with the entertainment value of a Band verses the entertainment value of a DJ. This immediately goes back to reason as to why I felt the need to beg for validation as a musician.

This must be done before I get into the meat of my dialogue.

In a nutshell, we are not looked at as true entertainers by all and we, meaning DJ's, are in fact deemed to be all the same!

THAT IS FAR FROM THE CASE!

I was told one time by a band leader that "anyone can do your job"(coming upon such preconceived notions is typical in what I experience day to day)! My first reaction was to go Bill Cosby on him and treat him like a Smothers Brother but I kept my emotional physicality in place.

Til' this day I am regretting my decision to remain calm.

By remaining calm I channeled my anger so that I did not raise my impatience as to refute his statement as I kept the negative energy within. Never good because it prohibits one from being productive. By holding back, I gave him temporary validation of his statement and we both brought down the integrity of my craft. That will never happen again. I should have drilled him on the facts of technics and ability to transition from song to song, genre to genre, key to key, etc., and asked him if he had ever held a piece of vinyl in his hand or talked shop with the likes of David Harrelson of MCA records. I should have asked him had he ever done a fashion show that was attended by more than 1,000 people or if he ever performed at a concert where there were 25,000 people in attendance. I should have drilled him on how he has disrespected not only my field, but the entertainment industry as a whole.

I let him off the hook.

Never again.

Never would I state to anyone, "anyone can do what you do". If that is not being disrespectful then, the definition of the word shouldn't exist.

When you see Flea of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers perform, you know that you have witnessed one of the greatest bassists to ever walk this planet. When you see Diana Krall perform, you have witnessed not only one of the greatest vocalists, but one of the baddest keyboardist ever to make you bop your head to Jazz. When you hear Quincy Jones, well, you get the picture.

Now, when you hear a local dance band, what have you witnessed?

Let me tell you what you have witnessed. You have watched and seen a group of individuals who have been at one point in their careers either judge individually or as a whole by others within the industry to not be good enough to either have their own recording deal or to tour with or be a headlining act. Or, you have just watched outstanding professionals who love being a local sensation and are considered the best at what they do by scores of local fans and professionals. You also may have just seen the worse excuse for covering one of your favorite songs by one of your favorite artists.

Nevertheless, what you have just witnessed are musicians as defined by Webster's Dictionary and by Society. Because of this, they demand, garner and get respect.

That is what this entire discussion is about. The Band Vs DJ is not about what is better for your event, or which one you should hire based on your likes and dislikes; it is simply about what do you as a consumer respect.

Bands and DJ's can do what you want for your event. ENTERTAIN! And talented professional's of both breed can have you saying, "see, we didn't need a DJ" or "see, we didn't need a band". With many events people have a vision due to past experience and the atmosphere they want to create. Keep this in mind, wether it is a Band or a DJ, you get what you pay for!

Recently I had the privilege of working with one of the baddest bands in Washington DC. Top notch musicians and just like myself, are listed as one of the best entertainment vendors for events in Washingtonian Magazine. The event that we did together was a Bar Mitzvah. This came about through one of my associates contacting me, after the band was hired, and asking me if I could be the DJ for the event. Since this is an associate and a respected acquaintance of mine, I was more than happy to do it as I always enjoy working with great professionals.

Everything flowed smoothly for the event as my associate, who was also the MC for the evening, had a great timeline in place. It outlined that the band and I would alternate thirty minute sets during the event. In my opinion this is a great idea. Bands do need breaks and DJ's are capable of masking their breaks with a proper music program in place. The client originally did not want a DJ. They just wanted the Band. In fact, my associate told me that he basically had to inform the client "that you have more than 100 kids coming and you expect them to listen to a cover band all night"?

Now unless the band is Usher, Hannah Montana, Lady GaGa, Beyonce, Taio Cruz, Jason Derulu, etc., my associate had a valid point.

Also, did he, the actual guest of honor, want a band for his Mitzvah? Probably not. However, with the crowd being a 50/50 ratio of adults to kids, and the clients being known for loving bands and feeling that DJ's are "not suitable" for a special event, we know why the band was hired. I was once told by a friend of mine, who is an event planner, that bands make a statement on behalf of the client's wallet and sense of style.

Once again, another insulting statement. This time, I asked them to elaborate because I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being too sensitive or over reacting. They said that when a client hires a band they are hiring musicians; people who are trained to perform live and to provide elegance to any event. I then asked, "is that it", they said, "well, yes, basically, DJ's are a guess because you need to know their style". You know what, I was still insulted.

As a professional DJ, I do what the client wants for my event and what is required of the event. I DO NOT JUST GO IN THERE AND PLAY RECORDS!

I AM NOT AN IPOD!

Now, I have digressed.

This Mitzvah was a huge celebration and the band and I were on the same level of performing. After the cocktail hour was over the doors opened up and the band began the evening based on the client's exact wishes. To be honest with you, if it wasn't for the dancers and our incredible MC, the kids would not have made their way to the dance floor during the first 10 minutes of the event. However, the timeline was well thought out and the dancers did their job well. After the band rocked a thirty minute set it was then my turn and I started them off with something popular, fast and upbeat. It was an instant hit and the dance floor was packed. This was the theme for the entire evening! With the band doing their thing and with me doing mine, they were getting the best of both world's.

Now, if my level of entertainment is on the same level of energy and excitement as the band's, and if we both are mentioned as top performers in a highly recognized publication, then why are we both not receiving the same in terms of respect, notoriety and compensation for our craft?

Stay tuned, I have so much more to discuss...............

Music Programming - DJOC Website Version

Aaron Couch of DJOC has received rave reviews for his innovative approach to creating a client’s “music profile”, that is, programming music based on their needs and intended use. Whether the occasion is an intimate dinner party, a lounge happy hour or a large corporate event, custom programmed music can set the proper mood and enhance the overall experience. DJ Couch’s “ear for music” has led to the creation of this service. A service, that is growing in both popularity and demand within the industry.

The concept is simple…DJOC will load an iPod, or other mp3 player, with at least 8 GB of music specially mixed and programmed. That’s approximately 130 HOURS of continuous music tailored to the individual, so all you have to do is PRESS PLAY and enjoy. Whether your preference is Jazz, Top 40, Chill Out, House, R&B, Easy Listening, Rock or anything in between, DJOC has a program for you.

Contact us today for more information and let us show you why DJOC is “Your Primary Choice In Music Care”.

Music Programming

Many department and retail stores have it for their establishments and many times you find that you are in need of this service for various private events as well as other types of gatherings and networking functions. You could have to entertaining guests for a dinner or corporate party or you may wish to set the perfect social ambiance for your bar, restaurant or lounge so that your patrons can enjoy the atmosphere that you have desired to create।

With today’s innovations and the advancements in technology, one would think that putting music in place for a four to eight hour period to meet these needs is easy as “game, set and match”. This, as you may or may not know, is far from the case. Keeping this in mind, DJOC has been approached on multiple occasions over the last several years with specific and detailed requests from people who need to have their music organized on their iPods and ।mp3 players as well as inquiries to prepare custom music mixes, productions and compilation programs.

What they were and are continuing to seek is “music programming” that compliments their “music profile”. We have created an answer to a specific niche market that is a solution that bridges the gap between being a DJ on site whenever and however they desire. Reason being is that when it comes down to it, “most people just want to push play”।

Those who are seeking this particular service want their music library organized according to taste, genre, recent hit, classic hit, memories or whatever else their musical persona my insist. To do this effectively it would take an enormous amount of time।

Not only time but talent and the true understanding of music genres and sub genres by a talented professional. Therefore, we are here to relieve our clients of that burden and provide you with the music sets that you deserve।

Have you ever heard any of your friends say in the past or even recently, “I just can’t get my iPod the way I want it” or maybe, as you or one of your associates at the law office mixer has said, “do we have to listen to that artists for the entire hour, again?”. In the same manner that one needs an event planner to insure that all the pieces are brought together properly to insure an outstanding production, so is a professional in programming your music for all of your entertainment needs।

Many are discovering that it is not only a luxury, but in many cases a necessity, to have a professional organize their music so that they are prepared for any situation. Professional or Private. With the invention of the iPod, programming opportunities now exist so that you can plug, play and “test-drive” various musical sets. DJOC takes this to the next level. A sort of Vera Wang Giorgio Armani custom tailored way. We do this by catering your selection’s to your desired musical styles and tastes, while also building on your “music profile” and putting together several other sets within your programming, so that you, your friends, professional colleagues, patrons and/or family are always entertained।

DJOC has discovered that many believe that they can put music on an iPod and DJ any small gathering of individuals. “Nah, we don’t need a DJ, I will bring my iPod”. They evaluate the situation and conclude the need of the scenario by loading music on an .mp3 player for the function and assume that everyone is going to be satisfied. Once the event has begun and they are less than thirty minutes into the event, most find out that they have not done a fair assessment of the evenings guests list, thus, the music makeup is more of their personal tastes than that of the masses।

What one may find entertaining for them may not be entertaining to others।

Our objective at DJOC is to take what you like, make it more likeable for you and make it likeable and entertaining for everyone. While working on your music profile, we search for and lock in place what we call “bridges in music genres”. These are songs that basically introduces your best friend who likes R&B to Country and your cousin who likes Jazz to European Chill Out. This is one of the key aspects that helps us to build upon your current music library and put in place a music program that truly defines who you are and presents you with an option to always entertain।

Aaron Couch of DJOC has received rave reviews from his approach on creating a client’s music profile as well as his ability to program music based on their needs and intended use. “He has an ear for music”. A humbling compliment that has led to the creation of this service, one that many feel, and are finding out, is a needed one within our industry. The iPod is the “Reel to Reel” of the next millennium and here at DJOC we are presenting music programming options for you, our clients, then previously ever imagined. We can do more with music and we want to show you how. Our basic music packages start off at an incredible rate as you will receive a minimum of 8 GB of music. That is an estimated 130 plus hours of music, professionally programmed and mixed so that you don’t have to do anything but enjoy. Contact us today so that we can provide you with further information on why DJOC is “Your Primary Choice In Music Care”.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It has been several months since I posted on DJ Washington DC and believe it or not, it has been for a very good reason. Originally, as we began 2010, my objective for DJ Washington DC was to discuss what SEO websites and marketing gurus state as being the obvious for an entertainment blog. Such items would be how to pick your entertainment for your wedding along with do's and don'ts for a corporate function. As a consumer we discovered that this begins to translate into the following:

Another boring useless blog!

What I have discovered is that people want the actual feel and day to day process of an entertainer from the inside out. A blog should be a reality show on paper. They want to know what we do as we prepare for a wedding, as we put together a lounge mix or compilation, why would we choose to use vinyl over CD's or a Rane professional mixer over a Pioneer. Why would one MC and DJ a Mitzvah instead of doing one or the other and why would anyone be willing to perform at a concert by opening for an act in the freezing cold in the open air with no covering in case of rain.

Believe it or not, people actually want to know what makes a DJ unique. Choosing a DJ for any event can be a difficult task. I want to assist in making this process less time consuming by presenting a journal of information and procedures that allows visitors to review and understand the day to day perspective of the decision making process of an entertainment professional.

2011 is soon approaching and our primary objective at DJ Washington DC is to educate. More to come............